Ayurveda, derived from the Sanskrit words ‘ayur’ (life) and ‘veda’ (science or knowledge), is a holistic and natural approach to medicine that originated in India over 3000 years ago. Ayurveda believes that diseases occur due to an imbalance in one’s conscience or body and between them and the natural elements in the environment. Therefore, it encourages people to make lifestyle changes along with some natural therapies to regain balance.
There are several different ayurvedic retreats in Sri Lanka providing an array of treatments and therapies depending on what ails you. As Ayurveda is built around the five natural elements, the treatments are based on 3 unique combinations of these elements- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha surmises aspects of one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Each dosha represents a combination of the five elements and has specific qualities. Vata is associated with movement, Pitta with transformation, and Kapha with structure and stability. Ayurvedic therapies emphasize the balance and harmony of these doshas as a key aspect of health.
In this article, you will read about the top 10 highly effective therapies you need to know.
1. Oil massage (Abhyanga)
Everyone enjoys a good pampering session. Commonly known as oil massage, this therapy focuses on the overall body where generous quantities of herb oils chosen specifically to treat the person’s condition are used for a deep tissue massage. This therapy is suitable for all 3 dosha types. The powerful strokes of massage induce blood flow and lymphatic circulation which improves blood circulation and digestion, stimulates sleep and prevents dry skin.
2. Pouring warm medicated oil (Pizhichil)
Just as the name suggests warm medicated herb-infused oil is poured all over the receiver’s body using special earthen pots to treat conditions such as chronic rheumatism and joint pains. This also soothes nerves and helps treat spine-related issues.
3. Head and scalp massage (Thalapothichil)
This is the ideal massage to manage stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, hair loss, and chronic headaches and sinuses. If you are someone who has a fast-paced stressful life, an ayurvedic retreat offering this therapy would be ideal for you.
4. Bundle massage (Podikizhi)
A massage, where bundles made of cotton clothes containing herbal powders and oils are rhythmically dabbed all over the body to awaken the blood circulatory system and induce lymphatic drainage. As herbs and warm oils also relieve pain, it is an excellent treatment option for inflammatory arthritis and joint pains and stiffness. This is an ideal treatment option for people with strenuous and physically demanding jobs.
5. Herbal pastes (Lepanam)
As the name suggests, this wonderfully effective ayurvedic therapy involves application of a herbal paste known as lepam over the affected areas. The paste is made using herbs and oil/ghee. It is ideal for irritated/ inflamed skin.
6. Back massage (Kateevasthy)
Ideal for people leading a predominantly sedentary lifestyle which involves sitting down for the most part of the day like in front of a computer. The prolonged bad posture will eventually lead to stiff and painful back muscles which can be alleviated by a good back massage.
7. Herbal powder massage
Lymphatic system acts as our body’s natural detox machine. Defaults or slowing down of the lymphatic system leads to building up of toxins. This is a highly invigorating detox therapy that activates the metabolic rate and stimulates dissolving of fatty layers under the skin. Boosting your metabolic rate not only detoxes and rejuvenates the body but also boosts your immune system.
8. Head treatment with milk
This treatment is specifically designed for pitta dosha category where cow’s milk with special medicinal herbs is poured in a narrow stream continuously over a person’s forehead for around 45 minutes. This treatment helps insomnia, anxiety headaches and stress. A highly recommended therapy for people with stressful jobs.
9. Steam bath
This treatment is for anyone experiencing subfertility issues and urino-genital issues. The therapy generally targets those who have vata dosha. This can also serve as a preparatory procedure to prepare the body for panchakarma therapy (a more intense series of therapies for specific ailments).
10. Foot massage (Padabhyanga)
By stimulating special pressure points in your feet, this foot massage is done using a mix of herbal oils leads to mental relaxation. This balances all three doshas. And improves blood circulation to lower limbs. This also stimulates specific pressure points that improve a person’s mood and mental health.
Understanding these therapies and their benefits is essential for anyone seeking to delve into Ayurveda, as they provide a framework for comprehending the holistic and individualized nature of this ancient healing system. By incorporating these treatments and therapies into life, one can strive to achieve balance, harmony, and optimal well-being.
