Ayurveda, system of traditional medicine uses the integral principles of nature in order to keep everyone physically and mentally fit. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical systems which originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. There are several facets of Ayurveda, each with different process and benefits and Ksheera Dhoomam is one of those facets.

Ksheera Dhoomam

Ksheera Dhoomam is a very effective and a popular Ayurveda treatment in which herbal medicines and cow’s milk are mixed, heated and applied as steam with the help of a tube. The steam coming out of the tube is applied to the whole body or the affected part of the patient’s body. During this treatment, therapists ensure that the patient’s skin does not get burnt. The process is continued for about 45 minutes. It is used in the treatment of facial paralysis, locked jaw and disorders of head and neck, with Vata dosha imbalance.

The name Ksheera Dhoomam is made up of two words:

Ksheera: meaning milk

Dhuma: meaning vapors

Ksheera Dhoomam is a variant of Swedana or sweating therapy. Since the treatment is done in the form of vapors or steaming, it can be considered as another form of Swedana. Generally steaming is contraindicated to be done to the head and face since the head consists of vital organs like eyes etc which might get damaged with administration of heat. It is also said that head is an important Marma (vital organ) comprising of many important structures including the brain which are heat sensitive. Hence, too much heat should not be applied to the head.

Procedure of Ksheera Dhoomam

It has three different stages:

- Purvakarma (or Pre-treatment procedures)

- Providing Ksheera Dhuma

- Paschat Karma (or Post treatment procedures)

1. Purvakarma:

This involves examination and preparation of the patient. The patient is thoroughly examined.The prakriti (basic constitution) and vikriti (details of morbidity) are documented in detail. The disease is also examined to make sure that ksheera dhuma is the correct course of treatment. The treatment line up, materials used and medicines needed are listed out.

Next is the preparation for treatment, which involves collection of different types of vessels, clothes and materials needed in the appropriate measurements. Once the materials are collected,preparation of medicine is done, which might involve mixture of various natural medicinal substances.

Lastly, netra bandhana is done. The eyes are covered with lotus petals and tied with a bandage cloth, loosely knotted behind the head.

2. Providing Ksheera Dhoomam

The Medicine is put in a vessel with a narrow neck. The mouth of the vessel is covered with a cloth & a tube is attached to the covering. The steam coming from the vessel is used for swedana. The patient is advised to slowly inhale the vapours, keeping his/her mouth open.

While this is done, the rest of the body is covered in a blanket up to the shoulders.

Generally duration of the treatment varies from 30 to 45 minutes. This treatment is done in a course like seven days, 14 days etc. as per the instructions of the physician or conditions of the patients. The main ingredient of Ksheera Dhara treatment is milk. This treatment is based on milk and is known as milk treatment.

3. Paschat Karma

Cleansing of face: The face is cleansed with sterile cloth or tissue paper.

Rest and restrictions: The patient is allowed to relax for a while in the treatment room. He/ she is not allowed to bath or be exposed to wind or heat.

Shower: Patient is advised to take a refreshing hot shower after an hour or so.

Benefits

With Ksheera Dhoomam, the benefits are many and unique to the body, helping rid of many problems that could accumulate due to various reasons from routine to lifestyle.

The benefits of Ksheera Dhara are for proper blood circulation of the body and relaxation of the mind, as well as lubricating the joints, relieving pain, spasms and stiffness of the muscles and joints.

It has been found very effective in treating the following conditions:

- Stress and anxiety

- Facial paralysis disorders

- Speech disorders

- Cervical spondylitis

- Spastic disorders

- Numbness

- Headache

- Nervous disorder