Keraliya Ayurvedic Abhyanga: Contemporary methods……

 

Kerala is a popular state in southern India, where panchakarma abhyanga has been preserved. However, unlike panchakarma, it is more used more for rejuvenation purposes than for cleansing. Various contemporary forms of abhyanga are used in Kerala and are very effective. Some modern authorities note that some of these practices are especially useful in healing serious mental disorders. However, other modern authorities believe they aggravate the conditions. Practitioners have noted that procedures such as Shirodhara have evoked troubling past emotions in some persons. Therefore, persons who have very deep emotional problems may be advised by some practitioners to heal through herbs, aromas, and professional counseling first. The experts say that the keraliya therapy of panchakarma has very effective results though it differs from ancient rules as follows-

1.  As per ancient rules, panch karma must be done only during certain seasons but in Kerala rules, it can be done in all seasons

2.  In ancient rules doing panchakarma oil and sweat are preliminary therapies whereas in Kerala oil and sweat are taken as principle therapies.

3.  Ancient panchakarma treats the constitution but in Kerala rules it treats illness.

4.  The panchakarma is purification oriented in ancient rules but as per Kerala rules, panchakarma is toning oriented.

5.  Only five therapies have been recommended for panchakarma as per ancient rules but in Kerala, more than five therapies are in practice.

6.  As per ancient rules, panchakarma can not be performed in too hot or cold; or when cloudy (or rainy) but in Kerala, it is done effectively in rainy seasons. 

Keraliya panchakarma and their categories: Even though there are numerous treatments in keraliya panchakarma, they all fit into five major categories-

1.  Dhara karma (Shiro-Dhara Or Avgahan Parisheka): It includes disease of the mind, Prana Vayu, CNS, ears, eyes, nose, and throat; facial palsy, insomnia, nervous disorders, memory, psychosis, fainting, confusion, excess perspiration, alcoholism, coma, etc.

2.  Kaya Seka (Pizhichil): It promotes tissue strength, biological fire, luster, complexion, Ojas, clear senses, Vayu disorders, muscle spasms, degenerative muscle disorders, etc.

3.  Pinda Sweda: It heals neuromuscular (facial paralysis, MS, muscular atrophy) and some systematic diseases.

4.  Anna lepa (Medicated grains): This therapy is used as an alternative method and applied when the Pinda Sweda does not work.

5.  Shiro lepa: It is used to treat mental and brain disorders.

Both dhara and lepa are palliative measures that eliminate excessed doshas. They remove stagnant, sticky toxins from the body’s channel (srotas) without applying traditional reducing methods (shodhana). Both can be given at all times and in all seasons.