Note
This is an informational and cultural introduction to the practices of traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda) as they are presented in their sources. It is not a treatment recommendation. These practices do not replace medical care, and should be used only after consulting a qualified physician.
Pizhichil
In Pizhichil, the patient is first examined by a physician, who then prescribes the oil to be used for treatment. The oil is warmed slightly, and a clean bundle of cloth is prepared.
The patient is then asked to lie on a wooden table of medium human size. The cloth bundle is dipped in the hot oil and then squeezed slowly.
An experienced therapist then massages the patient's whole body with the cloth bundle, working slowly at first so that the oil is spread evenly with the same degree of warmth, and then more quickly. The patient's head should not sweat during Pizhichil treatment.
Pizhichil (the compress treatment) usually lasts from seven to twenty-one days, for sixty to ninety minutes each day. The patient is instructed to follow a particular routine throughout the course of treatment in order to gain the greatest possible benefit from Pizhichil. It is traditionally used for rheumatism, arthritis, hemiplegia, sexual weakness, weakness or disorders of the nervous system, and similar conditions.
Njavarakizhi – Njavarakzhi
In this treatment, processed rice (Njavara rice) is prepared as boluses tied in muslin bags and used externally. The boluses are placed in a mixture of milk and a brewed herbal decoction, and are then applied over the whole body with the aim of inducing sweating. Njavarakizhi is performed by 2 to 4 therapists for 60 to 90 minutes a day, for 7 to 14 days. This procedure is described as highly rejuvenating and nourishing, and as preparing a person to withstand the pressures and tensions of a busy lifestyle, because it is said to promote physical harmony, strengthen the nervous system, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. This method is traditionally used in dealing with nervous disorders, chronic rheumatism, arthritis, degenerative diseases, poor nourishment of the limbs, and recovery after bone fractures. Njavarakizhi is also traditionally used in cases of polio and Parkinson's disease.
Shirodhara – Sirodhara
The word "Shiro" means head and "Dhara" means continuous flow. This treatment is a continuous flow of oil over the patient's head. Shirodhara is a cooling massage-type treatment, and Dhara uses oils as well as certain other substances.
Shirodhara treatment uses a vessel with a spun wick fitted into an opening in the vessel. The vessel is hung above the wooden table on which the patient lies. The medicinal liquid is then poured into the vessel and allowed to drip gradually onto the head. Herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated buttermilk, and the like make up the medicinal preparations, and the treatment is carried out for 40 minutes a day over a period ranging from 7 to 21 days. It is described as highly effective for people suffering from insomnia, memory loss, headaches, psychological stress, and some skin diseases.
Vasthi – Vasthi
Vasthi, also known as the "medicated enema", is a therapeutic procedure that uses certain herbal oils, herbal extracts, and similar preparations, administered through the rectum daily for 5 to 25 days. This treatment is described as effective for arthritis, Parkinson's disease, hemiplegia, numbness, intestinal complaints, rheumatism, and chronic constipation.
Sirovasthi – Sirovasthi
Lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap placed over the head for 15 to 60 minutes a day, depending on the patient's condition, for 7 days. This treatment is described as highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of the nose, mouth and throat, severe headaches, and other diseases of the head.
Udvarthanam – Udvarthanam
This treatment is also known as powder massage. It has been described as very effective for obesity, hemiplegia, Parkinson's disease, skin diseases, circulatory disorders, and so on, and for most Kapha-type disorders. In this therapeutic procedure, certain special herbal powders are applied to the body in a specific manner by two therapists for 30 to 40 minutes a day over a period of 14 to 28 days.
Abhyangam – Abhayangam
This is a special type of oil massage in which the hands move during the massage in line with the circulatory channels, for 45 minutes a day over 14 days. This treatment is described as very beneficial for obesity, loss of skin tone, insomnia, fatigue, and other Vata-dominant disorders, and so on.
Dhanyamladhara – Dhanyamladhara
Dhanyamladhara is a liquid treatment in Ayurveda. It is prepared by boiling rice, lemon, dried ginger, and horse creeper (Hippocratea). The mixture is blended and ground, then placed in a special linen cloth for massage. The cloth is then immersed in a large container of water for seven consecutive days.
Method of use: after warming, this liquid is poured over the patient's body while two trained therapists massage them for forty-five minutes.
Dhanyamladhara is traditionally used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, various other types of inflammation, muscle sprains, obesity, thyroid disorders, and fever.
Jambeera Pinda Sweda
Here the word Jambeera means lemon. Jambeera Pinda is a medicinal preparation made by mixing lemon with medicinal herbs. This mixture is placed in a special linen cloth bag for massage. Massage with this mixture of lemon and natural medicinal herbs is called "Jambeera Pinda Sweda", and is also called Naranga Kizhi.
Method of use: the prepared linen bag is dipped in a special warm oil, and two massage specialists massage the body for forty-five minutes.
Jambeera Pinda Sweda Is Traditionally Used for the Following Conditions
Sciatica, gout, inflammation of the cervical and lower spine, rheumatoid arthritis, swelling and puffiness of the knee joint, stiffness and swelling of the joints, and muscle stiffness and spasm.
Kadeevasthi – Kadeevasthi
Kadeevasthi is one of the Ayurvedic treatments. A special medicated oil is prepared for this procedure. A paste of herbs is made and shaped into a ring around the lower back to prevent the oil from leaking. Warm oil is poured inside this ring and left for about forty-five minutes.
Kadeevasthi is a traditional herbal method used in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
Spinal disorders, back pain, inflammation of the lumbar vertebrae, degeneration of the spinal discs, sciatica, and others.
Ksheeradhara – Ksheeradhara
This is one of the Ayurvedic treatments described as beneficial for body and mind. In Ksheeradhara treatment, warm medicated milk is poured onto the forehead (most often between the eyebrows) or over the whole body. The medicated milk is poured at a steady rate for a set period of time, together with light, gentle massage of the body. Ksheeradhara is described as stimulating circulation and relaxing the mind.
Ksheeradhara Is Traditionally Used in the Following Conditions
Lubricating the joints, relieving pain, and muscle and joint spasm and stiffness.
Lepa or Lepanam – Lepanam
Also called Lepa, this is a type of Ayurvedic treatment recommended in the tradition for people who suffer from pain accompanying inflammatory conditions. In this treatment, a paste of medicinal herbs is applied to parts or areas of the body. Lepanam is used to improve the quality of the skin and to manage pain. A paste of medicinal herbs is prepared, and its thickness depends on the patient's condition. The paste must be removed before it dries. Lepanam should be avoided if the patient has heat or skin sensitivity.
Lepanam is also traditionally used for inflammation, and for skin diseases as well. It is described as acting as a body massage that softens the skin, renews circulation, relieves aches, clears skin conditions, and helps manage pain.
Mamsakizhi – Mamsakizhi
Also known as Mamsapinda Sweda, this is a nourishing Ayurvedic treatment used for conditions related to the bones, muscles, and nerves. Mamsa means meat (usually goat meat) and Sweda means sweating or perspiration. It is therefore a massage using the special Ayurvedic linen bag, which is stuffed with mamsa (meat) together with processed rice.
Pathrapotala Sweda – Pathrapotala Sweda
Also called Elakizhi, this is massage or sweating therapy using the leaves of medicinal herbs. It is described as highly effective for conditions related to the bones, joints, and nervous system. The benefits of this Ayurvedic treatment are described as follows: it improves circulation, relieves stiffness and pain, improves muscle firmness, and improves the color and health of the skin.
Pathrapotala Sweda is an Ayurvedic treatment traditionally used for the following conditions:
Joint inflammation, muscle pain, spondylosis, nervous diseases and disorders, and sports injuries.
Pichu – Pichu
This is one of the important Ayurvedic treatments. Pichu is used as a treatment for headaches, spinal conditions, and cranial nerve diseases. In Pichu treatment, relatively warm oil is applied to the affected areas. It can be applied to the head, spine, hip, chest, knee, and shoulders, depending on the patient's condition.
Pichu Is an Ayurvedic Treatment Traditionally Used for the Following Conditions
Migraine, pelvic inflammation, slipped disc, sciatica, lumbar spondylosis, chronic back pain, fractures and dislocations, and neck problems.
Pizhichil – Pizhichil
This is one of the common forms of Kerala Ayurvedic treatment. It is a procedure in which warm medicated oil is poured, in a continuous stream and simultaneously, over the whole body or over the affected areas.
Pizhichil is used in conditions such as rheumatic diseases, nervous disorders, and paralysis. It is described as rejuvenating the body, nourishing the skin, and easing blood pressure.
Shashtikapinda Sweda – Shashtikapinda Sweda
This is a type of Ayurvedic treatment that uses rice as its main ingredient. Njavara is a unique type of rice grown only in Kerala. The rice is strained and mixed with herbal-treated milk, then extracted after boiling. It is tied in a suitable cloth and packed into the special Ayurvedic linen bag. The bag is used by dipping it at intervals in the warm mixture of boiled milk. Before the Njavara application, oil may be used on the body with light massage. This treatment is described as helping to strengthen the nerves, relieve joint inflammation, and treat nervous diseases. It is also described as nourishing the tissues, moisturizing the skin, and enhancing the complexion.
Njavarakizhi treatment is recommended in the tradition for certain conditions such as hemiplegia, facial nerve paralysis, muscular atrophy, and others.
Shirodhara – Shirodhara
This is one of the forms of Ayurvedic treatment in which liquids are allowed to flow gently over the forehead. In Sanskrit, Shirodhara is made up of two words: Shiro, meaning head, and Dhara, meaning flow. The liquids used in Shirodhara depend on the type of condition being treated. Milk, curd, or other beneficial liquids may be used.
This treatment has been used for conditions such as eye diseases, sinusitis, nasal allergy, nervous tension and insomnia, tinnitus, Meniere's disease (an ear disorder), and some skin diseases such as psoriasis.
Siropichu – Siropichu
This is a specialized Ayurvedic treatment for certain conditions, in which a piece of cloth or cotton is soaked in medicinal or treated oil and then placed in a special way on the head for thirty to forty-five minutes.
This Ayurvedic treatment is used for the following conditions: half-facial paralysis, headache, insomnia, seborrheic eczema of the scalp, dandruff, nervous diseases, paralysis, and psychological conditions.
Sirovasthy – Sirovasthy
In Ayurveda, warm medicated oil is held around the head for a set period of time, tightly enclosed in a leather cap, allowing the scalp to absorb the therapeutic oil. Sirovasthy is traditionally used for conditions such as anxiety, half-facial paralysis, insomnia, nervous disorders, psychological disorders, eczema, and eye, nose, ear, and throat problems.
Thakradhara – Thakradhara
The word Takra means buttermilk (curd milk), and pouring buttermilk prepared with herbs over the body is called "Takradhara". Thakradhara is an Ayurvedic method in which medicated buttermilk is poured continuously onto the middle of the forehead for up to a full hour. Thakradhara in Ayurveda is described as effective for conditions such as psoriasis, psychological anxiety, insomnia, chronic migraine, and so on.
Thalam – Thalam
This is a very ancient system of Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala. Medicated oil, Rasnadi churnam (one of the Ayurvedic medicines), and treated medicines are applied tightly over the head. Thalam is described as nourishing the brain and strengthening its cells. In Ayurveda, Thalam is used in the following conditions: insomnia, exhaustion, stress, hemiplegia, and nervous disorders.
Thalapothichil – Thalapothichil
This is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala. It is a special procedure in which a medicated paste is placed on the head. Thalapothichil is described as able to treat problems connected with the head and neck.
It is also described as effective for insomnia, high blood pressure, chronic headaches such as migraine, some skin conditions such as seborrheic eczema of the scalp, dandruff, premature graying of hair, epilepsy, anxiety, and depression.
Udwarthana – Udwarthana
Udwarthanam is a special treatment involving deep tissue massage in Ayurveda, using medicinal herbal powders, in Kerala. Udwarthanam means upliftment or enhancement. It is described as helping to purify an aggravated Kapha (water) element, reducing excess fat accumulated in the subcutaneous tissues, and also helping in motor nerve disorders. Udwarthanam is used for Parkinsonism, muscular dystrophy, hemiplegia, sciatica, cerebral palsy, obesity, and others.
