Udvarthanam - Dry powder scrub
Udvarthanam is special therapeutic deep tissue massage using herbal powders. Udvarthanam means to elevate or to promote. This massage involves upward stroking, where the powder is rubbed forcibly on the body. Classical treatises on Ayurveda explain this procedure as a daily routine.
Procedure: The herbal powder is warmed by heating. The massage is done in the opposite direction to hair follicles by two therapists. The procedure is performed in seven postures. After completion the person is advised to take rest for 30 minutes, followed by a shower with warm water.
Duration of treatment: 45 minutes to 60 minutes
Benefits:
- Pacifies the aggravated Kapha dosha
- Reduces the excess fat accumulated in the subcutaneous tissues
- Softens and exfoliates dead skin cells, thereby giving a lustrous glow to skin
- Detoxification, purification, toning the skin
- Eliminates bad body odor
- Improves mobility of joints
- Strengthens and tones up the muscles
- Refreshes and rejuvenates the body
- Takes care of conditions due to improper blood supply
- Improves the circulation; opens up the body channels (Srotus) increasing the basal metabolic rate.
- Tones up the skin and muscles after the child birth
- Removes cellulite and helps in weight reduction
- Improves the sense of touch
- Makes the body and mind alert; gives a sense of lightness of the body
- Reduces the blood cholesterol
The dry powder massage is useful in the following conditions:
- Motor Neuron Disorders
- Parkinsonism
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hemiplegia
- Sciatica
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Cerebral palsy
- Skin diseases
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
Udvarthanam Kaphaharam Medasaha Pravilayanam I Sthireekaranam Anganam Tvakprasadakaram Param II Meaning: Udvartanam pacifies kapha dosha; liquefies the fat; stabilizes the body parts; best to improve the complexion of the skin (Ref: Ashtanga Sangraha)
