Ela or Ila or patra means leaves; Kizhi or Pinda means bolus; Swedam means sudation. It is one of the major sudation process using herbal leaves, practised by Vaidyas (physicians) in Kerala. It is highly effective in ailments affecting bones, joints and the nervous system.
Ela Kizhi (Patra Pottli Sweda)
Procedure
The leaves which are having Vata pacifying property are collected freshly. Most commonly used leaves are leaves of tamarind, Calatropis gigentica, Ricinus communis, drumstick, Vitex nigundo, Adatoda vasica etc. They are chopped and mixed with grated coconut, lemon, turmeric rock salt etc. depending on the condition.
The mixture is fried in plain sesame oil or other medicated oil as per the requirement. They are divided into four equal parts and tied in a linen cloth in the form of boluses.
These are kept in a vessel containing the oil used to fry the ingredients and the vessel is then heated. An Abhyangam (a gentle oil massage) is given for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Then the massage is given with warm boluses.
Patra Pinda Swedam is effective in the following conditions:
- Neurological disorders
- Arthritis
- Myalgia
- Chronic back pain
- Sciatica
- Spondylosis
- Lumbar spondylitis
- Cervical spondylitis
- Sprains and cramps
- Neuralgia
- Sports injuries
- Post traumatic dysfunctions
