In Pizhichil or Kayaseka patient is made to foment by pouring warm oil over patients body squeezing a small cloth piece dipped in warm oil with massuer’s hand fist over the patient’s body.
This therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation) and is highly effective in Neurological disorders and for prevention of Degenerative changes in the body. This therapy was mostly used by Maharajas in the olden days, and popularly known as treatment for aristocrats
Indications:- It acts best in Vata Borne disease like Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Apatantraka, Antarayama, Bahyayama. Akshepa,
Females undergo this Ayurvedic procedure during the ninth month of Pregnancy to avoid difficulty in labour.
It can be done for rejuvenation as it improves health and their general well – being, It is most efficacious in Nervous disorders, Fractures, Contusive wounds, Dislocation of Joints, Pain and Stiffness of limbs, Rheumatic complaints like Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Procedure:-
The Patient is made to sit on the Taila Dhroni/Massage table
The Medicated Oil that should be used for Pizhichil is selected by the Physician according to the Disease condition and Dosha predominance of the patient.
In case of Vata Rakta or Gouty Arthritis, Koshna Sarpi Seka should be done, In healthy patient’s Pizhichil is done as a Rejuvenation using a mixture of Pure Gingely Oil(Tila Taila), Cow’s Ghee(GO GHRTHA).
The same oil selected to do pizhichil in normal temperature is taken and is applied on the Vertex, Ear and feet of the patient and Sarvanga Abhayanga(Anointing whole body) should be done
In Pizhichil For Paittika Disease non – heated Oil should be used and in disease of Vata – Kapha combination lukewarm oil is used
Amalaki Kalka Talam is applied over the head vertex and then a long band of cloth is tied around the head over forehead and ear.
In Pizhichil or Kayaseka four attendants should sit or stand on each side of Taila Dhroni/Massage table.
A small cloth piece that one can hold in hand is to be taken and it should be dipped in warm oil.
After Dipping this cloth is squeezed inside hand fist of the masseur in such a position that the warm oil should flow in a continuous stream through his thumb finger.
After Pouring the Oil, using the left hand the oil poured part is gently massaged in such a way that the Oil is guided down with the left hand.
Again the same process should be repeated, for Nervous disorders caused due to Vata – Pitta Derangement the process should be continued for two hours, for Nervous disorders caused due to Vata – Kapha Derangement the process should be continued for One hour. When Perspiration is visible in the armpit, forehead and chest one can assume that Pizhichil is enough.
It is administered in seven standard positions, so that no area of the body is left uncovered.
Pizhichil should be started from limbs and should be ended in Nambhi(Umbilicus) in in clock wise direction at a single squeeze of cloth and is repeated up to 7times.
Charaka Acharya opines that medicines can reach quickly to Srotas and Dhamani from Umbilical region.
In Certain Disease like Akshepa, Antarayama, Pakshavadha, Apatanaka etc Pizhichil should be advised to done two times a day.
After treatment patient is fanned or sprinkled with cold water for some time. Then whole body is gently massaged.
After that using a dry cloth the whole oil should be removed, after removal again fresh oil is applied over head, body and Rasnadi choorna is applied on Vertex and is gently massaged.
The Patient is bathed with cooled boiled water, after bathing he should be provided with water boiled with Dry Ginger and Coriander for drinking. Patient should be given light food only when he is feeling hungry.
Patient is advised to observe proper control over his mind and body from other deeds.
Fresh medicated oil is used every day and the duration of Pizhichil is decided by the Ayurveda expert after the body constitution of the individual has been determined. Normally the treatment may last fourteen to twenty-eight days.
This is a highly rejuvenating treatment that enhances muscular tone and retunes the entire nervous system. It comes as a package in itself – a course of 10 days is necessary to gain its maximum healing potential.
Recommended for: extremely high Vata dosha types, muscular aches and pains, rheumatic problems, osteo arthritis, insomnia, depression, sexual problems. for a wide number of disorders like nervous disorder, fits, blood pressure, paralysis etc.
Benefits:
Tones and rejuvenates the skin, promotes relaxation, nourishes muscles, nerves tissues, inner balance.
Improves blood circulation: It helps improve blood circulation in your body, because of the warmth and stimulation during the massage.
Detoxifies your body: Pizhichil causes profound sweating which helps eliminate toxins from your body, helping you detox. The massage also helps keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Reduces stress and anxiety: The treatment helps release tension, stress and calms your mind. What’s more, this treatment also helps beat depression and irritability.
Improves your overall health: Pizhichil helps improve your overall physical and mental health and ensure you stay fit and healthy.