Traditional Kerala Ayurvedic Treatments

Kaya Seka (Pizhichil)

Kaya Seka is the process in which the body is made to perspire by means of pouring of warm medicated oil in a specific manner.

After performing certain sacred rites, the patient is allowed to sit in the wooden basin (Taila Droni) and the medicated oil is applied first to the head as well as on his body by the attendants. A piece of clean cloth is then tied across the forehead, to prevent the oil on the head flowing down to the face and eyes.

Four attendants should sit, two on each side of the basin to carry out the process. The warm oil is poured on the patients body by dipping pieces of clean cloth in the warm oil and squeezing the cloth over the body with the right hand .The oil is to be poured at a medium speed--neither too quickly nor too slowly--and from a moderate height.

The attendants while applying the oil in the above manner, should at the same time massage the body of the patient gently with their left hands. The heat of the oil must be chequed frequently by the attendants to ensure that the patient is comfortable during the procedure. The direction of massage should always be downwards. The procedure must be carried out in all the seven postures(already mentioned under heading Abhyangam).

Course of Treatment :-Treatment may be done once in two days or daily for 7/14/21 days.

Therapeutic Effects :- Enhancement of body strength, immunity. Can be used in following conditions

Nervous disorders and musculoskeletal disorders.
Paralysis (Hemiplegia,Paraplegia)
Arthritis
Disc Prolapse
Spondylosis (Cervical & Lumbar)
Shoulder joint pain & stiffness
Contusive Wounds

Developmental disorders like cerebral palsy.