Pre-purification therapies are the first ones applied to loosen the toxins, open up the circulation channels and get the body ready for discarding these wastes. These methods are highly relaxing for the body and mind.
The following pre-purification methods are usually adopted for curing Chronic Backache.
Chavitti Thirummu: It is a specialized form of body massage using the foot of the masseur. The masseur, using warm herbal oils, administers choreographed and rhythmical strokes while balancing on one leg and holding on to an overhead rope. Chavitti thirummu relieves aches and pains in the muscular system, loosens the muscles, alleviates mild postural problems, gently stretches and realigns the spine and creates space between previously compacted vertebrae.
Njavarakizhi is a treatment process where the whole body or any specific part of it is made to perspire by applying the boluses on the body. The boluses, tied in a muslin cloth contain medicinal herbs and spices.
Sida plants,
winter cherry and asparagus are some of the medicinal herbs used in njavarakizhi. The treatment may last from one hour to one and a half hours.
Lepam is the application of a specially prepared paste using rich medicinal herbs on the body or on specific parts of the body for a period ranging from half an hour to one and a half hours. Dry ginger,
sweet flag ,
vitex, sesame etc are some of the herbs used in the preparation of this medicinal paste.
Snehapanam This is an important pre purification therapy. It is also called oleation therapy and consists of oral intake of medicated ghee in empty stomach for a specified number of days. This unique treatment helps flush out the toxins from the body. Indukantham or Mahathiktham, the two major types of ghee used for this, is mixed with spices and herbs such as Malabar nut, wild snake gourd, sweet flag,
sandal wood,
neem,
amaltas,
asparagus,
ginger,
mustard,
gooseberry etc.
Thalapothichil It is the application of herbal paste on the scalp of a patient for 40 to 50 minutes. The scalp is then covered with banana leaf to allow medicines to stay on and function well. Fruits and herbs such as gooseberry,
liquorices, asparagus, henna, lotus seeds, sandal,
nut grass tuber etc are generally used in preparing this herbal paste.
Thakradhara The profuse pouring of specially prepared butter milk on the forehead of a person for over an hour is termed thakradhara. This cools down the brain, relaxes the mind and reduces stress, tension and anxiety. The assorted herbs commonly used in the butter milk also include gooseberry, nut grass tuber, sandal wood, valerian,
lotus seedsetc.
Kateevasthi The retention of warm medicated herbal oil on the lower back of the body for about 40 to 50 minutes is called kateevasthi. This treatment extends to 2 or 3 weeks. Herbs and spices like bala, beetle killer roots,
long pepper, ten roots, liquorices, fenugreek etc are also commonly used in the preparation of this oil. This oil is held from spreading by applying black gram paste thickly around the affected part.
Main purification therapies for Chronic Backache. This is the phase of elimination of toxins that were loosened at the pre purification treatment stage. These therapies are highly potential methods and are usually overseen by doctors. The commonly adopted Panchakarma treatments for Lumbar Spondolysis are Virechanam, Vamanam and Vasthy.
Virechanam It is the oral intake of safe herbal medicines leading to the elimination of poisonous wastes through the anal route. Purgative medicines generally consist of herbal powder, medicated castor oil or herbal paste. Avipathychoornam, the herbal powder which is generally used for virechanam is commonly a mixture of herbs like turpith, embellia fruits, dry ginger,
cardamom, long pepper,
cinnamon etc.
Vasthi 'Vasthi' is an enema therapy. It is considered the ace colon cleaning panchakarma treatment. In this form of treatment special medicines are introduced through the anal route for the evacuation of accumulated toxins and metabolic wastes.
Dill seeds, honey, rock salt, herbal pastes, oils etc are also used as ingredients in vasthy.