Pizhichil – A Traditional Kerala Ayurveda Treatment

Pizhichil, also known as Thaila Dhara or Kayaseka, is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves pouring warm herbal medicated oil over the entire body in a rhythmic manner. The word "Pizhichil" is means to squeeze. This therapeutic treatment is deeply rooted in the ancient healing system of Ayurveda and is known for its rejuvenating and relaxing effects. Pizhichil is often used as part of Ayurveda treatment in Dubai, within detox and rejuvenation programs aimed at promoting overall health and well-being. Pizhichil, also known as Kayaseka, involves the process of making the body perspire by pouring warm medicated oil in a specific manner, providing a holistic approach to wellness that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of healing.

The treatment should be done in a specially made wooden table called “Paathi or Thaila dhroni ”. The wood used for making the paathi has got medicinal properties. After performing certain sacred rites, the patient is allowed to sit in the Taila Droni or treatment table and the medicated oil is applied first to the head as well as on his body by the attendants. 

Four attendants should sit, two on each side of the treatment table to carry out the process. The warm oil is poured on the patient’s body by dipping pieces of clean cloth in the warm oil and squeezing the cloth over the body with the right hand .The oil is to be poured at a medium speed–neither too quickly nor too slowly–and from a moderate height. The oil should be falling from a distance of 4 fingers from the patient’s body through the masseur’s thumb and massaging gently with masseur’s other hand. One person will be continuously supplying the warm oil. The treatment is done in prone, supine, sitting and lateral positions.

The attendants while applying the oil in the above manner, should at the same time massage the body of the patient gently with their left hands. The heat of the oil must be checked frequently by the attendants to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the procedure. The direction of massage should always be downwards. The procedure must be carried out in all the seven postures . 

The therapy is designed to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), nourish the body, and promote relaxation and harmony. About 2 -3  liters of oil is used every day for treatment. The oil used will be different from patient to patient depending upon the nature of the disease and characteristics of the patient. Every day fresh oil is added to the previously used oil until 4th day. On 5th day we use a fresh set of oil. The treatment should be done for about 7-21 days depending upon the chronicity and severity of the disease.

Pizhichil treatment offers a plethora of health benefits 

• The warm medicated oil and massage  stimulates the nerve endings, thereby improving the nerve functions which relieves the altered sensation, numbness, tingling, etc. This can help in neuropathy, radiculopathy, etc.
• The optimum heat of the oil and synchronized massage with the medicated oil helps in dilating the micro-channels of the body thereby letting the blood to reach every corner of your body. This will relieve any disorders related to impaired circulation.
• The medicines present in the oil are lipoprotein soluble compounds which will reduce the inflammation; nourishes strengthens the body due to their respective properties. Thus it is really effective in  degenerative conditions like Osteoarthritis, spondylosis, etc. the oil will lubricate the joint spaces, regenerates the synovial fluid which will help in ease movement of the joint.
• The massage with warm medicated oil improves the lymphatic circulation, taking out the toxins from the body; improving the metabolism taking place in every cell, reducing the water retention in the body, localized and generalized edema, etc.
• Massage will improve the circulation in the body. All the organs in the body get enough blood supply; keeping it healthy. The blood vessels’ walls are kept strong and without any obstruction. It is helpful in deep vein thrombosis, diabetic foot, gangrene, etc.
• The pouring of warm oil and synchronized massage produces a feeling of almost wellbeing and comfort for the patient. This influences the brain to produces hormones like endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, etc. which act as antidepressants, anti-anxiety memory-boosting factors.
• Pizhichil has proven to reduce blood sugar levels in multiple ways. When we pour warm oil in the body and massage, the oil being lipophilic penetrates the cell membrane which is made up of protein and lipids. The medicines present in the oil acts on each cell by reducing the insulin resistance in the cell, thereby reducing the blood glucose level in the body.
• The warm medicated oil and massage also stimulates the nerve endings, thereby improving the nerve functions which relieves the altered sensation, numbness, tingling, etc. This can help in neuropathy, radiculopathy, etc.

Pizhichil, an ancient Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy, offers a unique and harmonious approach to promoting overall health and well-being. India's rich heritage of Ayurveda and skilled practitioners make it a preferred destination for those seeking authentic Pizhichil therapy and the profound benefits it offers for holistic health and rejuvenation. However, for individuals in Dubai seeking the therapeutic benefits of Pizhichil closer to home, Ayurvedic clinics in Dubai provide a convenient and accessible option to experience this ancient healing practice and its transformative effects on mind, body, and spirit.

 #Pizhichil ,#Sarvangadhara # Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Centre , Karama, #Ayurveda rejuvination