Ayurveda is an ancient science that advocates a way of life that works in complete harmony with nature, finding the perfect median between mind, body and soul. Derived from Sanskrit, Ayurveda is made up of two words – “Ayur”, which means life and “Veda”, which means knowledge. We all know that these ancient remedies are the best treatments to get for a number of ailments. But when we head to a spa or Ayurvedic centre, it’s often hard to decode what those massages, therapies and scrubs actually mean. What are those magical concoctions applied to our bodies, faces and hairs made of? So for the sake of the curious soul, we’ve decoded some of the most popular Ayurveda treatments. You can thank us later!
Potli massage:
Massages that use potlis or pouches made of muslin cloth are referred to as potli massages. These potlis consist of specially picked medicated herbs, which have different healing effects on the body. They are used to massage specific pressure points on the body and are either dipped into warm oil for a wet massage or dipped in sand for a dry massage, which usually lasts 45-60 minutes. This massage works on the theory of the confluence of fire and water along with herbs, which helps heal severe diseases like arthritis, spondylitis and osteoarthritis by relieving pain, decreasing inflammation and increasing flexibility.
Panchkarma:
This is a detoxification treatment that aims at flushing out the toxins from your body. It consists of multiple processes which include a massage, steam treatment, vomiting or vamana, the use of laxatives or virechana and nasal treatment. This multi-step detox is followed by a strict diet and therapy that requires the patient to change their lifestyle and habits. The treatment is conducted under the guidance of a trained professional to avoid any kind of side effects as the procedure can be invasive. Herbs like ashwagandha, mustard, neem, turmeric, ginger, rosemary and aloe vera are used to make medicated oil for the massage that soothes the muscles.
Abhyanga:
Abhyanga is a full body massage using special warm oil such as Bhringaraj oil or Brahmi oil, which is great for the scalp and even helps people sleep better. During this massage, coconut oil or sunflower oil is used to nourish body tissues and remove toxins. The massage is usually performed by two masseurs and is followed by a steam bath to complete the relaxation process. The treatment works to rejuvenate the body, reduce stiffness and stress, boost energy levels, relax muscles, beautify the skin and delay ageing. The massage lasts for 45-60 minutes.
Sirodhara:
Sirodhara or Shirodhara is a technique that involves dripping medicated oil on the forehead. The name is basically a combination of two Sanskrit works, “shiro” which means forehead and “dhara” which means flow. The forehead is also known as the third eye in Ayurveda. The oil used is a medicated one, which is made from a number of herbs like ashwagandha, shatavari, bhringaraj and brahmi in a base of sesame and sunflower oils, which have healing properties. Depending on the problem that needs to be cured, the masseurs also use buttermilk, coconut oil, milk and water. The treatment is known to heal migraine, insomnia, memory loss, vertigo, facial palsy and more.
Kativasthi:
Kativasthi is a massage therapy for the lower back where warm medicated oil is anointed along with herbal paste for 45-60 minutes. This treatment works best to get rid of all the pain that arises in the lower body and spine.
