Diet

Diet to balance vata , Pitta, Kapha

Diet Recommendation for diet Vata Personalities :

Eat larger quantities of food, but not more than you can digest easily.

Dairy : All dairy products pacify Vata. Always boil milk before you drink it, and drink it warm.       Don't drink milk with a full meal. 

 Sweeteners : All sweeteners are good (in moderation) for pacifying Vata. 

 Grains : Rice and wheat are very good. Reduce intake of barley, corn, millet, buckwheat, rye and oats.

Fruits : Favor sweet, sour, or heavy fruits, such as oranges, bananas, avocados, grapes,  cherries, peaches, melons, berries, plums, pineapples, mangos and papayas. Reduce dry or  light fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and dried fruits. 

Vegetables : Beets, cucumbers, carrots, asparagus and sweet potatoes are good. They should be cooked, not raw. The following vegetables are acceptable in moderate quantities if they are cooked, especially with Ghee or oil and Vata reducing spices: peas, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, zucchini and potatoes. It's better to avoid sprouts and cabbage.  

Diet Recommendation for diet Pitta Personalities :

Oil - Butter, ghee, olive and coconut oil. Reduce use of almond, corn and sesame oil which increase 'pitta'.

Vegetables - Asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, cauliflower, sprouts, celery, and green leafy vegetables.

Spices - Turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, fennel, cardamom are suitable in small amounts as they increase pitta. Chilly, which aggravates pitta, should be avoided.

Fruits - sweet fruits like grapes, coconut, cherries, melons, mangoes, pomegranates, sweet oranges, plums, pineapples are good. Reduce intake of sour fruits, such as olives, under ripe pineapple, sour oranges, and unripe bananas.

Sweeteners - All sweeteners are good for pitta. Large quantity of honey should be avoided.

Dairy - Milk, butter and ghee are food for pacifying pitta; reduce use of cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and cultured butter milk as they aggravate 'pitta'. 

Diet Recommendation for diet Kapha Personalities :

Oil : Avoid large amount of any oil. 

Vegetables : Eat all except: cucumbers, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Fruits : Eat lighter fruits of the more astringent kind: pears, apples, and pomegranates. Avoid heavy, very sweet or sour fruits, which increase kapha: grapes, bananas, figs, oranges, coconuts, pineapple, dates, and melons.

Sweeteners : Honey though possessing an astringent quality good for reducing kapha; must be moderately used. Avoid sugar products, which increase Kapha.

Dairy : Use low fat milk; reduced intake of milk is good for 'kapha'. Milk should be boiled before drinking (to make digestion easier) and should always be taken warm. Do not drink milk with meals, which include all six tastes (it mixes well only with sweet taste) especially salty or sour foods. For 'Kapha' disorders like congestion, one or two pinches of turmeric or ginger may be added to milk before boiling it. Yogurt, cream, ice cream, cheese, butter and excess of whole milk are not recommended.

Grains :Most are suitable for Kapha: Barley, Rye, and Corn. Kapha dosha can be decreased by reduced intake of wheat, rice.

General Health Programmes

General Health Programmes

Treatment Description Duration Abhyangam – The Ayurvedic full body Massage The Massage is done with a combination of specially prepared Ayurvedic herbal oils and applied all over the body stimulating the vital points of the body called Marma.This is very good for the general health of the skin and prevents early aging and relieves muscular aches and pain. After the massage herbal steam bath is also given 60 minutes Udwarthanam - Herbal powder massage This is done with applying herbal powder all over the body and massaged in a special way. This is very good in reducing over weight of the body. 60 minutes Kadee Vasthi First of all an herbal massage is given in the affected part and a pool of herbal oil is kept in the lower lumbar area. This is very good in Lumbar disc aches and pains. 60 minutes Siro Vasthi In this head is massaged with the specially made herbal oil and the oil is kept in the head with the help of a leather cap. This is very good in the treatment of cervical problems, sleeplessness, migraine and other problems of head 60 minutes Netra tharpanam A dam of herbal oil and juices is kept around the eyes with the help of medicated paste. This is good to prevent eye strain and improve vision. This gives eyes a cooling action and is advised in so many eye disorders. 60 minutes Siro Dhara After giving a good head massage herbal oil is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in relieving stress and strain and generates sleep. 60 minutes Thakra Dhara In this after giving head massage medicated Buttermilk is poured in an uninterrupted flow from a hanging vessel to the forehead and scalp. This is very good in treating scalp problems like dandruff, Psoriasis and other skin complaints. This gives head very cooling action and generates sleep. 60 minutes Ksheera Dhara After giving a full body massage medicated milk is poured all over the body using a specially made vessel called Kindi. This is very good to tone up the skin and prevents aging. 60 minutes Pizhichil The whole body is bathed in oil by pouring it uninterruptedly and giving synchronized massage. This is very good rejuvenating and stress relieving. This relieves aches and pain from muscles and joints. 60 minutes Avagaham Immerse yourself in a bath of herbal medicinal water with fresh flower petals and leaves. 30 minutes Navara Kizhi A special type of Rice called Navara is cooked in milk and herbal decoction is packed in small cotton bundles. With this the whole body is massaged. This is a good rejuvenating treatment. This improves the skin texture and the skin will glow after doing this. This improves circulation, relieves muscular stress and aches. 60 minutes Ela Kizhi In this instead of herbal Rice, Herbal Leaves are used for massage. This is especially useful in relieving muscular and joints pain 60 minutes Podi Kizhi In this powdered herbal leaves and roots are packed in cotton bags and the massage is done. This is very effective in cervical and spinal stiffness, aches and pain. 60 minutes

Beautycare Treatments

Beautycare Treatments

Keshakanthi Treatment Description Duration Treatment to prevent Premature graying of hair In this Programme Specially made herbal hair oil is used to massage the head in the traditional Ayurvedic way and a special herbal paste of medicinal leaves is used to cover the head. 45 minutes Treatment to prevent excessive hair fall in young age In this Programme Specially made herbal hair oil is used to massage the head in the traditional Ayurvedic way and a special herbal paste of medicinal leaves is used to cover the head. 45 minutes Treatment to prevent hair fall in some parts of head The affected part is scrubbed with herbal leafs and then the specially made medicated oil and paste is applied 45 minutes Anti dandruff treatment Massage of the head with luke warm oil and applying head pack and washing off the stuff with herbal shampoo applying gentle pressure on appropriate Marma points. 45 minutes Treatment to prevent Split ends of hair Herbal oil massage , herbal Steam and herbal pack is done 45 minutes Treatment for making life to Dull and Lifeless hair Special herbal leuk warm oil massage and herbal steam and washing with herbal shampoo 45 minutes Giving Natural herbal Colour to Hair This natural dye is made from paste of herbal leaves and is a good conditioner also. 45 minutes General Conditioning treatments of hair Hair is washed with herbal decoction and herbal steam is given. Then the herbal pack is given. 45 minutes Mukha lepam, the General herbal facial First the face is cleansed with herbal products and face is massaged with herbal juice / milk / or oil accordingly and then a facial pack is applied 45 minutes Facial with Saffron oil This is done with specially made sandalwood powder paste and saffron oil to make the facial skin glow 45 minutes Face Pack with Mud This is done with medicated natural mud and is very good to regulate excessive oil in the face 45 minutes Face Pack with Herbal vegetables This is done with selected vegetable packs and is good for nourishing the facial skin and to remove dead cells 45 minutes Face Pack with Herbal fruits This is done with selected fruits with medicinal values and is good to prevent pimples and other marks in the face and to get a glowing skin 45 minutes Aroma therapy This is done with the application of different types of volatile oils used in Ayurveda to make the facial skin healthy. 45 minutes Anti wrinkle treatments This is a combination of herbal oil massage facial and fairness treatment which is very good to prevent aging wrinkles 45 minutes Treatment for correcting Under Eye Darkness In this specially made oil and herbal creams are used to massage the affected part and herbal paste is applied and pack is given 45 minutes Treatment for Sun- tan In this special oil massage and face packs are used 45 minutes Treatment for the fairness of face with normal skin Cleansing of the face is done with herbal products and face massage is done with special herbal oils and specially made face pack is given evaluating the type of skin 45 minutes Treatment for the fairness of face with oily skin Cleansing of the face is done with herbal products and face massage is done with special herbal juices and extracts and specially made mud face pack with herbal powder and clay is given 45 minutes Treatment for the fairness of face with dry skin Cleansing of the face is done with herbal products and face massage is done with special herbal oils, medicated milk and specially made face pack is given 45 minutes Treatment for the fairness of face sensitive skin Cleansing of the face is done with herbal products and face massage is done with special herbal and fruit juices, honey etc and specially made face pack is given 45 minutes Treatment for the fairness of face Specially made medicated fumes is applied over the face along with herbal oil and juice massage and applying special packs 45 minutes Treatment to avoid black heads and white heads Gentle cleansing is done with herbal extracts and black heads and white heads are removed by applying sandalwood and other herbal powder pastes 45 minutes Treatment for controlling pimples Specially made herbal paste and intake medicine removes the pimples and makes the skin pretty 45 minutes

Nasyam

“The Nostrils are the entrance to the head and the effect of the drugs administered through the nostrils spreads and alleviates the illness thereby protecting the upper as well as the lower region of the human body” Says vagbhata, the great scholar. 

The administration of herbal oils, decoctions and powders through the nostrils is called ‘Nasya’. The therapy is used not merely as an nasal decongestant but also to cure many serious ailments like loss of consciousness, stupor, insomnia, hysteria, hemiplegia and facial paralysis. 

Virechan (Purgative) nasya, Virechana nasya cleanses nasal zone using medicated oil or ghee, decoctions, herbal juices and so on. This type of Nasya is good for chronic headaches, throat diseases, catarrh, epilepsy, and certain types of skin diseases. ‘Marsha Nasya’ and ‘pratimarsha Nasya’ are names that denote the two doses in Virechana Nasya, when medicated oil is used. Marsha varies according to the severity of the disease but pratimarsha is always two drops. When a decoction or paste is used, virechana Nasya is also known as ‘Avapeedanasya’ and when medicinal powder is used, it is known as ‘Dhmana Nasya’.

Udvarthanam

Udvarthanam is an ayurvedic massage using herbal powders. The herbal powders are mixed with oil, milk or medicated juice and rubbed upwards onto the body. It is done for 30-45 minutes per day for a period of fourteen to twenty - eight days. The treatment improves the blood circulation and reduces body weight and skin diseases. It also helps in curing hemiplegia and paralysis.

Abhyangam

Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity, especially for diabetic gangrene (condition due to lack of blood circulation in the extremities of the body) etc.

Snehapanam

Medical ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, psoriasis, leukemia etc.

Pizhichil

‘Pizhichil’ and ‘sarbangadhara’ are technically the same. ‘Pizhichil literally means ‘squeezing’. Here, warm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body from a piece of cloth that is periodically dipped in a vessel containing the oil.In Sarvangadhara, oil is poured over the patient’s body from pitchers Pizhichil requires a lesser quantity of oil when compared to sarvangadhara.

The oil used for Pizhichil is kept in two vessels, one on either side of the patient who is seated on the droni with legs outstretched. Two pieces of linen, 15 to 18 inches square,folded to the thickness of the farm are used for dipping in the oil and squeezing over the body. The masseurs are positioned on either side of the droni.

Before beginning Pizhichil, a suitable type of oil should be applied to the head and body of the patient. In some cases, a talam is also applied on the head and bandaged with leaves. The measures usually beginning squeezing oil on to the sholders and then down the hands of the patient who sits in a upright position. Each measure uses one hand to pour the oil while massaging with the other.

Pizhichil is recommended for diseases caused by a vitiation of the vata humour- pakshaghata (Hemiplegia), paralysis and muscle spams-and other degenerative diseases that affect muscles.

Pichu

Pichu and shirovasti are theoretically the same except for the modes of application which vary slightly. Both treatments are for ailments affecting the region above the neck, especially due to disrupted vata dosha. Pichu is also used to treat some ailments of the crarnial nerves. The patient should sit or lie down comfortably with an upright head. To begin with, oil is applied to the crown and a headband (vartti) tied just above the ear level. A piece of cloth about nine inches squire, folded to the thickness of the palm, the pichu is then dipped in the prescribed herbal oil and placed gently on the patient’s crown.

As it is essential to keep the pichu drenched in oil throughout, oil should be dripped on to it periodically.

If not restricted by the physician, the patient may have bath after a session of pichu. For the severe conditions of gridrasi (sciatica) and osteo- arthritis of the hip, a disease condition characterized by severe pain radiating down the leg, a combination of shamana (palliative) and shodhana (eliminatory) measures is necessary if a relapse is to be avoided.

Kativasti

This central portion of the body is called ‘Kati’. Vasti implies a container. Kati vasti is an effective therapy for Katisula, which is the term for lower backache stiffness or pain felt along the back. 

A small receptacle of black gram dough is made on the lower back, around the lumbo- sacral area. After ensuring that this is leak- proof, lukewarm herbal oil, which alleviates pain and strengthens the bone tissues, is slowly poured into it. The oil and receptacle are removed after about half an hour. The affected area may be gently massaged with the same oil. The patient then advised to take rest for a short while. 

For the severe conditions of gridrasi (sciatica) and osteo- arthritis of the hip, a disease condition characterized by severe pain radiating down the leg, a combination of shamana (palliative) and shodhana (eliminatory) measures is necessary if a relapse is to be avoided.

Shirovasti

Shirovasti is considered more of a palliative (Shamana) treatment than an eliminative (Shodhana) one. 

The treatment is usually preceded by oleation (snehanam) and Sudation (Swedana). 

A leather sleeve of about six to eight inches in length is placed on the shaven head of the patient and a band (vartty) tied around the forehead to keep it in place. Kneaded dough is used to line the inside of this sleeve and ensure that it does not leak. Oil is then poured into the sleeve and allowed to remain on the head for a while. The oil commonly used if Ksheerabala or Dhanwantaram. The length of time the oil should be kept there is determined by the severity of the disease. Usually it is upto fifty minutes for diseases caused by severe Vata disorders. 

The treatment is prescribed for disorders like facial paralysis, cataract, deafness earache in somnia and other diseases that afflict the cranial nerves. 

Patient is seated in a upright position, and medicinal oil is poured into a leather sleeve of about six to eight inches.

Talapotichil

Talapotichil : Tala Potichil (covering medicines over the head)

Covering of the head with medicinal paste is known as Talapotichil. It is an important treatment for many minor and major diseases that afflict the head. The hair on the head should be completely shaven or cut short. The paste is applied on the crown to a thickness of 3 cms. After a prescribed time the paste is removed and a fresh coating applied. The duration of the treatment is specified by the physician. Very effective for hair fall and dandruff.

Thakradhara

Thakradhara (Dripping of Medicated buttermilk over the head) .

Pouring of medicated buttermilk over the forehead and scalp continuously in an oscillating rhythm for 45 to 60 mts., for a period of 7 to14 days Rejuvenates brain cells and improves memory Effective in sleeplessness and mental tension Can be used for all types of headaches Very effective in premature graying and hair falling Shows immense response in skin diseases like psoriasis.

Sirodhara

For carrying out shirodhara-dhara on the for head, a droni alone is not enough. Structure similar to a drip stand is used to suspend the vessal that holds the dhara fluid. A vessal with a hole at the bottom is used. For a gentle, continuous flow, a small device made of the shell of a coconut to which a cotton wick has been tied, is fixed inside. The wick, which hangs down through the hole at the bottom, guides the flow. 

To begin with, some oil suited to the patient’s dosha condition is applied on the crown. This is a prerequisite in almost all oil treatments. A head band (vartti) is tied just above the ear level to prevent oil from flowing into the eyes. The patient is then made to lie on his back on the droni with the head rested properly. The position of the head should be such that the stream from the vessel false at the center of the forhead. The therapist then fills the vessel. When the oil that trickles down the wick start to fall on the patient’s forehead, the therapist moves the vessel to and fro gently to ensure that oil covers the entire region between the temples while he gently massages the area with his other hand. 

The duration of a dhara is usually between 25 and 75 minutes. However, if the disease is very sever it may take longer. A dhara is generally good for deseases due to a disorder of the tridosha. Herbal oil, tender coconut water, milk, ghee dhanyamlam(a mixture of cereals and citrus fruits) or butter milk may be used for various kinds of dharas. The treatment is inticated for insanity, severe illnesses due to disorder of the vata, chronic cold, sinusitis, deseases of the eyes, ears and so on.

Nijavara Kazi

Navarak kizhi Kerala’s unique contribution to Ayurveda, involves fomentation of the body with a bolus of cooked rice. Shastika or navara, a particular kind of rice known for its nutritional value, is cooked in milk and a herbal decoction made of kurumthotti (sida rhombifolia). Four boluses are made of this cooked rice and tied up in linen bags.

The fomentation continues with the patient on his /her back on the droni. There is also another attendant who supplies new kizhis, which are cept ready in a decoction of warm milk. It is very important to keep the kizhis at a constant temperature. The treatment is over once fomentation has been carried out in all the seven standard positions.

In some cases, one of the three supine positions may be avoided and the patient is made to lie face down. After the specified duration of treatment, the paste is wiped off with palm leaf scrapers.

Ela Kizhi

“Patram”and “illa”mean leaf. ‘Kizhi’ means ‘bundle’. or Patrasweda’ is kind of sudation theraphy using herbal leaves. Leaves of Arka (calotropisgigatea) Karanja (pongamiaglabra) Dhatura (dutura metel) and so on are chopped and mixed with grated coconut mustard and rock salt. The proportion of the ingredients varies according to the symptoms of the disease. The mixture is warmed in a pan smeared with coconut oil and then tied up in linen

bundles to be used for fomentation. Prior to fomentation, oil is applied to the crown. As sudation is the primary aim of fomentation, the kizhis have to be kept at a constant high temperature by warming them every now and then. In rheumatic pains and associated swelling of the joints, fomentation And massage with IIakkizhi (bundles containing leaves) bring relief.

Ayurvedic Massage

Abhyyana’ oil massage. While a personal may perform Abhyana on his own as part his daily rouitine., trained masseurs are required to perform this terapy when it is used for disese management. In Abhynaga medicated oil is massaged all over the body. The Abhyanga that is part of daily routine lasts for five fifteen minutes where as that which is performed for treating diseases may take about 45 minutes. 

Massages in Abhyanga can be effectively done with two therapies working on either side of the patient who lies on the droni. The droni is the wooden bed on which the patient is made to lie while undergoing treatment .Special care is to be taken for padabhyanga or foot massage. The marmas or vital point on the soles of the feet are closely related with certain internal organs. The sole of the right foot is massaged in clockwise movement and the left foot in anti clockwiswise. 

The patient reclines in seven standard positions. This begins with the person seated in an upright position, supine or flat on the back. Turning to the right side, supine again tuning to the left side , supine once again and finally sitting as in the beginning. Sometimes the position of lying of lying face down is also adopted.

GENERAL MASSAGE : Body massage with herbal oils or herbal powder for one hour by hand to tone up the body and to improve bold circulation etc.

REJUVENATION MASSAGE : This massage includes body massage with herbal oils or herbal powder by hand, head massage , face massage for one hours. This is good for rejuvenating the body to reduce mental tension, sexual weakness, to improve vitality etc.

Do's and Dont's

Rest and Activity

Patients are requested to stay on the premises during the course of treatment and take complete rest. Afternoon naps, physical activity, exercise, stress and exposure to the sun are not encouraged. These activities will adversely affect the benefit of treatment.

Alcohol, Drugs and Cigarettes

Patients should note that the use of alcohol, drugs (of any description) and cigarettes is strictly prohibited at the Panchakarma Ayur. These items are not available on site and patients are asked to respect this by not bringing these items on site when they arrive. Please do not bring with you any food items either as these will invariably not be a part of your treatment programme.

If any patient is found to be taking any of the above substances during their stay, treatment will be stopped immediately, the patient will be asked to check out the premises after settling dues. Patients should note that the use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes directly interferes with any benefit that may be gleaned through Ayurvedic medicine.

Food

The Panchakarma Ayur operates a strictly vegetarian kitchen, conducive to effective Ayurvedic treatment with the use of wholesome Naturopathy Ingredients, meats, fish, eggs, curd, pickles, heavy spices, ghee red chilli and raw fruits and vegetables will not be used in the kitchen at any time. A wholesome breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided and every effort will be made to make the patients stay comfortable. (Please note many dishes involve the use of rice, pulses and coconut.)

Methodology

Methodology
Ayurvedic pharmacology is based upon the concepts of Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka and Prabhava of the Dravya used to prepare the medicine. Ayurvedic Treatments differ from the majority of conventional cures in its unique approach towards healing. Rather than trying to cure a disease in isolation, Ayurveda takes into account an individual in his entirety.

Vata Prakruthi

Vata, which is identified with the cosmic element of vaayu or air and akash or either, control all types of movements and is responsible for respiration too. This is the kinetic force in all kinds of biological forms, and controls the body's auto-functions (nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination and heartbeats etc.) therein. In case of an imbalance (vikruti), vata prakriti individuals, who are quick in their mental process and initiation of action, tend to suffer from diseases of the neurological system especially motor functions. The diseases are pronounced during the old age, which is the period of vata (vata kala). The disease mostly affects the lower parts of the body since they are the predominant seats of vata dosha.

Pitha Prakruthi

Pitta Prakriti  consists of agni or tejas, the element of heat energy. It is responsible for maintenance of body heat and transforming in nature. All types of outside elements an individual takes-in are transformed into inside elements (microcosm) of the body by pitta. It governs the digestion or proper assimilation of physical, mental and emotional elements of a biological entity. Hence, Pitta is responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems, as well as cellular metabolism. The persons of this prakriti are sharp, quick in action and normally possess a very good intellect as well as grasping power. The pitta prakriti persons are prone to diseases of the digestive and metabolic systems. The diseases mostly affect the abdomen i.e. the area between the chest and umbilicus. Also, pitta disorders are pronounced in the middle ages, which is the period of pitta (pitta kala).

Kapha Prakruthi

Kapha prakriti or dosha consists of prithvi (earth) and jala (water). Jala or ap, is essential for sustenance of life. Prithvi, or earth, is responsible for structure and bulk of the material. Kapha is responsible for body form and structure (fluids, fats, bones and muscles). The Kapha prakriti endows the individuals with a good physic and strong perseverance but they are slow in their activities. The cold quality of Kapha results in poor appetite as their Agni or digestion is poor. In case of an imbalance (vikruti), individuals tend to suffer from the diseases of the respiratory system especially phlegmatic disorders. The diseases normally affect the upper parts of the body i.e. chest and above. The diseases are pronounced during the early ages (childhood), which is the period of Kapha (kapha kala).