Podikizhi
IAA Treatments
Podikizhi is a very common Ayurvedic massage therapy that uses powder in cotton bags.
Podikizhi is a necessary treatment to calm aches and pains in the joints and other parts of the body. When done regularly, it can help manage a variety of conditions. The treatment involves fomentation with herbal boluses. It causes the body to sweat and heat up. Podikizhi is done using a number of select dried herbs, tied in a bolus. The herbs used in the bolus are chosen depending on factors such as: the dosha of the patient’s body, the ailment being treated and so on.
Podikizhi can be performed in 2 ways: either by dipping the kizhi in warm oil or using it warm and dry. This depends on the Ayurvedic effect or healing desired.
This revitalizing massage treatment takes about an hour. Podikizhi is an effective Ayurvedic treatment for treating joint diseases such as Arthritis, various Neurological conditions, helps treat swollen or painful joints, soothes muscle soreness, sprains, cleanses the skin and revives the texture. The treatment helps treat back pain and reduces the pain caused by Spondylitis, treats neck pain due to whiplash or injury. It helps with better functioning of joints, removes toxins from the body through sudation, helps provide relief from nervous conditions, treats inflammation caused as a result of injury or disease, reduces kapha in the body and for reducing weight.
An Abhyanga or oil body massage is commonly recommended before the Podikizhi treatment.
The bolus is then used in different parts of the body until the body warms up and starts sweating. At this point, the patient will feel light and experience great relief.