SIDDHA HERBAL PODI KIZHI

Description

Herbal Siddha Podikizhi (fomentation bag for pain)

Podikizhi thokkanam is a common type of massage technique that helps in relieving pain and reduces swelling due to arthritis, muscular spasm and rheumatism. “Podi” means powder and “kizhi” means a bag. It is the effective fomentation technique in which cotton bags filled with a mixture of herbal powder dipped in medicated oil. It is effective in treating neuromuscular diseases, bringing back the natural body balance.

Chooranam / powder is the main ingredient. It is selected according to the current disease status of the individual. This podikizhi is dipped in oil each time before it is applied over the body. The oil along with herbal powder and other ingredients do the magical effect in a wonderful massage procedure.

Duration of procedure is up to 45 to 60 minutes

Course of treatment with podikizhi is 7 days to 3 weeks.

THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS

• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Spondylosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Muscular spasm, muscular pain or muscular sprain and stiffness
• Swelling on joints due to osteoarthritis or other disease
• Paralysis and other neurological conditions
• Post trauma or sports injury rehabilitation

CONTRAINDICATION

• Fever
• Vertigo
• Fitz

Procedure of Podikizhi Therapy (fomentation bag for pain)

The idea in podikizhi therapy is to make the whole body or certain parts of the body sweat by the application of medicated powders. Once the poultice is prepared, the next step is to heat it. For this, oil is taken in a pan and heated on the stove on low heat.

The bolus is heated or dipped in hot oil and then gently rubbed and pressed into the skin by the therapists. When the temperature is dropped, a new bolus is used to continue with the treatment. The crucial factor is to ensure that the bolus maintains sufficient heat throughout the treatment.

Fomentation takes effect when the patient begins to feel sweaty and light. This therapy can be done without the use of the oil. Discretion of rubbing poultice with or without oil depends on the physician who considers many factors including imbalance in the doshas of the person. This treatment is followed by a steam bath.

Benefits of Siddha Herbal Podi Kizhi

• It increases the peripheral blood supply. So it also helps in improving complexion of healthy skin
• It relieves body ache and strengthens muscle and skin
• It also serves as an effective method for relaxation and stress relief.
• It has detoxifying properties of the skin, removes the toxins through the skin spores and lowers the tendency of skin disease.
• It brings glow to the skin and makes it appear youthful

As mentioned earlier, the choice of herbal powder makes a difference in treatment. Depending on the condition of the disease, a choice of herbal is made. These herbal powder are prepared by pounding the medical drugs have analgesics, anti-degenerative and anti-inflammatory properties as below:

• Koshtam (Hellenia speciosa) – used in powder form. It is anti-inflammatory, used for treating inflammation and pain.
• Jatamanjil (Nardostachys grandiflora) – it is anti-inflammatory, used for treating gout inflammation and burning sensation
• Kollu (Horsegram/ Dolichos biflorus) is an anti-inflammatory and it is useful for treating stiffness, aches and swelling
• Seenthil (Tinospora cordifolia) is excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and anti-viral. Hence, it is useful for treating arthritis, gout and swollen knees.
• Chukku (Ginger /Zingiber officinalis) is used for treating pain and inflammation
• Manjal (Turmeric /Curcuma longa) has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It contains curcumin that reduces inflammation and pain.
• Ashwagandha / Amukara (Withania somnifera) is a well known anti-inflammatory herb that reduces aches and inflammation.

Podikizhi is a traditional treatment used for treating numerous health conditions including arthritis. This treatment alleviates any pain, inflammation or stiffness in joints pertaining to rheumatoid arthritis. Podikizhi combined with a personalized approach, many people found immense and lasting relief from pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.