Podikizhi or choornapindaswedam is a type of bundle massage in which the bags are filled with herbal powders. Compared to Abyangam (oil massage) this is stronger as the bundles are applied or pounded on the body. The type of powders can be different depending on the condition. The herbs are made in to coarse powder and warmed in a dry pan and tied to bags in 4 cotton cloth pieces. These are usually warmed in neem oil or castor oil through out the massage. This massage is usually done by 2 persons and for 45 minutes. After the massage the patient is allowed to take rest for a few minutes and later a hot water bath is given.
The commonly used powder contains the following ingredients:
The application of warm bundles on the skin improves the peripheral circulation and thereby enhancing the absorption of the medicaments through the blood and lymphatic system. Most of the herbs in the powder are anti inflammatory and pain relieving, so they will get absorbed in the affected joints and muscles. The warmth of the bundles helps to relieve joint stiffness and pain also.