Six procedures, described as procedures.

01

Abhyanga

Warm, herb-infused oil applied over the whole body in long strokes along the limbs and circular strokes at the joints. Performed on a wooden table, usually by two therapists working in time with one another.

Materials

A sesame or coconut base, infused with herbs and warmed to a little above skin temperature.

Duration

Sixty minutes on the table, then a rest and a warm wash.

Room

Treatment room with a tiled floor laid to drain. The oil is warmed in the room rather than carried to it.

02

Shirodhara

A continuous thread of warm liquid poured onto the forehead from a vessel suspended above the table. The stream is kept moving slowly across the brow for the length of the session, and the vessel is refilled without interrupting it.

Materials

Oil, milk or a herbal decoction, according to what the written description calls for.

Duration

Forty-five minutes, preceded by a short application of oil to the scalp.

Room

A table fitted with a collection channel. The vessel hangs from an adjustable frame above it.

03

Udvartana

A dry or semi-dry paste of milled grain and herbs, worked over the body in upward strokes, against the lie of the hair. The pressure is firmer than in an oil application and the direction is consistent throughout.

Materials

Milled barley, chickpea or horse gram, used dry or worked into a paste.

Duration

Forty-five minutes, followed by a warm wash.

Room

The same drained treatment room. The floor is swept between sessions rather than mopped.

04

Nasya

Preparations administered through the nostrils, preceded by steam and a short massage of the face, neck and shoulders. The head is positioned lower than the shoulders for the administration itself.

Materials

A medicated oil or a powder, given in measured drops.

Duration

Thirty minutes in total, of which the administration is a few minutes.

Room

A reclining table with an adjustable headrest, and a steam unit at the head of it.

05

Kizhi

Cloth boluses packed with herbs, rice or warmed sand, pressed and drawn across the body in a set rhythm. The boluses are returned to the heat and exchanged as the session goes on, so the temperature stays even. Also called pinda sweda.

Materials

Cotton cloth, tied at the neck. Contents vary — herb leaves, cooked rice, or clean sand.

Duration

Forty-five to sixty minutes.

Room

Treatment room with a heat source at the side of the table for re-warming.

06

Panchakarma

A sequence of five procedures undertaken over a set number of days, with a preparatory period before it and a regulated diet after. It is a programme rather than a single appointment, and it is described separately.

Duration

Between seven and twenty-one days, depending on which procedures are included.

Scope

Of the classical five, this clinic performs three. The other two are described for completeness.

Read the full description of Panchakarma