Pizhichil Therapy

(Whole body therapy)

Pizhichil is a highly specialized and intensely therapeutic treatment in Ayurveda, often referred to as the “Royal Oil Bath” or “Sarvangadhara” (whole body pouring). The procedure involves continuously and rhythmically pouring streams of warm, medicated oil over the entire body while being simultaneously massaged. This unique combination of Snehana (oleation) and Svedana (fomentation) makes Pizhichil an incredibly effective therapy for balancing Vata Dosha and nourishing the nervous and muscular systems.

The richness of the warm oil, combined with the continuous application, allows the medicinal properties to deeply penetrate the skin, providing unparalleled relief from pain, stiffness, and degenerative conditions. 

How Pizhichil massage works- Shree Ayurvedic Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai

How Pizhichil Therapy Works?

Here gentle warm, medicated herbal oils are applied over the body while simultaneously massaging it to nourish, detoxify, and rejuvenate the body and mind. Traditional herbal ayurvedic oils are used to balance the doshas, promote circulation, and strengthen the body’s tissues. The heat and oil penetration help to release toxins from the body, hydrate the skin, and restore energy.

Pizhichil Therapy Procedure

Pizhichil is performed by a team of two to four trained therapists working in perfect synchronization under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician. The typical treatment lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. 

Preparation: The patient sits comfortably on a specialized wooden table (Droni). The entire body, except the head, is first coated with a light layer of medicated oil. 

Oil Application: Clean cotton cloths, soaked in large quantities of warm, medicated oil (such as Ksheerabala Taila or Dhanwantharam Taila), are continuously squeezed out in rhythmic strokes over the patient’s body from a specific height. This creates a constant, warm cascade of oil. 

Synchronization and Repetition: The therapists work in harmony, covering the entire body—front, sides, and back—in a systematic manner. The oil is collected, reheated to maintain a consistent temperature, and reused throughout the session. 

Gentle Massage: During the pouring, the therapists simultaneously perform a very light, gentle massage. This light friction helps the oil penetrate deeper into the skin and underlying tissues. 

Post-Therapy Care: After the specified duration, the excess oil is wiped off, and the patient is given a warm shower using herbal cleansing powder (Snana Churna) instead of soap. The patient is then advised to rest in a warm room to avoid exposure to cold or wind. 

Pizhichil massage procedure at Shree Ayurvedic Multispeciality Hospital- step-by-step herbal oil massage in Chennai

Types of Pizhichil Therapy

While the core procedure of Pizhichil remains the same, the therapy is classified and customized primarily based on the nature and temperature of the medicated liquid used: 

1. Taila Pizhichil (Oil Pizhichil): This is the most common form, where various combinations of warm medicated herbal oils are used. It is the gold standard for Vata disorders and chronic neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. 

2. Ksheerabala Pizhichil: This involves using oil processed with medicated milk (Ksheerabala). This formulation is highly nourishing and excellent for Pitta disorders, chronic fatigue, and conditions requiring deep nourishment. 

3. Kashaya Pizhichil (Decoction Pizhichil): In rare cases, the medicated liquid may be a herbal decoction instead of oil. This is used when the patient requires fomentation but oleation is not suitable, often for specific Kapha-dominant musculoskeletal issues. 

Benefits Of Pizhichil Therapy

Heart icon with arrows representing Pizhichil Therapy detoxification, expelling body toxins for better health

Detoxification

Helps to expel toxins from the body, promoting overall health and wellness
Face icon with arrows representing Pizhichil Therapy rejuvenation, revitalizing skin, muscles, and joints

Rejuvenation

Nourishes and revitalizes the skin, muscles, and joints, improving flexibility and muscle tone
Blood drops icon with arrows representing improved circulation in Pizhichil Therapy, enhancing oxygen and nutrient flow

Improves Circulation

Enhances blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while helping remove waste products
Joint icon with medical cross representing Pizhichil Therapy pain relief, easing joint and muscle discomfort

Pain Relief

Effective for arthritis, muscle stiffness, and joint pain, etc
Hexagonal cells icon with arrows representing skin health benefits of Pizhichil Therapy, improving skin tone and texture

Improves Skin Health

Hydrates and softens the skin, leaving it looking radiant and youthful
Shield icon with molecular structure and medical cross representing Pizhichil Therapy boosting immunity

Boosts Immunity

Enhances the body's natural healing ability by improving the functioning of the lymphatic and circulatory systems

Duration For The Pizhichil Therapy

Around  45 minutes to 1 hour. The therapy is usually done for 5 to 7 consecutive days for optimal results, depending on the condition being treated.

Whom Pizhichil Therapy Is
Recommended For?

Key Conditions Treated
With Pizhichil Therapy

Pizhichil is renowned for its powerful rejuvenating and healing effects, particularly on the nervous and muscular systems. 

Key Conditions Treated:

  • Neurological Disorders: Highly effective for Paralysis (Hemiplegia, Paraplegia), facial palsy, motor neuron diseases, and chronic neuropathy.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders: Provides significant relief from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, and muscle stiffness resulting from Vata imbalance.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): The deep nourishment helps revitalize the body, combating stress and deep fatigue. 
  • Sexual Debility: The therapy is often used to treat conditions related to sexual debility due to its powerful nourishing and restorative action on the Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue). 
  • Degenerative Conditions: Slows down the degeneration of bones and joints by enhancing circulation and providing deep tissue nourishment. 

Contraindications

  • Acute Fever or Inflammation: Pizhichil is generally contraindicated during high fever or acute inflammatory episodes. 
  • Severe Indigestion: Due to its oleating nature, the treatment should be avoided when the digestive fire (Agni) is severely weak. 
  • Wounds and Burns: Open wounds, cuts, or acute burns on the skin are absolute contraindications for external oil application. 
  • Extreme Obesity: In cases of severe obesity where the channels are blocked, the physician may opt for lighter therapies first. 
  • Dosage and Duration: The treatment must be conducted under the strict guidance of an experienced physician who determines the appropriate duration (typically 7, 14, or 21 days) and the type of oil. 

Advantages of Pizhichil Therapy

Profound Vata Pacification

Calms Vata Dosha, providing immediate relief from pain, spasms, and tremors.

Nerve Strengthening

Strengthens peripheral nerves and helps repair nerve damage

Deep Rejuvenation

Nourishes and lubricates the deepest tissues (Dhatus), promoting overall vitality and combating aging.

Improved Circulation

Enhance blood flow, aiding in the removal of toxins and delivery of nutrients.

Stress Relief

Provides a deeply calming effect on the mind and central nervous system.

Post-Treatment Care

After your Pizhichil session, it is essential to allow your body to fully integrate the benefits of the therapy.

Take it easy for the rest of the day to let the treatment work its magic.
Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
Opt for a light, nutritious meal to support the digestive system.
Engage in light activities or yoga to maintain circulation without straining your body.

From Pain To Recovery, Witness the Healing Journeys

Real stories of rejuvenation, wellness and lasting health through ayurveda

Ram prasath
I’ve been seeing doctors for the past 10 years, dealing with everything from a simple cold to more serious stuff like shoulder tendonitis, which required an injection. Wanting to avoid ongoing treatments, I turned to Ayurveda. Since then, my shoulders are back to feeling as good as new. Later on, I also got treated for ulcerative colitis and it’s all gone now. It’s amazing—every issue I’ve had has been fixed without any long-term problems.
Ajith prakash
Shree AYURVEDIC has highly qualified specialist doctors who provide best advices and treatment for multi disorders. Dr.Srikrishna’s guidance and treatment assisted in overcoming weight issues and digestive problems. I would recommend people to visit themselves to get better information on their life routine and personal health management with many varieties of treatment which offered by Shree AYURVEDIC with their own patented medicine.
Rajalakshmi B V
I took treatment in this Hospital for knee pain and blood circulation in left foot from 5th Sept to 16th Sept 2024. I took a consultation with Dr. Sri Krishna, a Competent, Calm, and Cool person. Above all 6th Generation doctor of this ancient hospital! There is a say that, when you meet your doctor, half of your ailments will disappear, actually it happened with me! He advised me to take 10 days of external treatment like Abhyanga, Janu Basti.. along with oral medicines...
Sujatha Bharath
I met Dr.Sampoorna who helped me with the treatment for my vericose veins. I underwent 14 days treatment in Shree Ayurvedic hospital. The 5 girls who helped me with the treatment were really kind and helpful. Even the staffs were really kind. I can see a good improvement in the condition after getting the treatment. Hope it gets even more better in the future.
Nagesh C
My daughter name is venkateshwari, I have visited Dr Girish sir for retinal problem and sir has suggested some treatments and internal medications, after undergoing the treatment, now there is some improvement in her eyes. Thanks to Dr.Girish sir
Anu Radha
I started consulting Dr.Jayashree in 2022. She is a very cool and friendly Doctor who assesses patients well. The medicines she gives work well in all aspects. I then took my mother for treatment for knee pain. She also had very good improvement. Thank you Dr. 🙏🙂
Prasi I
Superb hospital really value for money i highly recommend instead of English medicines surely we can try i got my allergy reduced after medicication realy wonderful 😊
Sowmya Prabhu
My journey with Dr.Krishna is almost a year now. I am grateful and thankful to him that my two great health problems was addressed correctly and was treated well. Now I am able to be healthier and now I able to understand my body. Definitely there will be cure when you come to. Shree Ayurvedic Hospital. Thank you once again doctor.
Prasanna B
When it comes to ayurveda in Chennai, Shree Ayurvedic hospital has all ayurvedic facilities under one roof. Good response and care from hospital staffs. I consulted Dr. Uday Kiran in this hospital for urological issues. He is a humble person, with experience in ayurvedic surgeries. He is one of the very few Ayurvedic surgeons in Chennai treating ano-rectal and Urological issues. He listens patiently and is ready to answer all our questions. Even if we ask any questions over phone Or whatsApp, he will answer. Many thanks to him.

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    Why Choose Shree Ayurvedic?

    •  At Shree Ayurvedic, we offer a holistic approach to wellness through our Pizhichil therapy.
    • Our skilled practitioners ensure that each treatment is customized to your specific needs and carried out with the highest standards of safety and care.
    • We use only high-quality, pure herbal oils and provide a peaceful and comfortable environment for your healing journey.
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    175 years of ayurvedic excellence and heritage

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    Expert Therapists

    FAQs

    Got queries? We’re here to help you and we’ve got you covered.

    • Are there any side effects?
      This therapy does not have any side effects when done by a trained healthcare professional.
    • How long does the treatment last?
      One session lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour; for optimal results, it is usually done for 5-7 consecutive days.
    • Does it improve skin health?
      Yes! It hydrates your skin, leaving you looking radiant and youthful.
    • What are the benefits of the Pizhichil therapy?
      Improves the functioning of lymphatic and circulatory systems, softens and hydrates skin , arthritis pain relief, enhances blood flow, nourishes and revitalizes the skin, muscle and joints, and promotes overall health and wellness
    • Who should avoid this therapy?
      This therapy is not recommended for individuals with acute conditions or infections. Pregnant women are advised to consult a professional before considering the treatment.

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