The procedure of massaging the whole body below the neck in the opposite direction to hair growth with gentle pressure is called Udvartana. It is a special type of Abhyanga (massage) in which Ayurvedic herbal powders are used for massaging. Oil may be added to herbal powder sometimes.
There are two types of Udvartana: Snigdha (oily) and Rooksha (dry).
Snigdha Udvartana: Snigdha means with Sneha, that is, fats like medicated oil, medicated ghee etc are also added. In this type of Udvartana, herbal powders are mixed with medicated oils or ghee and then made into a paste. This is then rubbed over the body in reverse direction (from below upwards) after doing Abhyanga. Powder of herbs which are naturally oil like sesame are used in this type of treatment.
Ruksha Udvartana: Ruksha means dry, which indicates that no oil is used in this treatment. Herbal powders are directly rubbed over the body, without mixing them with oil or ghee and are rubbed in the upward direction after Abhyanga.Powder of herbs which are naturally dry like lodhra, triphala etc are used.
Udvartana is a multi-beneficial treatment. It removes blocks, rectifies metabolism, soothes nerves, de-stresses the body and mind, enhances blood circulation, enriches the cells with nutrients, detoxifies the system, provides energy, revitalises and rejuvenates the person and enhances the lifespan of cells. It also tones the body and alleviates many diseases.
Both types of Udvartana have different benefits and are used accordingly.
In an Udvartana session, application of medicated oil as indicated and dusting of herbal powder on the body is followed by massage with some pressure in the opposite direction to hair growth.
There are four positions in which Udvartana is carried out - supine position, left lateral, prone and right lateral positions. It is done on each part of the body below the neck by exerting some pressure.
At Jiva Ayurveda, Udvartana is performed by skilled Ayurvedic therapists with specialised training in traditional techniques. Each session begins with a comprehensive assessment by an Ayurvedic doctor to understand the patient’s prakriti, dosha imbalances and medical history. Based on this assessment, the herbs to be used in Udvartana are carefully selected and prepared with precision.
During the session, the patient is required to be in four different positions, namely the supine position, left lateral, prone and right lateral positions. Then the medicated oil is applied and the herbal powder is dusted on the body, and it is followed by massage with some pressure in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Our Udvartana treatment is tailored to your individual needs and preferences. We will work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns.
Udvartana is a therapy which has many benefits. It supports overall being, as it detoxifies the body as well as regulates weight and provides strength to the body. Some of the benefits of Udvartana include:
Udvartana is done in four positions, with each part of the body in their respective positions massaged for 3-5 minutes. The total duration of Udvartana is 30-45 minutes. The number of days of the treatment varies from 7-14 days depending on the nature and intensity of the disease.
After Udvartana, the patient is advised to take rest for a minimum of 15 minutes and allowed to take bath with lukewarm water after an interval of minimum one hour.
Before starting the procedure, it is important to empty the bladder and bowel. The massage should always be performed in the direction opposite to hair growth. The type of massage applied on different parts of the body and the patient's position during the procedure must be strictly followed for optimal results. Additionally, the indications for the treatment and the choice of herbs to be used should be carefully assessed beforehand. Tender or sensitive areas of the body should be avoided to prevent discomfort or harm. While dusting the herbal powder over the body, extra care should be taken to protect the face, nose, and eyes to avoid irritation. By adhering to these precautions, the benefits of Udvartana can be maximized while minimizing any potential risks.
It has been found from various studies and case studies that the average loss in treatments that last 4-6 weeks ranges from 2-5 kg. This depends on the individual body composition, and the person’s compliance with dietary restrictions and lifestyle modifications.
After treatment, a light meal should be eaten, plenty of warm water or herbal tea should be drunk and stimulants that may not support the desired effect of the treatment should be avoided.
