Patra means leaves of medicinal plants. Pinda means a bolus. Sweda means Fomentation or sudation.
So it literally means Potali(Bolus) containing medicinal leaves that is heated with Medicated Oil is applied over Patients body, in such a way that the Bolus is made to have sudden contact over each adjacent part of the body for a fraction of seconds, so that ample heat is transferred to patients body
Benefits:- It strengthens and rejuvenates the back and spine, strengthens the dhatu shakti(tissue strength and integrity), increases circulation, removes dirt and unwanted tissues, provides color and complexion to the skin, induces good sleep and reduces stress in spite of reducing pain, stiffness and inflammation.
Indications:– Back pain chronic, Back pain chronic, Back pain low, Lumbar and Cervical Spondylosis, Amavata(Rheumatoid Arthritis), Sandhivata(Osteo Arthritis), Joint stiffness and swelling, Muscular and soft tissue pains, Sciatica, sprains and Muscular cramps etc…
Leaves used for patra pinda sweda: Leaves of medicinal plants like Nirgundi, Shigru, Shireesha, Arka, Eranda, Dhattura, Varuna, Vasa, Karanja, Vrukshamla, Amlavetasa, Tamarind Leaves, Shathahva, Methika etc are used as per the condition and the choice of the physician.
Preparation of Potali(Bolus):-
Above mentioned leaves are fried with medicated Oil after cutting it into small Pieces
Quantity Sufficient Coconut Kernal Scrapping and Lemon fruit pieces should be added, along with this Choorna’s(Powders) of Vatanashaka nature is also added to the frying pan.
During Frying, it should be mixed properly, when it assumes a brown color, it should be taken off from the heating source.
This fried mixture should be equally put into two piece of Cloths respectively and they are tied individually into a bolus.
Procedure:-
Patient should be given Abhyanga or Massage First
The Bolus or Potali is kept in a pan with sufficient quantity of Medicated Oil and is Heated.
The Therapist should be careful regarding the temperature of Potali or Bolus, Inorder to check hotness of the bolus – he can touch the bolus with the back side of his palm.
After feeling that the temperature of the bolus is suitable, the therapist can use it over patient’s afflicted body parts.
The application of the bolus to the body is in such a manner that the Bolus is made to have a contact with body part by placing it for a fraction of seconds and then it should be placed to the adjacent area.
One can even give a Kneading movement with the Bolus.
It should be remembered that if bolus is kept for more time on the body, patient may not be able to withstand the heat.
When therapist feels that the temperature has reduced, he should re – heat it by keeping it on the Pan.
It should be performed for 20 – 30 mins.
After finishing the procedure, Patient’s head should be applied with Rasnadi Choorna and Patient is advised to take a warm water Bath.