Healing

Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort

The Healing Program at Carnoustie... managing stress to restore tranquility and balance

The Healing Program at Carnoustie... a unique amalgamation of therapies Stress is an inexorable fallout of today's fast paced life style and has become an integral part of our lives. We cannot wish it away. Acknowledging its presence and then finding ways and means to control and ultimately eradicate it, would be a more practical approach. Chronic stress can take a heavy toll on our health and well-being and hence cannot be ignored. The Healing Program at Carnoustie is a unique amalgamation of the best therapeutic practices of Ayurveda with Yoga asanas (body postures), Meditation and Pranayama, Kundalini Yoga, Pranic Healing and Reiki.

This integrative approach to stress management heals both physically and emotionally/mentally and helps the guest to exercise greater control over his/her mind and body. It trains the mind to stay composed, positive and stress free despite external disrupting forces.

Thalam... nourishing the brain with herbal oils Thalam is one of the oldest and most popular Ayurvedic treatments for mental abnormalities and neurotic disorders. In this treatment a mixture of medicated oils and herbs is poured into a sealed funneled cap like mechanism and allowed to hold for a specific period of time (20-40 mins) to allow the mixture to be partially absorbed by the scalp. The treatment is known to nourish and rejuvenate the scalp and the brain cells and prevents and cures brain damage. This treatment soothes the ear, nose and throat passages as well as combats mental tension and headaches. It is very effective in curing anxiety disorder, insomnia, migraine, chronic depression and mental stress. It improves memory and concentration.

Thalapothichil... the healing & rejuvenating herbal paste The name Thalapothichil is derived from two Malayalam words- 'thala' or the head and 'pothichil 'which means cover. In this treatment, a thick herbal paste is applied to the scalp after a light massage with medicated oil. The paste is applied in a thick layer of about 0.5 to 1 centimetre, leaving a small central portion empty which is filled with medicated oil. The paste is then covered with leaves (plantain or lotus leaf) and cloth leaving the central groove filled with oil open. At the end of the procedure the paste is removed and the patent is given a gentle relaxing head massage.

This traditional treatment is very effective in treating various psychosomatic disorders. It is used to treat migraines, headaches, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, chronic stress, epilepsy, hypertension, sinusitis and problems related to the head and neck regions.

Nasyam... detox through the nasal doorway to the brain Nasyam is a very effective treatment for illnesses in the head region. Medicated oil/ herbal juices/herbal powders/medicated milk are administered through the nose for a specific period of time as prescribed by the doctor. There are different kinds of Nasyams based on the difference in the type of medicines/oils used.The treatment removes excess humors accumulated in the different sinus cavities and throat and cleanses them thereby increasing oxygen supply to the brain. Nasyam is highly effective for treating migraine, anxiety disorder, chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, paralysis, epilepsy mental disorders, premature graying and falling of hair, loss of smell and taste and is often prescribed to improve voice clarity.

Shirodhara... calming the "third eye" – gateway to higher consciousness Stress is known to be the primary cause for weight gain and erratic eating patterns. Shirodhara is an effective stress buster aiming to calm the mind. The term 'Shirodhara' is derived from the two Sanskrit words: 'shiro', meaning head, and 'dhara', meaning to flow. It involves the warm and steady flow of medicated oils on the forehead, more specifically on the "third eye." The Vedas describe the third eye chakra or 'Ajna' as the gateway to higher consciousness and enlightenment having deep spiritual and psychosomatic significance. The calming medicated oils flow in a continuous stream transporting the self to a calmer place thawing all negative emotions. It is said to have a balancing effect on the deepest recesses of the brain, while stimulating the endocrine system's pituitary and pineal glands.

Thakradhara... the calming stress buster The term 'ThakraDhara' is derived from two Sanskrit words; ‘thakra’ or buttermilk and 'dhara' which literally means pouring in a continuous stream. In this treatment, medicated butter milk is poured in a continuous thin gentle stream on the central portion of the forehead.Buttermilk is supposed to have remarkable cooling properties and has a very calming effect on the brain. It is particularly effective in calming the pitta and vata doshas. It relaxes the mind, reduces mental stress and is very useful in treating psychosomatic disorders like psoriasis, stress related illnesses, insomnia, hypertension, headaches, migraine, Alzheimer's disease and chronic depression.

Ksheeradhara... the healing milky stream Ksheeradhara involves pouring of warm medicated milk specifically on the forehead or on specific points on the body in a gentle uninterrupted stream and is often accompanied by a gentle massage. Pouring of medicated milk on the forehead is known to stimulate and soothe the hypothalamus, thereby regulating the functions of the pituitary gland and inducing sleep. It has a calming and cooling effect and relaxes the central nervous system. This therapy is highly beneficial for vata and pita disorders and is recommended in certain neurological conditions especially those accompanied by burning sensation and numbness, for stress reductions and for treating headaches, migraine, anxiety and insomnia. Besides its calming effect, the treatment nourishes the skin, aids proper blood circulation of the body, lubricates the joints, relieves pain and stiffness of the muscles and joints and is known to be useful for treating arthritis.

Abhyangam... the greatest expression of self-love It is believed that the effects of Abhyangam are similar to those received when one is saturated with love. Abhyanga is infusing the body with 'prana' or vital life force. When we infuse all our cells with love, they are revitalised and energised. It involves massaging of the body with warm oil infused with healing herbs and balancing essential oils. Abhyangam moves 'Prana' (vital life force energy) within the body thereby nourishing and revitalizing all body organs. It aids the removal of toxins and stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation. It boosts the ability of nutrients to reach starved cells and allows for the removal of stagnant waste.

Kati Vasti ... strengthening and rejuvenating the lower spine Kati Vasti is an effective ayurvedic treatment for relieving lower back pain, one of the biggest health disorders of modern times often triggered by stress and anxiety. The waist area of the body is known as ‘kati’ in Sanskrit and this treatment involves the holding of warm ayurvedic oils over the lower back and spine region for a specific period of time. The patient is asked to lie face down on a wooden plank and 200-300ml of medicated warm herbal oil is poured into a reservoir made on the lumbosacral area using black gram dough. The oil is kept in the region for 30 to 40 minutes, followed by gentle massage of the area and steaming for 15 minutes for better absorption of the medicinal oil into the body. This treatment relieves numbness due to Sciatic nerve compression, strengthens the back muscles, reduces inflammation and alleviates lower back pain.

Greeva vasti… the “pain in the neck’’ buster Neck pain is one of the symptoms of persistent stress and anxiety. Greeva Vasti is the most effective and popular Ayurveda treatment for all pains in the neck and shoulder region. Medicated oil is poured and pooled into a small walled appendage constructed over the neck or nape of the neck area using wet flour of black gram. This oil is retained in the cervical region for a fixed duration of time. The patient is asked to take the treatment on an empty stomach because while doing Greeva Vasti, the patient has to sleep in prone position (on the stomach). Greeva Vasti is very effective in treating tension headaches, migraines, spondylitis, spondylosis, torticollis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and spinal stenosis.

Siro Vasthi... the funnel of goodness In this treatment medicated lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head and retained for 15 to 60 minutes per day basis the patient’s prescription. The selection of the medicinal concoction and oil for the procedure is based on the patient’s condition, the Rogi bala (strength of the patient) and Roga Bala (severity of the disease). This treatment is known to nourish the brain cells and has a calming effect on the brain. It is highly effective for facial paralysis, insomnia, severe headaches and other vata-originated diseases and nervous disorders.

Yoga … the oldest defined practice of mental/emotional self-management The oldest physical discipline known to mankind, ‘Yoga’ (literally means ‘union’ between the mind, body and spirit). Dating back over 5000 years, yoga is considered by many to be the oldest defined practice of self-development and that of physical and mental/emotional selfmanagement. Its regular practice helps us gain a better insight and an improved understanding of our mental framework and reactions to situations and experiences. This understanding helps us in tapping our innate wisdom and to remain more positive and calm in a more sustained manner regardless of the circumstances we encounter in our daily life.

Yoga ‌ the oldest defined practice of mental/emotional self-management Yoga's calmative and restorative poses along with controlled breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing the mind and body to a calm and relaxed state thereby reducing and eliminating stress. By reducing perceived stress and anxiety, Yoga also appears to modulate stress response systems. This in turn, decreases physiological arousal - for example, reducing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure and easing respiration. Studies show that the most effective ways in which yoga targets stress is by stimulating increased mindfulness and by increasing self-compassion. This helps the practitioner of Yoga to exercise greater control over his/her mind and body and to stay composed and positive despite external disrupting forces.

Meditation... the fine art of mind control Most people spend hours worrying about the future or something that might never happen; or we stay irate over something that happened years ago and has no bearing on our life anymore. These maze of thoughts do not allow us to enjoy our present and focus on things which are more positive and meaningful. Meditation is the practice of focusing of attention on one thing to the exclusion of all other thoughts. By doing so we tend to focus on a single thought and not worry about anything else, such as what’s causing the stress. With practice, meditation helps us gain better insight into persistent patterns of thinking and helps us obliterate the negative and focus on the more calming and thoughts. The principal purpose and benefit of meditation is that it empowers the user to stay focused in the current moment and stay calm.

Kundalini Yoga... the yoga of self - awareness Kundalini Yoga - "the yoga of awareness", is a dynamic blend of physical postures, breathing, movement, stretching, meditation, mantra and relaxation; the combination of which activates the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, expands the lung capacity and purifies the bloodstream. It brings balance to the body, mind and soul, and can be practiced by almost anyone, regardless of age and fitness. A Kundalini class can be a good workout, the only difference being, that both its teachers and students (often wearing white turbans) participate in each kriya with a quiet reverence more akin to being in a temple than a gym. If coalescing physical exercise with spiritual enlightenment excites you, Kundalini Yoga might be a perfect fit for you.

Kundalini Yoga... unlock the energy within Kundalini Yoga holds the promise of enlightenment and bliss. What appeals to the more pragmatic sensibilities is that Kundalini Yoga is goal oriented. Each kriya is for a purpose and has been handed down from ancient yogis, crafted for outcomes in real time. The mantras are for the purpose of cultivating vibrational effects in the brain and nervous system. The breath is for accessing the nervous system in ways that we otherwise cannot. It is the art of playing our body like an instrument. Through the practice of kriyas, breathing techniques (pranayama) and mantras, we increase the ‘prana’ - the life force - flowing through the body. It flows through everything - the hands, eyes, even the voice and can be used as a tool to heal one’s self and to heal others.

Pranic Healing... the ‘no touch’ energy healing Pranic healing is a simple yet powerful and effective system of ‘no-touch’' energy healing. Pranic Healing is based on the concept that emotions are nothing but energy forms. In Sanskrit, it’s called ‘prana’ or life force. This invisible bio-energy or vital energy keeps the body alive and maintains a state of good health. Pranic healing at Carnoustie focuses on cleansing and energizing. Cleansing means removal of the diseased energy from the health aura and energizing means adding ‘prana’ or life energy to the affected area. It is based on the fundamental principle that the body is a self-repairing living entity that possesses the ability to heal itself and that the healing process is accelerated by increasing this life force that is readily available from the sun, air and ground within the recipient's body to address physical and emotional imbalances. Our experts focus on cleansing the ‘aura’ or the energy around a person to achieve inner tranquility and calm.

Marma... the secret of manipulating ‘prana’ or life force for healing ‘Marma’ is a Sanskrit word meaning hidden or secret. A Marma point is defined as an anatomical site where flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints meet. In Ayurveda Marma points are treated as points of vital life force. When imbalances block the movement of free-flowing energy in the body, the resulting stagnation leads to physical and mental discomfort and disease. A professional therapist isolates the Marma points and cleans them out by increasing the blood flow to the affected part of the neuro-muscular junction stimulating the body's biochemistry to produce neurochemical and hormones that heal. Marma massage involves a full body massage with warm medicated oil, stimulating or massaging the Marma points on the body. It nourishes and revitalizes internal organs, strengthens muscles and bones, helps remove toxins, balances the doshas and encourages good sleep.

Reiki... channelizing & activating the body's natural healing abilities Reiki is a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being. One of the greatest healing health benefits of this therapy is stress reduction and relaxation. The process aids in the repair of body tissues, removes toxins and impurities and restores balance and health by cleansing the body. Reiki is a specific type of subtle energy process in which healing is performed by the touch of the hands, allowing the flow of the energy from a limitless source (God Force) to the patient via the Reiki practitioner.

It is extremely powerful, wherein energy can be channeled by intention alone. Reiki is excellent for healing any physical, mental, emotional and spiritual issues of any kind.

Attentive personalised care round the clock The resort has a fairly large qualified team of experts to ensure that each guest is given personalised attention. The team includes: Dr. Ajitha Sunil Babu: Resident Ayurveda Doctor, BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicines Surgery) Dr. Sreejith R: Resident Naturopathic Doctor, Russian Speaking.

BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy & Yogic Science) Dr. Mithu Bhaskar: Resident Doctor Marma , BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicines Surgery) Dr. V. P. Rajashekharan: Resident Yoga professor, Reiki Master, PhD (Yoga & Alternative Medicines), Diploma in Pranic Healing Dr. Rahul: Resident Doctor, BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicines Surgery) Dr. Sanjeev Grover: Visiting Doctor (Acupressure) Dr. RajeshVerma: Visiting Doctor BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicines Surgery) Mr. Sebgathullah Shaikh: Integrated Physical practitioner, Bachelor in Marma Therapy, Diploma in Naturopathy & Yoga Sciences Mr. Gopalakrishna Pillai, Ms. Sindhuja, Mr.Ashok- Resident Yoga Teachers Mr. Yogacharya Amit - Visiting Yoga Guru

Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort

Mararikulam, Chennaveli, Chethy (P.O.) Alappuzha Kerala, India 688530 For reservations +91 478 2830400 Fax +91 478 2830499 Web: www.carnoustieresorts.com Email: reservations@carnoustieresorts.com