Podikkizhi - fomentation with medicinal powder in Ayurveda

Podikkizhi is a therapy in which the body of the patient is fomented with linen bags containing a mixture of horse gram, black gram, gingelly seeds and other vital ingredients in powdered form. The fomentation is performed in the same way as in navarakkizhi. 

The patient is seated on the droni with legs stretched when the fomentation begins. It is important that the Kizhi or linen bags should retain a constant temperature during the treatment. The seated position of the patient is followed by all other usual positions. 

Podikkizhi is effective for diseases arising from disrupted vata and pitta doshas. After fomentation, the patient’s body may be wiped clean with a towel.