Steps Involved In Podikizhi

Podikizhi also called Choorna Pinda Sweda is the Ayurvedic technique of fomentation in which cotton bags filled with a hot mixture of herbs are used. Choornam(powder) is the main ingredient in this preparation. The Choornam is selected according to the Prakriti and current disease status of the individual. The main procedures of this Ayurvedic therapy are the following:

• Take the main powder ingredient and other ingredients like Curcuma, rock salt, garlic, lemon (quantity and ingredients are selected individually).
• Herbs are mildly heated in a pan with a little oil.
• After 5 minutes, put the herbal medicine in cotton cloths to make small bags.
• When the temperature of bags is in an average range, dip the poultice in a little oil and apply the bags over the affected parts of the body to reduce pain.
• The same temperature is maintained in the treatment by interchanging them.
• The poultice should have an adequate heat level throughout the procedure.
• Apply bags and do massage simultaneously.
• Advise the patient to take a hot water bath after the Podikizhi.

The duration of the procedure is about 45 t0 60 minutes. The course of the treatment with Podikizhi should be 7 days to 3 weeks.