Liver - Colon Cleansing

The Mechanics of Liver Cleansing

      Liver is an important organ for metabolism. It has a wide range of functions to perform in the body, including detoxification. Detoxification means to render a toxic material non-toxic. Toxic materials can be generated inside the body or come from outside the body. In biochemical terms, detoxification means making the toxins water soluble so that it can be excreted by the kidneys. If the detoxified compound is not water soluble then the liver secretes it into the bile. Thus bile not only aids digestion but also takes the detoxified material to be thrown out of the body through feces (stools). Here is where fiber plays an important role.

      Everyone knows that fiber is important but the fact that bile and fiber work together to keep the body healthy is not common knowledge. Through the bile the detoxified non-water soluble (fat soluble) toxins reach the intestines. Here bile is re-absorbed but the toxins are not reabsorbed if fiber is present in the food. If fiber is not present then the toxins are reabsorbed and get back into the body. So eating fiber helps in detoxification.

Why cleansing?

However fiber may not always absorb all the toxins. Hence once additional cleansing mimicking fiber cleansing should be done. Immunity of an individual is so connected to the colon. This is why traditional ayurvedic doctors first recommend a cleansing and then they proceed with the treatment. Modern research testify the above Ayurvedic wisdom  that colon has a role in immunity.

      "The total mucosal surface area of the adult human GI tract is up to 300 square meters making it the largest body area interacting with the environment....(This) makes the gastrointestinal tract the largest lymphoid or immune organ in the human body. It has been estimated that there are approximately 10 10 (power of 10) immunoglobulin producing cells per meter of small bowel- accounting for approximately 80% of all immunoglobulin producing cells in the body." (Shanahan, F, "The intestinal immune system" in Physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, 3rd edition, 1994, ed. Johnson, LR)
         There are two very effective cleansing to achieve this. One is a herbal (Gall-nut) cleansing and another oil (Castor oil) cleansing.

Gall-nut cleansing is very gentle cleansing and can be done by all age groups. Children above three can do this cleansing too. Infact if a child's immunity is low and frequently gets cold and fevers and high mucus, then doing this cleansing is very good to prevent such illness.    

        Hence in the Ayurvedic tradition of India doing natural colon cleansing once every three months is an effective way to keep good immunity.

Castor Oil Cleansing is a powerful cleansing approach and efficiently cleanses the colon and the body. Having castor oil once in three months ensures that the entire digestive system is cleansed. The recommended dosage ½ to one teaspoon of pure warm oil for children above one year and one to two teaspoons for adults. This results in four to five purges. But this dose for the adult is only a mild cleansing. For a good cleanse we recommend a higher dose.

BY Shakti Foundation

Clean the Body, Restore Health

ARTICLE BY SHAKTI FOUNDATION

Earth (Food): The Cleansing Element
Food is also made up of five elements. Water, earth, air, fire and space. Therefore, to maintain a healthy body one must eat these five elements. But, mostly, we either overeat one element or take less of one or more of the elements. The food we consume should have earth (solid matter :minerals), water (juices), air (gases), fire (spices) and space. Space is eventually an important ingredient, which is the space we leave empty in our stomach. We should not overeat or fill our stomach completely because we will then deprive the stomach of space.

Liver: The Manager of the House
The two major organs that keep our body healthy are the liver and kidneys. All the food that we eat gets digested in the stomach and then absorbed in the intestine and is taken to the liver through the portal system. So, when the food materials reach the liver, it is the liver that decides the destination of the food materials. The liver stores vitamins and minerals in its store house. The amino acids obtained after digestion of proteins are directed to the skeletal muscles to form muscle. The carbohydrates in the form of glucose are supplied to all the organs for energy. The fatty acids and the excess glucose that are converted to fats are taken to the adipose tissue for storage. All other components, like phyto-chemicals, are used by the kidneys and also shared by all the other organs.

Liver: The Loving Mother
The toxins from the body are taken to the liver and it is the liver, which,  like a loving mother, detoxifies the toxins. It transforms the toxins into non-toxic compounds. Those toxins which are not water soluble are converted to a water soluble state (by microsomal oxygenase system) in the liver. The liver then helps the kidneys to excrete those toxins from the body which require water.

Liver & Kidney: The Two Guardians
It is now clear from the above that the liver detoxifies toxins and the kidney eliminates them from the body and thus they are the guardian angels of the body. Interestingly both require water. Liver uses water to detoxify toxins (for hydroxylation reactions) and kidney needs water to flush them away.

The Need of the Liver
Apart from water, the liver needs, for support, many different nutrients and phyto-chemicals which have to be supplied by the food we intake. The food that we eat should supply all that is required for the liver to carry out its detoxifying functions. Supplying vitamins and nutrients in their natural form helps the liver to keep its functions on track.

Liver is recently discovered by modern research to be an immunity organ also. They found an explanation for the curious fact that patients receiving a liver transplant sometimes inherit the donor’s allergies and immune repertoire, so in keeping with the idea that donor immune information is being transplanted. It also suggests that the liver as an immune organ is an evolutionary remnant. During embryonic development, the liver is the first organ to provide us with blood and immune cells. Apparently, at least in the mouse the liver continues to serve as an “immune organ” even during adulthood. Please Click here for seeing the original scientific paper. 

This is why in Pancha Bhoota healing and all ancient medical system like Ayurveda, gives importance to keeping liver healthy through liver boosting herbs and  and liver cleansing processes to treat diseases.

Pancha Bhoota Healing - Healing with the 5 Elements

There are different layers of treating a disease based on its severity. If you fall down and hurt your leg, then you would do a topical application of an anti-inflammatory medicine to heal it. However, if there is an infection then you wouldhave to ingest medication to relieve the internal  inflammation/infection.  If there is internal organ damage or structural damage then you will undergo surgery.   All these approaches are still at the body level. Modern medicine has been successful in treating at the body level for past century.

However over the past few decades there is an increasing  understanding that mind has a significant effect on the body. This mind aspect is called the  "placebo effect". A placebo is a substance which may have a medical effect based solely on the individual's power of suggestion, an effect known as the placebo effect or placebo response.

Now in the last few years there is another deeper understanding that the intelligence field in the body of the person has deeper control over the mind and the body of the individual. We see that the pattern of body - mind - intelligence in the hierarchy. In Ayurveda,  there is another two in the hierarchy, the awareness and consciousness. These five aspects are deeply connected for the individual's overall life, health, healing and disease.

The Five Fold Hologram

Body
 Right from the birth we try to perceive everything in this world in material "form" or Body.  Even using the word "I", we refer to our physical body. The same happens when we look outside to the world, identifying to all the forms of physical entities. We cannot relate to anything without a physical "body" or structure. Even those things we cannot perceive with our sense organs, we try to objectify as an image with our imagination.  So our world  is only full of objects, bodies, entities and images.
We connect to the world outside through our body sense organs.  The five sense organs are ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nose which help to perceive five physical attributes of this universe, which are sound, touch, sight, taste and smell.
 In summary, we owe our existence to our physical body. This is why the ancients referred to the body as the  "earth" element, because our life is on earth. Anything that is gross, solid, inert , the ancients referred to as body or earth. This earth is symbolized as the little finger of the hand.

Mind
Do our sense organs really perceive the physical world? No. There is something subtler than the body that is involved in perception. This is the mind or Mana (in Sanskrit). The physical eyes may be looking at an object, but if we are not mentally (mind) connected to the physical organ , there is no perception of that object. So it is the mind that brings reality to the body or the physical world. Without the mind there is no body. This we experience in sleep or when we are unconscious due to brain injury or anesthetized. So it is the mind that gives the body a reality.
However this mind is not solid like the body. The mind can change rapidly and flow or alternate between various sense perceptions. The mind also can flow backward in time and leap forward in time. Because of this fluid nature, the ancient's attributed the mind to the "water" element.
 The Vedic scholars said that like the fluid water solidifies into a solid block of ice, the body is nothing but the solidified energy of the mind.  The mind is represented by the ring finger. Wedding is the symbolic of the joining of two minds and hence a wedding ring is worn on the "mind" finger!

Intelligence
The sensory signals received by the body-sense-organs is perceived or translated as thoughts. Each thought refers to an object or image and we generate infinite number of such thoughts. The constant flux of thoughts is called as the mind. Interestingly, the thoughts are stream-lined into a logical information pattern by a subtler aspect called intelligence or Buddhi.
Without intelligence, mind would just be a random flow of thoughts without any logic in it.  In other words, intelligence illuminates the path for the mind to flow logically. Hence the ancients associated the "fire" element with intelligence. Our mind, are droplets of thoughts flowing like a river and  cannot be still. It flows  forward to the future or backwards to the past. The most important attribute of intelligence is that, it pulls the mind inward to the present moment, the being, the awareness. The intelligence ignites or fuses the mind to the inner awareness. Thus intelligence is the middle man between the mind and the inner awareness and hence symbolized as the middle finger.

Awareness
 Only when we are alive we can feel our body, mind and intelligence. This aliveness is known as awareness. Without awareness, we are  dead.  It is the awareness that enlivens all the three aspects - the body, mind and intelligence. Like air is needed for the fire to burn,  awareness is needed for the fire of intelligence to propel the functioning of the mind and the body. Hence the ancients rightly called the awareness as the "air" element.
According to the ancient Vedic science, Awareness which we feel as liveliness is the most subtlest energy form. Like the water vapor that  condenses to form fluid water and finally solidifies to ice form, awareness-energy condenses to form the fluid mind and solid body. The sum total of awareness, intelligence, mind and body is called as Sakthi or energy. Modern quantum physics arrives at this same conclusion that the material world (matter) is only condensed Energy.
The irony is that without been able to still define "energy", our scientists have  technologically exploited various forms of energy for our physical comforts in life. The same way neuroscience without  able to define consciousness, exploits the technology of thoughts.  We as human beings also without knowing the definition of life we exploit the time and space on earth.The objective here is to give scientific (logical) holistic (complete) understanding of our existence. 

Consciousness
The puzzlingly fact is that we lose the awareness of the body, mind and intelligence during the dream-less deep sleep state. This state is called as consciousness by Vedic scholars. So in deep sleep state, the awareness of consciousness is never lost at any time because it is the consciousness that  is manifested as awareness, intelligence, mind and body. Being in awareness without being aware of intelligence, mind and body is known as consciousness. In other words consciousness is unconditional awareness (without any form).
Without consciousness nothing can exist. Everything exists in consciousness, the living, the dead, the moving, the immobile, the small, the big. Everything exists in space,  all existence come into "being" due to consciousness.  That is why the ancients  associated consciousness to the "space" element.
Like the thumb is needed for all the other fingers to function, without consciousness nothing can exist and function. So consciousness is symbolized as the thumb.
Like the thumb that remains untouched yet needed for other fingers, so is consciousness remains undisturbed by awareness, intelligence, mind and body. consciousness like the thumb does not depend on the other four, but all the four cannot function or exist without consciousness.  All the four - the awareness, intelligence, mind and body can be experienced, but not the consciousness, because it is the experiencer itself. This truth is not obvious to our normal state of mind and hence the ancients termed this truth to be secretive (Guhya) or  mystical.  Unfortunately common man took the statement literally and thought this truth should not be revealed to anyone. All revelations that people experience is this self-revealing  truth or knowledge.
These five  aspects of consciousness, awareness, intelligence, mind and body  are the fundamental to all attributes in this universe. This is mirrored in every walk of life. All the Vedic sciences and arts, medical science (Ayurveda), astronomy, astrology, philosophy, social structure were all based on this five aspects.

ARTICLE BY SHAKTI FOUNDATION

Oregano essential oil - active compounds

5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol

Carvacrol

Carvacrol, or cymophenol, C6H3CH3(OH)(C3H7), is a monoterpenoid phenol. It has a characteristic pungent, warm odor of oregano and a pizza-like taste.

Biochemistry
The main chemical constituents include carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene. The leaves and flowering stems are strongly antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic.
Carvacrol is present in the essential oil of Origanum vulgare, oil of thyme, oil obtained from pepperwort, and wild bergamot. The essential oil of Thyme subspecies contains between 5% and 75% of carvacrol, while Satureja (savory) subspecies have a content between 1% and 45%. The Origanum species majorana and Dittany of Crete are rich in carvacrol, 50% resp. 60-80%.

Toxicology

Carvacrol, like other essential oils, does not have many long-term genotoxic risks. The cytotoxic ability of carvacrol on prooxidant activity can make it an effective antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. [20][clarification needed] Carvacrol has been found to show antioxidant activity.
Antimicrobial activity:
25 different periodontopathic bacteria and strains - Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium glabrum, Fungi such as F. moniliforme, R. solani, S. sclerotirum, and P. capisci

List of the plants that contain the chemical

Origanum compactum
Origanum dictamnus
Origaum microphyllum
Origanum onites
Origanum scabrum
Origanum vulgare
Thymus glandulosus

Oregano - Origanum vulgare

Scientific classification

Kingdom    : Plantae

(unranked) : Angiosperms

(unranked) : Eudicots

(unranked) : Asterids

Order         : Lamiales

Family        :Lamiaceae

Genus         :Origanum

Species       :O.vulgare

Binomial name:

Origanum vulgare

Oregano is is a genus of the mint family and grows in temperate western and southwestern regions of Eurasia and the Mediterranean regions. 
It is a perennial herb that grows from 20 - 80 cm tall. It has purple to pinkish flowers and sometimes called wild marjoram.

Notable subspecies are:

▪   Origanum vulgare gracile (O. tyttanthum) is originally from Krygyzystan and has glossy green leaves and pink flowers. It grows well in pots or containers, and is more often grown for added ornamental value than other oregano. The flavor is pungent and spicy.

▪   Origanum vulgare hirtum (Italian oregano, Greek oregano) is a common source of cultivars with a different aroma from those of O. v. gracile. Growth is vigorous and very hardy, with darker green, slightly hairy foliage. Generally, it is considered the best all-purpose culinary subspecies.

▪   Origanum vulgare onites (Cretan oregano, Turkish oregano, rigani, pot marjoram) is a tender perennial growing to 18 inches tall, with pale green to gray-green woolly rounded foliage. It has a strong, intensely spicy flavor.

▪   Origanum vulgare syriacum^[, Syrian oregano, Lebanese oregano, za'atar) has larger leaves that vary in colors ranging from pale green to grayish. Their taste is pungent and similar to Greek oregano.

Example cultivars are:

▪   Aureum – Golden foliage (greener if grown in shade), mild taste

▪   Greek Kaliteri – O. v. hirtum strains/landraces, small, hardy, dark, compact, thick, silvery-haired leaves, usually with purple undersides, excellent reputation for flavor and pungency, as well as medicinal uses, strong, archetypal oregano flavor (Greek kaliteri: the best).

▪   Hot & Spicy – O. v. hirtum strain

Nana – dwarf cultivar

Other plants called "oregano"

Plectranthus amboinicus

▪   Cuban oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus, formerly Coleus aromaticus), also of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Sometimes also called "Mexican mint or Mexican thyme", it has large and somewhat succlent leaves.

▪  Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is not of the mint, but of the closely related vervain family (Verbenaceae), including, e.g., the lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora). It is a highly studied herb that is said to be of some medical use and is common in curandera (female shamanic practices) in Mexico and the SW United States. The flavor of Mexican oregano is somewhat more like savory, instead of the piney hint of rosemary flavor in oregano. It is becoming more commonly sold outside of Mexico, especially in the United States. It is sometimes used as a substitute for epazote leaves; this substitution would not work the other way round.

▪   Poliomintha longiflora is also occasionally called orégano in Latin America.

Glossary for Ayurveda - General

Asava - A preparation where herbal drugs are soaked in liquids (mainly water) fermented and filtered. Sometimes, natural alcohol obtained from herbs is added to expedite fermentation and enhance efficacy.

AYURVEDA -  The word ‘AYURVEDA’ originates from the ancient language of Sanskrit, ‘AYUR’ meaning ‘LIFE’ and ‘VEDA’ meaning ‘SCIENCE’, therefore, ‘SCIENCE OF LIFE’. In Sanskrit, this word has a wider meaning, which includes the life of plants, animals as well as other living beings.

The Ayurvedic medical system is known as the most complete healing system throughout the world. The magnitude of what this means and the body of knowledge it encompasses are yet unknown ant not so fully understood in today’s society. In short it can be described as esoteric in its nature. Ayurveda Oils Ayurveda oils are one of the oldest traditions of Ayurvedic remedies.  For centuries the people of the Orient have been applying massage oils to keep their body trim and to tone their muscles.  These oils are blended according to ancient time-tested formulae to provide a unique purity and goodness, and to balance the three doshas.  These Herbal Oils are made only from Ayurvedic plant extracts and are void of any artificial colours, preservatives, or animal fat. Ayurvedic medications Ayurvedic medications are mostly herbal preparations and some include natural mineral preparations. All herbs or minerals possess the following properties according to Ayurveda.

::  RASA              Taste
::  GUNA              Quality
::  VIRYA             Potency (Heating or cooling effects)
::  VIPAKA          Effect after digestion and metabolism
::  PRABHAVA   Specific power of the substance

In general, all herbs have the power to increase or decrease the three doshas, Vata, Pitta or Kapha, to different extents and in different combinations.

Classical Ayurveda applies theory into practice. Firstly, by diagnosing an alteration of Dosha State, the physician will then prescribe suitable herbs in single or combined form, with the appropriate dosage to control ailments. 

Body Massage - Body massage is always given with different types of oil depending on the body type (i.e. vata, pitta, kapha, or a combination). The massage can be performed with a combination of strokes including tapping, kneading, rubbing, and squeezing. It is very beneficial for general rejuvenation, skin and musculoskeletal conditioning or problems such as obesity, body aches, and pain. Sharpen memory reduce body fat, improve skin tone and enable peaceful sleep.

Elixir - Arishta Elixirs (part of the oldest traditions of Ayurveda remedies) based on Ayurvedic plant extracts are matured in Teak vats for 45 days for effective purity and goodness. The Elixir is used to balance the three doshas. Is void of any synthetic ingredients or preservatives. No added alcohol Essential Oils Ayurvedic essential oils contain the scent of the flowers, leaves, stems, roots or bark from which they come and have been used as perfumes for thousands of years. Apart from their pleasing aromas, essential oils are valued equally for their potent cosmetic and healing properties. They are said to fight infection, speed healing, reduce inflammation, soothe away tension, improve concentration and lift depression, instilling tranquility to body and mind.

Head Massage - When oil is applied to the head, it gets absorbed into the scalp through the roots of the hair. This nourishes, lubricates, and strengthens the hair roots and the skin of the scalp preventing hair loss and premature greying. It improves circulation to the head, relaxing the muscles and nerve fibres. This helps to refresh both the mind and the body, relieving tension and fatigue and improving the complexion.

Kapha - Kapha - water and earth, the main function of is to maintain healthy body tissues and maintain the balance of fat, water and other fluids.Those with Kapha dosha tend to be leisurely and stable. When balanced, Kapha creates calmness, sweetness and loyalty. When excessive, Kapha can result in greed and attachment.

Kasaya - A decoction; the herbal materials of bark, roots, leaves, fruits and flowers are cut, sliced or powdered coarsely and one part of the amalgamation is boiled in four, eight or sixteen parts of water and reduced to one part. 

PANCHAKARMA - This is a sub-section of Ayurveda, which entails five different types of activities aimed towards detoxification, mainly for the prevention and control of diseases. They are:

::  Virechana – Purgation Therapy
::  Bastis (classified as Niruna and Anuvasana)
::  Herbal and/or oil decoction enemas
::  Vamana – Emesis Therapy
::  Nasya – Inhalation

::  Rakta Moksha – Blood letting 

PANCHAMAHABHUTA - According to ancient vedic scientific thinking, all matter in the universe is made up from no matter to matter, which is constantly changing from one form to another. They are known as ‘PANCHAMAHABHUTA’. 

The five elements are: 

APO, THEJO, VAYU, PRUTHUVI & AKASHA Panchamahabhutas. 

This means the five basic eternal substances – 

• skasha (space), 
• vayu (air), 
• agni (fire), 
• jala (water), 
• prthvi (earth).

The Ayurveda theory of creation believes these five eternal substances to be responsible for the creation of all living beings. These are the ultimate substances from which the material world is derived. 

Pitta - Pitta - fire and water responsible for the generation of body heat and metabolism and certain psychological attributes of the individual. People with Pitta dosha are vivacious, smart and determined. If Pitta is balanced they tend to be warm, understanding and intelligent. Excessive Pitta can however, create irritability, jealousy and aggressiveness. 

Prakrti - The human constitution has been given a psychosomatic entity in Ayurveda, and the term prakrti is used for defining the same. This prakrti has been discussed in relevance to the tridoshas, and based on the relative preponderance of each, the constitution has been divided into seven categories – vataja, pittaja, kaphaja, vata pittaja, vata kaphaja, pitta kaphaja, and samdoshaja.

Swedana  - Fomentation therapy given to patients after massage or snehana, to prepare the patient for the main panchakarma treatment. Swedana is done in a wide variety of ways depending upon the disease, the condition of the doshas, and the patient. 

Threepala - According to Ayurveda, illness occurs when the natural proportion or balance of the three doshas - vata (air) pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm) is disrupted. Threepala, a time honoured Ayurvedic formulation, helps to harmonize these doshas and maintain body rhythm. The stomach is the powerhouse of the human body. It digests the food you eat, produces blood-renewing hormones, and provides the energy you need to activate body functions. A breakdown of this digestive system is the root cause of most diseases of the human body. Our diet is high in fat and cholesterol, because of the junk food we eat. These foods increase the acidity of the stomach and create bowel disorders such as gastritis, ulcers and constipation.

Vajikarana - The type of therapy that aims at improving the virility of a man is known as Vajikarana. These agents are a separate class of drugs and the main object is fulfilment of the desire to produce progeny by improving the virility. 

Vata - Vata – air and space initiates and promotes biological activity responsible for all internal and external movements of the body. People with Vata dosha tend to be thin, light and quick in their thoughts and actions. Change is an important aspect of their lives. When Vata is balanced they are creative, flexible, enthusiastic and lively. However, if Vata becomes excessive, we may develop anxiety, insomnia, or irregular digestion. 

Yoga - To unite or to integrate, i.e. the union of individual soul with the supreme soul. In the ultimate sense, this system helps in the physical, mental, and spiritual development.

Glossary for Ayurveda - Body Treatments

Abhyanga/Abyangam
An ayurvedic oil massage practiced by two medics who massage to let go the warm oil into the tissues of the entire body. This helps loosen and facilitate the removal of accumulated ama (toxins) and the doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) from the body.  Abhyanga is a type of massage therapy which is used by practitioners of Ayurveda to treat their patients. The massage involves liberally covering the client in oil and then using smooth, gentle movements to rub the oil deeply into the body. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend that people receive abhyanga massage every day to keep their bodies balanced, healthy, and focused.

Aayschotana

Type of Eye salves It is a type of eye treatment in which drops of herbal liquids are put into the eyes. This therapy prevents excess lacrimation, burning sensation and redness of eyes.   

Anjana
Black pigment applied in eyes and eyelashes. 


Avagaha sveda
Sitz bath. The herbs to be used are boiled in water. The patient is asked to dip the affected part in it. It's most commonly used in arsh (piles).  


Basti/Vasti

It refers to the enema therapy of panchkarma. Basti is the most effective treatment of vata disorder. Vata is a predominant site in the colon. In ayurveda basti involves the introduction of herbal solution of sesame in the rectum.
Basti relieves constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other joint pains like arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasm and headaches.   

Ayurvedic Vasti involves the introducing of liquids like medicated oils, herbal concoctions and milk through the perineum (through the anus, urinary meatus or vaginal orifice in women) in order to clean or heal the lower part of the body (below umbilical part). The toxins (ama) accumulated in the lower part of the body or the toxins pushed to the colon, urinary tract or reproductive tract by previous ayurvedic procedures like Oil-therapy (snehan) or Sweat-therapy (swedan) can be cleared with bastis.

Chavitti Uzhichil
Chavitti Uzhichil is a unique massage treatment. It is a blend of Ayurveda and Dhanurveda (Archery). This massage is done on the whole body using mainly the feet and also the palms by the masseur, putting medicated herbal oil all over the body and head of the person. The therapist gently moves the feet controlling the pressure, balancing on a rope hung on the ceiling. It gives very relaxing and soothing experience to the person who undergoes this treatment.

Dhara

Dhara is an Ayurvedic treatment method, which includes the application of a continuous stream of mildly warm oil to the body parts. The name of dhara varies with the kind of material used for the dhara.

Dhyana

Meditation, One of the practices done for mental stability. When the manas (mind) attain the state of stability it is called dhyana. While in dhyana one should try to concentrate on one particular thing only.  

Dhanyamla
Dhanyamla dhara is dhara over different body parts other than head.

Ela Kizhi

Herbal poultices are prepared with various herbs and medicated powder. The entire body is massaged with these poultices after they are warmed in medicated oils. It promotes circulation and increases perspiration which in turn help the skin eliminate the wastes, thereby improving skin tone. Used as a  herbal treatment for stiffness, body pain, especially in the arthritis and paralysis.

Karna Puran ( Karnapooranam)

In Karna Puran or ear therapy, the ears are filled with herbo-mineral oils which lubricate the delicate filaments of the ear canal, dislodging impurities and sharpening hearing.

Karna Puran creates a feeling of deep restfulness and may be useful in treating insomnia. Earaches, deafness, ringing of the ears, headaches, giddiness, as well as tooth and gum diseases may benefit.

Kativasti

A unique treatment that involves a specific region of the body being soaked in a ‘pool’ of warm, medicated oil. A dam of herbal dough is 'built' on afflicted area, is filled with oil and then left to rest - relieving localised pain, tension and swelling. Leaves the region in question feeling extremely nourished. Kativasthi relieves chronic and acute backaches, muscle spasms, prolapsed disc, lumbar spondylosis, osteoporosis and sciatica. 

Khumbhaka

In yoga it is a breathing exercise in which the breath is retained in a state of suspense when the mind is relaxed. This exercise re vitalizes the nervous system.   

Langhana

Depletion therapy According to Ashtang Sangraha it is one of dvividha upkarma(two kinds of therapy). It can be called as slimming therapy and indicated for those who are obese due to overeating. This therapy makes body thin and light. 

Mukha Lepanam 

This is a beauty therapy where rich ayurveda herbs are made into a paste and applied to the face in the form of a mask.

Nali Swedam

Rare treatment done with special herbs for arthiritis and other rheumatic complains.

Nasya/Nasyam

Herbal medication of nasal is called nasya. In the medictaion the excess bodily humors that accumulate in the sinus, throat, nose or head is eliminated by the means of the nearest possible opening, the nose.   

Netra Dhara

Mild pouring of herbal decoction through the inner corners of the eyes is the core of this treatment. It is an excellent treatment for many common eye ailments. Pain, itching, watering, burning sensation, and reddish discoloration of the eyes are treated by this therapy. It cleans and removes various impurities from the eyes. The decoction used for this is made from black raisins, liquorice, berberis,myrobalan, lodh,sandalwood and honey.

Niruha (Basti)

An enema not of an oily kind. 

Njavarakizhi   
Type of massage is done with a hot medicinal mixture tied up in cloth pouches and is applied on the whole body. This treatment is recuperative and healthful. This therapy endows several benefits to a healthy person as well as to the ill. The therapy improves complexion of the skin, increases Pitha, promote digestion and restores vigor. 
It  revitalizes your skin and makes it glow. It prevents excessive sleep, but endows the patient with sound sleep during the night, is very effective - cures diseases of the nervous system, Chronic Rheumatism, Osteo Arthritis, Gout, Muscle Wasting, diseases caused by vitiation of Raktha (blood).


Palpuka
Full Body Ayurvedic massage with herbal oil and localized steam with milk.


Pichu
Pichu is a palliative treatment for ailments of the head. A long piece of cloth (pichu) folded thickly and broader than the forehead is fixed around the head just above the ear level. A hole nearly one and a half inches wide is made in the front of the band. After preparatory procedures like an oil massage, the prescribed oil is applied on the head. A piece of cotton wad drenched in medicated oil is placed in the hole and allowed to remain there for some time. This process is repeated for a specific duration. Pichu, one of the Purvakarma therapy is considered effective for diseases of the cranial nerves arising from Vata disorder.

Pizhichil

A massage therapy procedure using warm medicated oil is poured all over the body in a typical manner for a duration of one hour daily for one or two weeks, depending on the requirement of each body, as judged by the Ayurvedic Doctor.The oil is selected after careful analysis of the person's character, body construction (physiological constitution of each individual), digestive power, etc.

This is one of the best therapies for diseases caused by impaired functioning of the nervous system. This is a rejuvenation therapy as well and will prevent ageing scales and wrinkles,  used to cure rheumatism and arthritis.

Pranayama

It is a breathing exercise for purifying the blood and vitalizing the inner organs. The three aspects of this exercise are inhalation, retention and exhalation with the aim of increasing the span of each aspect and more controlled.  

Raktamokshana /Rakta Moksham)

This method is effective in curing rheumatic arthritis and skin diseases. Though it sounds very primitive way of treating, it is a very helpful process. Raktamokshana means removing vitiated blood from the body. It is a localized treatment . Extraction of vitiated blood from the body by using surgical instruments and other tools is known as Raktamokshana.                           

Types Of Rakta Mokshana :
1) Using surgical instruments 

 Method 1 : Pracchana: scratching with a sterile scalp is indicated to drain the accumulated blood from a particular point.
Method 2: Sira vedhana: Venepuncture is devised whenever vitiated blood circulates in the body.
2) Primitive Method of Jalouka Prayoga: It is a special method for removing the false blood using an organism named as jelooga (leech). These leeches are made to suck off the impure blood from a person. The leeches will leave the patient's body once they are full.

Shirodhara
Shirodhara, or the dhara treatment given to head.  Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda medicine that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead (the 'third eye'). The liquids used in shirodhara depend on what is being treated, but can include oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water. Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Ménière's disease and certain types of skin diseases like psoriasis. It is also used non-medicinally at spas for its relaxing properties.

Sirovasthi 

In this type of Dhara treatment medicated milk or oil is poured over the forehead in a rhythmatic manner. It is used in psychosomatic diseases like psoriasis with very good results. It also treats  headache, giddiness, pain and burning sensations of the palms and feet, diseases of eyes, ears, nose and throat. It is an excellent cure for chronic insomnia. Used for patients suffering from insomnia.

Sneha Panam
Snehapanam is an Ayurvedic therapeutic measure given to patients for the cure of gastroenterological ailments. Snehapanam is characterized by the oral intake of ghee (purified buttermilk) made from cow’s milk for internal purification before starting the panchakarma therapy (purva karma) or as a treatment. 

Snehapanam is considered beneficial in curing different conditions like osteo-arthritis, certain skin diseases like psoriasis and chronic constipation.

Tantra

It is a non vedic form of yoga leading divine ecstasy through certain rites that emphasize the erotic and forbidden. It is also known as kundalini-yoga it is centered on the divine female power; rule, ritual, scripture, religious treatise, loom, warp.  

Takradhara

This is similar to Shirodhara but buttermilk is poured onto the forehead, instead of herbal oil.  It is very effective in combatting certain types of migraines, and other specific Pitta disorders, where a cooling and refreshing therapy is needed.

Thalam

Special powder mixed with medicated oil applied on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes . This treatment is for ear, nose and throat problems, insomia, migraine and hypertension.

Tharpanam

It is basically an eye-cleansing process. It gives a cooling effect to eyes. The medicated oil is retained over the eye bordered with a thick herbal combination. 

Udhawardhanam 

Therapy for obesity and rheumatic ailments. The entire body is massaged with herbal powders. Specific parts of the body can also be massaged as therapy for obesity

Ushma Swedam - Steam bath /sauna

This is a unique treatment and under this treatment leaves of medicinal plants are boiled and resulting steam is passed to the whole body. This treatment is helpful in to eliminate impurities from the body, reducing fat and also helpful in fighting with some skin diseases. This is also indicated as PURVAKARMA for Panchakarma procedures.                                                       

Vamana/Vamanan

It is therapeutic vomiting.

Vamanam is administrated to eliminate the Kapha causing the excess mucus. All Kapha related diseases are cured by this therapy. This process requires good attention and skilled assistance. In chronic skin diseases like Psoriasis also vamanam is administered.

It is the medicated purgation; one of the pancha karma cleansing processes.

Virechan/Virechanam
Major Body purification procedure in Panchakarma therapy. When there is congestion in the lungs causing repeated attacks of bronchitis, cold, cough. 

Yoga

The word Yoga is derived from Sanskrit word "yug" which means to unite, to combine or to integrate. It is a state of union of parmaatma (Devine or supreme soul) with the Jeevatma (individual soul or consciousness). 

Oil Pulling or gargling for a brighter smile and better health

Oil pulling traces it roots to oil gargling practiced in Ayurvedic medicine. Oil pulling as we know it today, was introduced in 1992 by Dr. F. Karach, MD. Dr. Karach claimed that oil pulling could cure a variety of illnesses ranging from heart disease and digestive troubles to hormonal disorders. He said it cured him of a chronic blood disorder of 15 years duration and within three days it cured his arthritis, which at times was so painful he was bed ridden. He used the method in his medical practice with great success.
Dr. Karach’s method of oil pulling consists of swishing, not gargling, vegetable oil in the mouth. The oil is “worked” in the mouth by pushing, pulling, and drawing it through the teeth for a period of 15 to 20 minutes. It is done one to three times a day on an empty stomach. The best time is in the morning before eating breakfast, but can be done before any meal. The used oil is discarded and the mouth rinsed out with water. The oil is never swallowed because it is loaded with bacteria, toxins, pus, and mucous.

Sunflower and sesame seed oils are the most commonly used for oil pulling, but any vegetable oil will work. People have had success with olive, coconut, almond, and other oils. I prefer to use coconut oil because of its many health benefits. If you use a mild flavored coconut oil it is very pleasant in the mouth. Some oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, are so strong flavored that many people find them difficult to use.
The oil acts like a cleanser. When you put it in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. It acts much like the oil you put in your car engine. The oil picks up dirt and grime. When you drain the oil, it pulls out the dirt and grime with it, leaving the engine relatively clean. Consequently, the engine runs smoother and lasts longer. Likewise, when we expel harmful substances from our bodies our health is improved and we run smoother and last longer.
As simple as it is, oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect. Our mouths are the home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health problems including arthritis and heart disease. Our immune system is constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of health problems.
Oil pulling is one of the most remarkable methods of detoxification and healing I have ever experienced in my career as a naturopathic physician. It helped me overcome a chronic skin problem that other forms of detoxification, including numerous juice fasts lasting up to 30 days, were unable to cure.
Oil pulling can work its magic almost instantly. Some people report relief from certain conditions after doing it only once. Minor problems often clear up within a few days. More serious, chronic problems may require a few weeks or several months or more depending on lifestyle issues.
Toxins are pulled from the body the very first time you try it. One of the first cleansing symptoms you will experience is an increased flow of mucous from your throat and sinuses. Mucous drainage is one of the body’s methods of removing toxins. While you are pulling, mucous may build in the back of your throat. You may even have to expel the oil and clear the mucous from your throat before reaching a full 20 minutes. That’s okay, take another spoonful of oil and continue until you’ve pulled for a total of 15-20 minutes. You may also experience a little nausea and perhaps even need to vomit as your body expels toxic waste. Other symptoms may also arise temporarily. These symptoms will subside as your body becomes cleaner and you become more comfortable with oil pulling. Unlike other methods of detoxification that last for only a short time, oil pulling should become a regular part of your daily schedule, like brushing your teeth.
Oil pulling is incredibly effective in brightening teeth, healing gums, preventing bad breath, quenching inflammation, and healing oral infections. It is also effective in treating many systemic conditions throughout the body.

By Bruce Fife

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article%20oil%20pulling.htm