Dry Powder Udvartana is a treatment in Ayurveda in which herbal paste or dry herbal powder is massaged over the body. In this therapy, herbal powders or pastes are being used. Especially, the rubbing during massage goes in the opposite direction of hair follicles as compared to conventional massage.
Meaning of Udvartana
The word Udvartana is a Sanskrit (an Indian language) word. Udvartana is also called as Urdhwarthanam. It is a combination of two words (Urdhwa + Varthanam) the word Urdhwa refers to upward and the other word Varthanam means to move. Thus it means to move something in an upward movement.
It is done as a preparatory procedure before oil therapies in a Panchakarma procedure. Dry Powder Udvartana is a therapy in Ayurveda to treat obesity by shedding excess body weight. It is a part of Dinacharya (a daily healthy regimen). Additionally, the best time for Udvartana, as mentioned in the daily regimen, is in the early morning before bathing. It may be light stroking as well as deep stroking. Generally, the duration is 30-45 minutes.
Types of Dry Powder Udvartana
There are two types of Udvartana, Snigdha (oily) and Ruksha (dry).
Snigdha
Snigdha means Sneha in which medicated oils or ghee is used and herbal powders are not rubbed directly on the body. So, the dry powders are mixed and blended with the oils and made into the paste. Also, this type of dry powder Udvartana nourishes the skin, improves the circulation, tones muscles, and reduces dryness and stiffness. However, the lepa or mixture is massaged onto the body in a rhythmic manner.
Ruksha
Ruksha means Dry. The name itself indicates that no oil is used in this procedure. This is the opposite of Snigdha Udvartana. This means herbal powders are directly rubbed or stroked (without mixing or frying them with oil or ghee) over the body in an upward direction after conducting Abhyanga. Powder of drugs which naturally has dry (ruksha) properties like lodhra, triflates is used. This therapy is also called Udgharshana.
Procedure of Dry Powder Udvartana
- A massage with herbal oil is given to the whole body for 15-20 minutes and the patient is prepared for Udvartana.
- The herbal powder or paste (depending on whether it is Snigdha massage or Dry massage) is rubbed over the body opposite to the direction of the body hair.
- Generally, deep stroking is applied in this procedure.
- The Ayurvedic powder massage is done in seven body positions by rubbing and massaging with pressure for a specific period.
- After the massage, the body of the patient is cleansed with a sterile cloth to remove the powder and paste from the skin.
- After wiping off the medicaments, a thin coat of medicated oil is applied over the patient’s body.
- A steam bath after this massage is always advised. Other alternatives can be a warm water bath or hot pads over the fatty areas.
- The patient is allowed to relax for 5-10 minutes. After relaxation, a hot water bath is advised.
How Dry Powder Udvartana Works?
- Rubbing stimulates both motor and sensory nerve endings for various parts of the body.
- Udvartana opens the circulating channels.
- Deep pressure massage helps the interchange of tissue fluids by increasing the circulation in the superficial vein and lymphatic.
- The pressure helps the contents of the blood vessels move towards the heart if applied strongly and quickly. This increases nutrition in all tissues.
- During Udvartana, the heat in the skin is stimulated. This leads to the absorption and digestion of the herb and further causes the liquefaction of subcutaneous fat occurs.
Benefits and Indications of Dry Powder Udvartana
The effects of Udvartana are multi-fold. It keeps the body healthy as well as fights against diseases. Dry Powder Udvartana can be done with cosmetic, therapeutic and preventive aspects.
- Eliminates the wastes and toxins from the body
- Regulates the weight
- Stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems
- Exfoliates the skin and enhances it’s tone
- Balances tridosha
- Improves mobility in the body and strengthens the muscles
SnigdhUdvartana
- Helps improve skin texture, complexion, glow and tone by removing dead cells from the skin.
- More useful for weak people and people with sensitive skin. Also, gives strength and stability to the body. Prevents untimely browsing.
RukshaUdvartana
- Herbal ingredients are rough and dry and used to reduce excess Kapha dosha and Ama. In rheumatoid arthritis, Ama is the main factor, so it is beneficial for reducing symptoms and inflammation of the joints.
- Very effective in reducing cellulite and fat accumulation. Hence, rubbing herbal powder helps break down the cellulite and increases the burning of accumulated fat. Also, beneficial for diabetic people with insulin resistance.
Recommended For
- Dry Powder Udvartana works for people on a weight loss journey
- People struggling with improper digestion
- People suffering from Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular pain
- Symptoms of stagnation, coldness, stiffness, and physical inactivity sluggishness
