Podikizhi: Hot Herbal Compress

Podikizhi is one of the most common and effective Ayurvedic therapies for pain relief.

Meaning of Podikizhi

Podikizhi is made up of two words, Podi and Kizhi. The word “kizhi” in Indian Malayalam language means poultice or compress, while “podi” means powder. Podikizhi hence refers to body massage with a bag of herbal powder. Podikizhi is also called “Choorna Pinda Sweda”. The massage with poultice is done over the affected area or, as required, the whole body.

There are many types of Kizhi therapies and each is named according to the herbs used in the poultice. These are Ela Kizhi, Mutta Kizhi, Navara Kizhi, Podi Kizhi etc.

Preparation of poultice

Generally, a white cotton cloth is used for making a poultice.

The most essential element of Podikizhi is the medicated powder of dried herbs. The combination of herbs varies according to the Prakruti and the patient’s requirements. The various herbal powders used include Kottamchukkaadi, Nagaradi, Dashanga, Gruhadhumadi, Jatamayadi, etc.

Roots and barks of medicinal plants in powdered form are tied in a white cotton cloth shaped like a bolus. The herbal powder selected is based on the ailment being treated.

What Happens During Podikizhi?

Pozikizhi induces sweating by the application of medicinal powders.

After preparing the poultice, the therapist heats it in a pan over the stove on low heat. After dipping the bolus in hot oil, the therapist gently rubs and presses it into the skin using synchronised, rhythmic motions.

When the temperature of the bolus starts to drop, a new bolus is used. The key is to ensure that the bolus is hot enough throughout the treatment.. Fomentation occurs when the patient begins to feel sweaty and light. The therapy can also be done without the use of oil - it is determined by the physician. This treatment is followed by a steam bath.

Podikizhi lasts about an hour each session and the duration of treatment varies according to the patient’s condition. Abhyanga massage is generally performed before Podikizhi.

Benefits & Indications of Podikizhi

Podikizhi is a technique used to manage pain that affects the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. It is also recommended for paralysis, insomnia, obesity, and ageing.

Swelling, immobility, stiffness, pain, and numbness in arms, neck, lower back, hips, spine, and knees are often alleviated by podikizhi. That’s not all; it even restores your skin’s youthful glow.

Meanwhile, the herbal powder used depends on the condition of the patient.

These are some common ones:

Kottamchukkadi – inflammation and pain.
Gruhadhumadi – aches and inflammation.
Ellumnishadi – gout and swollen knees.
Guloochipathradi – gout and inflammation, and aches and burning sensations.
Jatamayadi – gout and inflammation, and burning sensations.
Rasnadi – pain and swelling in the joints and spine.
Kolakulattadi – stiffness, aches, and swelling.
Dashanga – edema inflammation.