Kerala Therapy
Podi kizhi
Also known as Choorna Pinda Sweda (Herbal Powder Poultice Massage)
Podi Kizhi (also called Podikizhi or Choorna Pinda Sweda) is a Kerala Ayurvedic therapy in which dried herbal roots, leaves and spices are ground to a fine powder, tied into cotton bundles, heated and massaged rhythmically over the body. The dry, deep warmth eases joint pain, stiffness and muscle spasm. At AVN Arogya it forms part of personalised programmes for spine and joint conditions.
Whether this therapy is right for you is a physician's decision
When Podi kizhi may — and may not — be appropriate
May be appropriate for
- Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, sciatica, obesity, chronic muscular spasms, and joint stiffness.
When it should NOT be done
- Acute inflammatory conditions with visible redness/burning sensations, open wounds, skin rashes, pregnancy, and severe exhaustion.
The decision is always individualised by your treating physician.
What to Expect During Podi kizhi
A dry, intense thermal experience followed by a significant reduction in joint heaviness, enhanced physical mobility, and a sensation of lightness.
Conditions where Podi kizhi may be part of the programme
Other Kerala Therapy Therapies at AVN Arogya
Podi kizhi: Frequently Asked Questions
Our physicians use Podi Kizhi in programmes for spine conditions such as sciatica, lumbar slip disc, spondylosis and spinal stenosis, for joint conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and for long-standing muscle spasm and stiffness. It is often chosen when oil-based therapies are not suitable. Your physician decides whether it fits your programme.
A blend of dried herbs and spices is ground into powder and tied into cotton bundles. The bundles are heated, either dry or dipped briefly in warm oil, then pressed and massaged over the painful area or the whole body in a steady rhythm by trained therapists. A session usually takes 45 to 60 minutes.
It gives a dry, deep warmth, stronger than an oil massage, and you will sweat gently. Most patients find it soothing. Afterwards, many of the patients we treat notice their joints feel less heavy and move more easily. Tell the therapist at once if the heat feels too strong; it is adjusted for you.
It is not given where a joint is acutely inflamed with redness or a burning feeling, over open wounds or skin rashes, during pregnancy, or when a patient is severely exhausted. Your physician checks for these before including it in your programme, and may choose a different therapy instead.
Both are kizhi therapies, using warm herbal bundles. Podi Kizhi uses dry herbal powders and gives a dry heat, while Elakizhi uses fresh medicinal leaves fried in medicated oil, so it is oilier. Your physician chooses between them, and other kizhi therapies, according to your condition and how your body responds.
Interested in care that may include Podi kizhi?
Book a consultation and our physicians will assess your condition and prescribe the right therapies for you as part of a personalised programme.