The word AYUR literally means ' life ' and VEDA means ' the science of knowledge '. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the do's and dont's one has to follow, which flavours the well being of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both physically, mentally and socially.

Ayurveda is also known as Asthanga Veda. The word literaly means "Eight branches of knowledge" as it is divided into eight specialized branches, which are :

1. Kaya Chikilsa - General Medicine

2. Kaumara Britya - Paediatrics

3. Graha Chikilsa - Psychiatry and psycho somatic diseases

4. Shalakya Tantra - Diseases of eye, ear, head, nose, throat and its surgery

5. Shalya Tantra - General Surgery

6. Agada Tantra - Toxicology

7. Rasayana Chikilsa - Rejuvenation Therapy

8. Vajeekarana Chikilsa - Aphrodisiac Therapy

The objectives of Ayurveda is to establish prime health in every living being, physically, mentally and spiritually. The basic concepts and fundamental principles aim at establishing such a condition through correct and thorough knowledge of healthy living. Ayurveda states wrong behaviour and food habits disturb the harmony and lead to diseases.

KEY TO THERAPIES : -

I. SYNCHRONISED MASSAGE
This is subjecting the body with comfortable strokes along with the application of medicated oils. This therapy comforts the person, improves blood circulation, prevents absorption of inflammatory exudations, removes obesity and pain in the body, relieves fatigue and promotes development of muscles.

II. STEAM BATH
It is procedure by which the person is made to perspire by the application of medicated steam all over the body, except the head. Indicated for neurological aliments, rheumatism, pain all over the body, stiffness of back, arthritis, skin diseases etc.

III. NJAVARAKIZHI
By this procedure, the whole body or a particular part there of is made to sweat by the gentle massage with medical puddings as boluses tied in cloth. Indicated for neurological diseases, rheumatism, arthritis, emaciation of limbs for restoration of health.

IV. PIZHICHIL
It is a suedation therapy done by pouring warm medicated oil over the body from a particular height with a regular speed of flow. This is effective in paralysis, hemiplegia, arthritis, stiffness of limbs, spastic conditions. It is also a rejuvenation therapy.

V. SIRODHARA
It is a process by which medicated oil, milk etc. are poured in a continuous stream in the forehead. Indicated for neurological diseases, insomnia, depression, chronic head aches, sleeplessness and burning sensation in the head.

VI. UDWARTHANAM
It is deep dry massage using herbal powders. This reduces obesity, imparts mobility to joints, strengthens muscles and refreshes the body.

VII. SIROVASTHI
This is a treatment for brain strength. In this, a cap, made up of flexible leather will be fixed on the head and slightly warm oil will be poured inside. Duration - 1 hour.

VIII. KADIDHARA
It is a sedation therapy done by pouring warm liquid extract of cooked fermented grains over the body with nozzle pitcher. This is effective in all rheumatic complaints especially in rheumatoid arthritis.

IX. THAKARADHARA
It is a sedation therapy done by pouring warm medicated buttermilk in the forehead. Indicated for insomnia, depression and burning sensation in the head.

X. ELAKIZHI
This is a herbal treatment for stiffness, body pain, etc., especially in the arthritis and paralysis. Boluses of fried herbal leaves will be warmed by dipping in medicated warm oil and massage with it all over the body.

XI. THARPANAM
Pouring medicated ghee on eyes for improving eyesight.

XII. CHOORNASWEDAM
In this procedure, the whole body is made to sweat by massaging with herbal powder as boluses tied in cloth. Indicated for neurological disorders, rheumatism and arthritis. Njavarakizhi