Bio Cleansing Therapy:
Bio cleansing is a set of fine systematic actions used for purification of the body.
Bio cleansing is the primary healing modality within the ancient siddha science.
- PREVENTIVE
- PROMOTIVE
- CURATIVE
Benefits Of Bio Cleansing Therapies
- It detoxifies the body
- To eliminate the root cause of the disease
- To prevent recurrence of disease
- Rejuvenate the body
- Restore constitutional balance
- Improving health
- Strengthening immunity
- Reserving negative effects of stress which slow the aging process and enhance self-reliance, strength,energy,vitality and mental clarity
Therapeutic Vomiting / Emetic Therapy:
Vomiting therapy is one of the bio cleansing therapy,which is known as therapeutic emesis. It is also called saththi maruthuvam in siddha medicine. Usually vomiting therapy is done by 6 months once in healthy individuals.
Vomiting therapy is useful for preventing and curing diseases that affect people. The vomiting induced by it removes harmful toxins from the RESPIRATORY SYSTEM & GASTRO INTESTINAL TRACT IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.
Siddha system of medicine deals with human body by three humors which builds seven body constitutions.The three humors are VATHAM,PITHAM,KABHAM
Any variations of these three humors leads to disease.
The vata dosha is aggrevated in summer
The pitta dosha mainly seen in winter.
The kabha dosha becomes active in spring season.
Therapeutic vomiting is targeted to expel increased kabha dosha and kabham accombined pitta dosha out of the body.The best time to do the vomiting treatment is during the spring season. Since kabha is situated in the chest region,expelling it from the oral route is easy.If vomiting is administered properly,the person feels relaxed and able to breathe freely.
Benefits Of Vomiting Therapy
- It makes the chest area light and treats congestion and wheezing.
- Increase the appetite and gives relief from breathlessness.
- Clears the sinuses and removes blockages in it.
- It is an ancient remedy for food poisoning.
- Helps in controlling obesity.
- Reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Treats asthma and psoriasis.
- The digestion and metabolism power gets enhanced.
- Normal health is restored.
- The sense organs,mind,intelligence and complexion become clear and gain strength
Vomiting therapy is effective in kabha predominant diseases like rheumatism,IBD,bronchial asthma,rhinitis,sinusitis,migraine,fever,indigestion,anorexia,obesity, diabetes mellitus, acne vulgaris,severe skin disease,various psychological disorders,pcod,infertility etc..,
Virechanam / Purgative Therapy
Virechanam is one of the most effective bio cleansing therapies, which is also called colon cleansing.
As per today’s situation where people lead a busy and sedentary life style,people hardly find time to prepare and consume food at regular intervals.As a result of this improper balanced diet,the food does not get digested properly and remains the end part of the digestive system i.e. Colon or large intestine and leads to the formation of diseases. One of the most frequent bowel problems that people experience in today life is constipation. Constipation is generally attributed to a low fiber diet and lack of sufficient water,which cause our fecal matter to become condensed and compressed.
During earlier days,the grandmother used to give castor oil to their children or grandchildren who used to suffer from stomach ache and indigestion which the indigested material gets eliminated from the body further relieving the symptoms.
In the same way, in siddha we have a treatment named purgation wherein,by this treatment,the indigested,toxic waste material gets eliminated.This treatmentis further carried on once in 4 months to maintain the health of a normal person.
The colonic treatment itself exercises and tones the bowl thus aiding the evacuation of waste both during and after treatments. The toxic load on the body is reduced.
Benefits
- Improved bowel function that allows for better nutrient absorption.
- Regular daily bowel movements.
- A loosening of mucus in the lungs.
- Looking and feeling younger.
- More energy.
- A better posture.
- Weight loss.
- Smoother,tighter skin.
- Rejuvenation of rectal and lower muscles.
- Fresh smelling breath.
- An all around feeling of improved health and vitality.
The colon is the important part of the eliminative system of the body,where wastes are excreted from the alimentary tract,the lymphatic system and the bloodstream. So it is important to keep.
Nasiyam / Nasal Drops:
Nasiyam is an external method of required medication administered through the nostrils.
Nose is the gateway of lungs,sinus as well as brain.Nasal passage of human body as well as the Eustachian tube requires regular lubrication to keep them healthy. Lubrication also protects your nasal passage of the nose during all seasons and especially during the winter season.
Fresh plant parts are crushed and filtered or boiled and filtered or the semi solid prepared medicine is dissolved in solution and filtered or prepared fatty oil is instilled into both the nostrils, which is done by 45 days once.
The therapy cleanses and opens the channels of the head,thereby improving the process of oxygenation,which has a direct influence on the functioning of brain.
Nasiyam primarily cleans accumulated kabha dosha but can be treated tridosha depending medicine administered. It is highly effective in treating a number of diseases related to the head & neck area
To treat diseases of ear,nose and throat,head ache,common cold,sinusitis,abdominal discomfort,fever,hairfall,nasal polyps,cervical spondylosis,parkinsonism,chest pain,frozen shoulder,acne vulgaris,chronic skin diseases etc.,
Benefits
- It enhances and improves mental as well as emotional clarity.
- To strengthen the organs above neck.
- It helps to get rid of stress,negativity,fear as well as anxiety.
- It cures blockage of the sinus.
- It removes slurring in the speech.
- It cures hoarseness in the voice.
- It cures stiffness in the neck.
- It gives effective relief during migraine as well as headache.
- It also cures eye disorders that occur due to old age.
Thokkanam / Massage:
Thokkanam is one of the 32 external therapies in siddha system. It is a structured massage technique mainly used in treatment of chronic rheumatic (vaatham) ailments.
Thokkanam focuses on treating diseases caused by aggravation of vatham. According to humorous theory of siddha, vatham is the active force responsible for the physiological functioning of neuro- muscular as well as musculo skeletal systems.
In neuro muscular disorders vaayu or vaatham is affected leading to wasting of muscles. So byrejuvenating the depleted vaayus through thokkanam it is easier to treat the patient and prevent disability if intervened earlier.
This therapy which is done on the basis of nine methods given in ‘Theran Tharu’
- THATTUTHAL (Percussive strokes/tapotement)
- IRUKKAL (Vibrations)
- PIDITHAL (deep stroking & picking up)
- MURUKKAL (Wringing)
- KAI KATTAL (Mobilization with impulse technique)
- AZHUTTHAL (Kneading)
- IZHUTTHAL (Rolling and Traction)
- MALLATHUTHAL (Slump long sitting)
- ASAITTHAL (Shaking)
Benefits
- Improves muscle tone & strength
- Improves sleep
- Relaxes the whole body
- Relieves vatha disease
- Regulates the nerve functions
- Improves blood circulation
- Enhance immunity and removes waste tissues
- Removes body pain
Attai Vidal / Leech Therapy:
Medicinal leech therapy or hirudotherapy is a kind of complementary and integrative treatment method applied with blood sucking leeches. It is also called bloodletting; impure blood is expelled out of the body.
Hematophagous animals including leeches have been known to possess biologically active compounds in their secretions, especially in their saliva. The blood sucking annelids,leeches have been used for therapeutic purposes since the beginning of civilization.
Ancient Egyptian,Indian,Greek and Arab physicians used leeches for a wide range of diseases starting from the conventional use for bleeding to systemic ailments, Such as skin disease, nervous system abnormalities, urinary and reproductive system problems, inflammation dental problems.
Leech saliva unveiled the presence of a variety of bio active peptides and proteins involving anti-thrombin (hirudin,bufrudin), anti-platelet (calin, saratin), anti-bacterial (theromacin,theromyzin).
current review summarizes the importance of leeches as a complementary source of medical therapy for a large number of ailments, including
- Plastic surgery
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer and metastasis
- Diabetes mellitus and its complication
- Infectious disorders
- Also used to treat varicose vein
- Psoriasis
- Keloid
- Headache
- Swellings
- Rheumatic disorders
- Dysmenorrhea
Kattu / Compress or Bandage :
Application and covering of a specially prepared topical medicine made up of crude plant fermented water or an inorganic substance on the affected area is known as kattu.
This procedure is usually done for three times at an interval of three to seven days.
Kattu is the best procedure for treating trauma open wound muscle spasm sprain, abscess and dislocation of joints, fractures.
Pattru (Poultice):
The Pattru is obtained from plant extracts or by grinding raw drugs with or without processing them. Normally the medicine to be applied is made into a thick paste and applied over the affected region
Eligible criteria
Pattru is not advised in Cellulitis, children below 3 years.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for one time in a day at an interval of 3-7 days up to 3 Patru.
Indications
Inflammation and boils, Arthritis, Elephantiasis, Swelling, wounds, Achilles tendonitis, Calcaneal spur, Corn, abscess, Heavy metal toxicity, Skin diseases, Stress, Bubo, Muscular sprain, Fistula, Hemorrhoids.
Ottradam (Fomentation):
Ottradam is the application of hot or cold packs. It is normally done with materials heated to appropriate temperature. While throwing out waste as toxins through the skin it also helps to disperse aggravated doshams, dilating all body channels for cleansing.
Ottradam is prepared by plant parts,grains and others are put in a container,fried or boiled or heated and then tied on a cloth bag. The bag is put on the affected areas and then gently compressed and released in a rhythemic manner for few minutes or till the heat subsides.
Eligible criteria
Ottradam is not advised in Infants, Pregnant women.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 15-30 minutes.
Indications
Headache, Convulsions, Fever, Eye diseases, Measles, Delirium, Cervical spondylosis, Ear ache, Arthritis, Lymph edema, Muscle spasm.
Vedhu ( Steam Bath) :
Steam Bath Therapy is a procedure which is used to induce sweating. The therapy uses steam generated from medicated herbal decoctions to induce sweat or perspiration. The objective of the therapy is to dilute the channels of the body to detach the toxins out of the body. This therapy is ideal to establish a state of balance and also promote general health and well-being.
In Steam oil is gently applied to the body and the patient is made to lie down in the chamber where steam emanates from boiling herbal decoction. Eyes are to be protected and wrapped with a piece of cloth while doing sudation. Treatment should be continued until the forehead and abdomen sweat very well.
This therapy is extremely beneficial for relieving excess doshas from the body and establishing a state of balance. It also provides relief from muscles aches and pains, removes any blockages of channels of the body, rejuvenates the skin and detoxifies the body.
BENEFITS OF STEAM BATH:
1, Purifies tissue and eliminates toxins from the body:
Steam bath therapy dilutes the srotas or body channels, thus purifies tissues and eliminates accumulated toxins from the body.
2, Relieves stiffness
Steam bath therapy is considered to relieve stiffness and heaviness in the body by inducing sweating
3, Improves blood circulation
Steam bath therapy is very beneficial to the parts of the skin from our blood circulation and ensures these parts get extra nutrients and oxygen.
4, Reduces excess weight gain
Steam bath therapy opens the pores and rids the body of all impurities through sweat glands. These cuts down the excess fat and reduce weight loss.
5, Improves digestion
Steam bath therapy helps in nourishment to dhatus, increases in agnibala (digestive power) and increases strength of the body.
Medicinal Indications:
Steam Bath helps with a wide range of medical conditions including:
Arthritis :
Steam bath therapy opens up the body channels, mobilizes the dosha and is helpful for arthritis.
Sinusitis :
Steam bath therapy is very helpful in the treatment of congestion, common chronic sinusitis and all allergies.
Asthma :
Steam bath therapy relieves the discomfort of asthma & respiratory disorders.
Poochu (Liquid application)
Poochu is application of liquid formulation locally. Application of medicated oils or herbal juices or mixtures of powdered drugs.
Eligible criteria
Poochu is not advised in Cellulitis, new borns.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 15 to 30 minutes, once in a day.
Indications
Arthritis, Headache, Disc prolapse, Calcaneal spur, Bronchitis, Asthma, Muscle spasm, Sprain, Psoriasis, Sinusitis, Bell’s palsy, Vitiligo. metal toxicity, Skin diseases, Stress, Bubo, Muscular sprain, Fistula, Hemorrhoids.
Pottanam (Medicated pouch) :
The raw herbs are ground and made into small pouches with bits of cotton cloth pieces. This medicated pouch are kept in the openings of the body like ear, nose and anus.
Eligible criteria
Pottanam is not advised in Infants, Pregnant women.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 15-20 minutes.
Indications
Headache, Convulsions, Fever, Eye diseases, Measles, Delirium, Cervical Spondylosis, Ear ache.
Pugai (Fumigation) :
Fumigation denotes the artificial impregnation of the atmosphere, with the fumes or the smoke of any vegetable or aromatic substance. Fumes are also used as inhalation therapy. The process of fumigation with medicinal herbs under specific rituals influences widely the persons participating in it as well as the surrounding environment.
Therapeutic source
Plant parts like pepper, cumin, turmeric, sandal wood, neembark or vegetable oils like castor oil, neem oil, or aromatic substances like Sambirani (Styrax benzoin), Kukkil (Shorea robusta) animal slough, egg shell, pearl, conch shell, feathers, horns and nails and few prepared medicines like Vidakuzhambu, Agasthiyar kuzhambu, Kousigar kuzhambu. Fumigation controls the infection upto the deeper area of the organs
Eligible criteria
Fumigation with toxic substances is not advised in newborn, infants, pregnant and lactating women, people under influence of alcohol, suffering from head injury or lock jaw or Extreme dryness, Eye diseases, Anaemia, Bleeding disorders, Gonorrhoea(3).
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 10-15 minutes for 7 days.
Indications
Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Ear diseases, Piles, Fistula, Chronic non-healing ulcers, Poisonous bites.
Mai ( medicated eye salve) :
Mai is an external method of living eye lashes and eye lids using a thick black salve.
Mai may be applied by using probes known as nayana kole or anjana kole.
Eligible criteria
Mai is not advised in infants, alcohol consumed persons, head injured persons, tuberculosis.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 3-12 hours of retaining period.
Indications
Sinusitis, Common cold, Rigor, Fever, Conjunctivitis, Alopecia, Menia, Xerophthalmia, Hoarseness of voice.
Podithimirtal (Massage with dry powder):
The procedure of this therapy is rubbing the herbal powders over diseased part or throughout the body. This massage procedure is done in upward directions only.
Eligible criteria
Podithimirdhal is not advised in Jaundice, Infants, Alcohol consumed persons, Weeping eczema, Non-healing ulcers.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 30-45 minutes.
Indications
Sinusitis, Common cold, Obesity, Female infertility, Belly abdomen, Psoriasis, Psychiatric problems.
Kallikkam ( liquied ophthalmic application) :
Benefits:
Improve circulation
- To control infection in and around eyes
- To disinfect the area
- To prevent watering and dryness
- Avoid conjunctivitis
Eye disease, Jaundice, Fever, sinusitis, Common cold
Uthal (medicated aerosol):
Uthal is an external method of medicated blow.
Blowing air from the mouth towards ear,eyes,etc., after chewing few leaves or raw drugs.
Uthal may be performed towards,
Septic wound, ulceration in the anal canal using a blow pipe filled with medicines
Naasigabharanam (Insufflation):
Insufflation is a common route of administration with many respiratory drugs used to treat conditions in the lungs (Asthma or emphysema) and Paranasal sinuses (allergy).
Eligible criteria
Naasigabaranam is not advised in infants.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for1-2 minutes.
Indications
Sinusitis, Common cold, Rigor, Fever, Delirium, Eye diseases. Naasigabharanam for various diseases.
Kalimbu (Ointment Application) :
Kalimbu is defined as the buffer of oil and water, compound with specific drug powders.
Eligible criteria
Kalimbu is not advised in Allergic persons.
Duration of the treatment
he entire treatment is usually given for 12 hours.
Indications
Alopecia, Skin ulcers, Lymphadenoma, Fissures, Hemorrhoids. Kalimbu for various diseases
Seelai (Medicated Gauze) :
This type of external medicine is in the form of medicated plasters. Plasters are prepared by grinding toxic materials in water or herbal juice. A piece of cloth is soaked in this and externally applied over wounds.
Eligible criteria
Seelai is not advised in infants, pregnant women, haemophilia.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 12 hours.
Indications
Alopecia, Skin ulcers, Lymph adenoma, Fissures, Hemorrhoids, Corns, Warts.
Neer (Medicated Solution) :
Neer is an external method of application of medicated solution on the affected areas. The solution possesses antiseptic and wound healing properties.
Soaking the drugs into the water or making a decoction or dissolving the drug powder into water or plant juice into the water and the filtered solution is applied on the affected area to treat or wash.
Benefits:
- To wash the mouth
- To perform douche
- To wash uro-genital organs
- Wash eye and nose
- To disinfectant the area before and after surgery
- To sterile site or article
Varthy (Medicated Wick):
This type of external medicine is in form of medicated wicks. Caustic substances are ground well with herbal juices or decoctions, a piece of cloth is soaked in this and a wick is prepared.
Eligible criteria
Varthy is not advised in Oral cavity, Infants, Allergic persons.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 6 hours.
Indications
Fissures, Hemorrhoids, Skin ulcers, Fistula, Sinus, Nasal bleeding, Constipation.
Suttigai (Cauterization):
Suttigai is defined as the destruction of tissue using a hot instrument is known as cauterization.
This is otherwise called heat application. This type of application is usually done over vertex, forehead, chest, back, hands and legs.
There are 5 types of Suttigai:
1. Kaanthi suttigai- Sunbath
2. Kaatru suttigai- Exposure to blowing hot air
3. Mann suttigai- Suttigai with brick or earthen vessel
4. Mara suttigai- Suttigai with plant parts
5. Uloga suttigai- Metal cauterization
Kaatru suttigai - induces profuse sweating and helps removal of toxins from the body. This brings down excess pittham.
Mann suttigai - After spreading Vitex negundo (notchi) leaf, an earthen pot in which oil was used earlier and applied on the vertex, forehead, chest, dorsum of torso and foot. This indirect heat application is done on delirium, toxaemia, muscular sprain.
Mara suttigai - Among them mara suttigai is done with rhizome of turmeric plant (manjal kombu) and is indicated to treat the diseases like Sanni, Vaatha noi with Lock jaw, Kapha noigal, Virana silethuma noigal, Peenisam, Anda vaayu, Vidhai veekam, Muzhangal vatham and Kuthikal Vatham.
Uloga suttigai - For lymph node enlargement and tonsillitis, cauterization is done with metal probes. The tip of the 1st probe made of gold has a ring like shape with a hole at the centre, while the 2nd one has a tip resembling a circular plate without a hole at the centre. The wound is healed with the application of Panchakini thylam
Eligible criteria
Suttigai is not advised in Infants, Pregnant women.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 3-5 seconds.
Indications:
Delirium, Convulsions, Kapha diseases, Skin ulcers, Scrotal swelling, Anaemia, Hemorrhoids, Fistula, Abscess, Wounds, Jaundice, Deep ulcers, Carbuncle, Calcaneal spur, Nasal bleeding.
Salaagai(Probe):
This is application of a probe which is a slender apparatus made up of a metal used to trace out fistulous tracks. This is an exploratory therapy using a probe which has blunt end. The probe is used in ophthalmic therapy particularly in the treatment of cataract. The probe is also used to explore deep seated abscess and introduce the medicated wick in fistula and sinus ulcer.
Eligible criteria
Salaagai is not advised in Malignant growth, Allergic persons.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 10-15 seconds.
Indications
Skin ulcers, Fistula, Hemorrhoids, Corns, Abscess.
Pasai (Cream):
A semisolid lipid or resin / gum based applications, usually fats are used as bases, vegetable oils or bees wax. As with creams they are emollient and protective, but stay on the skin longer.
Eligible criteria
Pasai is not advised in allergic persons.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 5-10 minutes.
Indications
Alopecia, Skin ulcers, Lymph adenoma, Fissures, Hemorrhoids.
Kali (Paste)
Medicinal materials are mixed with rice flour or flour of any cereals or pulses and cooked and applied on the affected site.
Eligible criteria
Pasai is not advised in children below 5 years, pregnant women.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 3-6 hours.
Indications
Psoriasis, Dry eczema, Swelling, Abscess, Anorectal diseases, Scrotal swelling, Bubo, Carbuncle, Corn.
Podi (Medicated Dust or Powder) :
Powdered minerals and raw herbs are used as dusting powder and is applied over the wounds and ulcers.
Eligible criteria
Podi is not advised in Infants, Allergic persons.
Duration of the treatment
The entire treatment is usually given for 6-12 hours.
Indications
Fissures, Hemorrhoids, Skin ulcers, Gingivitis, Crack foot, Bleeding, Abscess, Wounds.
Murichal (Bone Re-breaking and Re- setting) :
Murichal is the method of physical manipulation by which the dislocated bone,joint or mal-union bone are brought to their normal position by re-breaking and re-setting.
It may need local or nerve block anesthesia for breaking and resetting.
Keeral (Incisions and Draining):
Keeral is defined as an incisions and draining with a small incisions done on the abscess and drain the exudates.
-To remove the pus
-Normalize the swellings
-Remove the waste disintegrated tissue
Aruvai (Surgical Application) :
Aruvai is an excision of affected part of the body using specific surgical instruments.
To treat, Abscess, New-growth, Sebaceous cysts, Corns, Pile mass, Warts.
Kombu Kattal (Bone Setting by Supporting) :
Kombu kattal is defined as the method of fixing wood or steel or hard rods over the bone fractures or dislocated joints as a support to ascertain immobilization and reunion.
Urinjal (Needle or Pipe Aspiration) :
Urinjal is defined as the method of aspiration by means of fine needle or suction by means of long probe to aspirate and excise the unwanted fluid in the mass or opening.
Kuruthi Vaangal (Instrumental Blood Letting) :
Kuruthivaangal is a method of leaking and removing the excess blood in specific areas. It is commonly known as instrumental bloodletting.
Application of sharp instrument to leak pr remove the blood from the abscess,cyst,keloid or the areas where accumulate blood is seen.