Holistic Health

Holistic health

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Holistic health is a philosophy of medical care that views physical and mental aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important approaches to treatment. While frequently associated with alternative medicine, it is also increasingly used in mainstream medical practice as part of a broad view of patient care.

Holism as a health concept has long existed outside of academic circles, but only relatively recently has the modern medical establishment begun to integrate it into the mainstream health care system. In the United States, the first National Conference on Holistic Health was conducted by the Health Optimizing Institute and The Mandala Society with the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in June 1975. This continued there for ten years with about three thousand health professionals participating each year. After the second year it was not under the Medical School.

The recording of these Conferences that was the emerging of Holistic Health in American is in the nine volumes of The Journal Of Holistic Health provided by the Mandala Society. Over 150 authorities in aspects of Holistic Health participated and are recorded in the Journals.

The Mandala Society Conferences and work supported the creation of the Association For Holistic Health in 1976 and the Holistic Medical Association in 1978

Many regional Holistic Health Associations followed with the American Holistic Health Association being established in 1989.

Historically, Holistic health has not been widely practiced in North America and has not been legitimized as a valid process. According to Robbie Davis-Floyd in “Medical Anthropology- Modern Midwives, Issue 20”, she states that there are “links between tradition, ancestry, home remedies, the earth and the biomedical systems”

MEDICAL PROGRAMMES

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For those who wish to address a medical issue, however simple or complicated it may be, a detailed Holistic Health Evaluation is required which would be a minimum of 1½ hours or more depending on the condition.

HOLISTIC HEALTH EVALUATION

The doctor goes through a detailed evaluation of the person regarding their present state of physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, nutritional and sociological wellbeing and present lifestyle. This may be followed by a consultation with Dr. Mathai. A complete picture of the person helps in deciding the best course of treatment for the person.

The individual treatment programme is then designed by incorporating the best that each System of Medicine and Complementary Therapy can offer to the person. Our programmes are thus

person-oriented and need based rather than system-oriented and general. The programme is supervised by a doctor and there is a constant review of the programme right through the stay.

The person can also avail follow-ups with the physician after they leave Soukya through email / fax / telephone consultations. Medication and supplements if required can be sent to any part of the world.

We handle all kinds of Medical issues, particularly Chronic, Rare and Incurable conditions.
Listed below are some of our Medical Programmes:

CARDIAC HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT

This will help effectively control your condition by following reversal diets, relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, therapeutic massage, naturopathic treatment and lifestyle changes.

DIABETIC MANAGEMENT

With a skilful management of diet, therapeutic packs, yoga and herbal medicine, we help you maintain ideal sugar levels.

WELLNESS PROGRAMMES

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PANCHAKARMA (21 and 28 Days)

This ancient, authentic, time tested treatment is highly recommended annually for those above 40 and biannually for those above 60. This Special Rejuvenation protocol cleanses and revitalises the body to a new state of health.

SWAAD - Ayurvedic Special (7 Days – 22 treatments)

This is for those who would like to experience what an Ayurvedic treatment would be like. This package offers a full body Ayurvedic massage done by 2 therapists simultaneously (also referred to as the 4 hand massage) and Shirodhara.

SHAREERA – Weight Loss (14 Days – 66 treatments)

A practical diet programme combined with Special Ayurvedic weight loss treatments, specific yogic exercises and weight reducing hydrotherapy treatments. The package is individually designed to help lose weight. (Note: A holistic health evaluation may be needed in some cases)

SUNDAR - Anti- ageing (15`Days – 66 treatments)

Our Special Ayurvedic formula addresses the ageing process in a most profound way. Our experience so far with guests has also included the revival of senses that were once lost ! Such is the impact of the treatment that includes the best of Ayurvedic and Naturopathic protocols which include revitalising hydrotherapies, mud and herbal packs.

SHUDHA – Detoxification (10 Days – 50 treatments)

Unless the toxins that get harboured in our body at every level are released, a fit and healthy lifestyle is impossible. We help cleanse the body with special Ayurvedic cleansing treatments, deep cleansing mud packs, naturopathic hydrowashes and herbal packs.

SUKHA - Destress (7 Days – 48 treatments)

Ultimately stress management is self management. Our treatment include our Signature Ayurvedic Hot Stone massage, Reflexology, Acupressure, Yoga, Meditation, special ayurvedic and naturopathic treatments for distressing, refreshing packs and soothing hydro-therapy treatments.

YOGA

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The root for the word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means the Union. Here it means the Union of the Mind, Body and Spirit, also the Union of Oneself with the Universal Self. This holistic science emphasises that this Union is necessary for a person seeking good health and well-being. Sage Patanjali is considered as the Father of Yoga. He formulated the Astanga Yoga – the Yoga with 8 paths which is widely practised today.

Yoga is particularly of importance in today’s life to prevent and cure diseases – the so-called psychosomatic diseases – the cause of which is mainly from the

mind. In today’s life of Stress, Yoga thus acquires an imminent role.

NATUROPATHY

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Naturopathy is a natural healing technique using the healing powers of nature. The principle of Naturopathy is that the accumulation of toxins is the root cause of all diseases. Prevention and elimination of toxins is the route to health. Treatments are based on the 5 great elements of nature that have immense healing properties. There is no role of internal medications in the nature cure system.

The Five great elements of nature and the treatments based on them are:

Earth – Mud baths, Mud packs,
Water – Hydrotherapeutic methods in the form of Baths, Jets, Douches, Packs, Compresses, Immersions
Air – Breathing exercises, Outdoor walking, Open air baths
Fire – Sun baths, Thermoleum baths, Magnetised water, Colour charged oils / water
Ether – Fasting therapy

Other Naturopathic Therapies:

Yoga
Oriental healing techniques like Reflexology, Acupressure, Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy
Food and Nutrition
Magnetotherapy
Physiotherapy
Chromotherapy

HOMEOPATHY

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This system of medicine developed in Germany is based on the theory that "like cures like". Remedies selected on the basis of symptoms, help by stimulating the body's self-healing power. This totally safe medicine has no side effects as it is derived from natural and herbal sources. It helps cure allergic conditions, metabolic disorders, chronic diseases and auto-immune disorders.

COUNSELLING

Whether treating depression, phobias , psychiatric and emotional disorders or promoting self awareness and boosting self-esteem, this helps one understand and resolve difficult thoughts, feelings and situations by talking about them in an unhurried, unbiased and realistic perspective.

Ayurveda and Panchakaram

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n ancient traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest system of health care, with literature going back 5000 years and an oral tradition that is much older. This healing system has been practiced in daily life in India for more than 5000 years.

'Ayur' means 'Life' and 'Veda' means 'Science'. Thus Ayurveda is the 'Science of Life'.

In Ayurveda, health is a state of spiritual and physical attainment. It is a medical, metaphysical healing life science - the mother of all healing arts. The practice of ayurveda is designed to promote human happiness, health and creative growth. It is the science of daily living and this system of knowledge evolved from the sage’s practical, philosophical and religious illumination which was rooted in their understanding of the creation. Ayurveda helps the healthy person to maintain health and the diseased person to regain health.

The body is made up of Tridoshas (Tri' means 'Three' and 'Doshas' mean 'Humours') - Vata is Air, Pitta is Fire and Kapha is Water. Good health means a normalcy in the Tridoshas, balance of metabolic, systemic and excretory functions, all five senses and in the mind and spirit.

There are 7 constitutional doshas and each individual falls into any one of these categories They are-

Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Vata-Pitta
Pitta-Kapha
Kapha-Vata
Vata-Pitta-Kapha

AYURVEDIC UDVARTANAM

This specialised massage uses ayurvedic powders or churnas to help reduce obesity, impart mobility to the joints and strengthen muscles. The most promising benefit is an all over slimming and toning effect on the body.

CHOORNASWEDAM

A linen bag filled with churna (medicated powder) is used for fomentation, the duration of which varies according to disease conditions. This is effective for ailments due to Vata and Kapha disorders as it produces a therapeutic sweat, which relieves neurological disorders, rheumatism and arthritis.

NETHRA THARPANAM

This is a special Ayurvedic treatment to set right the degenerative changes in the retina and lens of the eyes, to strengthen the optic nerve, ciliary muscles, and to correct the refractive errors in diabetic retinopathy, etc.

THALAM

Application of medicated paste on the crown of the head is called Thalam. Thalams are of various types according to the nature of the ailment.

PICHU

This is a palliative treatment for ailments in the head region. It is good for diseases affecting the cranial nerves due to Vata disorders. The treatment is named after the folded piece of cloth used to cover the crown called the pichu.

KSHEERA DOOMA

This is a traditional Kerala Ayurvedic treatment meant for disorders of facial nerve and different neurological disorders of facial muscles. This is very important in treating facial palsy.

VASTI

It involves holding warm ayurvedic oils on the affected areas, that help immensely in cases of lower back problems, cervical problems, arthritic knees and in cases of hypertension and cardiac related conditions.

TRADITIONAL BEAUTY TREATMENTS

The secret of beauty, according to Ayurveda, is Ojas – the subtle quality of vigour or vitality, which is the superfine essence of the seven dhatus. If one stays healthy in body, mind and spirit, one’s Ojas stay strong and this force creates a radiant inner self and a beautiful outer self.

However, for enhancing physical beauty, Ayurveda recommends a number of time-honoured natural treatments.

AYURVEDIC ANTI-AGEING

Ayurveda, from time immemorial focussed on anti-aging and rejuvenation programmes to prevent disease process and to maintain an optimum healthy state. This is recommended for anyone above the age of 40 for 14-21 days anually and any one above 60 years for 21 days anually. This programme consists of different Panchakarma and other special Ayurvedic programmes based on the person's health and body constitution.

An elaborate description of this process of revitalization has been described in the classical texts. According to Charaka, this miraculous change can be brought about if one goes through a prescribed 6-month course of rejuvenation. But this rigorous and disciplined process of classical Ayurvedic rejuvenation is virtually impossible in modern times.

The Ayurvedic Rejuvenatory treatment practised today is called Panchakarma.

PANCHAKARMA

Panchakarma therapy is performed in 3 stages:

Purvakarma – preparatory procedures that help the body discard the toxins present in the stomach and tissues and help facilitate the toxins to move to the alimentary canal.
Pradhanakarma – main treatment which is designed as per each individual’s needs
Paschatkarma – post treatment care includes the diet regimen and the other dos and don’ts.

‘Pancha’ means ‘five’ and ‘karma’ means ‘action.’ This five-fold purification therapy aims at correcting the imbalance of the doshas - Vata, Pitta, Kapha in order to maintain their inherent equilibrium. During each season of the year, one or more of the doshas accumulate, which causes an imbalance and makes the body prone to illness. It involves five cleansing procedures:

VAMANA - inducing vomiting specially for kapha related illnesses like asthma, coughs, chronic colds, psoriasis, acne, arthritis, diabetes and other kapha disorders. This is a painless, drug-induced emetic process.
VIRECHANA - inducing purgation specially for elimination of Pita related toxins from the body. Here, drugs that stimulate bowel movements are induced for the expulsion of excess Pita.
NASYA - nasal cleansing by the application of medical oils or powders. The nostrils are considered the Doorway to the Brain and nasal application of oils is helpful in conditions like allergic sinusitis, migraines and epilepsy. If the Nasya therapy has been carried out effectively, Kapha related toxins from the paranasal sinuses are eliminated and the region nourished. Due to this, the patient feels great relief in the head and clarity of the sense organs. Breathing becomes completely unobstructed which gives sound sleep at night. Olfactory improvement is also felt. Nasya is excellent for chronic sinusitis, headaches, throat diseases, chronic colds, chest congestion, epilepsy, catarrh, migraine, voice constraint, eye diseases and cervical spondilitis.
VASTI - medicated enema is particularly good for alleviating excess Vata. Vasti’s effects are directly felt in the colon, the prime abode of the Vata. With the application of a series of purifying and nourishing Vastis, the morbid doshas and other toxins trapped for long in the tissues are eliminated. This restores the equilibrium of the humours. Vasti is good for spleen disorders, colic, calculus, kidney stones and many other diseases due to a Vata disorder. It helps in chronic constipation, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, sciatica, various neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dystrophy and atrophy of nerves and muscles. – Sneha Vasti – enema using medicated oil which remains in the colon and rectum for a short period of time to absorb the toxins and eliminate them out of the body.
NIROOHA VASTI – enema using a special combination of herbal decoctions, paste, powders and oils. It has an effect on the nervous system to help eliminate the imbalances in Vata.
RAKTHAMOKSHANA – to remove impurities from the blood through leech therapy or other methods.

This 5-fold treatment during Panchakarma has not only been intended for elimination of disease-causing toxins but also to replenish the tissues with nourishment. This is why it is often termed as Rejuvenation Therapy.

This therapy also combats neurological ailments like paralysis, arthritis, rheumatism, dermatological problems, and mental disorders.

SPECIAL AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

AYURVEDIC DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

An intensive treatment that works on neuro muscular tissues, strengthens the nervous system and tones the body. The strong and vigorous massages with deep pressure used in the strokes helps the very stressed body and also helps in weight loss. It tones the muscles and helps to get rid off deep seated toxins.

PIZHICHAL

‘Pizhi’ means ‘Squeezing’ and ‘Chil’ means ‘Vigorous movement.’ It is a procedure of squeezing large quantities of warm medicated oil all over the body with one hand and massaging with the other hand. When administered many times in succession is found to alleviate pains and is very invigorating. This is a unique contribution of Kerala. It has also been proved to be highly effective on its own for treating diseases caused due to vitiation of the Vata humour, especially hemiplegia, paralysis, muscle spasms and other degenerative diseases affecting the muscles. This massage protects

you from illnesses and builds up your immunity for a healthy life. It is very useful for rheumatic diseases, sexual weakness, blood pressure, nerve weakness and helps to arrest the ageing process.

NAVARAKIZHI/SHASTIKA SHALI PINDA SWEDA

A bolus of Navara or Shastika rice cooked with milk and herbal decoctions is made into a fist-sized bundle called a kizhi which is used for fomentation. This is done after the application of medicated oil over the whole body and this induces a sweat. It has its proven efficacy and indicated in muscular disorders, neurological anomalies from paralysis to neuralgias, emaciation, and blood related disorders. This in healthy individuals gives a sedation effect, improves blood circulations and metabolism, makes body feels lighter and relaxed. It makes skin soft and gives special luster and glow. It is used not only as part of Panchakarma but also as an effective treatment for many diseases due to Vata disorders. This strengthening formulation helps combat neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis, and malnutrition of limbs.

SHIROLEPAM

This is the application of herbal preparations in paste over the hairy part of the head for 30 to 60 minutes.
Ingredients of the paste vary according to the nature of the ailment. This is helpful in treating sleep disorders, headache, herriplegia, facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, hair falling, premature graying, dandruff, etc.

AVAGAHA SWEDAM

It is a kind of immersion bath where the patient is made to sweat while sitting in a tub filled with a specific warm medical decoction for the whole body or different parts of the body like the hips or feet. This is good for rheumatism, painful urination, hernia, lower backache, arthritis, etc.

SPECIAL AYURVEDIC FACE PACK

An exotic facial using fresh, natural beauty enhancing herbs like milk cream, curd, mint, honey, turmeric and various other ayurvedic herbs. The fresh herbs rejuvenate the skin and the aromas relax the mind. It also helps remove scars, improves the complexion and it soothes and moisturizes the skin.

What exactly is "holistic health"?

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Holistic Health is harmony and balance within all aspects of self - body, mind, spirit and emotions.
Each of us is born with a unique balance that makes us who we are and determines our strengths and weaknesses. A holistic approach brings an awareness and respect for the influence each aspect of a person's life has on all others. The whole lifestyle of the person is addressed, taking into consideration diet, exercise, the mind and emotions, one's spiritual outlook, and the interaction between family, friends, co-workers, society and nature.

Holistic health and alternative healing information

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Holistic health and alternative healing information. Holistic Health (wholistic health) addresses the whole person - body, mind, spirit and emotions. Learn about natural holistic remedies through the reliable sources offered here. Included are holistic products and alternative health services such as supplements for male and female health and performance, natural baby products, children's health, general health, enzymes, herbals, books, self-help, clean air and water, problem skin care, daily skin care, weight loss, herbal supplements, herbal products, detox products, quality sleep products, prostate health, water filters, holosync tapes, acne treatment products, subliminal tapes, hypnosis downloads, air filtration, bodywork therapies, holistic health articles, free holistic health reports and much more. Your source for holistic health education, holistic products, and alternative healing!

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