ABHYANGA
“Abhy” = towards, “Anga” = limbs, meaning to oil the body parts towards the periphery.
Its main function is to allow the oil to penetrate through the skin and remove impurities both through the skin pores and direct them towards the intestinal tract for complete elimination through feces and urine. It prevents and removes imbalances of the Doshas, lubricates, and promotes flexibility of muscle tissue (Mamsa Dhatu) and joints (Kapha-Shleshaka). It increases the softness and radiance of the skin (Pitta-Brajaka) and the free flow of intelligence and energy (Vata-Udana). It keeps one young, combats fatigue, makes the skin healthy, and increases muscle density, making the body more proportionate and brightening the eyes. It ensures good sleep and promotes longevity.
Benefits: Improves beauty, eliminates body weakness, alleviates Vata imbalance, improves vision, strengthens the body, enhances sleep, gives a beautiful skin color, prevents Vata-related diseases, increases body resistance against fatigue, improves the functions of Kapha and Vata in the body (structure and cohesion; movement, transport, and communication), tones body tissues, and can help balance weight.
Vata predominates in the sense of touch, and this sense organ resides in the skin. Massage mobilizes subcutaneous tissue and promotes fluid drainage by the lymphatic system.

 

Abhyanga Vata
In this procedure, a greater quantity of specific oil for Vata excesses is used, with lighter pressure and a longer duration than others.

 

Abhyanga Pitta
Herbalized oils specific for the Pitta dosha are used in moderate quantities, with medium speed and pressure.

 

Abhyanga Kapha
This involves more pressure than the other two Abhyangas, with less oil for Kapha and faster movements.

 

UDVARTANA
Stimulating massage that uses medicinal plant powders and flours mixed with a specific herbalized oil to reduce fat and cellulite deposits (Kapha Meda Dhatu), improve blood circulation (Vata-Vyana) and drainage (Vata-Apana), and enhance skin brightness and appearance (Pitta-Brajaka). A pleasant treatment to remove excess heat (Pitta) from the body due to the presence of white and red sandalwood; its exfoliating action gives the skin a pleasant smoothness. Regular Udvartana is suitable for supporting and toning the body.
Benefits: Cellulite; aids in weight loss; increases metabolic rate. Removes Ama (toxins). The word Udvartana means in the opposite direction (against the hair growth).

 

SHIRODARA
Harmonizes the hormonal system and alleviates Vata disorders such as headaches, insomnia, migraines, mental stress, restlessness, and high blood pressure (Prana-Vyana). Provides deep relaxation to the nervous system. During Shirodara, warm herbalized oil is poured in a thin stream onto the forehead; this flow keeps the brain waves coherent.
It improves memory, maintains a balance between mind and body, increases strength, refines the perception of food tastes, keeps the skin soft and glowing, prevents eye diseases (Vata-Prana, Pitta-Alochaka), and lightens body heat (Pitta).
The word Shiro means head, and Dhara means flow.

 

TAKRA DHARA
A flow of herbalized lassi (buttermilk) is poured in a thin stream onto the forehead, keeping the brain waves coherent. It prevents hair graying (Pitta), combats fatigue (Vata-Udana), relieves headaches (Vata-Prana), balances the imbalanced Doshas, prevents the loss of ojas (vital essence) from the body, prevents urinary disorders (Vata-Apana), and prevents joint weakness (Kapha-Shleshaka).
It profoundly benefits the following disorders: heart conditions, poor digestion, lack of appetite, ear disorders, and eye disorders.
The word Takra means lassi, and Dhara means flow.

 

SWEDANA
Opens the srotas (channels) and increases blood flow, liquefies hidden impurities in the minutest channels, and mobilizes them. It relieves stiffness and coldness in the body (Vata) and heaviness (Kapha). It induces sweating. The word Swedana comes from the Sanskrit root “sweda,” meaning to sweat, transpire, foment, or soften. Sweda is an internal waste product of the body and a byproduct of Meda (fat tissue).
Swedana helps liquefy deeply accumulated toxins within the body that have become layered in peripheral tissues; the effect of Swedana is to soften and liquefy them for proper expulsion from the body. Sweating opens the pores and aids in expelling impurities through sweat glands.
Indications: Cold, cough (Kapha); headaches, paralysis, constipation (Vata); arthritis (Vata-Kapha). It removes heaviness and stiffness from the body. Should not be done during pregnancy, in the presence of hemorrhages, after recent alcohol consumption, in extremely overweight or underweight individuals, or in those with diarrhea, hepatitis, or anemia. Not recommended for people who are very angry, jealous (excess Pitta), those who suffer from fainting, dizziness, nausea, fever, or low blood pressure.

 

VISHESH
Lubricates and promotes the flexibility of muscle tissue (Mamsa Dhatu) and joints (Shleshaka Kapha). It removes deeply rooted Ama from the body and soothes sore muscles, especially beneficial for athletes.

 

GARSHAN
Means to rub.
This is a massage using raw silk gloves. It stimulates flow and circulation in the tissues (Vata); benefits digestion and metabolism (Pitta); aids in weight loss (Kapha). Garshan reduces oiliness and excess Ama in the body. It increases metabolic rate (Pitta) and is recommended for excess body weight (Meda Dhatu-Kapha). It mobilizes and removes dead cells from the tissues, increases energy, and blood flow. Garshan should always be followed by Abhyanga (to reduce excess Vata generated by these rapid movements).

 

PIZICHILI
Simultaneously Snehana (oiling) and Swedana (heat application).
A flow of warm oil is applied to the entire body.
It is recommended for joint problems and stiffness (Kapha-Shleshaka-Vata). It is also a potent treatment for pacifying Vata imbalances such as fatigue (Vata-Udana), pain, and dryness.
Indications: Rheumatic disorders, paralysis, hemiplegia, sexual weakness, nervous weakness, nervous disorders.

 

PINDASVEDA
“Pinda” = bundle, “Sveda” = heat.
Localized or full-body treatment.
It involves oiling the person with herbalized oils and then massaging and fomenting them with the help of a mixture of medicinal plants contained in hot bundles.
Good for joint problems, back pain, arthritis, rheumatism, traumatic pain, inflammation, joint stiffness, cervical issues, sciatica, and lower back pain.

 

PADA DHARA
“Pada” = feet, “Dhara” = flow.
A thin flow of warm herbalized oil on the toes. Useful for insomnia, as well as for pain and numbness in the feet.

 

NETRA TARPANA
“Netra” = eyes, “Tarpana” = filling.
It nourishes the nervous system and enhances the connection between the eyes and the brain (Vata-Prana; Pitta-Alochaka), pacifies Pitta.
Good for burning, dryness, itching, tired eyes. Removes Ama and brightens the eyes.

VASTI (BASTI)
Heart (Hridaya Vasti): Relieves heart and emotional tensions (Vata-Prana Vata-Vyana-Pitta-Sadhaka).
Lower back (Kati Vasti): Relieves stiffness in the lumbosacral area (Kapha-Avalambaka).
Cervical area (Ghriva Vasti): Relieves tension in the cervical area (Vata-Udana; Kapha-Tarpaka).
Navel (Chakra Varti Vasti): Relieves abdominal imbalances and tensions (Vata-Apana).
Liver (Yakrit Vasti): Relieves liver impurities (Pitta-Ranjaka).
Lungs (Puppusa Vasti): Relieves respiratory pathways (Vata-Udana-Kapha).

UNSIGHTLY CONDITIONS – CAUSES FROM AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Cellulite
From an Ayurvedic perspective, cellulite is due to a Kapha imbalance, a weakening of Meda Agni, the digestive enzymatic system that coordinates the formation of Meda (fat tissue), and a Vata imbalance. Meda Agni works at the level of subcutaneous tissue, and as a result, poorly metabolized fat molecules accumulate under the skin along with Ama, the toxins resulting from improper diet, digestion, and metabolism. The Vata imbalance stiffens blood vessels and lymphatics, preventing proper oxygen exchange in the tissues and drainage of waste products. Over time, the connective tissue stiffens, leading to the manifestation of the typical orange peel appearance.

Obesity
Causes from an Ayurvedic perspective: Lack of physical exercise (Aviyayama); afternoon sleep (Divaswapna); foods and lifestyles aggravating Kapha (Shleshmal Ahara Vihara); excessive consumption of sweet foods (bread, pasta, cereals in general) (Madhura annaha); hormonal and emotional causes; weak