Specialised Forms of Therapy
The renowned Ayurvedic scholars of Kerala have developed specialised forms of therapies, which have excellent clinical effects. Some of these therapies are known as Sekam (pizhichil), Kizhi, Dhara, Sirovasthi, Sirolepam, Pitchu, Thalam, etc. A whole lot of new forms have also made their appearance in the recent years, some of them invented by the new generation of practitioners and entrepreneurs. Some traditional names have also undergone a change to suit the current population and have been designed to appeal to the foreign tourists.
Here are some of the forms of therapy popular with the practitioners and the public.
Pizhichil
This is a luxurious treatment in which two therapists pour warm herbal oils over the body, while performing a gently soothing massage. Pieces of linen dipped in warm medicated oil are squeezed on to the person's body, while massaging the body with the hand all the time. The massage is very slow and light without exerting much pressure. Apart from being a lavish treatment, it also protects from illnesses by building immunity for a healthy life. And that's not all; Pizhichil is also a panacea for rheumatic diseases, blood pressure, pain in the joints and diabetes.
This is a rejuvenation therapy that is known to prevent ageing, scales, wrinkles and is widely used to cure arthritis and many spastic muscular disorders.
This treatment is profoundly relaxing and deeply purifying. It can be done once a year as rejuvenation therapy for improving health and general well-being especially during old age and in nervous diseases like arthritis, paralysis hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, nervous weaknesses and nervous disorders.
Uzhichil
This is a type of massage with different kinds of herbal oils, practised specially in Kerala.
Kizhi
There are two types of Kizhi: Elakizhi and Choomakizhi
Elakizhi
In this treatment the body is massaged with cloth bags filled with fried medicinal leaves. It is a herbal treatment for stiffness, body pain, etc., especially in the Arthritis and paralysis. Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various herbs and medicated powder. These poultices are warmed in medicated oils and the whole body is massaged with the same on the neck, shoulders, hands and back, while shifting the person from side to side.
This massage can promote better circulation within the affected area, thereby promoting the increased perspiration, which helps the skin to excrete wastes. It also helps to improve the skin tone and can be superbly relaxing.
Choornakizhi
In this procedure, the whole body is made to sweat by a massage with herbal powders, which are tied into boluses with a cloth. This treatment is indicated for neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, etc.
Dhara
This is one of the most popular therapy in Kerala Massage. It includes Thailadhara, Thakradhara and Ksheeradhara. After a liberal application of the medicated oil on the head and body, the patient is made to lie supine on wooden bed with the neck placed in a comfortable position. A nonstop, continuous stream of the medicine (medicated oil, herbal decoction, milk or other materials) is made to drop gently on the forehead from a particular height through a specially made apparatus. After the treatment, the head is fully dried with a towel and again oil is applied to the head. This treatment is also done for the whole body and for a particular part of the body depending upon the ailment. It promotes the rejuvenation and revitalisation of the human mind & body, which act as anti-ageing factors. This is a special massage therapy for stress and strain.
Ksheeradhara
A mixture of cooling and balancing herbal oils and medicated ghee is trickled over the forehead in a continuous warm stream in a quiet, soothing atmosphere. This is profoundly relaxing as it works to calm and pacify the central nervous system, stilling the mind and senses. The process allows enhanced natural healing. Duration of the treatment is about 20 minutes, and it can bring clarity of mind and comprehension. This is a special Ayurvedic treatment that gives total relaxation to mind and body, and is the best way to pamper yourself after a hard and stressful day.
For therapeutic purpose, ksheeradhara treatment is used to heal chronic neuro-muscular disorders and problems like hypertension, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches, and restlessness, among others. This treatment has a powerful effect on the mental and emotional well being of the individual.
It is also good for preventing and curing diseases like paralysis, senile dementia and other neurological ailments. Further, with appropriate medicines, this procedure can also be employed in psychiatric and psychosomatic diseases, insomnia and even in general debility.
Thakradhara
It is a calming therapy done by pouring medicated buttermilk on the forehead. The therapy is an effective cure for insomnia, depression, burning sensation in the head and psoriasis etc.
Kadidhara
It is a sedation therapy performed by pouring warm, fermented grains cooked in water over the body with a nozzled pitcher. The treatment is effective in all types of rheumatic complaints, especially in Rheumatoid arthritis.