The whole body is oleated with medicated oil and synchronised massage is done. This process helps to improve blood circulation, pacifies doshas, relieves fatigue, provides stamina of muscles and flexibility to joints, enhances the complexion of skin, increases mental and physical alertness, helps to eliminate impurities of the body, provides sound sleep and nourishes all parts of the body.
In Podikizhi, a cotton-linen bag filled with specially prepared medicated powder is dipped frequently in warm medicated oil to produce perspiration. In Elakizhi, a linen bundle with chopped herbal leaves is warmed with medicated oils and fomented over the affected areas. It is useful in relieving rheumatic disorders, muscle pain, and stiffness, etc. It also helps to tone the skin and can be very relaxing.
This is one of the most important sweating processes in Ayurveda where a cotton bundle is filled with Njavara (rice cooked in milk) and dipped in a medicated decoction and applied to the whole body. This process enhances strength, vitality, and improves complexion. It is useful in hemiplegia, wasting of muscles, sports injuries, painful joints, in some rheumatic complaints and skin diseases.
Medicated mild warm oil is poured over the head by rhythmic oscillation. This process is good for the vasodilation of the brain, nourishing the brain functions and nervous system. It is also beneficial for insomnia or sleep disturbances and helps refresh sensory organs and migraines.
Medicated buttermilk with oil is poured on the forehead and scalp of the person in a lying down position by rhythmic oscillation. It is effective in rejuvenating brain cells, reducing sleeplessness, and decreasing mental tension. The treatment is also good for ophthalmic problems, sinusitis, sleep disturbances, memory loss, migraine, central nervous system disorders, stress-related problems, and some mental illness.
Shirovasti is derived from two words - shiro means “head” and vasti means “container”. This is one of the most intensive, potent external oil applications, where medicated lukewarm oil is held over the head for 45-60 minutes with the help of a cap fitted on the head. The time duration is fixed according to the patient's condition. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, cataract, deafness, earache, dryness of mouth, nostrils, and throat, chronic headache, insomnia, depression, stress, cranial nerve disorders, and memory problems.
Medicated lukewarm oil is used for the massage of the leg and foot, which bear the weight of our whole body, thus keeping it strong and flexible. It helps in neuromuscular relaxation and promotes better sleep. Daily foot massage helps reduce swelling over the foot, controls the balance of body, reduces the stiffness and dryness of foot, cracked heels, numbness, and tingling of foot and leg.
Pizhichil is combined with Snehana (oil massage) and Swedanam (sweating). Warm medicated oil is squeezed all over the body using a piece of cloth dipped in medicated lukewarm oil. This process enhances blood circulation, helps to remove toxins from the body through sweat, maintains the flexibility of joints and quick healing of fractured bones, improves muscle development, and is effective in treating nervous and rheumatic disorders.
