Chikitsa Yogam

With the advent of the Colonial rule by the British and others Ayurveda was getting disappeared from the world. It was due to the tremendous efforts and initiative by a few like the Zamorin of Calicut,that it survived proving strength in years to come. Zamorin, with his innovative mind formed the first ever Research wing in Ayurveda, a panel of Health care experts which included Ashtavaidyas, Traditional Vaidyas and Modern Allopathic Physicians. This was called a Chikitsa Yogam, meaning, an Assembly of Physicians. Once the system of Physician going to the Patient was changed to patient coming to the Physician rather to the Ayurveda Hospital, patients started flocking in. For the physician, it was the first ever opportunity to examine, diagnose and treat various disorders in a single place. Hence an assembly, a panel of Doctors could discuss about the disorder examined and share their views to dispense with the best opinion one could ever get. The million year old wisdom of Ayurveda purified, refined
and bettered by the traditional Vaidyas, Ashtavaidyas and the allopathy physicians, through generations of practical experience gave birth to the ultimate in Health Care - The Samajam Sampradayam.

The first panel of the Samajam in the early decades of the 20th century had witnessed the collective brain work of legendary Ayurvedic physicians like Vaidya Ratnam Thriprangod Parameswaran Mooss, Ashtavaidyan Alathiyoor Neelakandan Nambi, Ashtavaidyan Chirattaman Narayanan Mooss, Ashtavaidyan Kuttancherry Aryan Mooss, Ashtavaidyan Thaikkatt Divakaran Mooss, Mooriyil Narayanan Nambeesan, Ambramoli Ravunni Vaidyan, Poyiloor Sankara Varier, Govinda Varier, Changaramkulam and that of the modern physicians of high reputate Dr. C.V. Rama Rao and Dr. E. Rama Varier.

Specialty Clinics

In 1990, the Samajam put another benchmark for carrying out health studies by starting specialized clinical research units; under the general title “clinic for Diabetes and Infertility.” The uniqueness of its research clinics is that it re-searches on the heritage wisdom of Ayurveda relentlessly through the available literature on one hand and, on the other, it modifies and applies the traditional knowledge the disorders diagnosed on modern lines and verifies the result again on modern lines. A number of modern hospitals and medical research centers and modern medical practitioners and research scientists help the Samajam in its struggle to unveil the secrets of tradition for the benefits of the humanity as a whole.
Close on the heel, the Samajam introduced specialized clinical research units for Diabetes mellitus and its long term complications, male sterility and sub-fertility problems, Degenerative brain disorders and stroke, Ischemic heart diseases and hyper cholestremia, Psoriasis and skin diseases, Autism and MND, and certain forms of cancer, during the last 10 years.

Panel Today

The first ever union of all Ashtavaidyas, other eminent vaidyas, and the modern English Physicians was like a congress called in by Apollo. The wisdom in each family was expressed, discussed and shared. This exchange of wisdom with a long heredity of thousands of years from each family gave birth to the Kerala School of Ayurveda better known as Samajam Sampradayam. The diagnostics and therapeutics took a new turn by incorporating the wisdom of each one weaving a fine fabric with a new mission and vision, a practical diagnostic warp and the traditional therapeutic as weft giving birth to the present finest fabric of today’s Ayurveda with a high tensile strength. The sheen of this fabric was such that it shined not just in Malabar or Cochin or Travancore but across the entire continent ringing the bells even at the Buckingham Palace.

The research oriented team has clinics for 

Diabetes, & Infertility
Brain and Heart diseases
Preventive Health Care
Life Style Disorders
Personal Health Refresh
Autism
MND

The panel meets at Shoranur on 1st Tuesday and 3rd Saturday and at other centres as follows.

The panel has brought out proprietary medicines etc for Diabetes, Infertility. The panel is attended by other students including students from abroad. The Samajam Sampradayam is nothing extra ordinary but an extension of the traditional ayurveda mentioned in the works of Charaka, Susrutha and Vagbhata.

Treatments

The treatments available at Samajam, at Shoranur as well as in all its centres include

ABHYANGAM (Oil Application)

Procedure: This is a process of application of medicated oil on head, then to the ears, palms, soles and whole body comfortably. It is conducted in a sequential order by keeping the patient on sitting, supine, left lateral, supine, right lateral and again in sitting position..
Period: 60 minutes
Indication: Improves body strength, sleep, good texture, good complexion of skin, promotes resistance and eye sight, prevents premature aging and stiffness of limbs.
Contra indication: Fever, Diarrhoea, and Indigestion etc.

UDWARTHANAM (Massage)

Procedure: Initially gentle massage is done all over the body after applying of suitable oil as prescribed in the process of abhyangam. Medicated powder alone or the powder mixed in suitable liquid (dhanyamlam) is used to massage all over the body with Optimum pressure. Bath in lukewarm water is advised after udwarthanam.

Indication: It reduces the adipose tissue,  relieves rheumatic complaints, gives good complexion to skin and increase flexibility of joints.

Contra Indication: Children, old age people, severe illness, indigestion, fever etc.

CHAVITTI UZHICHIL (Massage using Feet)

This is most ancient form of massage, which has been practicing in Kerala under the guidance of experts in Ayurveda and Kalaripayattu (Kerala Marital Art).

Procedure: General massage is done over the body after application of medicated oil over head and body. Patient is allowed to lie on his vent with hands stretched out to upward position and legs slightly protracted, the masseur holding the rope with hands which is fixed on the hook at a height of 10 feet from the floor, apply massage using feet over the back of the body. The foot moves gently in a particular manner through various positions for a period of 1 hour.

Indication: It reduces the adiposity relieves rheumatic complaints. Gives good complexion to skin. Increase flexibility of joints.
Contra Indication: Children, old age people, severe illness, indigestion, fever etc.

SWEDANAM (Sudation)

This is an important process generally done before Pancha Karma (eliminating process) by which sweat is generated either local or all over the body and it increases circulation also. Based on the nature of heat sources of swedana, it is classified into various types. 

1. Pinda Swedam:

The body is made to sweat by the application of boluses of medicinal leaves, lemon pieces, horse gram, ceasam seeds, black gram, wheat, rice, meat etc tied in a cloth.

i) Patrapodala sweda (Elakizhi)

Boluses are made with leaves of Sida corifolia, Ricinus communis, Pongamia glabra, Arka, two ripe lemon and coconut scrapes.

Procedure: Prescribed medicated oil should be first applied over the body and boluses which are warmed in medicated oil are gently applied simultaneously by the two therapists on either side. The relay of warm boluses with cold one should be continuously done until the person perspires considerably. This is conducted by keeping the patient in sitting, supine, left lateral, right lateral and sitting position. 

Period: 60 min.

Indication: In arthritis, neurological disorders, asthma, cough, etc.
Contra Indication: Fever, Indigestion, burns, toxicity and alcoholism

ii) Nali Swedam:
Comes under ushna swedam.

Kheera Dhoomam (Palpuka) : This is a form of Nali Swedam.

Procedure: Equal quantities of decoction and cow’s milk are poured in a vessel and heated. The vapor coming out of the vessel is directed through a pipe. The patient is anointed with prescribed oil and made to sit on a stool and his eyes covered with lotus petal. The vapor from the pipe is allowed to spread comfortably over face and part of the body for a period of 60 minutes in a uniform manner.

Indication: In facial paralysis and Jihwa stamba.

Contra Indication: In burning sensation, unconscious stage and general weakness.

2. Avagaha Swedam 

Fomentation by taking bath in a tub or a vessel with vatha alleviating decoction, milk etc.

Procedure: The prescribed decoction in tolerable warm water is poured in a tub and the duly anointed patient is made to sit in the tub for a prescribed time. Decoction in the tub should be above the level of umbilicus and decoction should be maintained in same temperature by changing with warm decoction at regular intervals.
Period: 15 to 20 minutes.

Indication: Low back pain, Moothra Krichara vikara (Dysuria), Piles etc.

Contra Indication: In fever and indigestion.

3. Upanaha Swedam

Fomentation is done by applying medicated paste in the Joints.

Procedure: Warm Paste of the prescribed powder should be made by one tsp. Saindhava, lemon and Dhanyamla. At tolerable warmth the paste is spread over Erenda leaves (Ricinus communis) and applied over the affected area and covered with cotton cloth and with a thread.

Period: 12 hours

Indication: In swelling and pain over joints.

Contra Indication: In skin diseases

4. Kayasekam (Pizhichil)

It is a type of swedana karma known as Dhara Sweda.

Procedure: The patient is made to sit on the dhara table and thalam is applied on the head. A band of cloth is tied around the forehead and prescribed medicated oil is warmed. Then the patient is subjected to abhyanga. Cloth pieces are dipped in sufficient warm oil and squeezed with hands on either sides of the body from neck to toe, from a moderate height and medium speed. Mild massage is also done during this process. The stagnant oil on the table is collected warmed and again used for the therapy. The process is done in sitting position, supine position, left lateral, right lateral and sitting posture. At the end gentle massage can be done and allow to take rest for a few minutes before bath.

Period: 60 minutes

Indication: In neurological disorder and arthritis.

Contra Indication: Indigestion, obesity, skin disorders, fever, cough etc.

Panchakarma Therapies

Vamana

This is one among the Panchakarma therapy mainly advised for kapha disorders and should be done with utmost care and only under medicinal supervision.

Procedure : (After Snehana & Swedanam) : 

This procedure should be conducted in morning before 10 am. Suitable oil should be applied over chest and back and then subjected to swedana. Then he is allowed to drink milk/decoction up to his stomach full. Then an emetic drug with honey and rock salt should be administrated orally. When the patient has the sensation of vomiting, he is permitted to vomit. If vomiting does not occur within an hour, mechanical induction is done by touching his palate with his finger. While vomiting his chest and back should be massaged gently in the upward direction.

Indication : In toxicity, indigestion, skin diseases, mental disorders etc.

Contra Indication : In piles, constipation, hypertension, cardiac complaints etc.

Nasyam

This is usually done in the morning before 9.30 am and in the evening before sunset. The patient is asked to sit in a stool and prescribed oil is applied over scalp, neck and shoulder. Sudation must do with warm water. Then he is made to lie down in supine position on the table. Pillow is used in such a way to make the nostrils almost upward position. The required quantity of medicine is made warm with indirect heat and poured into the pranate (gokarna). By closing the left nostril, with the left hand, medicine is slowly poured into the right nostril and vice versa. The patient is asked to inhale vigorously so that the medicine sets in easily. Gentle massage should be given to palm, foot, face and shoulder and advised to spit.

Period : for 7 days

Indication : In fits running nose, cervical spondylosis, Facial palsy, Sinusitis.

Contra Indication : In cough, swasa, early stage of running nose.

Virechana

This therapy is also a purifactory process and is one among the Panchakarma.

Procedure : The patient is first subjected to oil application and sudation, purgative drug should be given orally along with decoction, milk or warm water. The dose of drug should be decided according to dosha, disease and age. He is advised to take warm water frequently. After getting sufficient defecation, he is allowed to take rest. Light and easily digestible food as per peyadi krama (order) shoul be given.

Contra Indication : Indigestion, heart diseases, tuberculosis.

Vasthykarma

This is one among panchakarma techniques and has a high clinical value and is a method of administering medicines through rectal route. Basically Vasthy are of three types Anuvasana Vasthy, Asthapana Vasthy, Uthara Vasthy.

2. Anuvasanam (Snehavasthy)

This is usually done before Kashayavasthy. For this oil is used and is administrated after the intake of food.

Procedure : At noon, after intake of food, patient should lie on left lateral position with right leg flexed. 60 ml (2 oz.) of prescribed oil should be filled in vasthiyanthra and tied properly. Oil is applied at tip of vasthi nethra. Then insert the vasthi nethra in to the rectum and squeeze the content slowly and steadily by the physician. After the administration, the patient should lie on his back. The buttocks are patted by the palms and allow to flex both legs simultaneously with the angles touching the buttocks for 3-5 times. Maximum time for oil to come out is 9 hours.

Indication : In Arthritis, Hemiplegia, Low back pain, Constipation.
Contra Indication : In indigestion, diabetes.

2. Asthapana Vasthy (Kashaya Vasthy)

This is one among the panckhakarma therapy

Procedure : This therapy is given in empty stomach. Before administrating Kashaya Vasthy abdomen and low back area should be applied with oil and subjected to swedana. Salt, honey, oil, kalka, decoction are mixed, churned well and warmed over hot water. Oil is applied at tip of Vasthinethra and insert vasthinethra in to the rectum and squeeze the content slowly and steadily by the physician. After administration of vasthy, the patient should lie on his back. The maximum time for the material to come out is 45 minutes. If it does not come, another Kashayavasthy should be given and sudate properly. After kashayavasthi bath in warm water should be given and allow to take light food.

Indication : In low back pain, hemiplegia, constipation.
Contra Indication : General weakness, indigestion, heamorrhoids, diabetis.

Rakthamoksham

This therapy is applied to let out impure blood from the body. Jalookavacharanam and prachana are more prevalent among them.

a. Prachana 

This therapy is used to remove blood from a localized area.
Procedure : The part of the body where prachana has to be performed is cleaned and tied with a thread just above to that area. With a sharp pointed surgical blade, pricking is conducted in a regular pattern downward moving to upward making easy flow of blood. Then thread is removed and clean the area and apply antiseptic oil or ghee.
Indication : Skin Diseases, gambheera stage of vatharaktha.
Contra Indication : Indigestion, Vomiting, Cough, Anaemia,. Diarrhoea.

b. Jalookavacharanam

Procedure : With a sharp blade, the affected area is slightly punched and two or three jalookas are made to adhere there. When jalooka starts sucking impure blood, it is covered with wet cotton and its size gradually increases and finally fall off by itself or it is made to detach from the wound by applying turmeric powder. Then immerse it in water mixed with turmeric powder it will vomit impure blood and after that they kept in fresh water for later use. The affected area is then cleaned and pasted with antiseptic oil.
Indication : Skin diseases
Contra Indication : Asthma, Cough, Anaemia, Indigestion.

And, this particular species of “Sukha Chikitsa” is everywhere to be seen especially in the months of monsoon and tourism seasons and is about to becoming a cult by itself.

Stung by this blatant abuse of Ayurveda by opportunists, the foremost Ayurvedic institution in India, the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam of a century plus experience, expertise and service has for the first time come up with a standardized Health care therapy for the health savvy men and women.

Titled as “Swasthavrutham Sukha Chikitsa”, the programme is not the run- of-the mill variation, nor designed out of the blue moon to earn a fast buck and then fade out, but a package of exceptional health care potential promising long time health benefits.

Somewhat ten years before the Samajam had undertaken a study on the preventive health care principles of Ayurveda, which finally resulted in the fine-tuning of a finest health protection programme under the title “Swasthavrutham Sukha Chikitsa”.

The “Swasthavrutham Sukha Chikitsa” of Samajam has two complimentary components - therapies and life style management. The former is designed for immediate health benefits and the latter is for long-term health benefits.
In this programme the therapies are limited by 10 days in time. Whereas, a person spend just 1½ hrs a day each in which a series of Ayurveda therapies in accordance with the body constitution and that of the Body-Mass-index of the person are employed. These are meant for the Detoxification of the cells and tissues in the body.

By the end of 10 days, the person subsequently gets a set of written instructions which are designed for controlling the existing life style of the person for better and long term health benefits. 

These instructions usually cover food habits, exercise, sleep, yoga, sex, personality, hygiene, prevention of accelerated ageing and degeneration, negating the influences of environmental pollution, Alcoholic or tobacco toxicity if any, prayer and meditation for better psychological frame, harnessing the intellectual and creative potential, strengthening the familial and social ties, and the like to bring out of the best out of each and every individual. This helps the person to live the life optimally and wholesome.

The programme cannot be extended or shortened as it is limited by 10 days. It also includes a life-style management directive that suits every individual in his or her own surroundings, which doesn't jeopardize one's own ambitions or derails one's own responsibilities in life, which can be practiced comfortably at one's own home or work place in Kochi, Kolkatha or Kingston, a thing unheard so far! Further, the programme is not open to all and sundry, as it is meant for the men and non-pregnant women in the 30-60 age group.

The programme aims at improving general health, immunity, complexion, vitality and endurance. It regulates the digestive and metabolic functions of the body. It reduces the environmental toxicity, Alcoholic toxicity, tobacco toxicity, metabolic toxicity, obesity, and raised levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, stress, strain & tension, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome and mood disturbances.

A pioneering institution in the field of Ayurveda, the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam Shoranur, has finally brought out a pioneering preventive health care package, the Swasthavrutham Sukha Chikitsa” for immediate and long-term health benefits.

It is Ayurveda in practice and it has to be experienced to believe. 
It is also hoped that the health resorts will follow and modify the pattern through scientific lines, so as, the innocent “client” shall be beneficed enormously on one hand and the Science of Ayurveda, on the other could become much universal.

Herbarium

As the requirement in Samajam itself is large and also to the fact that open market can give you low quality materials Samajam maintains a Herbarium. Moreover for the in patients Fresh herbs for treatment make a lot of difference too. The samajam has medicinal plants like ,Koovalam- Aegle marmelos, Thippali-Piper longum,Kacholam-Kaempferia galanga, Chethi koduvel-Plumbago rosea, Chittarutha- Alpinia galanga, Adalodakam-Adhatoda vasica, Neelayamari-Indigofera tinctoria,Vayambu-Acorus calamus, Pathimukham-Caesalpinia sappan, Asokam-Saraca indica, Amukkuram-Withania somnifera, Satavari- Asparagus racemosus, Kasthurimanjal-Curcuma aromatica, Narunandi-Hemidesmus indicus, Koduveli-Plumbago rosea, Karimkuringi-Strobilanthus haenianus, Iruveli-Coleus zeylanicus, Orila-Desmodium gangeticum, Muvila- Pseudarthia visida, Chittamrithu- Tinospora cordifolia, Adapathiyen-Holestemma annulare, Patchouli- Pogastemon cablin, Sarpagandhi- Rauvolfia serpentina etc.

Samajam encourages the local population to have a small hernbal garden at home. Plants grown here are purchased by Samajm. Some of the plants thus given are Adalodakam-

Adhatoda vasica, Brahmi- Bacopa monnieria,Vayambu-Acorus
calamus,Ocimum-Ocimum sanctum, Osimum basilicum, Cheria Adalodakam- Adhatoda beddomei, Kacholam- Kaempferia galanga, Thippali-Piper l o n g u m,  S a t a v a r i - A s p a r a g u s racemosus, Iruveli-Coleus zeylanicus, Kumari-Aloe vera, Neelayamari- Indigofera tinctoria, Asokam-Saraca indica, Neem-Azadirachta indica, Ginger-Zingiber officinale etc.

Some of the plants that are commonly used in treatments are

AMALAKI: According to Ayurveda, Amalaki rebuilds and maintains new tissues and increases red blood count. It cleans the mouth, strengthens the teeth, nourishes the bones, and is the highest natural source of Vitamin C. Excellent for allergies, anemia, cold and flu, constipation, diabetes, digestive disorders, immune system problems, and liver problems. 

ARJUN: According to Ayurveda, it is used in hemorrhages, diarrhea, dysentery, heart diseases, fractures, acne, and other skin diseases.

ASHWAGANDHA: According to Ayurveda, known as Indian "Ginseng", Ashwa-gandha has been historically used for general debility, sexual debility, and nerve exhaustion. It also regenerates the hormal system, promotes healing of tissues, overwork, lack of sleep, and can be uses externally on wounds. Excellent for cough, infertility, impotence, insomnia, nervous tension, rheumatism, and stress. 

BABUL CHALL: According to Ayurveda, the bark is a powerful astringent. Decoction of bark is largely used as a gargle and mouth wash in cancerous and syphilitic affections. 

BAKUCHI SEED: According to Ayurveda, the seeds are useful in bilious affections. Its powder is specially recommended by Vaidyas in leprosy and leucoderma internally and are also applied in the form of paste or ointment externally. The herb has been considered to be so efficacious in leprosy that it was given the name of "KUSHTANASHINI" (leprosy destroyer).

BALA: According to Ayurveda, Bala is commonly used for heart diseases, soothing for arthritic pain, rejuvenative, nutritive, and stimulant for the heart, helps in the inflammation of nerve tissue.

BHUMY AMALAKI: According to Ayurveda, it is antispasmodic and an expectorant. The decoction of the leaves with pepper, in doses of 1/2 to 1 ounce, is an excellent cough mixture useful for chronic bronchitis. In consumption, it relieves the irritable cough by its soothing action. 

BIBITAKI: According to Ayurveda, Bibitaki has been customarily used as a strong laxative, cleansing the bowels, is a heating herb, good for sore throats or used as a gargle. 

BRAHMI: According to Ayurveda, Brahmi has been traditionally used for nervous disorders, epilepsy, senility, premature aging, hair loss, chronic and obstinate skin conditions, and venereal diseases. Excellent for eczema, fever, hair loss, immune system problems, rheumatism, and ulcers. 

BRINGRAJ: According to Ayurveda, Bringraj can be helpful in premature graying of hair, balding, alopecia, loss or falling teeth, enlargement of liver and spleen, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, bleeding, dysentery, anemia, skin diseases, insomnia, and mental disorders. Excellent for anxiety, constipation, fever, hair loss, insomnia, liver problems, nervous tension, and stress.

Public Awareness

As part of its public awareness Campaign especially among the Rural population, Samajam organises Ayurveda Insight Missions. While free check up and medical advice is given and medicines to the deserving, Samajam stresses on the agrarian population to grow more herbs by making them aware of the sustainable, ecological and cultural importance of Ayurveda in the Contemporary World and also its vast market potential with herbs and herbal Medicine. 

Fostering health by old means and new, the Samajam is supporting projects to help the people to make the best of a precious natural resource: plants used in traditional medicines and modern pharmaceuticals. As a result of these efforts, communities throughout the region are beginning to conserve and sustainably harvest plants that have provided remedies for hundreds of years and that yield ingredients for some of the most advanced medications available today. This undertaking affects more than the state of Kerala because plants used for both kinds of medicines are exported to countries all over the world.

More than 80 percent of the people in India rely on Ayurveda and other herbal remedies as a principal means of preventing and curing illnesses, and several traditional medical systems are based on the use of plants. There are several advantages to such systems: the plants involved are readily available, are easy to transport, and do not spoil quickly. Remedies based on these plants often have minimal side effects, and the relatively high cost of synthetic medicines makes traditional herbal medicines an affordable choice for the poor in these lands . 

Ayurveda is part of a time-honoured and time-tested culture that