Pizhichil is a unique Ayurvedic therapy from Kerala. In this treatment, a special linen cloth is dipped into warm Kuzhambu, or a medicated oil mixture, and squeezed over the disease-affected areas of the patient.While simultaneously massaging those areas, care is taken to ensure no portion is missed out. Pizhichil is a perfect mix of Snehana (Oleation Therapy) and Swedana (Sudation Therapy).

This treatment improves blood circulation and immunity. It is very effective in the treatment of ailments like muscle cramps, paralysis, rheumatic diseases, arthritis, neurological disorders, and blood pressure issues.

It is a type of Sarvangdhara where Sarvanga means the whole body and dhara means stream. Therefore, Sarvangdhara refers to pouring a stream of oil on the whole body. Moreover, the therapy is a combination of two treatments called Snehana (oil therapy) and Swedana (heat therapy).

The whole body is bathed in streams of lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous warm message. It helps the body from illness and builds up immunity. It is extremely useful for rheumatic disease, arthritis, paralysis, sexual weakness, and neurological disorders, blood pressure, nerve weakness and helps in arresting the aging process. Other benefits include improved blood circulation, detoxification of the body, reduction in stress and depression and also sexual weakness.

How is the Pizhichil treatment done?

The meaning of the word Pizhichil is squeezing and the procedure involves squeezing of the warm and heated oil from a cloth. However, the first step in Pizhichil usually starts with applying oil on the head and body of the person receiving the massage. Then a cloth is placed or tied over the forehead so that the oil poured on the head does not enter the eyes. The oil that is used in Pizhichil can be varied ranging from sesame oil to ghee to other types of thailams which are made by combining various herbal oils. The type of Ayurvedic oil used on a person depends on his or her medical conditions and requirements.

The massage is given by three or four therapists depending on the medical conditions and requirement of the person receiving it. A gentle, synchronized massage of up and down stroke is carried out on all parts of the body except for the head. A cloth dipped in lukewarm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body uniformly and then rubbed smoothly by the masseurs. Special caution has to be taken so that the patients head does not get sweat or the body gets cold during the massaging.

The person receiving the massage is usually required to change his positions seven times for optimal heat and oil therapy. A normal Pizhichil lasts for 60 to 90 minutes and is taken for a period of 7 to 21 days.