March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Pizhichil can be classified into the category of Abhayanga or Ayurvedic oil therapy or Ayurvedic massage therapy. In the full body massage procedure of pizhichil, the masseurs let the person lie own a specially designed ennathoni, a wooden plank designed to retain oil. There can be four masseurs massaging the body below neck.

A masseur spreads warm medicated oil all over the body (below neck) from a lump of cloth soaked in medicated oil. Shirodhara (application of medicated oil to the head) sometimes accompanies pizhichil.

The kings and aristocrats that ruled the country used to undergo pizhichil therapy and the treatment is called aristocratic therapy.

The whole procedure can end in less than an hour or can continue for 90 minutes. The duration is determined by the physician according to the physical capabilities of the person taking this therapy. It can also continue for seven, 14 or 28 days.

Pizhichil is unique to Kerala Ayurveda practices and is very beneficial in conditions like arthritis, paralysis, nervous disorders, joint pain, muscle cramps, etc. It also improves blood circulation, muscle reflexes, nervous system, relaxes full body and mind, enhances sexual ability and brings general sense of well being to the person.

The massage mainly aims at alleviating imbalances caused to Vayu. Imbalances occurred to vayu due to stress and tensions associated with lifestyle activities. An imbalance to Vayu dosha can disturb the balance of other two doshas of tridosha – pitta and kapha. The oil massage releases the elements of imbalance from the system, thereby facilitating a scheme of complete balance, both for body and mind.

The choice of medicated oils and procedures requires elaborate diagnosis by a knowledgeable Ayurvedic physician. The masseurs also should be well trained in massage therapy. Though a royal treatment, a person must always make sure that he or she goes to a knowledgeable physician who has the assistance of knowledgeable hands.

Other spellings for pizhichil can be pishichil, pizichil, pizhicil, pilichil, pizhi, pizhiyal, and moreÂ…