Kizhi, also known as Pinda Sweda, is a traditional Ayurvedic heat therapy in which warm, medicated herbal poultices are gently pressed and massaged over the body. These poultices—prepared using herbs, grains, leaves, or other natural ingredients—are tied into soft cotton boluses and applied rhythmically to deliver therapeutic heat and herbal penetration.
Kizhi is usually performed after Abhyanga (oil massage) and can be done locally or over the whole body.
In Ayurveda we have different types of kizhi – Podi Kizhi (Choorna Pinda Sweda), Elakizhi (Patra Pinda Sweda)Narangakizhi (Jambeera Pinda Sweda), Njavara Kizhi (Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda), Manal Kizhi (Valuka Sweda), Mutta Kizhi , Kadikizhi, Manjal kizhi etc.
These Kizhi types are selected based on dosha imbalance (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and the condition being treated, such as pain, stiffness, inflammation, weakness, or degeneration.
Podi Kizhi, is a classical Ayurvedic fomentation (Swedana) therapy in which warm herbal powders (churna) are tied into a cotton cloth bolus (pinda) and applied over the body or specific areas. The therapy provides dry heat and is especially effective in reducing Kapha dosha and relieving stiffness.
Patra Pinda Sweda, is a traditional Ayurvedic fomentation therapy in which warm boluses prepared with medicinal leaves, herbs, grated coconut, and lemon, sautéed in medicated oil, are applied over the body or affected areas. The combined effect of herbal medicine, oil, and heat helps relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Narangakizhi is a traditional Ayurvedic fomentation therapy in which warm boluses prepared with lemon (naranga/jambeera), medicinal herbs, grated coconut, and rock salt, sautéed in medicated oil, are applied to the body. The combination of heat, oil, and citrus herbs helps relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Njavara Kizhi is a classical Ayurvedic nourishing fomentation therapy in which boluses prepared from Njavara rice cooked in herbal decoction and milk are applied warm over the body or affected areas. Unlike other kizhi therapies that mainly relieve pain, Njavara Kizhi is both therapeutic and rejuvenating, strengthening muscles and nerves while reducing stiffness.
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