It is the external application of medicated powder or pastes on the body with affordable pressure massage, generally in pratiloma (retrograde direction – masaage in the direction opposite to that of hair growth. It’s a type of procedure that is more specific to skin and fat tissue. It may be equated as therapeutic passive exercise. It aims to bring about dryness at the level of superficial layers especially at the level of skin, blood, muscle and fat tissue.
Types of Udwarthana
Depending on the nature of medicine used –
Snigdha Udwarthana – if taila/oil is used
Ruksha or the dry massage is most commonly practiced.
Depending upon the nature of the medicine during the procedure –
Udgharshana – dry medicine powder is rubbed against body (without oil)
Utsadana – a paste of powdered medicine is moistened with oil.
Properties and benefits:
Udwarthana helps in reducing Kapha dosha in the body, reducing excess fat in the body, stability of body, clarity of skin, increasing the complexion, removing bad odor from body, reduces heaviness of body, relieves itching in the body. The Udvarttana procedure enhances channel as well as cellular level circulation and transportation of fluids and nutrients.
Indications:
Udwarthana can be done in kapha dosha predominant conditions, in reducing excess fat (eg : obesity, diabetes, etc), in muscle laxity, flabby muscles or muscle wasting, sensory motor neuropathies, peripheral vascular diseases.
Contra indications:
Udwarthana can be avoided in pitta predominant condition, those with dust allergy, in inflammatory conditions, cellulitis, and wounds, those affected with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), in children and in old aged.
Procedure:
Medicated dry/oily powder is applied on the body and massage is done in the opposite direction of that of hair growth with a moderate pressure in 7 positions- Sitting, Supine, Right lateral, Supine, left lateral, supine, Sitting.
Precaution:
Tender points/septic points should be avoided during the procedure. Prevent falling of powder on eyes, nose and ear during the procedure. Before the procedure, make sure that the patient is devoid of any contagious diseases.
