Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Elakizhi: Kerala’s classical therapies, explained
What each of the clinic’s six therapies actually involves, from the oil to the hands that give it.
6 min read ·
Kerala’s classical Ayurvedic therapies are hands-on treatments with warm medicated oils, herbal poultices and powders. At AVVVS Ayur Speciality Clinic they include Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Abhyanga, Elakizhi, Njavarakizhi and Udwarthana, each chosen by the doctor after a consultation.
Kerala gave Ayurveda some of its most distinctive treatments: therapies built around warm oil, medicinal leaves and rice, and the trained hands of therapists working in rhythm. They are given at AVVVS Ayur Speciality Clinic with oils and preparations from a pharmacy that has made Ayurveda medicines in Kozhikode since 1921.
Pizhichil (പിഴിച്ചിൽ)
A Kerala speciality in which warm medicated oil is poured over the body in a continuous stream while therapists massage in rhythm. Cloths soaked in lukewarm oil are squeezed over the body by two or more therapists working in step.
Shirodhara (ശിരോധാര)
A steady, unbroken stream of warm medicated liquid, usually oil, poured gently over the forehead. You lie still while the stream sways slowly across the brow from a vessel suspended above.
Abhyanga (അഭ്യംഗം)
A full-body massage with warm herbal oil chosen for you, the foundation of Ayurvedic body care. Long, rhythmic strokes over the whole body, followed by rest.
Elakizhi (ഇലക്കിഴി)
Poultices of fresh medicinal leaves, warmed in oil and pressed over the body. Linen bundles of chopped leaves are heated in a pan and applied with rhythmic pressure.
Njavarakizhi (ഞവരക്കിഴി)
Bundles of Njavara, a Kerala medicinal rice, cooked in milk and herbal decoction and massaged over the body. The warm rice bundles are dipped again and again in the milk decoction as the massage goes on.
Udwarthana (ഉദ്വർത്തനം)
A brisk massage with dry herbal powders, used in the clinic’s obesity management programme. Firm strokes, mostly upward, with warm powder in place of oil.
Which one is right for you?
That is the doctor’s decision, made after a consultation. The choice of therapy, the oil or preparation, the number of sittings and what you should do before and after all depend on you.
Written by AVVVS Ayur Speciality Clinic, Kozhikode, for general information. It is not a substitute for a consultation.
