Kizhi also known as pinda swedam or potala swedam is a medicated foementation therapy wherein medicated powders, herbs are tied in cloth bags & the body is massaged with these bags, the application of pressure varies according to the nature of ailment. This therapy is most beneficial in Musculo-Skeletal disorders & Neuro-Vascular disorders. Recommended in conditions like Arthritis, Rheumatism, Spondylitis, Spondylosis, Fibromyalgia etc..
It is a special type of massage done using medicated oils(selected acc. to the condition). It increases tissue strength, improves blood circulation, rejuvenates the whole body, removes cellulitis, beautifies the skin, anti-ageing, helps you to sleep better, promotes vitality, reduces imbalances,stress & toxins.
Types of Kizhi:
There are various types of kizhi, which are called by different names according to the medicaments used in it. They include;
Patra potala swedam (ila kizhi)
Here kizhi is prepared using different leaves of medicinal plants and herbs along with medicated powders. Its dipped in hot medicated oil and applied to the body or affected area. The ingredients seep through the bag and penetrate deep into the body to result in an intensive heating and therapeutic treatment.
Benefits:
Relieves pain and stiffness in joints and muscular spasm
Promotes better circulation
Reduces inflammation
Tones the skin
Improves mobility and flexibility
Shashtika pinda swedam (njavara kizhi)
Shashtika is njavara. Since the pinda/ kizhi is prepared using shashtika its called shashtika pinda swedam. In this procedure medicated oil is liberally applied over the patients body followed by a massage with the bags filled with njavara rice boiled in milk and medicated decoctions.
Benefits:
Its a rejuvenative treatment & promotes anti-ageing
Strengthens tissues
Improves blood circulation
Beneficial in various neuro muscular disorders and degenerative muscle diseases
Ailments:
Parkinson’s disease
Paralysis
Osteoarthritis
Spondylosis
Diabetic neuropathy
Inter vertebral disc prolapse
Rheumatoid arthritis
Podi kizhi
Podi kizhi is the ayurvedic technique of fomentation in which cotton bag filled with a hot mixture of herbal powders are used.
Benefits:
Increases peripheral blood supply
It relieves body ache and strengthens muscles and skin
It helps to improving complexion of skin
Reduces the inflammations
Relieves pain ,numbness and swelling
Stimulate the nerve endings
Ailments
Sciatica
Arthritis
Spondylitis
Muscular pain
Fibromyalgia
Paralysis and other neurological disorders
Kukkudanda swedam/Muttakizhi
Muttakizhi is one of the ayurvedic treatments in which boiled egg yolks and medicated herbs are used and applied to the body after dipping in medicated oils.
Benefits:
Improves the strength of the muscles
As a pain reliever in conditions like slip disc, sciatica