Ancient art of rejuvenation
Ayurveda treatments have stood the test of time as a solution to rejuvenate mind and body
DEVELOPED in India about 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest natural medicine treatment systems, with a holistic approach to balancing the internal system. It uses oil and herbs to heal the body, naturally.
Those who practise Ayurveda believe that the five elements such as space, air, fire, water and earth, form three Doshas (energy patterns that flow around the body).
These are Vata, comprising space and air, Pitta comprising fire and water and Kapha comprising water and earth. Each human has a unique combination of the three Dosha.
According to Ayur Centre Sdn Bhd chief Ayurvedic physician Vaidya C.D. Siby (right), who has a degree in Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery from Madras University and over 30 years of experience in the field, the word ‘Ayur’ means ‘life’ in Sanskrit, while ‘Veda’ means ‘knowledge.’
Practitioners use Ayurveda as a guideline to topics such as life, health, quality of food, diseases and treatment.
➲ Oil treatment
Oil treatment is an integral part of Ayurveda. Oil is always used in Ayurveda treatment as it is soft, smooth and soothing. Natural ingredients are added to the oil, which is then massaged into, and absorbed by, the skin.
Siby explained that the body is just one part of the treatment programme. A patient’s condition (including physical fitness, mental ability and so on) need to be looked into before treatment begins.
Siby said: “Our ancestors were very intelligent. They realised that oil is the most suitable medium for the body and used it for maximum benefit. They poured the medicated oil on the forehead. Oil selected for each person is different, depending on the age and medical condition of [the individual].
“If you suffer from back pain or knee joint pain, the oil selected [will be] different compared to oil for skin problems. If three individuals suffer from the same condition, the oil used is different depending on the constitution and the physical condition of each person.
“We believe ingredients in the oil absorb through the skin, the largest organ in the body, and hair follicles. The ingredients in the oil [are] absorbed by the skin on a
particular body area, which is weak and in need of healing, and then carried by the blood stream into the body system.”
For example, if a person has a sleeping problem, the oil is selected with the intention of encouraging relaxation, while for those suffering from psoriasis or eczema, the ingredients in the oil are chosen to help treat the skin.
➲ Experiencing oil massage
After a meeting with Siby at the Ayur Centre in Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya, he recommended I try the Shirodhara and Abhyangam with Ellakizhi therapy or treatment.
During ‘Abhayangam’, medicated oil is applied on the body and head, followed by a body massage.
An ‘Ellakizhi’ – where ‘Ella’ means leaf, and ‘kizhi’ means a bundle or pouch – contains herbal leaves used for pain and stiffness while ‘Shirodhara’ is a form of therapy where medicated oil is poured on the forehead continuously for 30 to 40 minutes, which helps to improve concentration, memory and sleep, and even migraine.
The treatment started with a therapist putting oil on my head and massaging oil on my face. Then, I lay on a traditional Ayurveda wooden massage table or Droni, while two therapists simultaneously applied and massaged oil on each side of my body, synchronising the massage from head to toe.
The oil used was not too hot, and it was a perfect temperature to allow my muscles to relax.
Unlike other massages, the massage technique in Ayurveda is different, as the movement is fast and ample oil is used, lavishly.
Perhaps, this is because the whole purpose of the treatment is for the skin to absorb the oil into the system.
Then, one of the therapists used an Ellakizhi containing Moringa leaves among others, and dipped it in the hot oil before dabbing the warm pouch on my body, gently rubbing it.
During the treatment, I felt very relaxed. The process was soothing and had a calming effect on my body.
Just before the Shirodhara, a long piece of cloth was tied on my forehead to prevent the oil leaking into my eyes.
I lay on my back under a hanging pot with a small hole at the bottom to allow the warm oil to run down a thick thread. The oil dripped slowly across my forehead. It was a simple and yet very relaxing session.
As my hair was soaked with oil, I got to take bath at a bathroom attached to the treatment room, where I washed my body using green gram powder and shower gel provided by the Ayur Centre.
However, if you prefer, you are allowed to bring your own shampoo, shower gel and towel, but a shower that includes green gram powder is a must.
Although one is recommended to undertake this treatment continuously for seven days for an effective impact, I felt rejuvenated even after just one day.