pizhichil

Pizhichil (pronounced "Pee-ree-chill") is a highly regarded traditional Ayurvedic therapy from Kerala, India, often called the "King of Ayurvedic therapies". It involves a unique combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments: Snehana (oil therapy) and Swedana (heat therapy).

Procedure

During Pizhichil, one or more trained therapists continuously pour a warm, monitored stream of medicated herbal oil (or sometimes ghee) over the patient's entire body while performing a gentle, rhythmic massage.

• Squeezing: A linen cloth is typically dipped in the warm oil and then squeezed to ensure a continuous flow over the body. The name "Pizhichil" literally translates to "squeezing" in Malayalam.

• Duration and Frequency: A single session typically lasts from 45 to 90 minutes. Depending on the condition being treated, a course of treatment may involve daily sessions for 7 to 21 days, as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor.

Key Benefits and Uses

The combination of warm oil, massage, and induced sweating helps nourish the tissues, increase blood circulation, and eliminate toxins from the body. Pizhichil is used for both general rejuvenation and specific therapeutic purposes:

• Neurological Disorders: It is considered highly effective for managing conditions such as paralysis, hemiplegia, and general nerve weakness.

• Musculoskeletal Health: It helps relieve muscle stiffness, spasms, chronic body pain, and joint pain associated with rheumatic diseases, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

• Mental Well-being: The relaxing nature of the treatment helps manage stress disorders, anxiety, depression, and promotes deep relaxation.

• Rejuvenation: It is known to improve overall vitality, boost immunity, enhance skin texture, and is considered an anti-aging therapy.