Shodhana therapy aims at removal of the causative factors of somatic and psychosomatic diseases.
The process involves internal and external purification. The usual practices that
are involved in it are Panchkarma (medically induced Emesis, Purgation, Oil
Enema, Decoction enema and Nasal administration of medicines), Pre-panchkarma
procedures (external and internal oleation and
induced sweating). Panchkarma treatment focuses on metabolic management. It
provides needed purificatory effect, besides conferring therapeutic benefits.
This treatment is especially helpful in neurological disorders,
musculo-skeletal disease conditions, certain vascular or neuro-vascular states, respiratory diseases, metabolic and degenerative
disorders.
Shamana therapy involves suppression of
vitiated humors (doshas). The process by which
disturbed humor subsides or returns to normal without creating imbalance of other
humours is known as shamana. This treatment is
achieved by use of appetisers, digestives, exercise
and exposure to sun, fresh air etc. In this form of treatment, palliatives and
sedatives are used.
Pathya Vyavastha therapy comprises indications and contraindications in respect of diet,
activity, habits and emotional status. This is done with a view to enhance the
effects of therapeutic measures and to impede the pathogenetic processes. Emphasis on do’s and don’ts of diet etc is laid with the aim to stimulate
Agni and optimize digestion and assimilation of food in order to ensure
strength of tissues.
Nidan Parivarjan therapy is to avoid the known disease
causing factors in diet and lifestyle of the patient. It also encompasses the
idea to refrain from precipitating or aggravating factors of the disease.
Satvavajaya therapy concerns mainly with the area
of mental disturbances. This includes restraining the mind from desires for
unwholesome objects and cultivation of courage, memory and concentration. The studies
of psychology and psychiatry have been developed extensively in Ayurveda and
have wide range of approaches in the treatment of mental disorders.
Rasayana therapy deals with
promotion of strength and vitality. The integrity of body matrix, promotion of
memory, intelligence, immunity against the disease, the preservation of youth,
luster and complexion and maintenance of optimum strength of the body and
senses are some of the positive benefits credited to this treatment. Prevention
of premature bear and tear of body tissues and promotion of total health
content of an individual are the roles that Rasayana therapy plays.