Bone and joint rehabilitation with herbal leaves

The words for leaves, bolus, and sudation are Ela, Ila, Patra, Kizhi, and Swedam, respectively. In Kerala, Vaidyas (physicians) use herbal leaves in one of the main sudation processes. It is quite beneficial for diseases of the neurological system, bones, and joints.

Procedure: 

Freshly gathered leaves with vata-soothing properties are used. Depending on the situation, they are diced and combined with grated coconut, lemon, rock salt, turmeric, etc. Depending on the situation, the combination is fried in either plain sesame oil or another medicinal oil. They are separated into four equal pieces and formed into boluses by being knotted in a linen cloth. The massage is then administered using heated boluses. 

Kizhi Podi:

This is a form of swedana chikitsa, or fomentation, in which a poultice made of medicated powders is applied to the skin. It follows the same steps as Patra Pinda Sweda.

Njavara Kizhi:

The Sanskrit word for rice that grows in 60 days is Njavara in Malayalam, while the Sanskrit word for bolus is Kizhi (Pinda). A native rice type grown in Kerala called Njavara has therapeutic qualities. It is a distinct therapeutic technique used by Keralan Ayurvedic doctors. 

Procedure:

Over the head and body, a generous amount of medicinal oil is applied. Then, a heated muslin bag bolus containing Njavara rice puddings boiled in the herbal decoction is used to massage the body. When the boluses cool down, they are dipped in a mixture of warm milk and herbal decoctions to induce drowsiness. The rice paste covering the body is taken off at the conclusion of the treatment.

Pizhichil:

A unique therapy method used by Kerala’s traditional vaidyas (physicians) is known as Kaya Seka, Sarvanga Dhara, or Pizhichil. Pizhichil literally translates to “squeezing” in Malayalam. Here, lukewarm medicated oil streams are used to bathe the entire body while a gentle massage is given at the same time.

Due to the fact that the ancient monarch was the only person who received this Ayurvedic royal treatment, it is often known as the “therapy for nobles.”

In this procedure, warm, medicated clothing is placed over the patient’s body and squeezed downward from a height of 20 to 24 cm, creating a continuous single-stream of oil that flows with the thumb.

 Pichu:

The injured area is covered with a thick layer of cotton layered with warm medicinal oil. Periodically, the oil is recycled to keep it heated.

For painful and degenerative conditions including back pain, prolapsed discs, osteoarthritis, spondylitis, sprains, and traumas, among others, this therapy is particularly beneficial.

Based on the patient’s body type and condition, the doctor determines the length of time and type of medication to be used. However, the therapy is typically prolonged for 7 to 14 days and produces positive outcomes.  

Kati Vasti: 

A unique form of lumbar or low back therapy is kativasti. The words Kati and Vasti mean confining or holding something inside. Kati refers to the low back or waist. Kativasti is an Ayurvedic lumbo-sacral rejuvenation therapy employing heated oil or herbal decoctions. By using this technique, one can achieve local oleation and sudation.

Janu Vasti:

Since the Sanskrit word for the knee joint is Janu Sandhi, the treatment performed on knee joints is referred to as Janu Vasti. In this, a heated herbal brew or therapeutic oil is used to bathe the knee joint. It can be done over both knee joints or just one knee joint, depending on the situation. Therefore, Janu Vasti is a type of massage or therapy for the knees that revitalises the knee joint.

Greeva Vasti:

Greeva means neck, and Basti means a container or something that holds something inside. It is essentially a hot oil therapy and is part of Ayurvedic neck care. Greeva Basti applies therapeutic oil or freshly made herbal decoction on the neck area. The process simultaneously oleates and sudates the area around the neck.

 The difficulties with the vertebrae, muscles, and skeletal tissues of the neck and shoulder stem from the modern lifestyle, which entails a constant and fixed sitting position and a lack of activity. Greeva Basti does a good job of addressing these problems.

 Upnaham:

Upanaham therapy uses localised perspiration to cure fractures, reduce swelling, and ease stiffness in the body’s joints. Medicated leaves, a paste made of herbal oils and powders, and a cotton bandage are used to achieve it.

Warm herbal paste is thickly administered to the afflicted area during this treatment. The paste is covered with herbal leaves, which are then bandaged with cotton cloth. It stays there for a minimum of six hours.

Lepam:

Lepam is an Ayurvedic skincare procedure that has a long history of success in the treatment of a variety of skin issues. Additionally anti-inflammatory lepam therapy aids in reducing swelling of the afflicted area and relieving pain brought on by inflammation.

In order to perform this process, a herbal paste is applied to the injured body part.

The herbal powders are combined with a medium, which is typically herbal oil, milk, rice-washing water, or a decoction, to create lepam. The treatment region is covered with the paste.