Pizhichil
Pizhichil (also called Kaya Seka, Sarvanga Taila Dhara, or Thailadhara) is a luxurious Ayurvedic full-body oil bath therapy from Kerala. After a preparatory Abhyanga, multiple therapists rhythmically pour warm, medicated herbal oil (commonly Dhanwantharam, Mahanarayana, Sahacharadi, Bala, or Murivenna tailams) over the patient in synchrony. The oil is squeezed from cloths or gently streamed from pots, while simultaneous massage is performed. A session lasts 45–90 minutes and runs for 7–28 days, depending on the person’s condition. The oil is maintained at ~42–45 °C, collected, reheated, and occasionally replenished with fresh oil. Treatments follow 7 body postures to ensure full coverage. Post-therapy includes gentle wiping, warm bath, scalp cleansing, herbal decoctions, rest, and tailored diet.
Benefits:
- Deeply nourishes tissues, enhances skin tone, texture, and glow
- Boosts circulation, lymphatic drainage, and metabolic detoxification
- Relieves muscle and joint pain, stiffness, arthritis, sciatica
- Calms the nervous system; reduces stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression
- Strengthens immunity, supports recovery from injuries and neurological disorders
- Balances Vata (and to some extent Kapha and Pitta) doshas
- Improves muscle strength, nerve function, and physical endurance
- Helps manage chronic conditions: paralysis, hemiplegia, fibromyalgia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome
- Detoxifies, promotes profuse sweating and toxin elimination
- Revitalizes the mind–body, uplifts spirit, and enhances overall wellness