Description of Various Kerala pancha karma therapies

Shiro Dhara (Shiro = head; dhara = flow)
Head oil application - offers profound relaxation to nervous and immune systems. Ejects years of deep seated stresses. Look & feel decades younger, improves hair & complextion. Good for stress, diabetes, anxiety, anger, and brain disorders like MS, epilepsy.

Shiro Dhara (as seen in Oprah Magazine - July 01 issue)

Pinda Sweda
Medicated bag application for neuromuscular and some systemic diseases, for neurological and bone conditions including the brain, supple bones and joints, circulation, cleansing, vigor, improved digestion, MS, chronic rheumatism, osteoarthritis, gout, aging, insomnia, HBP, diabetes, facial paralysis, skin disorders, balding, premature graying, wrinkles. -requires 2 practitioners

Podikkizhi Sweda
Body oil application for Vayu & Kapha disorders -requires 2 practitioners

Pizhichil
Body oil application - most beneficial nervous system rejuvenation. Promotes tissue strength, digestive fire, beautiful complexion, clear senses, Vayu disorders, hemiplegia, paralysis, muscle spasms and degenerative disorders -requires 2 practitioners

Udwartana abhyanga
Body powder application for obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, Kapha disorders  -requires 2 practitioners

Takradhara
Herbal liquid application for memory, comprehension, head & eye disorders, chronic sinusitis, stress, Central Nervous System -requires 2 practitioners

Ksheera Dhara
Similar to Takradhara -requires 2 practitioners

Nasya
Nose oils for sinus disorders & sinus headaches, jaw, ear and throat disorders

Karna Poorna
Ear oils for discharge, tinnitus, prevents deafness and headaches

Netra Vasti
Eye oils for inflammation, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, night blindness, VP eye conditions

Kati Vasti
Oil soaking for lower back and spinal pain

Uro Vasti
Oil soaking on chest region for pain

Lepa
Herbal paste for pains due to inflammatory conditions

Shiro Lepa
Head paste for facial paralysis, hemiplegia, Vayu brain disorders including Parkinson's, MS, etc.

Nadi Sweda
Localized steam aimed at individual body areas for pain due to arthritis, muscle problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, paralysis, etc.

Ooshma Sweda
Sitting or lying in a steam tent (head not in steam) releases toxins and stress from muscles, improves circulation, digestion, complexion, stiff joints and Vayu conditions.

Upanaha Sweda
Hot medicated paste for gout & inflammation, arthritis.

dhooma
Various forms of smoke inhalation relieve neck, jaw, nose/sinus, eye and head disorders including cough, asthma, chronic rhinitis, voice disorders, bad smell, pallor, hair disorders, mucus, hearing, taste, sight, stupor, hiccup, heaviness, hemi crania, earache, eye pain, toothache, dullness, Vayu and Kapha disorders.

Face Glow Therapy
Different treatments for normal, dry, and oily skin

Wrinkle Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove wrinkles

Pimple Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also remove pimples

Scar Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove scars

Dark Patches Therapy
Herbs applied to the face also reduce/remove dark patches

Hair/scalp Therapies
Herbs applied to the head also address hair growth/loss, dandruff, premature graying, lustrous hair.

What is the value of Shiro Dhara?

The oil that flows from the bowl runs across the forehead, particularly at in between the eyebrows (third eye). At this location all the nerves of the body meet. So warm oil massaging this area massages all the nerves of the body.

The entire nervous system and immune system become extremely relaxed. In this relaxed state the body is able to release deep seated stresses and illnesses. It is said that diseases that are difficult to heal by other methods (e.g., diabetes, MS, etc.) can be healed through Shiro Dhara.

The warm oil on the head also brings peace and bliss to the mind, helping with all mental and emotional disorders.

Additionally the oil provides beautiful hair and complexion.

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, prescribe or heal any health condition. It is not intended to substitute for care from healthcare professionals.