Patrapotalaswedam refers to sudation or ooshma sweda performed by specifically prepared medicinal leaves.The word ‘Patrapotala’ is derived from two words ‘patra’ means leaves and ‘potali’ means bundle.This procedure is commonly known as ‘Elakizhi' or ‘Pachakizhi’ in Malayalam.This type ooshma swedana procedure comes under poorva karma (preparatory procedure) before starting Panchakarma (5 purificatory process) in Ayurveda.The leaves of Arka (Calotropis gigantea), Karanja (Pongamia glabra), Dhatura (Datura metel), Eranda (Ricinus communis), etc of vatahara property are generally used for the preparation of the bundle.Leaves are chopped and mixed with grated coconut and rock salt.Rock salt helps in quick absorption of medicinal property by the body during the procedure.The proportion of the ingredients varies according to the symptoms of the disease.The mixture is warmed in a pan smeared with medicated oil and then tied up in 4 linen bundles to be used for the fomentation.
During the procedure the patient is comfortably made to lie on his/her back on the treatment table. Oil is applied on his head (Thalam) and the body and mild massage (Abhyanga) is given. The poultices are made warm by dipping them in the medicated oil on a gentle fire and applying them on the body placed in 7 different postures, 5-10 minutes in each posture. After the treatment, the patient is advised to take rest for few minutes and hot water bath is given after the rest.
Arthritic conditions, lumbago, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, sciatica, pain and stiffness of joints, post paralytic spasm, other spastic and inflammatory conditions shows proven results with Patrapotalaswedam.
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