Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of natural and holistic medicine. When translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “the science of life” (the Sanskrit root ayur means “longevity” or “life” and veda means “science”). While allopathic medicine tends to focus on the management of disease, Ayurveda provides us with the knowledge of how to prevent disease and how to eliminate its root cause if it does occur. Ayurveda refers to blood as jiva (life) - ‘रक्‍तो जीव इति स्‍थिति:’. Five thousand years ago, Ayurveda mentions that oxygen is carried by blood cells - ‘प्राणा: शोणितं अनुवर्तन्‍ते’.

The knowledge of Ayurveda was passed on orally through a lineage of sages in India until it was collated into text more than five thousand years ago. The oldest known texts on Ayurveda are the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and the Ashtanga Hrudaya. These texts detail the affect that the five elements found in the cosmic system - earth, water, air, fire, space – have on our individual system, and expound on the importance of keeping these elements balanced for a healthy and happy life. The dosha affects not just the shape of one’s body but also bodily tendencies (like food preferences and digestion), and the temperament of one’s mind and emotions. For example, the earth element in people with Kapha dosha is evident in their solid, sturdy body type, their tendency for slower digestion, their strong memory, and their emotional steadiness. Most people’s prakriti is made up of a combination of two doshas. For example, people who are “Pitta Kapha” will have the tendencies of both Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha, with Pitta dominating. By understanding the qualities of our natural constitution we are better able to do what is needed to keep ourselves in balance.

Ayurveda places great importance on one’s pathya, or lifestyle (eating habits and daily routine). Ayurveda also provides guidance on how to adjust our lifestyle based on the change of seasons. There has been a phenomenal increase in the demand for the specialized therapies of Ayurveda particularly panchakarma, not only for the treatment of diseases but also for preventive & promoting health. As a result many health centers and resorts are providing these therapies but it should be done only by a proper examination, proper planning, and proper guidance. We focus on restoring the natural harmony of your body and mind. During the first consultation at Swastha; our Ayurveda center, our doctors will ask for your medical history and do the examinations based on Ayurveda ( Darshana- Inspection and observations, Sparshana- Palpation, percussion, auscultation, Prashna – Interrogation like general state of health with special focus on your lifestyle, diet, habits, and environmental surroundings).

Ayurvedic Treatment can grossly be divided into Shodhana and Shamana i.e. purificatory and palliative therapy respectively.

The shodhana therapy includes procedures that eradicate the vitiated humors from the body. eg.vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), vasti (enema), nasya (nasal errhines).

The shaman procedure comprises techniques that pacify the doshas or bring them back to normalcy e.g. deepana (carminative), pachana (digestive), upavasa 
(fasting) etc.

Some of the therapies include:

1. Abhyanga
2. Uzhilchil
3. Pizhichil
4. Marma Therapy
5. Shirodhara
6. Facial Marma
7. Meru Chikitsa
8. Snehana / Snehapana
9. Swedana (Sweat Therapy)
10. Nasya
11. Virechana
12. Paada Abhyanga (Foot Massage)
13. Pinda Sweda
14. Talapothichil (Shirolepa)
15. Shirovasti
16. Osteopathy