May 9, 2010  

Bestowed with matchless nature's splendour, Himachal Pradesh has for long been providing visual treat to the visitors. The State is now emerging as a hub of 'Health Tourism' and tourists are making a bee line to make the most of it. The blend of natural environs of the State and Ayurveda, the ancient medical practice is doing wonders for the health of the ailing besides pepping up one's soul. The State with salubrious climes the year round is proving to be home away from home for recuperation and rejuvenation of the body. The State Government is giving added priority to boost health tourism, develop health resorts and popularise ‘Panchkarma’ to cure a number of incurable ailments.

 ‘Panchkarma’ is a part of the purification therapies of Ayurveda. In a literal sense, ‘Panch’ means five and ‘Karma’ means actions. It is a set of five systematic actions used for purification of the body. It brings the aggravated doshas namely vata, pitta and kapha into balance and eliminates toxins from the body. The five fold therapeutic measures of this therapy for internal purification of body are; Vamana (controlled therapeutic emesis),  Virechana (controlled  therapeutic purgation); Anuvasana ( Medicated  oil  enema), Asthapana  (medicated  decotion  enema) and  Nasya   (Drug administration  through  nostrils).

Besides treating various ailments, ‘Panchkarma’ therapy keeps ageing process at bay and improves memory and functions of all sense organs. It is very effective in the management of autoimmune disorders, chronic ailments like rheumatic arthritis, bronchial asthma, gastrointestinal disorders and mental diseases.

Panchkarma is being injected a new lease of life in the State and the results have been remarkable. Egged on by the enterprising prospects of Ayurveda in the State, 12 more Panchkarma centres are being opened in different parts of the state. Furthermore, Patanjali Yog Peeth, being set up near Sadhupul in Solan district would play a pivotal role in boosting up Ayurveda in the State in particular and country in general. According to initial projections, the Rs 50 crore project would churn out employment opportunities to nearly 1,000 locals.

The State has about 4,000 health institutions out of which 1,154 are that of ayurveda, homeopathic and unani system of treatment. Ayush Medical Centres are being set up in all Primary Health Centers, Community Health Centers and District Hospitals under Rural Health Mission in the State. To ensure standardized ‘Panchkarma’ services to the people, ayurvedic professionals were sent for training to Kerala. The sector holds vast employment and self employment prospects which could help youth in starting lucrative ventures.

Congenial environs of Himachal coupled with state of the art infrastructure are attracting the health conscious. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) offers ayurvedic therapy ‘Panchkarma’ in Hotel Holiday Home, Shimla, Hotel Tea Bud, Palampur and Palace Hotel, Chail.

At Hotel Tea-Bud, Palampur in Kangra district ‘Abhyangam’ is done prior to the process of ‘Panchkarma’. It increases body metabolism which leads to better tissue respiration, increases circulation, causing the body to flush out impure materials. 'Abhyangam' improves concentration, intelligence, confidence, soothes the skin and retains youthfulness.  It helps in doing away with ‘Vata’ problems.  It provides comfort to the eyes, gives sound sleep, tones up the body, and improves muscles flexibility.

‘Netra Tarpan’ is a special treatment in which pure medicated cow’s ghee is poured over the eyes. It is immensely beneficial in strain, refractive errors of the eyes, chronic conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, dry eye syndrome, eye diseases due to aggravation of Vata and Pitta toxin, helps in preventing early formation of Cataract, improves improper co-ordination and loss of movement of the eyeballs, pain and burning sensation in the eyes.  'Netra Dhara' is a special cleansing technique of pouring herbal extracts in a continuous stream over the eyes.  'Shiro Dhara’ is best for easing fatigue, depression, mental stress, improving hair growth, memory and concentration. 

Similarly, Nasyam, a nasal application of herbal oil or juices is effective for paralytic and mental disorders. Ultrasonic face massage helps in increasing blood circulation. Kizhi Herbal Bon, another Ayurveda therapy removes toxins. This therapy proves helpful in arthritis and other muscular-skeletal diseases.  Kati Vasti is a special herbal treatment for chronic back ache and slip disc. Muttu Vasti is recommended for all types of joint pains.  

Navarkizhi is a highly effective rejuvenation massage technique which gives soothing effect to the body. It is very effective in curing Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous weakness and disorders. Patra Pinda Swedan therapy is useful in curing Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis, injuries etc. Similarly, Shirovasti treatment is highly remedial for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches and other Vata-originated diseases. It is also effective for the loss of tactile sense, speech difficulties, insomnia and nervous disorders.

 ‘Sarvakaya Abhyangam’ therapy is done at Hotel Holiday Home, Shimla. It lessens stress and strain, helps delay wrinkles, imparts glowing skin, and improves flexibility of joints and mental clarity. Nalikerodakm, Kartatika Lepam is very effective in psoriasis, marks on the skin, pigmentation, arthritis, injuries and skin infections. Herbal steam bath opens the minuscule pores of the skin eliminating toxins from the body, tones the skin leaving it soothe and soft. 

At the Palace Hotel, Chail in Solan district, Sarvakaya Abhyangam, Shirodhara, head and face massage, massage of legs and feet, head and shoulder massage, Kati vasti, Shiro Vasti, Triposha, Nalikerodakm, Karkatika Lepam and Herbal steam bath are provided to the people.

Apart from tourism undertakings, facilities for ‘Panchkarma’ treatment are also available at Rajiv Gandhi Govt. Ayurvedic Hospital, Paprola (100 Bedded), District Ayurvedic Hospital Bilaspur, District Ayurvedic Hospital, Dharmshala District Kangra.
 

photograph is also available on website.