Kizhi treatment in Ayurveda

Kizhi, is one of the most effective therapies of Panchakarma. It is used for the treatment of several common and chronic ailments and is basically a part of Panchakarma. This therapy can be very useful if undergone after the proper diagnosis of disease based on the parameters of Ayurveda.

To carry out Kizhi treatment therapy, heated herbs and medicinal oils are tied in cloth bags first; and kept on the area that is to be treated. After that, a specific gentle massage with the help fingers, heel of the hand or palm is provided to the patient. The application of pressure during the massage depends upon the type of disease and the spot to which it is applied.

Based on the diagnosis and nature of ailments, kizhi has been divided into three types in Panchakarma that are used for the treatment of different diseases.

Njavarakizhi in Panchakarma

A special rice is cooked in herbal decoction with milk tied in cotton cloth and then this hot pack massage is given all over the body for about 60 to 90 minutes. This is an excellent rejuvenation therapy, it strengthens muscle tissues & boosts up sport performance.

It is used for the treatment of headache occurred due to some neurological problems. It is quite effective in case of facial paralysis. This therapy is effectively used for treating Muscular Atropy especially in children and in Diabetes Mellitus. In addition to that this therapy is useful in the treatment of ailments like Hemiplegia, Paraplegia and Paralyses occurred due to some trauma or accident.

Choorna Kizhi in Panchakarma

Cloth bags contains herbal powder dipped in hot oil and massaged over the body. This therapy is used for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis with or without inflammation, painful swellings, back pain, paralysis, joints and muscle pain, and long standing injuries of the muscles. Duration: 60 mins

Ela kizhi in Panchakarma

This is a kind of sudation therapy using herbal leaves. Leaves of Arka (calotropis gigatea) Karanja (pongami aglabra) Dhatura (datura metel) and so on are chopped and mixed with grated coconut mustard and rock salt. The proportion of the ingredients varies according to the symptoms of the disease. The mixture is warmed in a pan smeared with coconut oil and then tied up in linen bundles to be used for fomentation. Prior to fomentation, oil is applied to the crown. As sudation is the primary aim of fomentation, the kizhis have to be kept at a constant high temperature by warming them every now and then.

In rheumatic pains and associated swelling of the joints, fomentation and massage with EIa kizhi (bundles containing leaves) brings relief. This treatment is given to enhance sport performance. It rejuvenates the body cells, improves blood circulation & to increase the range of motion of the joints. It is also useful in arthritis, backache, joint pain, frozen shoulder etc. This is one of the most effective treatments for chronic numbness of upper and lower limbs. Ela kizhi is also used for the treatment of tremors of the body. It is useful in case of painful conditions occurred in the flanks and lumbar region. This therapy is also very effective in case of paralysis and convulsions.

The application of Njavarakizhi in Panchakarma : A Video