Duration: 45 minutes

Number of days: 1, 7 or more (depending on the individual’s condition)

Pizhichil, known as Kaya Seka in Sanskrit, is one of the most popular Ayurveda therapies. Referred to as a royal treatment in ancient times, Pizhichil means ‘to squeeze’, and the Sanskrit name, Kaya Seka, originates from two words, where kaya means ‘full body’, and seka means ‘pouring of warm herbal oil’. This treatment involves an elaborate process where warm herbal oils are poured over the entire body in a continuous stream for a specified duration, simultaneously being gently massaged by the therapists to induce sweat.

The treatment is a combination of two Ayurvedic treatments: Snehana and Swedana. Snehana refers to oil massage therapy, and Swedana refers to heat therapy that induces sweat. During a Pizhichil session, both these techniques are combined to enhance blood circulation, stimulate nerves and remove toxins from the body. Depending on the doshas and conditions of the individual, the Ayurvedic practitioner selects herbal oils (taila) or other medicated liquids, such as herbal decoctions (kashayam) and buttermilk (kshiram), for the treatment.

Pizhichil is beneficial for treating conditions such as fractures, diabetic neuropathy, rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, cerebral palsy, paralysis, neurological disorders and other degenerative changes.

Benefits:

• Strengthens muscles and joints
• Stimulates the nervous system
• Improves blood circulation
• Detoxifies the body and improves skin health
• Reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue
• Balances the doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) and restores harmony in the body
• Promotes rejuvenation and relaxation