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"In a disordered mind, as in a disordered body, soundness of health is impossible. " Cicero
Apart from the Panchakarma therapies, Ayurveda also prescribes several supportive accessory therapies called Upakramas. Literally meaning "beginning" or "commencement", upakrama become a part of the main Panchakarma treatment program like Abhyanga and Swedana. Or then, some of the Upakramas are also employed as the main stream treatments. The treatments involve a whole range of Ayurvedic therapies including massage, fomentation, steaming using medicated liquids, powders and other decoctions.
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Kaya seka/ Pizichil
This is a rejuvenating procedure of synchronized pouring of medicated liquids like oil, milk and medicated decoctions (kashayam) etc. all over the body for over half an hour. This process (parisheka) helps in eliminating toxins and nourishing the body tissues. It also improves circulation and is especially useful in diseases where general weakness and muscle dystrophy is seen.
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Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda
This is one of the popular rejuvenating therapies that originated in Ayurvedic practices in Kerala. A special variety of medicated rice is cooked with herbs. This is then applied in a synchronized manner to different parts of the body as a fomentation. This therapy tones up muscles and nerves and therefore is highly recommended to treat ailments where there is atrophy of muscles and for neurological disorders. It also helps to rejuvenate the body and so is used in Kaya Kalpa treatments.
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Patra Pinda Sweda
In this therapy, medicated leaves are used to apply fomentation for the whole body. It has the ability to reduce the vata and hence used in most painful conditions and disorders created by an excess of vata.
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Sarvanga Abhyanga (Ayurveda Massage)
In this therapy, the entire body is massaged with medicated oils by several massuers in a synchronized manner. It helps to relax the body and strengthen it, improves blood circulation, tones up the muscles, dislodges and mobilizes toxins, relieves pain. The relaxation also induces sleep. It is an excellent is therapy for both the healthy and the sick. For the healthy, it maintains good health and treats various diseases like skin disorders, muscular pains and dystrophy, body ache, arthritis and the diseases of vata. It is generally done in empty stomach.
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Udvartana
In this treatment, the body is massaged with herbal powders in the direction that is in reverse to the direction of the hair growth. So, unlike most massages, it is stimulating rather than soothing. It is helpful in weight reduction and also improves blood circulation in the skin. This procedure is extensively used in obesity and in Kapha disorders and diseases of the fatty tissue (meda).
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Bashpa Sweda
In this therapy, the entire body is given a medicated steam bath by making the patient sit inside a steam chamber until there is sweating. This procedure is useful in detoxifying the body and reducing weight reduction. It also loosens the joints and induces feelings of lightness and invigoration.
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Avagaha Sweda
In this procedure, the person is made to sit in a bathtub filled with a medicated decoction for about 20 minutes. The level of the decoction in the tub can be up to navel region or the neck, depending upon the condition of the patient. This therapy is useful in treating many vata disorders, body aches and pains, stiffness in the joints etc. and is also very relaxing and invigorating.
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Shirodhara
In this procedure, lukewarm medicated liquid is poured in a stream over the patient’s forehead. This therapy soothes and relaxes the mind and is especially recommended to treat all stress related conditions like mood fluctuations, insomnia, hypertension, etc.
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Shirobasti
In this treatment, medicated oil is kept the scalp in a sealed cap for 30 minutes, repeated over for 7 to 15 days. This therapy promotes the proper functioning of all the sense faculties. It is used to treat insomnia, cerebral palsy, dryness of eyes and nose and other psychoneurological disorders.
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Kati basti
In this procedure, medicated oil is kept on the lower back for 30 minutes and the treatment repeated for 7 to 15 days. This therapy is recommended for backache, lumber spondylitis, musclar strains, slip disc, sciatica etc.
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Janu basti
In this therap, medicated oil is kept on the knee joints for 30 minutes and the treatment repeated for 7 to 15 days. It is used to treat knee joint pain, osteoarthritis, degenerative disorders of the knees, etc.
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Greeva Basti
In this treatment, medicated oil is kept on the back of the neck for 30 minutes and the treatment repeated for 7 to 15 days This therapy is useful intreating neck pain, cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulder, etc.
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Netra Tarpana
In this procedure medicated ghee or oil is kept over the eyes. It is helpful in treating various eye disorders and it also generally tones up the eyes.
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Ekanga abhyanga and Nadi Sweda
In this therapy, only the affected part of the body is massaged (abhyanga) and a medicated steam is then applied to that part. This treatment is useful in relieving pain , regenerating tissue, toning up muscles and generally strengthen the affected part of the body.
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Mukha Lepa (Ayurveda Face Pack)
In this treatment, first the face is gently massaged is with a medicated oil which is followed by steaming with herbally treated steam. Then, a medicated paste is applied on the entire face and retained till the paste is completely dry. This therapy is used to treat acne (pimples) and to remove acne scars. It is helps to make the complexion soft, smooth and glowing.
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