The 15 standalone treatments fall under 4 sub-categories:
- 3 Flow Therapies that fall under Dhara
- 3 Herbal Bundle Therapies that fall under Kizhi
- 3 Localised Oil Therpies that fall under Vasti, and
- 6 Specialised Standalone Therapies
Let’s have a look at all of them as a snap-shot in the form of a table, followed by a detailed description of each of them.
(Want to re-visit the page on Panchakarma Treatments before reading further? Just Click Here.)
Dhara – Flow Therapies
| Sl. No. | Treatment | Focus | What it helps with? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Shirodhara (Oil) | A steady stream of warm oil onto the forehead to calm and centre the mind | Stress, anxiety, insomnia, anger, headaches, mental fatigue |
| 2. | Sarvangadhara (Oil) | Warm oil poured over the full body for deep relaxation | Body stiffness, fatigue, muscle tension, stress, dryness |
| 3. | Ksheeradhara (Milk) | Cooling medicated milk poured over the body or forehead | Pitta-related issues, burning sensations, heat rashes, insomnia, irritability |
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a soothing therapy where a steady stream of warm herbal oil is gently poured over the forehead.
This continuous flow helps calm the nervous system, ease stress, and quiet the mind. It is especially helpful for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and creating a deep sense of relaxation. The treatment works by slowing down mental activity and bringing the body into a peaceful, balanced state.
Sarvangadhara
Sarvangadhara is a calming therapy where warm medicated oil or herbal liquids are gently poured over the entire body in a steady, rhythmic stream.
This continuous flow helps loosen stiffness, relax tired muscles, and soothe the nervous system. It supports better circulation, reduces stress, and brings a deep sense of ease. The treatment is helpful when the body feels heavy, tense, or worn out, and needs overall rejuvenation.
Ksheeradhara
Ksheeradhara is a gentle therapy where a steady stream of warm medicated milk is poured over the forehead or body in a continuous, soothing flow.
The cooling nature of the milk helps calm the mind, ease tension, and settle heightened stress. It is especially helpful for conditions linked to heat, irritation, or restlessness. The therapy brings a sense of clarity, emotional balance, and relaxation, making the body and mind feel refreshed.
Kizhi – Herbal Bundle Therapies
| Sl. No. | Treatment | Focus | What it helps with? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Elakkizhi (Herbal Leaf Bundle) | Warm herbal leaves pounded and applied to relieve pain & stiffness | Arthritis, muscle pain, swelling, back pain, sports injuries |
| 2. | Njavarakizhi (Medicated Rice Bundle) | Nourishing therapy using cooked medicinal rice for strength & rejuvenation | Weakness, muscle wasting, post-illness recovery, nerve weakness, rejuvenation |
| 3. | Podi Kizhi (Powder Bundle) | Warm herbal powders applied to detox and activate circulation | Obesity, cellulite, stiffness, Kapha imbalance, chronic pain |
Elakkizhi
Elakizhi is a warming therapy that uses poultices made from fresh medicinal leaves, herbs, and warm oils.
These herbal bundles are gently massaged over the body in rhythmic movements to ease stiffness, reduce pain, and improve blood circulation. The heat and herbs work together to relax tight muscles and support joint mobility. It is especially helpful for people dealing with aches, fatigue, or chronic tension, offering comfort and renewed lightness.
Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi is a deeply nourishing therapy that uses warm poultices filled with medicinal rice cooked in herbal decoction and milk.
These soft bundles are applied and massaged over the body to strengthen tissues, improve flexibility, and support recovery from weakness or fatigue. The warmth and nourishment help soothe joints, calm inflammation, and boost overall vitality. It is especially helpful when the body needs gentle rejuvenation and sustained, comforting support.
Podikkizhi
Podikkizhi is a revitalising therapy that uses warm poultices filled with dry herbal powders.
These bundles are applied and massaged over the body in firm, rhythmic strokes to reduce stiffness, ease muscle tension, and improve circulation. The dry heat helps absorb excess moisture and lighten heaviness in the body. It is especially helpful for managing aches, sluggishness, and long-standing discomfort, leaving you feeling more mobile, energised, and refreshed.
Vasti – Localised Oil Therapies
| Sl. No. | Treatment | Focus | What it helps with? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kativasti | Warm oil pooled on the lower back for spinal support | Low back pain, sciatica, slipped disc (non-acute), muscle tightness |
| 2. | Greevavasti | Warm oil pooled on the neck for joint and nerve support | Neck pain, cervical spondylosis, stiffness, nerve compression |
| 3. | Januvasti | Warm oil pooled on the knees to nourish the joints | Knee pain, osteoarthritis, stiffness, ligament strain |
Kativasti
Kativasthi is a warming therapy where a gentle pool of herbal oil is held over the lower back using a soft dough boundary.
The steady warmth helps relax tight muscles, ease stiffness, and reduce pressure in the lumbar region. It supports better circulation and offers relief from discomfort caused by strain, posture issues, or long hours of sitting. This therapy is especially helpful when the lower back feels sore or heavy, restoring comfort and mobility.
Greevavasti
Greevavasthi is a soothing therapy where warm herbal oil is gently pooled over the neck using a soft, dough-based boundary.
The sustained warmth helps relax tight neck muscles, ease stiffness, and improve mobility in the cervical region. It supports better circulation and reduces discomfort caused by strain, posture issues, or stress. This therapy is especially helpful when the neck feels tense, tired, or restricted, offering relief and a comfortable sense of freedom.
Januvasti
Januvasti is a comforting therapy where warm herbal oil is pooled over the knees inside a soft dough ring.
The steady heat helps relax tight tissues, ease joint stiffness, and improve flexibility in the knee area. It supports better lubrication of the joints and reduces discomfort caused by strain, ageing, or long-standing pain. This therapy is especially helpful when the knees feel heavy, sore, or restricted, bringing relief and smoother movement.
Specialised Standalone Treatments
| Sl. No. | Treatment | Focus | What it helps with? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Abhyangam (Full Body Oil Massage) | Gentle, synchronized massage to balance doshas, improve circulation, and relax muscles | Stress, fatigue, dryness, poor sleep, joint stiffness |
| 2. | Lepam (Herbal Paste Application) | Medicinal paste applied on specific areas to reduce heat & inflammation | Swelling, skin inflammation, acne, sprains, joint pain |
| 3. | Pizhichil (Warm Oil Bath Therapy) | Continuous stream of warm oil + massage for deep nourishment | Vata disorders, nerve issues, chronic fatigue, muscle tightness |
| 4. | Shirovasti (Oil Retention Therapy) | Retaining warm medicated oil on the head for neurological support | Migraines, severe headaches, anxiety, insomnia, nerve-related conditions |
| 5. | Thalapothichil (Herbal Head Pack) | Cooling herbal paste applied to scalp to calm & soothe | Insomnia, stress, migraines, Pitta-related heat issues |
| 6. | Udwarthanam (Herbal Powder Massage) | Upward-stroke massage using dry herbal powders to detox and tone | Weight loss, inch loss, cellulite, Kapha imbalance, sluggish metabolism |
Abhyangam
Abhyangam is a nurturing full-body massage using warm herbal oils chosen to suit your body’s needs.
The long, flowing strokes help relax the muscles, improve circulation, and calm the mind. The warmth of the oil supports better sleep, eases everyday stress, and leaves the skin soft and nourished. This therapy is especially helpful when you feel tired, tense, or mentally overloaded, offering a gentle reset for both body and mind.
Lepam
Lepam is a therapeutic application of freshly prepared herbal paste on specific areas of the body.
The cooling or soothing effect of the paste helps reduce inflammation, ease pain, and calm irritated skin or tissues. As it dries, it gently draws out heat and discomfort from the affected region. This therapy is especially helpful for swelling, joint pain, or skin-related issues, offering targeted relief and a sense of lightness.
Pizhichil
Pizhichil is a relaxing therapy where warm medicated oil is continuously poured over the body while being gently massaged in smooth, rhythmic strokes.
The soothing warmth helps loosen stiffness, nourish the muscles, and support healthy circulation. It calms the nervous system and reduces fatigue, making the whole body feel lighter and more at ease. This therapy is especially helpful when you need deep relaxation, gentle rejuvenation, and relief from long-standing tension.
Shirovasti
Shirovasti is a calming therapy where warm herbal oil is gently held on the head using a soft, leak-proof cap.
The steady warmth slowly penetrates the scalp and surrounding nerves, helping to ease tension, quiet the mind, and soothe deep-seated stress. It supports better sleep, reduces headaches, and brings a sense of mental clarity. This therapy is especially helpful when the mind feels overloaded or restless, offering deep relaxation and balance.
Thalapothichil
Thalapothichil is a soothing therapy where a thick layer of medicated herbal paste is gently applied over the scalp.
The cooling nature of the paste helps calm the mind, ease irritation, and reduce heat-related discomfort in the head. As it rests, it supports relaxation, improves clarity, and helps relieve stress or fatigue. This therapy is especially helpful when the mind feels overwhelmed or overheated, offering a refreshing sense of balance and ease.
Udwarthanam
Udwarthanam is an invigorating therapy where dry herbal powders are massaged onto the body in upward, firm strokes.
This technique helps stimulate circulation, reduce heaviness, and support a more active metabolism. The friction created by the powders helps tone the skin and ease sluggishness in the body. It is especially helpful when you feel dull, heavy, or tired, offering a sense of lightness, energy, and improved movement.