Udvartana (उद्वर्तन)

Udvartana is a classical Ayurvedic detoxifying and slimming therapy, where a herbal powder or paste is massaged all over the body in a specific upward (Pratiloma) direction.
Unlike Abhyanga (oil massage), Udvartana is a dry or paste massage mainly used to reduce Kapha dosha, fat, and toxins (Ama) from the body.

🔹 Meaning

  • Ud = Upward

  • Vartana = To move / to rub
    👉 Udvartana = Rubbing the body in upward strokes

🔹 Types of Udvartana

  • Snigdha Udvartana (Oil + Herbal Powder)

    • Herbal powder is mixed with oil/paste.

    • Used for Vata-Kapha disorders, dryness, stiffness.

  • Ruksha Udvartana (Dry Powder Massage)

    • Only dry herbal powder used.

    • More effective for Kapha disorders, obesity, lethargy.

🔹 Procedure

  • Preparation

    • Person lies comfortably on a wooden droni (massage table).

    • Suitable herbal powder (Churna) selected (like Triphala, Musta, Kolakulathadi, Vacha).

  • Massage

    • Powders rubbed in upward strokes (against hair growth).

    • Pressure is firm, focusing on fat-prone areas (thighs, abdomen, buttocks, arms).

  • Duration

    • 30–45 minutes session.

  • Post-Therapy

    • After massage, patient rests.

    • Followed by Swedana (steam bath) for better detox effect.

🔹 Indications (Uses)

  • Obesity (Sthoulya)

  • Overweight & cellulite

  • Skin disorders (itching, eczema, psoriasis – Kapha type)

  • Excessive sweating & foul body odor

  • Laziness, heaviness, sluggish metabolism

  • Diabetes (as supportive)

  • Joint stiffness due to Kapha/Vata

🔹 Benefits of Udvartana

  • Reduces Kapha and Ama (toxins)

  • Breaks down subcutaneous fat & cellulite

  • Improves metabolism and circulation

  • Enhances skin complexion and texture

  • Reduces bad body odor

  • Relieves stiffness and heaviness

  • Induces lightness, energy, and activity

  • Helps in long-term weight management

🔹 Contraindications

  • Very thin, weak, or emaciated persons

  • Excessive dryness of skin

  • During pregnancy & menstruation

  • Fever, acute illness, skin wounds

  • Vata disorders with severe dryness

✅ In short:

  • Abhyanga = Nourishing, relaxing oil massage

  • Udvartana = Dry/paste massage for detox, slimming & Kapha reduction