Dhara- Ayurvedic Relaxation Therapies

Dhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy for relaxation of the body, mind and soul. In this treatment, Dharas or streams are formed using several different types of medicated fluids such as milk, buttermilk and oils.

Pizhichil (Thailadhara)- Ayurvedic Oil Bath

Pizhichil is one of the most common techniques used in Ayurvedic Dhara therapy. It involves the use of warm, medicated oil which is poured onto the client’s body and then gently massaged into the skin in a slow, circular motion. Depending on the health condition of the client, Pizhichil therapy is usually carried out for a period of 7 - 14 days

Benefits

• Restores vitality
• Prevents skin diseases
• Fights depression
• Relieves anxiety

Indications

• Arthritis
• Paralysis
• Neurological disorders
• Bone degeneration
• Rheumatic diseases

Shirodhara -Ayurvedic Relaxation treatment

In Shirodhara, thin streams of warm herbal oil are poured onto the forehead, hair and scalp. It stimulates the frontal region and provides absolute relaxation of the mind and body. For this reason, Shirodhara is sometimes referred to as third eye treatment. The client is given a full-body massage following which a Dhara or stream of medicated oil is poured on the forehead in back and forth motion together with a light rubbing massage.

Benefits

• Reduces anxiety
• Clears the mind and enhances awareness
• Relieves headaches

Indications

• Fatigue
• ENT disorders
• Disturbed sleep
• Skin diseases

Netradhara - Ayurvedic Eye Treatment

Netradhara or cleansing of the eyes is the recommended treatment for eye conditions and relieving the body of stress and anxiety. It is usually performed for duration of 15 minutes wherein the eyes are washed with herbal oils or medicated ghee. In the Netradhara procedure, a strip of a thin cloth is placed around the head of the client, slightly above the eyebrows. The herbal oil is heated to a lukewarm temperature and poured into a vessel that is placed just above the eyes. A continuous stream of oil is then poured over the eyes, after which they are washed with Triphala water that clears the vision and safeguards the eyes.

Benefits

• Invigorates the eyes and enhances vision
• Strengthens eye muscles and nerves
• Reduces fatigue and pain in the eyes
• Aids in mental relaxation

Indications

• Night blindness
• Myopia and Hypermetropia
• Blurred vision
• Corneal abrasion

Thakra Dhara - Ayurvedic Relaxation treatment

In this therapy, Thakra or buttermilk (medicated) is continuously poured over the client’s forehead. In the same process as most Dhara therapies, a cloth is placed over the eyebrows, and medicated buttermilk is allowed to flow down from a vessel onto the forehead, scalp and hair. This is simultaneous with a light massage on the scalp and hair.

Ksheera Dhara - Ayurvedic Dosha Balance Therapy

Ksheera Dhara is a conventional Dhara procedure that uses medicated milk instead of herbal oils. In the traditional Ksheera Dhara process, the client’s eyebrows are covered with a thin cloth and a stream of medicated milk is poured continuously over the head and scalp. The milk flows from the forehead to the scalp and hair. These areas are massaged gently for 45 minutes. Ksheera Dhara primarily treats disorders caused by an imbalance of Vata and Pitta.

Dhanyamla Dhara - Anti Inflammatory Treatment

Dhanyamla Dhara is a full body treatment that uses a fermented and medicated infusion that is continuously poured on the body. Rice, gram, millet, fruits and ginger are used to prepare the infusion, which is stored in traditional Ayurvedic vessels. After a preparatory oil massage, therapists pour lukewarm infusions across the client’s body and simultaneously massage it into the skin in a circular motion. Due to the temperature, the nutrients penetrate into the skin and remove the aggravated Kapha and Vata from the body.