Kizhi is one of the most significant treatment modalities of paramount importance in the field of Ayurveda. Poultices (Kizhi) contain a bolus (small round mass) of drugs that are warmed up and massaged all over the body or on specific areas in coordinated strokes by therapists.

‘Sweda’ means ‘to induce sweating’. The process of inducing sweating is called  Swedana (Sudation). 

 

SIGNIFICANCE OF KIZHI

According to Ayurveda, the purpose of practicing Kizhi is to increase perspiration. It is done from limb to trunk. The importance of this technique is that by sweating or giving heat to the limbs, irritated Doshas (toxins) are dissolved and sent to the Gastrointestinal tract by synchronized stroking through Kizhi.

 Materials used in Kizhi

• Choornas or Medicated Powders eg. Kottamchukkadi Choornam
• Suitable leaves eg. Arka (Calotropis gigantea), Eranda ( Castor leaves), Drumstick leaves, Tamarind leaves
• Sand
• Rock Salt
• Shali Shashtika rice (Oryza sativa)

Types of Kizhi 

1. Patra Potali Swedana / Elakizhi – Leaves used
2. Choorna Pinda Sweda / Podikizhi- Medicated powders used
3. Valuka Sweda- Sand used
4. Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda/ Njavara Kizhi- Medicated rice used.

Indications of Kizhi

Osteoarthritis	Intervertebral Disc Prolapse
Frozen Shoulder	Ankylosing Spondylitis
Cervical Spondylosis	Hemiplegia
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Sciatica

 

Contraindications of Kizhi

Fever	Hemorrhagic Conditions
Skin Disorders like Psoriasis	Rhinitis
Diarrhoea	Anemia
Pregnant Patients	Diabetic Patients
Excessive Thirst

 

ELAKIZHI OR PATRA POTALI PINDA SWEDAM

Elakizhi is the term for the coordinated application of heat by therapists using poultices (Kizhi) made of appropriate Ayurvedic leaves.

Ingredients used in Elakizhi: Leaves (Calotropis, Tamarind, Castor, Drumstick leaves etc) ,  Neem Oil or Sesame Oil, Grated Coconut, Lemon

 

Indications of Elakizhi

Frozen Shoulder	Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fibromyalgia	Cervical Spondylosis
Intervertebral Disc Disorders	Pain and Inflammation

Contraindications of Elakizhi

• Fever
• Rhinitis
• Skin Disorders like Psoriasis
• Pregnant Women
• Hemorrhagic Disorders

Procedure in brief

The patient is instructed to lie down on his back and suitable oil is applied all over the body. Kizhi is then heated over a mild fire as per the patient’s comfort and then massaged all over the body by Therapists.

Signs of Proper Swedana

• Appearance of sweat
• Relief from pain and inflammation
• Reduction in stiffness
• Reduction in the feeling of heaviness

 

PODIKIZHI

The application of warm Poultices (Kizhi) containing Medicated Ayurvedic Powders in the form of massage is called Podikizhi. The mode of application is almost similar to that of Elakizhi.

Ingredients- Ayurvedic Powdered drugs suiting patients’ condition eg Kolakulatthadi Choornam, Kottamchukkadi Choornam, Jadamayadi Choornam

 

Indications of Podikizhi

Hemiplegia and Quadriplegia	Pain and Inflammation
Sciatica	Obesity
Gout	Osteoarthritis
Bursitis	Coccydynia- Tail bone pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Frozen Shoulder
Fibromyalgia	Cervical Spondylosis
Intervertebral Disc Disorders

Contraindications of Podikizhi

• Fever
• Rhinitis
• Skin Disorders like Psoriasis
• Pregnant Women
• Hemorrhagic Disorders

Procedure in brief

The patient is instructed to lie down on his back and suitable oil is applied all over the body. Kizhi is then heated over a mild fire as per the patient’s comfort and then massaged all over the body by Therapists.

Signs of Proper Sudation

• Appearance of sweat
• Relief from pain and inflammation
• Reduction in stiffness
• Reduction in the feeling of heaviness
• Liking cold places

 NJAVARA KIZHI

Njavara Kizhi or Shali Shashtika Pinda Swedanam is the name of the therapeutic technique in which warm medicated rice pudding-filled poultices (Kizhi) are rubbed and massaged all over the body to promote strength and vitality.

Ingredients

• Shali Rice
• Decoction of roots of Sida cordifolia plant
• Milk

 

Indications of Njavara Kizhi

Diseases of the Nervous System	Spinal Cord Degeneration
Cervical Myelopathy	Muscular Dystrophy
Disorders leading to Emaciation	Restless Leg Syndrome
Rheumatism	Disorders of Joints
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome	Demyelination Palsy
Multiple Sclerosis	Spondylosis

Contraindications of Njavara Kizhi

• Acute Fever
• Inflammatory and Painful conditions
• Diarrhoea
• Respiratory disorders like Cough, Difficulty in breathing, Infections
• Skin disorders

Procedure in brief

The patient who is eligible for Njavara Kizhi is instructed to lie down on the treatment table. Medicated oil is applied and massaged over the head and body. Warm poultices (Kizhi) containing Shali rice pudding dipped in a mixture of milk and decoction are then massaged all over the body. After the procedure, excess rice pudding is scraped away. The body is again massaged with oil and then the patient is covered with a blanket and advised to rest. After ample resting, the patient is then advised to take a bath in lukewarm water.

CAUTION: All medications described here are being used solely for educational reasons. This does not replace seeking expert medical advice. Before using any drugs, please seek the advice of a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner. Please keep out of the reach of children.

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