Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (A Unique Bolus Massage): A Review Article

Abstract

Swedana (sudation), the process of therapeutic sweating is well explained in Ayurveda classical texts. Secondary to Snehana (oleation), it is considered as an important prerequisite to Panchakarma. Specific indications and contraindications should be strictly followed for the Swedana. Swedana can be broadly classified into Sagni Sweda (sweating is induced with the help of fire) and Niragni Sweda (sweating is induced without using fire). There are thirteen types of Sagni Sweda and ten types of Niragni Sweda described for various Swedana procedures. Among the thirteen varieties of Sagni Sweda, Sankar Sweada is one of the varieties of Sagni Sweda in which Pottali or Pinda (bolus, Kizhi in Kerala) containing prescribed drugs with or without being wrapped with clothes is used for fomentation. Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (called as Navarkizhi in Kerala, India) is one of the important and special form of treatment used in Panchakarma. It comes under Snigdha (unctuous) Sankara Sweda in which fomentation is done with a bolus of Navara or Shashtika Shali (rice harvested in 60 days), milk, Balamoola Kwatha as the main ingredients. This is an effective procedure of Swedana used in patients suffering from the illness due to morbid Vata Dosha. A detailed study about the methodology and uses of Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda is presented in this article.

Keywords: Swedana, Sagni Sweda, Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda, Kizhi

Cite this Article
Verma J, Gopesh M, Gunjan G. Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (A Unique Bolus Massage): A Review Article. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2019; 8(2): 26–30p.