- About Ayurveda
- Ayurveda Dosha Theory
- About Ayurveda Therapies
- What is Panchakarma
- Benefits of Ayurveda
A Brief History of Ayurveda
The name Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words, “ayur” meaning life and longevity, and “veda” meaning knowledge or science. It is the “Science of Life “that teaches us to live in a truly balanced, natural and harmonious state. Practiced for more than 5,000 years, Ayurveda is the traditional natural healing system of India.
The science of Ayurveda was preached and practiced in ancient times by the omniscient sages, as revealed to them in their spiritual pursuit. It evolved into a complete health-care system over time. While modern medicine has pushed this science aside, albeit temporarily, the failure of modern medicine to counter ailments without side effects has brought Ayurveda into the forefront of complementary and alternative therapies, for those seeking other health and wellness options.
The Fundamental Concept of Ayurveda
The ideology of Ayurveda says that disease occurs in the body because of an imbalance in the body’s energy. In Ayurvedic medicine, there are 3 energy types or doshas – Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Everyone has a combination of the doshas as a part of the body system. When these energy centers are imbalanced, Ayurveda, helps to restore balance to the body.
An Ayurvedic consultation and analysis can determine your body type(s) and Santhigram Wellness can design a program especially for you!
The “Dosha” theory (Three Doshas) is one of the basic theories of Ayurveda. The word “Dosha” is a Sanskrit word whose expansion is “Dooshayati Dosha” i.e. That which gets easily vitiated is “Dosha.”
Body constituents (tissues) are always in the process of metabolism, which is a combination of deterioration (catabolism) on one side and construction (anabolism) on the other. Health is maintained by balancing these activities.
Metabolism is controlled by a lot of chemical reactions, hormonal activity etc. When these systemic and natural functions get disturbed, it results in various types of diseases. As the basic functions of the body are innumerable, the number of diseases are also innumerable. Even Hippocrates, the father of the Modern System of Medicines accepts the importance of the “Dosha” Theory.
According to Indian philosophy, the basic constituents of all beings are “Pancha Maha Bhootas.”
The five Maha bhootas are:
- Prithvi (Earth)
- Ap (Water)
- Tejas (Fire)
- Vayu (Air)
- Akash (Ether)
The basic constituents of the human body are also the same “Pancha Maha Bhootas.” Each and every cell, system and organ is made up of these constituents. The proportion of the five “Pancha Maha Bhootas” is different in the various body systems and organs. The proportion is based on the involvement, the qualities and functions of the organs. The deficiency or excess of their involvement results in various diseases.
Ancient Ayurvedic experts developed this “Pancha Maha Bhootas” theory into the “Tri Dosha” theory for their easy diagnosis and treatment.
The “Tri Doshas” are:
- “Vatha”
- “Pittha”
- “Kapha”

The “Tri Doshas” are also made up of the “Pancha Maha Bhootas”. The functions of the “Tri Doshas” should be taken in a broad spectrum.
“Tri Doshas” decide the “Prakrithi” (body constitution) of a being. If “Vatha” is predominant it is known as “Vatha Prakrithi” (Vatha constitution). A “Vatha Prakrithi” person is prone to be afflicted by “Vatha diseases” if exposed to conducive surroundings and causes. Similarly, for the “Pittha Prakrithi” and the “Kapha Prakrithi”. A brief explanation is given below.
Vatha
All movements in the body are maintained by the “Vatha Dosha”. The expansion of the term “Vatha” in Sanskrit is “Tatra va gati Gandhanayoriti”, i.e. all movements and catabolic activities of body are controlled by “Vatha”.
Finer movements like cell division, circulation etc. are maintained by “Vatha”. The predominant “Maha Bhoota” involved in “Vatha Dosha” is Vayu (Air) and Akash (Ether).
Pittha
The “Maha Bhoota” predominance in “Pittha” is Teja (Fire). All the digestive activities of body are controlled by “Pittha.”
Digestive activity means not only the digestion of food occurring in the intestine but the hormonal, chemical and metabolic changes are attributed to “Pittha.” Body warmth, taste, vision, appetite, skin luster, intelligence, bravery – are all qualities attributed to “Pittha”.
Kapha
The predominant “Maha Bhootas” in “Kapha” are Prithvi (Earth) and Jal (Water). All of the anabolic activities of the body are maintained by “Kapha.” It contributes to the nourishment and bulky form of the body.
By analyzing these symptoms the physician can come to a conclusion that this “Dosha” is vitiated and an Ayurvedic treatment plan can be created.
Due to various causes, when the body functions become imbalanced, it results in various diseases. Whole body functions are maintained and controlled by the “Tri Doshas”. So when the “Doshas” get disturbed it results in symptoms like Vridhi(Increase), Kshayam (Decrease) or Prakopam (Vitiation of Doshas). An observing Ayurvedic physician can diagnose the disease based on the symptoms exhibited by the “Doshas” vitiation.
The factors that cause ailments are innumerable. They may be caused by several types of microorganisms, allergens, surrounding factors, climatic conditions, systemic disorders etc. Whatever the cause, when the body is exposed to these, it results in the vitiation of “Doshas.”
Once a full Ayurvedic assessment is done, the Ayurvedic practitioner can come to a conclusion based on the involvement of “Doshas.” Ayurvedic practitioners view the human being as a whole while diagnosing the disease and administering the treatment. This specific concept is lacking in the modern system of medicine.
Many new diseases are on the rise and uncertainty prevails in the medical field when approaching several diseases. The majority of the common diseases are incurable, e.g. auto immune disorders, chronic skin diseases, arthritis, malignancy etc.
The allopathic medical system, medication of chronic diseases, is comprised of steroids and immuno suppressant drugs, which have various side effects. In this context Ayurvedic concepts are very important. They are time tested, all natural and free from side-effects. This is the reason that Ayurveda is being accepted all over the world.
Santhigram Wellness Centers offer authentic Kerala specific Ayurvedic and Panchakarma therapies to suit your specific health and wellness needs.
The “Ayurveda wellness therapies” that Santhigram offers will help reduce the physical suffering, to a great extent, control several dreaded disabilities, ward off middle age syndrome, retard the aging process and provide unlimited curative powers for the body and mind. Ayurveda helps repair worn out tissues, increase memory, improve energy in the body and helps improve overall physical and mental fitness.
Details of some of the therapies shown below include:

Abhyangam (Uzhichil)
Oil Massage with medicated oils to rejuvenate the body and strengthen all the tissues to help achieve ideal health and longevity.
Benefits of Abhyangam:
- helps tone muscles
- improves circulation
- increases the skin’s luster – making you appear younger
- rejuvenates the body and strengthens all the tissues to help achieve ideal health and longevity
- increases primary vitality (Ojas) and resistance
- beneficial to the eyes
- helps you have a good night’s sleep
- effective in reducing the symptoms of rheumatism
- can help control fat
- reduces sagging skin
- reduces stress

Pizhichil (Oil bath with gentle body massage)
Oil bath with gentle body massage that helps to reduce muscle spasms and manage the ill effects of various degenerative ailments. Relaxes your mind and body.
The ultimate therapy with the constant flow of warm oil which is slowly and gently applied to your whole body.
Benefits of Pizhichil:
- makes you feel peaceful, calm and relaxed
- treats muscle spasms and other degenerative diseases that affect the muscles

Shirodhara (Sirodhara)
A steady stream of warm aromatic oils that provide lasting relief from psychosomatic disorders and soothes your body and mind. Using a special device to flow rhythmically across the forehead, This usually accompanies Abhyangam.
Benefits of Shirodhara:
- calms the mind and soothes the nervous system
- induces a feeling of profound peace and happiness
- used for treating various psychosomatic disorders, insomnia, chronic cold, sinusitis, etc.

Svedana (Swedana)
A herbal steam treatment to release impurities from the skin and soothe aching muscles and joints.
Benefits of Svedana:
- helps soothe painful, sore or aching muscles and joints
- improves blood circulation
- improves complexion

Elakizhi
A type of sudation therapy using medicated leaves. The proportion of ingredients varies according to the disease symptoms.
Benefits of Elakizhi:
- helps to alleviate the problems associated with joint pain, muscle cramps, rheumatoid arthritis
- helps to manage the ill effects of various degenerative ailments

Navarakizhi (Njavarakizhi)
A type of herbal fomentation therapy with linen bags containing special rice processed in milk. It is used to provide strength and nutrition to the body tissues, especially bones, muscles and other soft tissues.
Benefits of Navarakizhi:
- It promotes the peripheral vascular circulation
- Gives strength to the muscles and activate peripheral nervous system
- Improves skin texture and circulation
- Induces good sleep and reduces the stress
- Helps to alleviate problems related to malnutrition

Sirovasthi (Shirovasti)
It is an ayurvedic therapy procedure in which outer area of head is covered by a leather cap keeping hollow inside to put medicated oil in it for a specific duration in such a way that oil should not be leaked out.
Benefits of Shirovasti:
- Helps to alleviate the problems associated with insomnia, depression and other stress related issues.

Udvartanam (Udwarthanam)
Fine herbal powder is used in a whole-body therapy to enliven and energize the body.
Benefits of Udvartanam:
- Reduces the excess fat accumulated in the subcutaneous tissues
- Helps in weight reduction
- Improves mobility of joints and improves blood circulation
- Refreshes and rejuvenate the body and also helps to promote better digestion
- Softens and exfoliates dead skin cells, thereby giving a lustrous glow to skin
- Strengthens and tones up the muscles
Shirodhara (Sirodhara), Svedana (Swedana), Elakizhi, Navarakizhi (Njavarakizhi), Sirovasthi (Shirovasti) are normally not administered as individual treatment. They are usually combined with Uzhichil (Abhyanga).
PLEASE NOTE:
We do not provide any medical services. However, Ayurvedic therapies and Santhigram’s health management programs help to alleviate the ill-effects of certain chronic conditions. As per the Ayurveda system, the therapies depend on the prakriti (constitution) of each person. As such it is advisable to make an appointment for a consultation with one of our Ayurveda Consultants prior to scheduling an appointment for our services.
Panchakarma consists of five detoxifying treatments that combine a mix of massage, herbal therapies and other procedures that to help restore balance in the body. The five treatments include:
- Nasya
- Vaman
- Virechana
- Vasthi and
- Raktha Moksha
These cleansing treatments help eliminate many toxic elements from the body. The Ayurvedic medical system emphasizes the holistic approach and the whole person-body, mind and soul is considered and not just the affected parts of the body.
Ayurveda is based on “Panchabhutha” and the “Tri Dosha” theories. This unique living system considers that a human being is a balanced composition of body, mind and soul. Lifestyles that are based on the true principles of Ayurveda can help resist diseases, arrest premature aging and retain youthfulness for a long time.
The Uniqueness of Ayurveda Treatments
Ayurvedic treatments are unique in their approach to health and disease. Instead of suppressing the main symptoms, the root cause is eliminated and thus gives permanent relief. The treatments are mainly carried out using a mixture of medicinal powders, tablets, herbs and medicated oils prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals, massages oils and other natural products.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural healing that helps:
- Restore balance in the body and mind
- Lower stress and anxiety
- Promote weight loss and maintenance
- Prevent diseases and increase longevity
- Provide a curative effect for several diseases
- Can Ayurveda really cure cancer?
- Can Ayurveda help me lose weight?
- Can Ayurveda help chronic pain?
- Can Ayurveda help me prevent acute and chronic diseases?
- Can Ayurveda help with depression and other mental conditions?
- Do I have to follow a certain religion to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into my life?
- Do I have to be a vegetarian to follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle?
- Can I continue taking vitamin & mineral supplements along with Ayurvedic herbal supplements?
- Can I take allopathic medicines, including prescription drugs, and Ayurvedic herbal supplements at the same time?
- How effective is Ayurveda?
- Can Ayurvedic herbal supplements help improve my health?
Unless otherwise directed by your physician or primary health care provider, it is not necessary to take additional vitamin and mineral supplements. Ayurveda recommends getting vitamins and minerals directly from the intake of nutritious foods and herbs.
Ayurvedic herbal supplements may help to improve one’s overall health, however, it is extremely important that they be taken in their compatible and complementary combinations, and that one also follows the necessary dietary and daily and seasonal recommendations for his or her particular constitution and health concerns. In order to get results using Ayurvedic herbal supplements, it is best to consult a professional first.