Ayurveda treatments & programmes

A structured cleansing programme of preparation, main procedures and recovery, planned and supervised by a qualified Ayurveda physician.

Procedure and tradition

Classical texts describe five main procedures (vamana, virechana, basti, nasya and raktamokshana). In practice a physician selects only those suitable for you, after preparatory oiling (snehana) and sweating (swedana).

During a session

Daily consultations, oil therapies and the selected main procedure, with a prescribed diet and rest. Some days are deliberately quiet.

Why people seek it

• Seasonal or periodic rejuvenation
• Support for chronic lifestyle complaints alongside conventional care
• A structured reset of diet and routine

Typical time

Usually 14–28 days including preparation and recovery; shorter stays rarely allow a complete programme.

Evidence and limits

Small studies report improvements in wellbeing and some markers, but high-quality trials are limited. It should not replace treatment of serious illness.

Possible risks

• Dehydration, fatigue or weakness
• Digestive upset from purgation or enemas
• Electrolyte imbalance in vulnerable people

Ask a doctor first if you are

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• Diabetes, kidney or liver conditions
• Recent surgery, fever or acute illness
• Taking prescription medicines or blood thinners

Aftercare

A gradual return to normal food (samsarjana krama) over several days, adequate rest and avoiding strenuous travel straight after.

Questions to ask your practitioner

• Which procedures do you recommend for me, and why?
• Who supervises me and what are their qualifications?
• What happens if I feel unwell during treatment?
• Will you liaise with my own doctor about my medicines?

A full-body warm oil massage, often given by one or two therapists, using oils chosen for your constitution.

Procedure and tradition

Medicated or plain oil is applied with long, rhythmic strokes, often followed by steam (swedana) and a warm bath.

During a session

45–75 minutes on a wooden or padded table, followed by rest and a bath.

Why people seek it

• Relaxation and better sleep
• Dry skin and stiffness
• Preparation for other therapies

Typical time

Single sessions, or daily for 7–14 days as part of a programme.

Evidence and limits

Massage generally helps relaxation and perceived stress; specific Ayurvedic claims are not well tested.

Possible risks

• Slipping on oily floors
• Skin irritation or allergy to oils
• Not suitable over injuries, rashes or with fever

Ask a doctor first if you are

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• Diabetes, kidney or liver conditions
• Recent surgery, fever or acute illness
• Taking prescription medicines or blood thinners

Aftercare

Keep warm, avoid cold drinks and heavy meals for a few hours.

Questions to ask your practitioner

• Which oil will you use and what is in it?
• Can I have a therapist of my own gender?
• Is the treatment room accessible and non-slip?

A steady stream of warm oil, buttermilk or herbal liquid poured over the forehead.

Procedure and tradition

You lie still while liquid flows from a suspended vessel across the forehead in a gentle rhythm, usually after a head massage.

During a session

30–60 minutes, followed by rest.

Why people seek it

• Relaxation
• Help with stress and sleep
• Part of a longer programme

Typical time

Often 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days in a programme.

Evidence and limits

Small trials suggest effects on stress and sleep; studies are limited in size and quality.

Possible risks

• Oil temperature must be checked carefully
• Dizziness on getting up
• May not suit people with colds or sinus problems

Ask a doctor first if you are

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• Diabetes, kidney or liver conditions
• Recent surgery, fever or acute illness
• Taking prescription medicines or blood thinners

Aftercare

Keep the head covered and warm, avoid washing hair with cold water and rest.

Questions to ask your practitioner

• What liquid do you use and how is temperature checked?
• How many sessions do you suggest and why?

Therapeutic sweating using herbal steam, usually after oil massage.

Procedure and tradition

You sit or lie in a steam box with your head outside, or receive local steam to one area.

During a session

5–20 minutes, watched by a therapist.

Why people seek it

• Stiffness and muscle tension
• Preparing the body for Panchakarma

Typical time

Often daily within a programme.

Evidence and limits

Heat can ease muscle tension; specific claims are not well studied.

Possible risks

• Overheating, fainting or burns
• Not suitable with heart conditions, pregnancy or high blood pressure

Ask a doctor first if you are

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• Diabetes, kidney or liver conditions
• Recent surgery, fever or acute illness
• Taking prescription medicines or blood thinners

Aftercare

Drink warm water, rest and avoid cold air immediately afterwards.

Questions to ask your practitioner

• How long will I be in the steam and who will watch me?
• Can the session be stopped immediately if I feel unwell?

Warm cloth boluses filled with herbs, leaves, rice or powders, pressed rhythmically over the body.

Procedure and tradition

Boluses are heated in oil or decoction and applied with rhythmic pressure. Types include ela kizhi (leaves), podi kizhi (powders) and njavara kizhi (medicated rice).

During a session

45–60 minutes.

Why people seek it

• Joint and muscle stiffness
• Relaxation and circulation

Typical time

Usually 7–14 days in a programme.

Evidence and limits

Limited formal research; mostly traditional and experiential.

Possible risks

• Burns if boluses are too hot
• Bruising on fragile skin

Ask a doctor first if you are

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• Diabetes, kidney or liver conditions
• Recent surgery, fever or acute illness
• Taking prescription medicines or blood thinners

Aftercare

Rest, keep warm and bathe as advised.

Questions to ask your practitioner

• Which type of kizhi do you recommend and why?
• How do you check the temperature?

Large quantities of warm medicated oil are squeezed over the body while therapists massage gently.

Procedure and tradition

Two to four therapists pour warm oil continuously from cloths while massaging, often on a traditional wooden droni.

During a session

45–90 minutes.

Why people seek it

• Traditionally used in programmes for stiffness and nervous-system complaints

Typical time

Usually 7–14 days, prescribed by a physician.

Evidence and limits

Very little formal research.

Possible risks

• Overheating and fatigue
• Slipping
• Not suitable for some heart and blood pressure conditions

Ask a doctor first if you are

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Heart disease, high or low blood pressure
• Diabetes, kidney or liver conditions
• Recent surgery, fever or acute illness
• Taking prescription medicines or blood thinners

Aftercare

Extended rest, light diet and no strenuous activity on the same day.

Questions to ask your practitioner

• Is a physician present or on call during the session?
• Why is this suitable for me?