Udvartana: The Ayurvedic powder massage treatment
Do you feel heavy/lethargic? Have you put on extra pounds and looking for weight loss? Are you looking for localised fat reduction in the body? Do you want to experience the skin exfoliating treatment? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then this detoxing Udvartana treatment may be just for you.
What is Udvartana?
Udvartana is a type of ayurvedic powder massage done with the help of specific herbs in the direction opposite to the hair growth/in the upward direction. Depending upon the requirement it may be done with dry powder or powder mixed with Sneha (oil). It is recommended to have steam after the treatment for better results. A hot shower may also be helpful.
The benefits of Udvartana
Some of the benefits of Udvartana treatment as mentioned in Ashtanga Hridayam (Ayurveda text) are:
Udwartana treatment helps to reduce the excess Kapha dosha in the body.
Increased Kapha dosha in the body can cause symptoms like reduced appetite/digestive fire, excessive salivation, lethargy, heaviness, stagnation, feeling cold, breathlessness, cough, excessive sleep etc. By reducing the aggravated Kapha dosha, it helps in reducing the Kapha related ailments in the body.
Recommended treatment for ama:
Insufficient digestive fire leads to the accumulation of undigested toxins called ama in the body. These further clogs the channels of absorption. In such cases, dry powder massage helps to release the obstruction caused by ama in the channels and hence is a recommended treatment for ama.
Udvartana removes body stiffness and helps to open blocked pores.
Udvartana helps to reduce excessive fat and fat-related ailments in the body.
By reducing the excessive fat accumulated in the body, this treatment helps to tone the body as also reduce the fat-related ailments in the body like obesity.
Udvartana treatment makes the body toned and compact.
By reducing the excessive Kapha dosha and fat in the body, this treatment helps to reduce the localised accumulation of fat like abdominal fat, arms, buttocks, or thighs. It helps to reduce subcutaneous fatty tissue and cellulite.
Udvartana helps to exfoliate the skin and removes toxins.
Udvartana when done with specific skin promoting herbs helps to detoxify the skin, improve peripheral circulation, and enhance the complexion. It also helps to remove the bad body odour.
Because of all the above benefits, Ayurveda recommends practising self Udvartana regularly as a part of daily routine after doing exercise and before shower. It is also an integral part of the Spring seasonal routine as there is a natural tendency of increased Kapha in the body in this season. Therapeutic Udvartana treatment can be recommended by skilled Ayurveda practitioners.
Balanced Agni (digestive fire) is essential for good health. Morbid Kapha/ama creates a covering over our Agni just as the cloud covers the Sun. Udvartana is one of the treatments which helps to get rid of the morbid Kapha/ama, improve our Agni to regain our healthy glow.
This is one of my favourite treatments. It makes one feel lighter, improves energy, loses extra weight, with a bonus of glowing skin. If you would like to know more about the Udvartana treatment, self Udvartana or would like to experience this treatment yourself, feel free to contact us.
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Wishing good health and wellness for everyone.
Dr. Shweta Rao Consulting Ayurveda doctor at Aspects of Healing Educator in Ayurveda at EQUALS International
