Dr. Pillai’s Ashtaang · Therapy guide
Ayurvedic therapies
A guide to the procedure families available at Ashtaang.
Our Kerala Ayurveda practice includes Panchakarma, preparatory procedures and therapies for the body, head and specific local areas. Your physician selects the procedures, medicines and materials after consultation, with a plan for preparation, visits and aftercare.
Find your way
Explore the families
Preparation & Panchakarma
Kerala body therapies
Local & head therapies
Eye, face, ear & mouth procedures
The starting point
Preparation and Panchakarma.
Preparatory procedures
Abhyanga uses prescribed oils for massage; Udwartana uses medicinal powders. Swedana uses heat or steam. These may form part of preparation or an individual treatment plan.
Panchakarma procedures
Vamana involves medically induced vomiting, Virechana purgation, Basti / Vasti rectal administration of selected preparations, and Nasya administration through the nose. These require physician selection and supervision.
Read the Panchakarma guide →
A plan, not a checklist
You do not need every procedure in a family. Some patients receive medicines and diet or lifestyle advice without Panchakarma. The consultation determines what is appropriate.
Safety and suitability →Full-body and local applications
Kerala body therapies.
Pinda Sweda / Kizhi
Prepared boluses are used for fomentation. The family includes Choorna (Podi Kizhi), Patra (leaf boluses), Shashtika Shali / Navara rice and other material-specific preparations selected by the physician.
Pouring and immersion
Pizhichil uses a flowing application of oil over the body. Dhanyamla Dhara and Ksheera Dhara use different liquid preparations; Avagaha is an immersion procedure. The material and area treated depend on the plan.
Steam and heat applications
Swedana includes whole-body and local methods, such as Bashpa Sweda and Nadi Sweda. The doctor decides the method, duration and whether heat treatment is appropriate.
Treatment of a selected area
Local and head therapies.
Local oil applications
Kati Vasti, Janu Vasti and Greeva Vasti retain oil over the lower back, knee and neck respectively. Local Pichu uses an oil-soaked pad; Lepana and Upanaha use paste applications.
These external oil applications are different from rectal Basti / Vasti.
Head therapies
Shiro Abhyanga, Shiro Pichu, Shiro Lepa / Thalam, Thalapothichil and Shirovasti use different forms of application to the head. Shirodhara involves a controlled flow over the forehead, with oil or another physician-selected preparation.
Additional procedure families
Assessment remains essential.
Eye therapies
The range includes Ashchyotana, Anjana, Bidalaka, Seka, Pindi, Tarpana and Putapaka. These involve distinct forms of application in or around the eyes and need individual assessment.
Face, ear and mouth
Examples include Mukha Lepana, Karnapurana, Gandusha and Kavala. Gandusha involves holding a preparation in the mouth; Kavala involves moving or gargling it. These are distinct methods.
Other selected procedures
Raktamokshana, Agnikarma and fumigation procedures are also part of the clinic’s range. They require a specific discussion of suitability, method and risks with the treating physician.
From enquiry to care
Discuss the practical plan.
Physician assessment
Consultation comes first. Bring reports, previous prescriptions and your medicine list. The doctor selects treatment after assessing your needs.
Visits and aftercare
Some courses involve several visits. Preparation, session length, number of sittings, diet and aftercare are individualized; ask about the total commitment before starting.
Availability and charges
Listed procedures are available subject to physician approval and current arrangements. Availability can change. Procedure charges are discussed after assessment and are separate from consultation fees.
These descriptions explain traditional methods, not proven benefits for a disease or self-treatment instructions. Clinical experience and research are considered separately when discussing treatment. No procedure guarantees an outcome.
Ambernath East
Arrange a consultation.
Appointments are preferred; walk-ins depend on availability. Contact reception during working hours to plan your visit.
Dr. Pillai’s Ashtaang
Kerala Ayurveda & Panchakarma Clinic
001, Om Sai Avenue, Plot 464, opposite Suryodaya Hall, Sai Section, Ambernath East, Thane, Maharashtra 421501.
Directions on Google Maps →