Stress can trigger off a whole lot of lifestyle diseases. Computer vision syndrome, cervical spondylosis , spinal problems, respiratory problems, gastric problems, diabetes, hip pain, obesity and loss of concentration to name a few. But take heart.
Ayurveda has got the answers.
The ABC of Ayurveda
Basically, it follows the Panchkarma treatment (five different procedures) for the purification of the body. They are Nasya (nasal therapy), Vamana (emesis or vomiting), Virechana (purging) and two kinds of Vasti (therapeutic enema), Nirooha Vasti and Sneha Vasti.
But the treatments are not cut and dry. They differ according to the disease as well the individual. As Dr Keshav Bhat, Physician, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Treatment Centre, Bangalore puts it, "In case of a back pain or neck pain, the therapy used may require different herbs and oils depending on the individual." So you need to consult with a physician.
Therapies that work
"Oil treatments leads to relaxation and maintain good health, increasing blood circulation, relaxing muscles and overall, rejuvenating the body," says Dr Bhat. Duration for each course differs depending on your body constitution and intensity of the problems. Here are a few suggested treatments (* to be undertaken only after consulting a doctor):
Shirodhara or Thakradhara
Are you seeking solace for stress, tension, anger or pining for mental relaxation? Consider, Thakradhara or Shirodhara. Dr Nidhi Joshi, Consultant at Naturon Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Mumbai says, "Shirodhara or Thakradhara helps you relieve stress, tension and headache." Shirodhara involves pouring medicated oils over the forehead from a specific height. If instead of oil, butter milk is used, the treatment is "Thakradhara."
The damages: Rs 500 to Rs 2,500 per sitting.
Diet tip: Eat to bust stress
Nethra Tharpanam
Facing problems like eye strain due to spending too much time in front of computers or poor eyesight? Nethra Tharpanam is one of the treatments which gives cooling effect, relieves eye strain and even prevents eye diseases.
The damages: Rs 150 to Rs 750 per sitting.
Ayurvedic massage
Abhyangam, Dr Nidhi Joshi points out is "massage." She says that, in Ayurveda, various pressure points (marmas) are activated by slowly relaxing each and every muscle of the body. This is beneficial in postural body ache and for general relaxation of the body.
The damages: Rs 500 to Rs 2,500 per sitting.
Nasya
If your job requires you to be on site all the time in dusty surroundings, you could encounter sinusitis or headaches. But Nasya should give you some relief. "Nasya involves administrating medicated oils into your nostrils. Ayurveda considers the nose as the gateway to the head," explains Dr Nidhi Joshi.
The damages: Rs 50 to Rs 250 per sitting.
More treatments
A medicated steam bath which relieves body ache, reduces fat, increases blood circulation
- Kizhi which rejuvenates the body, relieves stress, cures spondilitis, arthritis etc.
- Pizhichil which eases muscular pain, arthritis, nervous disorders.
- Navarakizhi which strengthens the nervous system.
- Vasti which cures chronic back pain, sciatica, neurological diseases, persistent constipation and so on.
- The Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre
- Ayurvedagram Health Resort
- The Kare Ayurvedic Spa and Health Resort
- The Kairali Ayurvedic Spa, Phone: (011) 41749800
- The Kerala Ayurvedic Health Spa, Phone: (022) 23694654
Quick cures
If the clock is ticking too fast and you need an alternative to full-term Ayurvedic treatment, here's the lowdown.
A combination of treatment courses: If you have only a day to five days per week to keep aside for treatment, consider taking treatments breaking them into modules.
Combining two treatments and scheduling them into a five day treatment course should work fine. For example, opt for a two day Abhyangam with head massage followed by three days Shirodhara. Short treatments work best if the problem isn't severe or for immediate relief from your uneasiness.
Breaking into modules: If you are travelling more often or your boss restricts you from taking a break, try taking occasional sittings. Dr Keshav Bhat says, "For short term diseases body massage once a week works well. Also try Shirodhara once in a week."
This leads us to the question: are short duration treatments beneficial? "The exact duration of the course depends on the individual's constitution. "For long term benefits, the complete course is essential," says Dr Nidhi Joshi. But if your main aim is to rejuvenate your body or relief from minor ailments like stress, body ache or headache, any of the treatments should work.
Where you can go:
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