What is Udvartana Therapy? Udvartana Massage Benefits and Procedure

Home / Therapy / Pichu / Basti Treatment / Udvartana

What is Udvartana?

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.

Why Udvartana?

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.

Who needs Udvartana?

Both types of Udvartana have different benefits and are used accordingly.

Snigdha Udvartna is used for people who are:

Lean and think, weak and Snigdha Udvartana can provide strength
Experiencing instability or laxity in body parts, then this treatment is used to provide stability (Sthairyakaram)
Lacking nutrition in the skin, have lack lustre (dry skin) which is devoid of complexion or glow, then Snigdha Udvartana is used to improve immunity and health of the skin
Of Vata Prakriti (constitution) or have Vata Vikriti (diseases caused by morbid Vata)

Ruksha Udvartana is recommended for people:

Who have severe morbidity of Kapha
Are strong enough to tolerate dry and depleting form of treatment
Have excess fat (obesity) and/or cholesterol in the body. Ruksha Udvartana being the best treatment in relieving body fat and subcutaneous fat
Who have heaviness, stiffness, cold and rigidity in the body
Who have severe lethargy, lack of freshness, laziness and drowsiness

What is Involved in an Udvartana Session?

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.

How is Udvartana Performed by Jiva Experts?

At ��ϳԹ��, 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.

Benefits of Udvartana

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 therapy supports the elimination of wastes and toxins from the body.
This therapy helps in reducing cellulite and promotes weight loss.
Stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Relieves stress and provides relaxation
Promotes overall being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of Udvartana?

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.

What post procedural activities are done after Udvartana?

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.

What are some care tips and precautions that need to be taken for Udvartana?

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.

How much weight can I lose with Udvartana?

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.

What to eat after Udvartana?

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.