Kizhi - Herbal Poultice Massage
Kizhi, also known as Pinda Sweda or Herbal Poultice massage is one of the classical traditional massages of Ayurveda. It is a speciality treatment revered for its therapeutic effects, originating and widely practiced in Kerala. Massage is performed using heated herbal poultices to rejuvenate, relax and nourish the body.
There are different types of herbal poultice massages. The herbal poultice massage with medicated powder is called Podi kizhi. The one with medicated rice is called Navara kizhi and when medicinal leaves are used for making the bolus bags it is called Ela kizhi.
This treatment is only available after a consultation as your suitability to receive this treatment needs to be assessed.
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MORE INFORMATION
Kizhi is good for relieving the body pain, numbness, shivering, degeneration of bones and cures diseases like joint pain, paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. It improves muscle strength, skin complexion, strengthens the nerves and nourishes the bones. This treatment can be done for both healthy people as well as the diseased. In the case of healthy people, it is done for the purpose of rejuvenation as it can slow down the ageing process.
Kizhi pairs well with Abhyanga (body massage), Shiro Abhyanga (head massage), Shirodhara (oil pouring head treatment) or any pain management therapy.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Not suitable for those suffeirng from pitta dosha aggravation (e.g inflammations, acidity, anger, diarrhoea, infections. fever, flu), skin diseases (e.g. psoraisis, eczema), hypertension, diabetes, lymph gland enlargement, pregnant women.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Kizhi is a heating treatment. It warms up the body and increases blood circulation and can therefore increase the blood flow during your period. If you have a heavy menstrual flow, you should avoid receiving a Kizhi as it may make your flow heavier. During this time, you can go for localised Kizhi on specific body parts where there is pain or stiffness.
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Absolutely! To receive the most benefit from this treatment, it is recommended to receive a course of treatments.
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Most massages require you to lie supine and prone. Lying prone is not comfortable on a full tummy. It is therefore best not to eat 2 hours beforehand (especially heavy meals).
However, if you are very hungry, it’s better to have a small snack so that you aren’t distracted by a hungry tummy during your treatment.
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Always arrive at least 10-15 minutes early so that you can check in and relax before your treatment. If having an Ayurvedic Massage you will be massaged with special herbs and oils, so it is best not to wear perfume, heavy aftershave, or strongly scented lotions that might interfere with the treatment. Ideally, make-up should also be removed prior to the treatment.
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No, this treatment is not suitable for children.
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Please wear something comfortable, but in the case of an Oil Massage, I suggest that you don’t wear expensive clothing that could get stained. I can provide you with single-use underwear for body treatments (you are welcome to wear your own underwear but please be advised that it may become stained with oil). In order to preserve your modesty at all times, the technique of draping is used at all times where only the body part being worked on is exposed.
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You can wash the oil from your body and hair but it is recommended to leave it on and let your body absorb it. Showering before bedtime is fine as it allows oils to get absorbed fully. When you shower, avoid using soap on the body but you can use shampoo to remove the oil from your hair if it bothers you.
It is recommended to take rest after the treatment to allow the body to process the benefits of the massage. Eat a simple and easy-to-digest meal such as Khichdi, rice, and lentils or soup, and spend time relaxing with loved ones.
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At this time, I do not offer this treatment for clients that are pregnant.
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Yes, it is important for me to be fully aware of all your current medical conditions because in some cases massage therapy is contraindicated.
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Simple answer; no… absolutely not (so please don’t embarrass yourself by asking).