Podhikizhi belongs to a group of Ayurvedic treatments of high repute called Swedanakarma. This is a type of Swedana Chikitsa (fomentation) wherein medicated powders are made into poultice and used for fomentation.
Method:
Drugs like Vacha (Calamus/Sweet Flag), Sarshapam (Brown Mustard), Jatamamsi (Spikenard/Muskroot), Methika (Fenugreek), Shatapushpa (Fennel), Kushtam (Costus/Kut Root), etc., are made into fine powder, fried and tied in cloth pieces in the form of boluses. These are made hot frequently throughout the procedure. The person is made to sit on the Droni (special table for massage). Fomentation is then given with simultaneous massages using this poultice. Application of medicated oil prior to fomentation is not mandatory here. Person is given a hot water bath after the procedure.
Therapeutic value:
• Helpful cure in certain types of neurological conditions • Removes certain conditions in arthritis caused due to block of Vata by Kapha • Reduces overweight and obesity • Cures some types of acute pains like sciatica, lumbago, etc. • Treats rheumatic disorders, paralysis, spondylosis, etc. • Muscular sprain and stiffness can also be prevented using Swedanakarma and the treatment is found to tone up the musculature