Pindswedana (Potli Massage) in Pune
Fomentation with warm herbal boluses, for weak joints, the spine and the muscles.
In brief
Pindswedana, often called potli massage, is an Ayurvedic fomentation in which warm cloth boluses filled with herbs or cooked medicinal rice are pressed and rubbed over the body. At Shree Skin & Hair Clinic on Senapati Bapat Road, Pune, Dr. Nileema Shisode, M.D. (Ayurved), uses it to strengthen weak joints, the spine and the muscles.
What Pindswedana is used for
- Weak or stiff joints
- The neck, back and spine
- Weakness of the muscles
It is often given alongside Basti in a plan for the joints.
What happens in a sitting
- The area, or the whole body, is first massaged with warm oil
- The boluses are warmed and applied with firm, rhythmic strokes, and re-warmed as they cool
- The skin is wiped and you rest before leaving
When Pindswedana is not advised
It is postponed during a fever and is not applied over broken or infected skin, or over a joint that is hot, red and acutely swollen. Tell the doctor if you have diabetes with reduced sensation in the feet, because heat must then be used with extra care.
Why this clinic
-
One doctor, since 1995
You are seen by Dr. Nileema Shisode, M.D. (Ayurved) in Kayachikitsa-Panchakarma, who also holds a postgraduate diploma in clinical cosmetology (PGDCC).
-
History first
Every plan begins with a detailed history and advice on diet and daily habits, before any procedure.
-
Medicines made here
The clinic prepares its own oils, tablets, powders and health drinks.
-
On Senapati Bapat Road
Kapila Housing Society, Gokhale Nagar, near Symbiosis College. Open Monday to Saturday, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Closed on Sunday.
Questions patients ask
Is potli massage the same as Pindswedana?
Yes. Potli is the everyday name for the cloth bolus, pinda, that gives the treatment its name.
Is it hot or painful?
The boluses are warm, not scalding, and the therapist checks the heat on your skin. Most people find it soothing.
How many sittings will I need?
It is usually given daily over several days. The doctor sets the number for your complaint.
Related treatments
-
Joints, bones and spine
Panchakarma and herbal therapy for arthritis, joint and back pain, and bone strength.
Basti at its centre -
Vamanam
Therapeutic emesis for kapha complaints: chronic urticaria, migraine, scalp psoriasis.
Classically in spring -
Virechan
Purgation therapy for hyperacidity, skin disease and obesity; best in October and November.
Best in October and November -
Basti
Medicated enema for the joints, back and bones, in a course of 8 to 30 days.
8 to 30 days -
Nasya
Medicine through the nose for chronic rhinitis, cervical spondylosis and weakening eyesight.
Above the neck -
Raktamokshan
Bloodletting by fine incision or leech application, for skin disease and eczema.
Incision or leeches