Ayurveda treats illness at its source, rather than at the level of symptoms, and helps an in individual to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.

“Okay, Bill from tomorrow onwards we will start with the treatment and the exercises” informed my physicians, Dr Jai. I nodded. Next day, I was mentally ready for the therapies and I reported my doctor on time. “Bill, before actually starting the programmed, I would like to tell you about your treatment” said Dr Jai.

“Ayurvedic treatments differ from the majority of conventional cures in its unique approach towards healing. In fact, the principle of treating the sick and not the sickness is central to all forms of ayurvedic treatments. Rather than trying to cure a disease in isolatation, ayurveda takes into account an individual in his entirety.” added Dr Jai, my immediate doctor.

He also told, me those Ayurvedic treatments put emphasis on examining the doshas or the natural states of individuals before proceeding. The physical constitution, susceptibility to diseases, mental make-up and lifestyle of an individual is ascertained in accordance to the elemental constitution of the larger prakriti or the universe.

As I used to visit the centre regularly, I came to know about the different Ayurvedic treatments given to patients of different diseases.

Pizhichil: Application of lukewarm herbal oil all over the body for the treatment of spondilosis and other rheumatic diseases that included:

• Sirodhara: Medicated oils, Butter, milk etc. are used for the treatment of neurological disorders
• Udwarthanam: Therapeutic dry massage with herbal powders to relieve excess fat from the body.
• Snehavasthi: Medicated oil enema.
• Nasyam: Inhalation of medicated herbal preparations for the treatment of nasal ailments.
• Takradhara: Pouring in normal temperature of medicated buttermilk for the treatment of memory loss, severe headache and others.
• Njavarakizhi: Application of medicated rice packs to induce perspiration.Good for rheumatism, pain in the joints an for other body parts.
• Tarpanam: Application of medicated ghee on the eyes to prevent cataract and strengthen vision.Virechana: Oral intake of herbal purgative drugs or skin disorders, urinary disorders etc.
• Abhyangasnanam: An oil bath and rejuvenating oil massage is given, which preserves youthfulness, tones the body and prevents skin diseases.
• Dhanyamaladhara: Warm herbal liquid is poured over the body to treat hemiplegia, paralysis and rheumatic diseases.