Pizhichil or pouring medicated oil by squeezing a piece of cloth

Pizhichil literally means squeezing. In Ayurveda, the traditional medical practice of India, it is the squeezing of warm medicated oil onto the body of the patient from a piece of cloth that is periodically soaked in a vessel containing the oil.

The oil used for Pizhichil is kept in two vessels, placed on both sides of the patient who sits on the Droni upright. Two masseurs perform the treatment simultaneously.

The treatment begins with the applying of oil over the head and body of the patient. Then the masseurs squeeze the oil first on to the shoulders and then down the arms of the patient. Each masseur uses one hand to stream the oil and massages with the other. Pizhichil is beneficial for ailments related to the Vata humour like Hemiplegia, and other paralyses.