Kizhi is the name for little bundles of medicated herbs, oils, powders. These poultices are used with various pressures to treat a variety of conditions/diseases. Based on the herbs/oil used, there are various forms of Kizhi treatments

(SHASHTIKA SHALI PINDA SWEDA- SSPS)

Navara kizhi is Brhmana therapy (Nourishing). The main ingredient in this Kizhi is Navara rice. Navara is a medicinal variety of rice from Kerala which is harvested in 60 days and is used exclusively for treatments in Ayurveda. The Navara rice is cooked in a mixture of cow’s milk and herbal decoctions and tied in the poultice.
Medicated rice paste (Shastika rice) is the main content of this procedure which is enriched with medicinal values. The whole body is perspire by the application of heated medicinal rice (Navara) puddings externally in the form of boluses tied uo in a cotton cloth.
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This treatment begins by massaging warm herbalised oils into the affected area to prepare and soften the tissue ready for the Navara Kizhi application.
The Navara Kizhi is massaged over the affected area or the whole body as required. The poultice is dipped into warm milk and herbal decoctions throughout the treatment. This is a gentle massage and the Kizhis are applied in circular and long strokes on the body. The ingredients are rejuvenating and nourishing to the body.

Ayurvedic herbal medicine and dietary restrictions may also be prescribed if necessary.

JPS is a procedure in which sliced Jambira along with other medicaments are added based on their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These herbs are heat processed in medicated oil. The hot contents are tied in a bolus. The bolus is rubbed against the affected part for fraction of seconds, so that ample of heat referred into painful part and sweat is produced.

(ELAKIZHI)

Patra pinda sweda refers to the treatment that involves application of heat to the affected body parts using a blous prepared from medicinal plants and other conventional drug. Those drugs are selected based upon the condition of the body

Dhanya Kizhi is an ayurvedic treatment of therapeutic sweating in which powdered cereals and pulses are bundled into bolus, warmed and applied all over the body. The body is fomented with linen bundles containing ingredients like cereals, horse gram, black gram, cotton seed etc. It is effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the joints, neck and lower back

Choorna pinda sweda is highly effective remedies towards pain relief. In this, we use medicated powder fried in herbal oils tied in a bolus to rub against the painful parts.

This Kizhi is a specialty of Kalari Chikitsa and is included in the Kalari Marma Massage. As Kalari Chikitsa was developed to prevent and treat warrior’s injuries, this Kizhi is useful in modern day sports injuries.

The herbal ingredients in the Kizhi are made from secret recipes passed down through the generations from master to student. As with the herbal medicines and oils made in Kalari Chikitsa, each Kalari lineage has their own recipes.

“Aavi” means “steam” and “kizhi” means “pouch”.

Benefits

Aavikizhi helps to open the microchannels and pores of the body and thereby expelling inflammation and swelling. The rhythmic stamping helps to mobilise and disseminate hardened swellings and the potency of the medicine used helps to remove inflammation from the body. This is also an excellent treatment to reduce pain and stiffness of muscles.

Procedure

Medicinal herbs are powdered, made into a pouch and heated using steam from a herbal decoction. This heated pouch is stamped all over the body in rhythmic strokes by two therapists. This treatment is also done in different positions, as in abhyangam.

Ksheera Dhooma Fomentation is done by directing Milk vapour steam of patient’s body.Medicated oil is anointed in Vertex,Neck and Shoulder. Sthanika Abhyanga is done vapour comes through the free end of the Tube should be directed to the oil anointed parts.