Udvartanam is a Sanskrit word that means Urdhva meaning upward and Varthanam means movement, hence udvartana massage refers to a special deep massage that is done using herbal powders in an upward direction or the direction opposite to the direction of hair follicles. The herbal powders such as Triphala churna, Kolakulathadi churnam, Kulatha churna, Kottamchukadi churnam, or a combination of these churna can be used as udwarthana churna.
Ayurvedic History and Benefits:
Udvarthana treatment has been practiced in Ayurveda for a very long time. It is exclusively indicated in obesity and weight loss treatment. It is one of the upakarma treatments. It is one of the daily regimens that are indicated in Ayurveda. Udvarthana is not only an effective treatment for weight loss, but it has multiple health benefits. Udwarthana helps in the reduction of excessive kapha dosha; it also pacifies vata dosha. It liquefies excessive deposited fat; it opens the skin pores and brings freshness to the skin; it’s useful in reducing itching and dead and dirty skin; it removes excess body odor; it cleanses the body; and it gives radiant skin by improving the blood circulation. It improves blood circulation, removes blockages in channels, and helps in carrying essential nutrients to the body parts.
Other Indications of Udvartanam:
Udvarthana, as said earlier is indicated excessively in weight loss treatment. Apart from that it is also indicated in psoriasis, diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, exfoliation, high cholesterol level, laziness, in neuro-muscular disorder and in improving skin health. It is also useful in cases of PCOS, post-delivery in tucking the abdomen and reducing stretch marks, irregular menstruation, and skin diseases. It is contraindicated in pregnancy, in infants and children, where there is an open wound and cuts, in cases of burns, and severe eczema cases. It is also not prescribed in people who have high pitta conditions.
Udvartanam with Diet and Panchakarma:
Udwarthana treatment along with diet and lifestyle changes helps in inch loss of the body along with weight reduction. It is often prescribed along with panchakarma treatments such as vamana and virechana. Just udwarthana treatment can be given anywhere between 7 days and 21 days.
Utsadhana: A Variation of Udvartanam:
Udwarthana is rubbing of dry powder; it can also be called as Udgarshanam but there can be avariation done using the udwarthana churna. When oil or ghee is mixed with the udwarthana churna and then massaged over the body it is called as Utsadhana. Utsadhana is administered to people with sensitive skin. It brings down vayu, butifies the skin, and opens the blocked channels.
Churna Sweda: Udvartanam with Potli
Sometimes the Udwarthana churna is made in the form of potli or bundles and used in churna sweda. This is indicated in gouty arthritis, RA and joint pain where there is a lot of stiffness and swelling.
Procedure of Udvartanam:
The client is made to lie on the treatment table and the udwarthana powder is dry-heated and then is taken in the hand and rubbed in the opposite direction of the hair follicles. Sometimes it is prescribed locally too just for slimming purposes. If the client wants trimming only in a few areas such as the abdomen, chest, buttocks, or thighs, then it is given locally as well. Udwarthana works best with panchakarma treatment. It is most effective when it is prescribed along with a balanced and healthy diet and exercise with lifestyle changes.
Book your appointment today at Sevayu Ayurveda Resort to learn more about Udvartana Massage Therapy.
