Therapies

Diet therapy is a science concerned with the use of food for therapeutic purpose. It is a broad term used for the practical application of nutrition as a preventive or corrective treatment of a disease. It is concerned with giving a healthy diet for recovery from illness and preventing further diseases. It may involve the modification of the existing dietary lifestyle to promote optimum health. The more we overload our body with unhealthy food, the more it reduces our vitality. When we begin to purify ourselves with a well balanced diet and detoxification - we give our body the chance to cleanse and repair and restore a more balance state of the entire system.

During the process of detoxification, the healing crisis happens in our body and we need to support our body at this point of time. After detoxification, it helps to achieve long-term health and more vitality which places a crucial role in keeping our mind calm and promotes mental health. The smoothening and constructive diet which helps in regeneration and rebuilding healthy organs is given after fasting therapy. It includes soups, thick juices, fruits, salads and bland diet.

Diet therapy may include prescribing specialized dietary regimes or meal plans to specific medical conditions and to improve optimum health of a normal individual. These specialized diet regimens or meal plans are called therapeutic diets. Therapeutic diet refers to a meal plan that controls the intake of certain foods or nutrients and it isthe adaptation of our normal, regular diet. Some common examples of therapeutic diets include clear liquid diet, mono diet, raw diet, bland diet, fruit diet, yogic diet etc. Along with naturopathy diet concepts, special emphasis is laid on evidence based modern nutrition.

Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time to get the desired therapeutic effect. It must not be practiced without expert guidance. In the old English, ‘Feastan’ means to fast, observe, be strict. In Sanskrit ‘Vrath’ means ‘determination’ and ‘Upavasa’ means ‘near to God’. A fast may be prolonged or intermittent based on the severity of disease, age and health condition of the individual. Mental preparedness is an essential pre-condition. Prolonged fasting should be done only under the supervision of an experienced Naturopathy and Yoga Doctor.

Fasting is also called as eliminative diet. It creates conducive environment for the body to repair and rebuild the disease part and make it healthy. It includes water fasting, juice fasting, raw fasting, intermittent fasting and so on. During fasting, the body excretes huge amounts of accumulated wastes. A precautionary measure is the complete emptying of the bowels at the beginning of the fast by enema so that the patient is not bothered by gas or decomposing matter formed from the excrements remaining in the body. A lot of energy is spent during the fast in the process of eliminating accumulated poisons and toxic waste materials. It is therefore, of utmost importance that the patient gets as much physical rest and mental relaxation as possible during the fast. No harm will happen during fasting, provided they take absolute physiological and psychological rest under proper professional care.

Though earlier observations were studied without scientific methodology or understanding they still point to utilization of fasting as a therapeutic modality. Prominent findings among the studies on physiological effects conferred by fasting are the following: increased insulin sensitivity that results in reduced plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and improved glucose tolerance, reduced levels of oxidative stress as indicated by decreased oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and DNA, increased resistance to various types of stress including heat, oxidative and metabolic stresses and enhanced immune function

Hydrotherapy represents the ‘Jala’ element among the Panchamahabhuta. It is the system of treatment using water of different temperatures in different forms to different parts of the body. It includes internal and external application. Vincent Priessnitz, called as Father of Hydrotherapy treated his own chest injury with cold packs. He had also treated patients through various baths and packs. Sebastian Kneipp published his book “My Water Cure” in 1886. He said “Water contains healing property; it is the simplest, cheapest and if correctly used can be the safest remedy”. In 2015, the German UNESCO Committee recognized “Kneippien” water-treating method as a traditional knowledge and practice. Today, hydrotherapy is used to prevent and treat acute and chronic conditions. There are lot of research studies carried out to identify the mechanisms behind the working of hydriatic applications in various forms and in various temperatures to different systems of the body.

Acupuncture is a 3000 year old healing technique of the Traditional Chinese Medicine. It works on the concept of meridians and energy pathways. It is the science of balancing the flow of energy/chi which circulates throughout the body. Acupuncture improves the functioning of the body and promotes natural self healing process. The stimulation is given to the specific acupuncture points located in the body. Needling is the most common method. Other modes include meridian massage, cupping, moxibustion, electric stimulation, application of herbal medicines etc. The theories suggest that acupuncture releases the blocked chi in the body by evoking the natural healing response. Research studies have demonstrated the effect of Acupuncture on nervous system, endocrine and immune system, cardiovascular system and digestive system. A number of research studies suggest that Acupuncture also helps to relieve aches & pain, improve sleep, breath with ease and bring a sense of psychological wellbeing.

Mud therapy is the science of applying pure mud to the whole body or desired local parts to get therapeutic effects. The application can be over the skin directly or within the cloth packs. Mud, a constituent of the Prithvi element of Panchamahabhuta is considered to have the ability to heal from within. It has a powerful effect to absorb and remove the toxins from the body which leads to illness. Emmanuel Felke, also called as ‘Clay Pastor’ is recognized as Father of Mud Therapy.

In the 17th century, it was believed that all diseases can be healed by lying down on the mud. The science has thus evolved since then majorly at Italy, Germany and other European countries. History suggests that Egyptian Queen Cleopatra used to include mud applications to improve her natural beauty. The mud used for therapy is clean pure and sterilized. It is free from stones, dust, manure and wastes. It is generally collected from a depth of 4-6 feet below.

There are several studies conducted to validate the therapeutic effects of mud. Applying a layer of mud around the stomach is found to improve the digestion in the body and helping to pace up the body's metabolism. It is observed that full mud bath detoxifies the skin of any impurities. Since mud is cooling in nature, this therapy is often prescribed to deal with nervous problems like stress, sleep disorders, anxiety as well as sciatica and post-traumatic disorders. Studies have also claimed that mud baths can cut down the risk of developing glaucoma and can also help get rid of infections and allergies

Physiotherapy is a science-based profession and takes a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle. At the core is the patient’s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment. It helps people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. Hence, it is beneficial for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

Physiotherapy is classified into Exercise therapy and Electrotherapy. Exercise therapy is defined as a regimen or plan of physical activities designed and prescribed to facilitate the patients to recover from diseases and any conditions, which disturb their movement and activity of daily life or maintain a state of well‐being through neuro re‐education, gait training, and therapeutic activities. It is systemic execution of planned physical movements, postures, or activities intended to enable the patients to reduce risk, enhance function, remediate or prevent impairment, optimize overall health and improve fitness and well‐being.

Electrotherapy includes a range of treatments using electricity to reduce pain, improve circulation, repair tissues, strengthen muscles, and promote bone growth, leading to improvements in physical functioning. Electrotherapy units usually consist of a battery-powered device connected by wires to adhesive electrode pads which are placed on the skin. Lot of research studies and clinical evidences indicate the beneficial effects in disease conditions mainly from neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory ailments like stroke, parkinson’s disease, joint pains, chronic heart disease, asthma, arthritis etc.

Botanical medicine is the usage of herbs for therapeutic purpose. This system is based on using single or mixed herbs containing medicinal value to treat disorders and also to improve immunity. Medicinal plants are of great value in the Indian culture and tradition. Even in other systems of medicine, various herbal preparations are used as therapy. Many digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, skin and cardiac problems can be treated through herbs.

It is the system of healing through systematic rubbing and manipulation of muscles and joints. The aim of manipulative therapy is to retrain and restore the bodily functions lost as a result of diseases, trauma, strokes, etc., by applying mild pressure, heat, water and / or manipulation or strengthening techniques to the moving parts of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain. The most common form of massage therapy is called Swedish or classical massage. Other styles include ayurvedic massage, acu massage, sports massage, clinical massage, shiatsu and so on. Massage therapy has been clinically studied for several types of pain, osteoarthritis, paralysis, headaches etc.

Acupressure is one of the therapies under Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure. TCM describes special points named as acupressure points that lie along meridians, or channels in the body. Acupressure uses over 800 therapeutic points that are present throughout the body. It is believed that through these channels which connect specific organs or networks of organs, the vital energy or ‘chi’ flows. When one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, illness can occur. Thus, the goal of acupressure is to restore health and balance the energy channels of the body. Various clinical studies suggest that acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit.

Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific reflex areas on the body especially the palms and soles. The theory behind reflexology is that areas correspond to the distant organs and organ systems of the body. Pressure applied to the reflex area brings relaxation and healing to the corresponding area of the body. Reflexology is sometimes combined with other hands-on therapies like physiotherapy, chiropractice and osteopathy. Several studies indicate that reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as stress and anxiety, and enhance relaxation and sleep. In contrast, there are researches going on which view the acupuncture points as reflex points to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue and give desired therapeutic benefits.

Magneto therapy is the system of treatment using magnets of various shapes and power to different parts of the body. Magnetism is a natural phenomenon in which certain materials have the ability to attract or repel each other. This magnetic effect due to the spin of unpaired electrons can interact with body cells to stimulate blood flow and help in regeneration of damaged tissues. Magneto therapy is believed to boost the electromagnetic field of ailing cells so they can function more easily.

Modern research suggests that magnetic therapy works by increasing blood flow through tiny capillaries. This provides more oxygen, nutrients and immune factors to the cells and flushes away cell wastes to promote normal function. Various clinical studies have been found effective in conditions like stiffness, soreness or wounds, peripheral nerve pain, diabetes and many more. One study, in which a donated blood sample was exposed to a magnetic field for one minute, found that blood stickiness was reduced by 20% to 30% and this beneficial effect lasted for around 2 hours.

Latest research shows that magnetic therapy also reduces excessive inflammation so that repair, healing and recovery can occur more effectively. Thus, the magnetic therapies in the form of magnetic ring, belt, bed etc have been providing beneficial effects in improving health and vitality.

Chromo therapy also called as colour therapy, is the science of treating using different colours. It is a method of treatment that uses the visible spectrum (colors) of electromagnetic radiation to cure diseases. It is a centuries-old concept used successfully over the years to cure various diseases. Lot of research and critical analysis of chromo therapy have documented its scientific evolution to date. Studies have tried to discover the underlying scientific principles.

Numerous published articles furnish detailed information on treatment methodologies and healing characteristics of colours. A number of studies have elaborated the relationship between the human body and colors. There is a lot of scope to find the possibility of carrying out diverse research into chromo therapy that is pertinent to deciphering the quantum mechanical dipole moment of water molecules as a result of the absorption of different colors. Reviews illustrates that the development of science in the field of electromagnetic radiation/energy can be very helpful in discovering new dimensions of this old theory.

Heliotherapy is defined as the treatment of disease by exposing the body to sunlight and its electromagnetic waves. The use of sunlight is prevalent since the times of ancient Greeks and Romans. 10 minutes to 15 minutes of daily exposure (between 7-9am and 4-6pm) to sunlight is useful for maintaining normal functioning of the body. Sunbath can be taken by people of all ages and genders.

Various studies have shown the effect of heliotherapy which include, stimulation of tissue granulation and connective tissue which repairs the wounds, ulcers or inflammation; increase fibroblastic activity, increase RNA and DNA synthesis, stimulate the production of collagen for repair of damaged tissue and to replace old tissue; formation of new capillaries to speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen and nutrients; induce thermal effect, phagocytosis and relieve pain. Cardiac system, musculoskeletal system, skin, psychology have faster impact from heliotherapy. Application of Heliotherapy is made through different ways namely, Atapa Snana, Sun Bath with Wet Cloth, Kuhne Sun Bath, Rickley Sun Bath and Ordinary Sun Bath.

Energy Medicine is defined as any energetic or bioplasmic interaction with a biological system to bring back homeostasis in the organism. Subtle energy is another term used with Energy Medicine. The system is based on the concept of life force energy which seems to sustain and promote life processes in the biological system. Energy medicine or healing integrates the science of breathing, healing, meditation and yoga to provide a holistic wellness solution. The practices include breathing techniques, meditation, principles of living and the practice of healing techniques.

Stress and negative emotions stored in the body can deplete or create blockages in the body’s energy system. If not resolved over a period of time, these blocks and depletions can affect the energy flow in the body and can also lead to diseases. Energy healing is based on the principle that human body has the ability to heal itself. With the techniques, the natural healing process of our physical body can be accelerated as the energy body inter-penetrates the physical body. Therefore, by working on the energy body or pranamaya kosha, a faster healing and recovery can be achieved.

Energy medicine helps people to recover from both physical ailments and psychosomatic ailments. In the recent years, lot of research studies has been conducted to analyze the impact of energy therapies on human body. Equipments like Kirlian photography and GDV have helped to assess the changes with the treatment. This science of healing addresses the cause or source of the ailments and offers a well-reasoned solution that is complementary and supportive to all medical practices.

Yoga is the science of recreating the harmony between body and mind. Yoga therapy may be defined as the application of yogic principles to a particular person with the objective of achieving a particular spiritual, psychological, or physiological goal. The techniques comprises of the components of Ashtanga Yoga such as yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi.

The study of classical texts, spiritual or psychological counseling, chanting, imagery, prayer, and ritual to meet the needs of the individual are also included. Yoga is basically taught in different levels like Shakti krama, Chikitsa krama and Adhyatma krama. The yoga to heal specific problems, such as eliminating impurities in the organs or chakra and nadi of the body is termed as chikitsa-krama. It is further classified as chikitsa, rakshana and shikshana i.e., therapy for treatment of diseases, to prevent relapse of illness and to strengthen the body and mind to be healthy.

Therapeutic yoga is a holistic approach, simultaneously working on the body, mind, and spirit. Various yoga practices strengthen different systems in the body and foster psychological well-being. There are thousands of research studies carried out to assess the impact of yoga on human body and mind. Yoga therapy respects the age, culture, religion, philosophy, occupation, and mental and physical health of every individual.