Our Signature Style of Panchkarma
After 15 years of studies and intense work, enriched with our collective wide experience, we designed a brand new way to detoxify. Our research was mainly focused on ways of reformulating Panchakarma and customising it for every patient with trademark love and care. Our refined method is now based on traditional techniques combined with modern studies on the needs and challenges we face in contemporary life, and takes into consideration all aspects of our human nature.
We successfully help patients to lose weight, heal digestive system disorders (lactose intolerance, allergies), respiratory system disorders (asthma, chronic cough) and assist women on their way to successful pregnancy. The history of cases treated in our clinic is long but we are constantly looking forward, as every new patient who enters presents as a special and unique case.
Classical Panchakarma
What is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma from Sanskrit means five (pancha) actions (karma) steps in the main detoxifying process, founded on five main purification therapies.
- Vamana (cleansing of lungs and stomach through emesis)
- Virechana (cleansing of stomach through purgation)
- Niruha basthi (cleansing of colon through enemas with herbal decoctions)
- Anuvasana basthi (cleansing of colon through enemas with medicated oil)
- Nasya (cleansing of nasal cavity and sinuses through nasal drops)
“The aim is to alkalinize both body and mind, and eventually to bring the client to a maintainable state of lightness, happiness and harmony.”
Why it is important to alkalinize ?
Dr Otto Warburg (Nobel Prize for Medicine, 1931) said: “No disease, including cancer, can exist in an alkaline environment”.
Based on this theory, he further claimed that all diseases can be cured when you are detoxified. That is also the principle of Panchakarma: according to ancient scriptures, a deep detoxification of the body helps to cure all diseases.
We do our best to take out as much acidic substance as possible from your body with classical panchakarma procedures. While being respectful towards our tradition, we further believe that it is important to adapt the treatment style to our contemporary demands and lifestyle. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it still stands that even if one has a disease, as the causative factors often lie beyond the attacked organ or system. Thereby it is important to find the real source of any problem.
In our clinic we have diligently searched for the cause of various diseases over the years. The results of our research and observations are very interesting: the most common cause of sickness, unhappiness and dissatisfaction lies in the mental condition. That is why we have designed our Shivani Style in a way to understand, support and help transform people’s minds and thinking patterns while detoxing.
Dr Sood and Dr Kumar have travelled intensively all over Europe, doing case studies, giving consultations and seminars, and exchanging their knowledge with the various practitioners they meet, gathering their insights, opinions and findings about the healing process. The major key which we consistently found is that many people are doing a lot to heal their mind, but too often leaving their body behind. It is as if a new software programme is installed and running in an old computer, which is full of viruses!
The main aim of Ayurvedic treatment in Shivani Style is that the body and mind should be brought to the same level of health, happiness and peace.
Preparation
1. Intensive consultation
It takes at least one hour of conversation to prepare a detailed study of the patient’s health problems, followed by the physical examination. Then we take a psychological history and assess its impact on the mind of the client. This helps to determine the birth constitution (prakriti) and possibleimbalances.
2. Alkalization of the mind
Once the initial constitution of our body is determined, we can start the alkalization of the mind. It is important for our mind to understand its own behaviour and patterns. Eventually the patient obtains a clear perception of past events and can understand him/herself better. If someone has already done the psychological work, then we are happy to assist him/her with a physical detox.
Alkalization of the mind will be done according to a standard protocol only during the intensive detoxification therapy.
3. Snehana (full body massage in classical style)
A 60–90 minute massage is given to the patient as prescribed for the disease or the chosen therapy. The massage is done using a specially formulated medical oil by our skilled therapist, with lots of love and care for the individual client, yet always in a highly professional manner.
4. Swedana (sauna or steam)
The swedana after the massage helps to facilitate the absorption of therapeutic oil deeper into the system. In addition, it softens the whole body. Sweating is also a form of toxin release and helps to remove excess salt and cholesterol. It not only improves the circulation, but also opens the pores and helps the skin heal and repair.In Ayurvedic terms swedana helps to make the doshas more fluid and encourages them to detoxify.
5. Internal Snehana
This is done to soften the doshas and toxins in the body. The duration of internal oil purification, quantity and type of medication (oil or ghee) is determined by the physician after analyzing the body constitution of the patient. After drinking special oil or ghee, the patient is encouraged to sip warm water frequently. When the substance is completely digested, it is advised that they eat light food.
6. Cleaning medicines
During the treatment, we suggest that our patients take herbal medicines, in order to stimulate the liver, kidneys, lungs and colon to help them detoxify faster and more efficiently. The choice of herbs is personalized for each patient and is specific for each disease state or condition. This also helps us to see the results of herbs which might be prescribed for long-term use following the treatment.
7. Special food
Diet is required during the detoxification. To make the intense process effective, a strict diet is mandatory, however in some packages only a simple vegetarian diet has to be followed. Our restaurant serves Ayurvedic food, so our patients can be sure that its quantity and quality respect and support our guidelines.
8. Marma therapy
Ancient scriptures indicate 107 points located in the body, which are specific anatomical junctions for various body parts, like ligaments, tendons, veins and bones. We raised the Marma treatment to a different level, by combining this knowledge with our intense work and research on the Marma points. Stimulation of Marma points in our style of treatment helps the panchakarma process to go deeper, more strongly and thus become more effective. In Shivani clinic both the physical and emotional Marma therapies are a part of the Panchakarma treatment.
This is a unique Marma Treatment, exclusively designed by Dr Sood and Dr Kumar. It employs a unique blend of ancient Ayurvedic techniques learnt from various masters in Kerala and other parts of India, wisdom inspired by traditional scriptures and knowledge gained from their own experience. Emotional Marma Therapy helps to Emotional Marma Therapy helps to open body channels, balance physical, emotional and mental states, and helps to let go of old emotions, such as fear, anxiety, guilt, anger etc. These are usually stuck in the body and manifest as physical blockages, pain or disease. This therapy treats many chronic diseases and reduces stress. The basic work is also done on the lymphatic system, which for example protects women from breast cancer and reproductive problems.
The feedback given by the doctor after the therapy is valuable and helps our patients to understand their emotions from the perspective of the heart rather than analyze them through the impressions of the mind. Shifting the concentration from the mind to the heart is a proven way to happiness.
Emotional Marma therapy is done only during the intensive detoxification and only if, after the consultation, the patient is interested to receive it.
It is important to note that this psychological approach to Ayurveda can help to bring harmony between you and your own past. It should not be confused with any psychiatric treatment.
9. Physical Marma
A simple approach to the therapy is physical Marma. The energy in the meridians flows better, the functions of the organs improve and the detoxification procedure is enhanced through the stimulation of the marma points. Thanks to Ayurvedic acupressure techniques, employed according to the disease symptoms presented, deep detoxification levels can be obtained. During Marma therapy it is normal for the patient to have fluctuating moods and energy, as they analyse their past and realize various impacts of childhood events. The process helps to improve their emotional condition.
Stimulation of Marma points can sometimes be painful due to the blockages in the organ. The pain soon subsides.
Panchkarama: Main Procedures
We administer the Classic Panchkarama from Charka Samhita league
10. Vamana (vomiting):
The excess Kapha and toxins accumulated by smoking, pollution and heavy creamy foods in the body and the respiratory tract are effectively removed by Vamana, one of the five therapies of Panchakarma. The medicine given in the therapy acts like a strong cough syrupand helps to pull out the mucous. The work on the lymphatic system done previous to this facilitates a better release of mucous, in addition to the oil therapy, done along with Swedana (steam). You can visibly see the mucous in the vomitus and clearly notice the poisons hidden in the nicotine, dust and pollution coming out. The result is cleaner, lighter and deeper breath.
11. Virechana (purgation)
This is the second main procedure of Panchkarma and it serves to clean several organs at once.It deeply cleanses the stomach, intestine, kidneys and liver. Formulations given during the therapy help to expel acid in the digestive system. Once the whole system is purified, the organs function much better.
12. Basti (enema)
Is regarded as the mother of all the treatments, Basti cleanses intestines from accumulated toxins. The energy we assimilate from our food is directly reflected in the strength of our intestines.
13. Anuvasan Basti (oil enema)
This is mainly a strengthening enema which empowers the presence of all friendly bacteria in our system. It helps also to loosen up all the stuck material in the colon thereby facilitating deeper release. Different formulations are made in the clinic, taking into consideration particular diseases.
We also expertise in Majja Basti which is a special formulation given for degenerative diseases.
14. Niruha Basti (cleaning enema)
After the colon has been nourished well with the oil, it is cleansed with different herbal decoctions, carefully composed according to the requirements of each patient. The decoctions are made from Ayurvedic herbs, oils and honey instead of water. Herbs are absorbed systemically and this can bring a deep impact on the whole body.
15. Nasyam (sinus cleaning)
The detoxification is completed with the last step of Nasyam – the cleaning of the sinuses. The nose is the gateway of the head. That’s why this therapy, when performed systematically, is highly effective in curing a number of diseases. It cleanses and opens the channels of the head, thereby improving the process of oxygenation (prana), which has a direct influence on the condition and functioning of the brain. Regular purification prevents eye, nose and ear diseases. During the intense detox, according to our Shivani Style, Nasyam is done with strong oils, always under a doctors’ guideline.
The Most common Therapies in our Clinic
Therapies are done in between the detoxification treatments in order to rejuvenate and relax the body. Additional therapies can be prescribed when required during the second half of the treatment according to individual requirements. While we are concentrating on the detoxification we often recommend that the patient does an extra week of suitable and helpful therapies. The client can also visit the clinic to do wellness and rejuvenation as per their personal wishes but we always recommend they do the basic cleaning before doing any other therapies, for maximum effectiveness
A Kati Basti
If you want to relieve any back tension, Kati Basti is advised for you. This unique therapy relieves all accumulated tensions and blockages. At the same time it nourishes the back by using selected herbal oils or ghee. After a gentle Ayurvedic oil therapy on the lower back, a specially prepared warm herbal oil is applied over the lumbo-sacral area and retained inside a ‘dam’ made out of lentil dough. The hot medicated oils help to melt the lower spine rigidity and can strengthen bone tissue. Gentle massage is given after the procedure.
This treatmentincreases the circulation in a chosen area, as the herbal oil is deeply absorbed under the skin, and it nourishes both muscles and nerves. Pacifiers are found in one of the primary sites of Vata.It also relieves chronic lower back aches, painful muscle spasms,
stiffness and degenerative problem .It is also recommended for the people who have a weak Muladhaar Chakra and is psychologically beneficial for people who have high vata energy and are not grounded or have had a challenging childhood.
B Griva Basti (Neck Therapy):
Neck pain is a common painful condition in the modern world. Sitting in front of computers, wrong postures while sitting, standing and sleeping, long distance travelling in packed local buses and trains have all contributed to increasing numbers of patients who suffer and present with chronic sore neck issues. Moreover the neck and shoulder muscles are contracted due to stress.The procedure is to bathe the affected neck muscle with warm oil using similar procedures to kati basti.
C Hrridya Basti (A therapy for heart opening and circulation):
This treatment warms up theheart (’Anahat’) and brings a smile and lightness to your face.It increases the strength of the heart and is used for improving the circulation system, and is useful for treating muscular pains in the thoracic region. It gives great results in ailments related to the heart and improves the heart function. i.e It commences the rejuvenation of the heart and also nourishes the mediastinum pericardium and pumping organ. The procedure is to warm theheart using warm medicated oil.
D Shirodhara
Shirodhara is an amazing, unique body therapy, its benefits recognised from ancient times. It has a profound impact on the nervous system. During this therapy a thin stream of warm oil is poured systematically onto your forehead. Its relaxing effect is almost indescribable.
Additionally, it not only releases the tension from the head and the mind, it also rejuvenates the nerves at the same time.
In the western alternative medical world, there is no other therapy with a similar impact on the nervous system, apart from an established meditation practice.
For a scientific explanation of this great therapy published in the journal of the Ayurvedic Institute ‘Ayurveda Today’ (Spring 1995), Ayurvedic practitioner Ed Danaher clearly explained how Shirodhara affects stress.
“In the procedure of Shirodhara, particular pressure and vibration is created over the forehead. The vibration is amplified by the hollow sinus present in the frontal bone. The vibration is then transmitted inwards through the fluid medium of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This vibration along with a small temperature may activate the functions of thalamus and the basal fore brain which then brings the amount of serotonin and catecholamine to the normal stage inducing thesleep”.
It is further explained in modern physiology books that the soft pressure can produce an effect on impulse conduction through tactile and thermoreceptors on the skin. If prolonged pressure is applied on the nerve, impulse conduction is interrupted and part of the body may go to a rest state. In Shirodhara therapy, prolonged and continuous pressure due to the poured medicated liquid may result in a calm mind and induce natural sleep.
E Urdhwartan Therapy
This is an ancient therapy for weight loss, cellulite reducing / fatmobilising / metabolism stimulating
This therapy is done with a cellulite-reducing oil massage followed by a powder rub with herbs for increasing the lymphatic flow and the blood supply to the cellulite affected region. The therapy can be done in an intensive manner in combination with deep tissue massage and sauna, or can be done as an add-on package for toning the part of the body affected with cellulite. This therapy also increases metabolism efficiency.
F Kizhi therapy
His is a rejuvenation therapy that is very useful during the convalescence periodof injury and trauma, and also in cases of muscular wasting, arthritis,
general weakness, paralysis, and pain related to the joints and sore muscles. This fomentation technique makes use of an indigenous variety of rice known Navara or Njavara that has medicinal properties. Pouches or Kizhis are made of Navara rice cooked in cow’s milk along with certain herbs.
Medicated oil is first smeared on the head and body of the patient, and the body is then massaged with these rice bags. The temperature of the kizhi is regulated depending on the tolerance capacity of the person. The procedure is done in seven different postures. After the treatment, the ricepaste stuck onto the body is removed and warm medicated oil is once again applied on the body.
G Pamper me Ayurvedic therapy
A perfect end to the intensive days At the end of Panchkarma the patients can choose to have a face treatment and or body polishing treatment to look fresh and shining. Each treatment is 60 minutes- 75 minutes. Itincludes a facial / body cleaning, scrubbing, Ayurvedic herbal cream massage and a face pack / body pack application tailored to the client’s skin. The skin is thus nurtured and pampered after the intensive cleanse and looks fresh and rehydrated. It is a nice way to finish the Panchkarma and go back home feeling fresh and loved.