🌿 Pinda Sweda (Bolus Fomentation in Ayurveda)

Definition:
Pinda Sweda (also called Patra Pinda Sweda / Navarakizhi / Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda depending on the material used) is an Ayurvedic sudation (swedana) therapy where the body is massaged and fomented using warm boluses (pottali) filled with medicinal herbs, cooked rice, or powders tied in a cloth.
It is used for pain relief, stiffness, and rejuvenation of muscles and joints.

🔹 Types of Pinda Sweda

  1. Patra Pinda Sweda (Elakizhi)

    • Bolus filled with fried medicinal leaves (like Nirgundi, Eranda, Arka, etc.) with oil.

    • Useful for pain, swelling, stiffness, arthritis.

  2. Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda (Navarakizhi)

    • Bolus filled with special rice (Shashtika Shali) cooked in milk & herbal decoction.

    • Nourishing and strengthening, used in neurological & degenerative conditions.

  3. Churna Pinda Sweda (Podikizhi)

    • Bolus filled with dry herbal powders.

    • Good for reducing stiffness, obesity, heaviness, and Kapha disorders.

🔹 Procedure of Pinda Sweda

1. Purva Karma (Preparation)

  • Abhyanga (oil massage) is done on the affected body part or whole body.

  • Herbal decoction, milk, or oil is prepared for warming the boluses.

2. Pradhana Karma (Main Procedure)

  • Herbal boluses are prepared and warmed in medicated oil/decoction/milk.

  • The therapist applies synchronized massage and fomentation using these boluses.

  • Massage movements: circular, tapping, pressing, rubbing (depending on condition).

  • Duration: 30–45 minutes

3. Paschat Karma (Aftercare)

  • Patient is allowed to rest.

  • Warm water bath may be given.

  • Light, warm, easily digestible food is advised.

🔹 Benefits of Pinda Sweda

  • Relieves pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation

  • Improves circulation, mobility, and muscle tone

  • Nourishes tissues (especially in Navarakizhi)

  • Beneficial in arthritis, spondylosis, sciatica, muscular dystrophy

  • Induces deep relaxation and relieves fatigue

🔹 Indications

  • Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Cervical & Lumbar spondylosis

  • Sciatica, low back pain, frozen shoulder

  • Neuromuscular disorders

  • Muscular weakness, post-paralysis care

🔹 Contraindications

  • Acute fever, inflammation, or infection

  • Open wounds, fractures, skin diseases in affected area

  • Severe debility without medical supervision

✅ Summary:

Pinda Sweda is a unique Ayurvedic massage + sudation therapy using warm herbal boluses that helps in pain relief, nourishment, and rejuvenation of muscles and joints.