Udwarthanam is the practice of massaging the body upwards using medicated Ayurvedic powders against the direction of hair growth. It is one of the most common practices done today and is considered a mandatory practice in Ayurvedic Obesity Centres and Slimming Clinics. Udwarthana is considered a part of a healthy daily Ayurvedic regimen.

Etymology- ‘Udhwa’ means ‘Upward’ and ‘varthanam’ means ‘to move’.

BENEFITS OF UDWARTHANAM

• Provides stability to body parts
• Rejuvenates skin and enhances complexion
• Reduces drowsiness and promotes liveliness
• Brings about a beautiful frame to the body
• Said to unclog blocked channels in the body and thereby promote circulation
• Removes sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells
• Destroys morbid Doshas (bio-energies)
• Improves appetite and digestion

INDICATIONS OF UDWARTHANAM

-Obesity and Overweight persons	-Hypercholesterolemia
-Diabetes Mellitus	-Motor Neuron Disorders and Neuromuscular Disorders
-Psoriasis	-Diabetic Neuropathy
-Excessive sleep, Drowsiness, Insomnia, Laziness	-Metabolic Syndrome
-Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome	Sciatica
-Rheumatoid Arthritis	Hypothyroidism
-Muscular Dystrophy	-Cosmetic reasons
-Menstrual Disorders

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF UDWARTHANAM

• Conditions associated with increased inflammation, redness, rise in body temperature, burning sensations, etc
• Pregnant women, extremely old persons, and children
• Degenerative Osteoarthritis
• Wounds and burns
• Skin conditions associated with oozing eg Eczema
• Extreme emaciation

TYPES OF UDWARTHANAM

1. Snigdha Udwarthana -Oily. Also called Utsadana
2. Rooksha Udwarthana- Dry. Also called Udgharshana

UTSADANA (SNIGDHA UDWARTHANA)

• The practice of powder massage with the addition of fats or oil is called Utsadana.
• Indications: Those suffering from co-morbidities of Vata Dosha (bio-energy), those with dry skin, weak and emaciated persons, those with reduced complexion, and those having dry and rough skin, etc
• Oils used- Ksheerabala Thailam, Mahamasha Thailam, Mahanarayana Thailam, Kottamchukkadi Thailam, Balashwagandhadi Thailam, Sahacharadi Thailam etc

UDGHARSHANA (ROOKSHA UDWARTHANA)

• The practice of massage without the addition of fats or oil is called Udgharshana.
• Indications:  Those suffering from Co-morbidities of Kapha Dosha (vitiation of bio-energies), excess oiliness of the skin, Obese or overweight persons, conditions associated with stiffness, etc

POWDERS USED

• Kolakulatthadi Choornam
• Kottamchukkadi Choornam
• Triphala Choornam
• Triphaladi Choornam
• Kulattha Choornam
• Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt)
• Ishtika Choornam (Brick powder)

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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.