Thalapothichil – Ayurveda treatment for psychosomatic disorders

Thalapothichil is an Ayurvedic treatment known for its healing properties for neck and head related ailments and pains.

Thalapothichil is an Ayurvedic treatment known for its healing properties for neck and head related ailments and pains. You must fix an appointment with an Ayurveda expert and then the type of oils and herbs to be used or duration of the treatment is then decided. The benefits of the treatment are evident if proper instructions regarding diet, yoga and meditation are followed for 2-3 weeks along with the treatment. Dr Ambili Nampoothiry BAMS MD, Kairali Ayurveda Center, Delhi tells us how Thalopothicil is practiced and its benefits:

What is Thalapothichil?

Thalapothichil is a Malayalam word, where Thala means head and Pothichil means covering. Thalapothichil is a procedure of application of medicated paste on the head. It falls in the category of cooling treatments. The therapy begins with a traditional head massage with Ayurvedic oils or the Shiro Abhyangam. A groove is then made on your head with a special paste. This paste is traditionally made with buttermilk and medicinal herbs. The herbs are selected on the basis of the condition to be treated. Then they fill oil in this groove and the paste walls are covered with leaves and cloth. After 30-60 minutes, depending on the condition to be treated, the paste is removed followed by a gentle head massage.

Benefits of Thapothichil:

The treatment is very useful in correction of Pitta dosha. It stabilizes the nervous system and has a soothing effect on the mind and body. It improves the quality of sleep and provides relief from heaviness of the head. The treatment also relaxes the neck and shoulder region and boosts memory. The medicated oil massage improves the quality and texture of your hair. Besides these, Thalapothichil is used in treating psychosomatic disorders, insomnia, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, anxiety and depression too.

Thalapothichil is a therapeutic procedure, hence the frequency of the therapy depends upon the patient condition. However minimum 7 days is required for the therapeutic benefits.

Who should not opt for Thalapothichil?

If you are suffering from respiratory diseases, rhinitis, sinusitis, or fever, this treatment must be avoided. The treatment is also not administered to those suffering from cervical spondylitis or low back ache or during pregnancy and lactation period.

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