Ksheera dhoomanam
This is a method of sweating for a specific part of the body using medicated milk steam. This is the best method of sweating for the head and face. For this a herbal decoction is made which is mixed with milk and this is boiled in closed vessel. From this vessel the steam can come out through a tube Usually a decoction of bala roots (Sida rettusa) is used mixed with pure cow’s milk for most of the vata diseases. Before the application of steam suitable oil will be applied on the face and neck. Care should be taken to protect the eyes from the hot steam.
Putapakam
This is an after treatment of nethra tharpanam. This should be done after the course of tharpanam to clean the eyes off the ghee and to relieve tiredness caused by excessive absorption of ghee. This will clear the vision and relieve the heaviness and haziness of the eyes after the tharpanam. For this treatment herbal juices are used to collect inside the black gram mould as in tharpanam. It can be mixed with goat’s milk according to the condition.
Siropichu
It is one of the methods of oil application on the head. In this treatment a piece of cloth or cotton soaked in warm medicated oil is kept on the head for a specific period of time. The temperature of the oil should be kept uniform by warming and pouring of the oil again and again.
Dhanyamaladhara
Pouring of warm medicated herbal decoction called Dhayamla all over the body from head to neck is called Dhanyamladhara. At first the suitable body oil and head oil are applied and a gentle massage is done on the body. In some cases of extreme inflammation, even body massage and application of oil on the body and head may be avoided. Then the warm liquid will be poured all over the body with gentle strokes on the body. The liquid is again collected and warmed for further use. This is continued for 45 minutes and then the patient can take rest for a few minutes. If the condition is suitable a warm water bath can be given, otherwise body will be wiped with a clean towel.
Tharpanam
This is an eye treatment to nourish and correct the diseases of the eyes. The procedure includes collecting well melted and strained medicated ghee over the eyes. For this purpose a boundary is made around the eyes using black gram paste. This is a very powerful treatment to rejuvenate the eyes and also for the cure of the diseases of the eyes.
Raktamokshanam
Rakthamokshum or blood letting is very effective in some diseases which the blood impurities are the main reasons for the disease. Various methods are used for this purpose for e.g. using leech, by venesection, through shallow wounds etc. The appropriate method can be selected according to the disease either localized or generalized, dominance of vata, pitha and kapha etc. This panchakarma is selected for cure in cases in which all the other treatments found ineffective.
Pizhichil
Pouring of warm medicated oil all over the body is called pizhichil. Depending on the condition of the disease the oil for pizhichil can be selected. At first suitable oil for the body and head are applied and a gentle massage is done on the body. Then the warm oil is poured all over the body from neck to feet using special earthen pots. The oil is collected and warmed to use again. After that all the oil will be wiped from the body and the patient is allowed to take rest for a few minutes and later a hot water bath is given. During this treatment the movements of the patient will be restricted in order to give maximum rest to the body and to help for the process of healing.
Uzhichil
Abhyanga or uzhichil is the special kerala type of oil massage done by one or two persons. For that suitable medicated oils for the body and the head are selected according to the condition of the person. The body oil can be warm or in room temperature accordingly and the head oil is mostly in room temperature. This is done for 45 minutes and suitable for sick and healthy alike. This is also mentioned in ayurvedic daily routine before a daily morning bath.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, refers to five primary procedures designed to cleanse the body of toxins and restore balance. Derived from the Sanskrit words “Pancha” (five) and “Karma” (actions), these therapies are aimed at purifying the body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall health and well-being.