Introduction: Anna Lepana is a process similar to Shastika Shali Pinda Sveda. In this treatment, a special kind of pudding (Payasa) is prepared with Shastika Shali and smeared over the whole body or any particular part. Though this treatment resembles Pinda Sveda in many aspects, it differs in certain aspects as it is superior to Pinda Sveda. In Kerala it is known in the name of Teccirippu or Kali.
Benefits: It cures Vata diseases like pain and stiffness in the body, general debility and emaciation. It is effective in high blood pressure. Anna Lepana is beneficial in some of skin diseases.
Materials required:
| Shastika powdered | 200gm |
| Balamoola | 100gm |
| Milk | ½ liters |
| Medicated oil | as required |
| Droni, Cotton cloth, towels, coconut leaves, utensils. | |
Indications: It is indicated in Dystrophic/Atrophic muscular disease, muscle wasting due to trauma and injury, motor neuron disease and psoriasis. It is also indicated in premature senility, general debility, and emaciation, degenerative disorders of the nervous system, Ojas Kshaya conditions and those who need nourishment. In Vata Vyadhi, the application of prepared Shastika Anna Lepa is advised, which should be wiped off after half a Yama following which the oil prepared from Bala and milk has to be applied.
Preparation of Kashaya and Rice: Take 3 Pala (144gm) of crushed Balamoola in an earthen pot. Add 3 Prasta (2.3liters) of water to it. Put it in mild fire and reduce to get one fourth which is 576ml of Kashaya. This decoction is filtered and an equal quantity of milk is added to it. In this mixture 1 Kudava (192gm) of Shastika rice is cooked. This is boiled till it attains a semisolid consistency.
Preparation of patient: After passing natural urges, patient should sit on the Droni with extend legs, with minimum cloths. Apply little oil on the vertex and body and do massage to the ears, legs and finally to all over the body for a few minutes.
Procedure: Ask the patient to sit in Droni. Take the prepared paste. Heat it moderately. Two attendants should stand on each side of the patient and apply it all over the body and massage gently with their hands. Keep there for a while. When paste gets cold, wipe out and heat it again. Again apply the paste all over the body. The pudding has to be applied below the neck, little by little and rubbed, beginning from the shoulders and going down to the feet. Here, as the Shastika is powdered and the contact time is more it is much superior to Shastika Shali Pinda Sveda. As absorption is more it is more Bramhana.
After Care: Pudding of the body may be removed by scraping with coconut leaves and oil should be rubbed with clean towel. Patient must take rest after this for an hour. After taking rest patient may take bath using warm water.
Duration: It is done daily for 7 – 14 days taking about 30 – 60 minutes each day.
Diet and Advice: After the procedure patient is advised to take light food. He should avoid immediate exposure to cold breeze, open air and contact with cold water.
Precautions: Care must be taken to remove the paste soon after it gets cooled. As a result of this process Ushma Avarodha (of skin) occurs and has a chance to burn the skin. So the paste while applying should not be heated much.