A type of Ayurvedic massage treatment with herbal powders, Podikizhi is effective in curing arthritis, paralysis and neuro-muscular diseases. It is mainly done with the powdered roots of 12 herbal plants such as alpinia galanga, ricinus communis, sandalwood and dry ginger. All these are fried together with a little rock salt, crated coconut and lemon juice. The mixture is tied in muslin cloth boluses and is again heated in warm fire. It is then soaked in herbal oil to massage the whole body. After that, the patient is given a bath in moderately warm water. The treatment is an alterative to remove toxins and balance tridosha - vata (nerve energy), pitta (catabolic fire energy) and kapha (anabolic nutritive energy).
Podikizhi and medicated steam bath is recommended for reducing obesity. The entire body is massaged with herbal poultices prepared with various powders and medicated powder dipped in warm medicated deolions. This promotes circulation and increases perspiration which in turn helps the skin eliminate wastes and revitalizes the skin, thereby improving skin tone. It Relieves joint pain, arthritis, gout and all rheumatic pain. Steam bath is recommended along with Podikizhi.
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