Pizhichil

‘Pizhichil’ and ‘sarbangadhara’ are technically the same. ‘Pizhichil literally means ‘squeezing’. Here, warm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body from a piece of cloth that is periodically dipped in a vessel containing the oil.In Sarvangadhara, oil is poured over the patient’s body from pitchers Pizhichil requires a lesser quantity of oil when compared to sarvangadhara.

The oil used for Pizhichil is kept in two vessels, one on either side of the patient who is seated on the droni with legs outstretched. Two pieces of linen, 15 to 18 inches square,folded to the thickness of the farm are used for dipping in the oil and squeezing over the body. The masseurs are positioned on either side of the droni.

Before beginning Pizhichil, a suitable type of oil should be applied to the head and body of the patient. In some cases, a talam is also applied on the head and bandaged with leaves. The measures usually beginning squeezing oil on to the sholders and then down the hands of the patient who sits in a upright position. Each measure uses one hand to pour the oil while massaging with the other.

Pizhichil is recommended for diseases caused by a vitiation of the vata humour- pakshaghata (Hemiplegia), paralysis and muscle spams-and other degenerative diseases that affect muscles.