Pizhichil, also known as Kayaseka is one of Ayurveda’s most luxurious and therapeutic Panchakarma treatments because it is considered as “Treatment for Kings”. This therapy is a combination of oil massage (Snehana) and sudation (Swedana), which delivers in depth-healing.
When warm medicated herbal oils are poured all over the body in a rhythmic stream with a gentle massage, it brings relaxation and rejuvenation.
What is Pizhichil/Kayaseka?
The word Pizhichil means “to squeeze,” referring to the process of soaking and squeezing warm medicated oils onto the body using a soft cloth. Kayadeka means “pouring over the body,” which is beneficial for Vata and Pitta imbalances.
Philosophy and Purpose
According to Ayurveda, one of the main causes of ailments is accumulation of toxins (amas) in the body, which can cause imbalance in doshas. Hence, Pizhichil works on two fronts –
- Detoxification: The heat from the warm oil opens blocked pores and channels by flushing out toxins and accumulated impurities.
- Rejuvenation: Use of herbal oils can penetrate deep into the tissues that nourishes muscles, joints, and nerves for sustainable healing.
Therefore, the dual action of cleansing and revitalizing makes Pizhichil both a preventive and curative ayurvedic therapy.
Ingredients Used in the Treatment
The effective therapeutic Pizhichil largely depends on the medicated oils that are selected on health seeker’s body constitution (prakriti) and health concern. However, common ones are –
- Dhanwantharam Thailam: The oil is known to strengthen muscles, improves nerve function, and is beneficial for joint disorders.
- Ksheerabala Thailam: Calms Vata, reduces inflammation, and promotes deep relaxation.
- Sahacharadi Thailam: Effective for sciatica, arthritis, and lower back pain.
- Chandanadi Thailam: Use of this oil pacifies Pitta, cools the body, and relieves burning sensations.
These oils are prepared with a blend of herbs like Ashwagandha, Bala, Dasamoola, Sandalwood, and milk.
Step-By-Step Procedure at VVAC
At 25-acre Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam, Pizhichil is performed with utmost care that ensures the health seekers maximum benefit. The line of treatment is as follows –
Purvakarma (Preparation)
- Abhyanga (Full Body Oil Massage): To prepare and open the body for the main treatment, the body is first massaged with warm medicated oil. This also prepares the tissues and stimulates blood circulation.
- Selection of Oil: Based on a health seeker’s dosha imbalance and intensity of the ailment, ayurvedic doctors prescribe the specific medicated oil.
Pradhana Karma (Main Procedure)
- Kayaseka (Oil Pouring): The main treatment of Pizhichil includes continuously pouring of warm medicated oils over the entire body by two or more therapists at VVAC.
- The overall duration of the treatment at VVAC lasts 45 to 60 minutes, which primarily depends on the condition.
Paschatkarma (Post-Treatment Care)
- After the main treatment, the health seeker is made to rest for the applied medicated oils on the body to penetrate.
- Following, a mild herbal decoction bath cleanses the body.
- Light, dosha-specific and prescribed meals are recommended to support internal detoxification.
Health Benefits of Pizhichil
Pizhichil is both therapeutic for chronic ailments and rejuvenating for overall wellness. Key benefits of this ayurvedic therapy include –
1) Neurological Health: Helps in paralysis, stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, nerve weakness, and more.
2) Joint & Musculoskeletal Disorders: Relieves arthritis, spondylosis, sciatica, and chronic back pain by lubricating joints and reducing inflammation.
3) Stress & Anxiety: The therapy calms the nervous system, promotes deep relaxation, and improves quality of sleep.
4) Skin Rejuvenation: Nourishes skin, improves elasticity of the skin, and delays the signs of aging.
5) Immune Support: Enhances ayurvedic immunity by detoxifying the body and improving blood circulation.
6) Anti-Aging & Vitality: Improvement in overall strength and vitality, making it an excellent seasonal wellness therapy too.
Contraindications
Pizhichil is not suitable for health seekers in following cases-
- Fever or acute infections
- Severe indigestion or diarrhea
- Skin infections or open wounds
- Pregnancy
- Heart disease or uncontrolled hypertension
At VVAC, all our health seekers undergo the treatments under the supervision of experienced Ayurvedic doctors.
Duration and Course of Treatment
Typical duration of the treatment may last between 7 to 21 days, depending on the health condition. Usually, daily sessions of Pizhichil are recommended for chronic ailments while preventive treatments can be done seasonally.
Why Pizhichil at VVAC?
At VVAC, Pizhichil is performed by highly trained therapists using authentic ayurvedic oils by Vaidyaratnam and traditional techniques passed down through generations. Also, our health seekers are guided at every step from pre-treatment preparation to post-treatment care.
All our classical panchakarma treatments are empaneled under CGHS, CPAF, Government of Haryana offering cashless or reimbursed treatments to beneficiaries. If you are interested, call us at 7901778899 today and book a slot.
