Free & discreet shipping on all prescriptions
No insurance required
Your shopping bag is empty
Go to the shop
Potli Massage (Kizhi Therapy) – Ayurvedic Herbal Poultice Massage for Pain Relief
Potli massage (Kizhi therapy) is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that uses heated herbal poultices to ease chronic pain, inflammation, muscle stiffness, and stress. In this therapy, warm cloth bundles filled with medicinal herbs are gently pressed and massaged over target areas, allowing therapeutic compounds to penetrate deeply into the tissues. The soothing heat increases circulation and helps release toxins, promoting muscle relaxation and reducing joint tension. This makes Potli massage especially effective for chronic back pain, joint aches (arthritis), muscle stiffness, and even stress-related tension.
At Yuvrit Ayurveda’s Bangalore clinic (HSR Layout), our expert therapists have helped many patients achieve lasting relief and regain mobility through this rejuvenating herbal massage.
Who can benefit from Potli Massage?
Potli massage is ideal for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal pain or chronic inflammation. You may benefit if you have any of the following issues:
- Chronic back pain and sciatica: The warm herbal pouches penetrate deep into the lower back, relaxing tight spinal muscles and soothing nerve irritation.
- Arthritis and joint pain: This therapy is excellent for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in joints like knees, hips, and shoulders. The heat and herbs help reduce inflammation and stiffness, improving flexibility in arthritic joints.
- Muscle stiffness and spasms: Whether from sports injuries, fibromyalgia, or daily strain, tense muscles respond well to Potli massage.
- Chronic stress and fatigue: Beyond physical pain relief, the comforting warmth of Potli massage calms the nervous system. Many people experience deep relaxation, reduced anxiety, and better sleep after treatment.
How Potli Massage (Kizhi Therapy) is Done
At Yuvrit Ayurveda, we perform Potli massage in a careful, step-by-step process tailored to your needs. A typical session includes:
Preparation stage
You will lie comfortably on a massage table while the therapist conducts an initial warm oil (Abhyanga) massage to relax the muscles. Meanwhile, an herbal potli is prepared: fresh medicinal leaves, powders, or rice are tied into a cotton bundle and heated in medicated oil to activate their healing properties
Main Procedure
The warm potli is then applied to your body using gentle, rhythmic strokes. The therapist presses and rolls the poultice over tense or painful areas in circular or tapping motions. This phase typically lasts 30–45 minutes. The heat opens up pores so the herbal oils penetrate deeply, melting away tension and improving blood flow
Post-Therapy Care & Recovery
After the poultice massage, you rest for a few minutes to let the oils absorb. The therapist will wipe off any excess herbal oil and may apply a calming balm. We advise you to stay warm and hydrated afterward (often a cup of warm herbal tea) to enhance detoxification and prolong relaxation.
Potli Massage Health benefits
Potli massage delivers a range of holistic health benefits:
- Deep pain relief & reduced inflammation: The warm herbal bundles penetrate tissues to alleviate chronic pain and swelling in joints and muscles.
- Muscle relaxation & increased flexibility: This therapy loosens tight muscles and relieves spasms.
- Improved circulation & detoxification: The heat and rhythmic massage action stimulate blood flow to affected areas.
- Stress reduction & relaxation: Potli massage is deeply soothing to the nervous system.
- Skin nourishment & rejuvenation: Many potlis use ingredients (like medicated oils and rice poultices) that nourish the skin.
- Holistic rejuvenation: Beyond specific ailments, clients often report an overall sense of well-being and energy after treatment.
When to Avoid Potli Massage (Contraindications)
While generally safe, Potli massage may not be suitable for everyone. Avoid or use caution with Potli therapy in these cases:
- Open wounds or skin infections: Do not apply hot herbal pouches to areas with cuts, burns, rashes, or infections.
- Acute inflammation or fever: If you have a high fever, acute inflammatory conditions, or contagious illness, skip the treatment until resolved.
- Recent fractures or surgery: Bones and tissues must be fully healed before applying heat or pressure.
- Severe medical conditions: Those with uncontrolled hypertension, severe heart disease, or cancer should consult a doctor before treatment.
- Pregnancy (early trimester): While some light Ayurvedic massages are safe during pregnancy, traditional Kizhi (deep heat therapy) is usually avoided in the first trimester.
- Allergies or skin sensitivity: Inform the therapist of any known allergies to herbs or oils to prevent reactions.
Expertise in Ayurveda
Our practitioners are trained in authentic Kerala-style Ayurveda. They prepare and apply the herbal potlis with precision, ensuring optimal therapeutic effect. You receive care from therapists who understand traditional pain-management techniques deeply.
Dedicated and Skilled Therapists
We are dedicated to transforming lives by addressing chronic health issues through holistic, natural, and sustainable solutions and empower optimal health, vitality and long-term well-being
Uncompromised Quality
We customize each session to your dosha and condition. The herbs inside your potli, the type of Kizhi used, and the focus areas are all chosen based on your individual health needs. This tailored approach helps maximize results for your specific pain points
A Holistic Healing Space
Yuvrit is a full-service Ayurveda center in HSR, Bengaluru. Potli massage is often combined with complementary therapies (like Abhyanga oil massage or herbal detox programs) and lifestyle guidance to tackle the root cause of your pain. We provide a complete healing plan, not just an isolated treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to take Kizhi without a consultation?
Kizhi therapy is generally safe and effective however we strongly recommend taking a doctor consultation prior to undertaking it. Kizhi therapy may not be suitable for pregnant women, children, elderly individuals or individuals with frail health or specific medical conditions.
Yuvrit offers a free doctor consultation for Kizhi therapy.
How much does Kizhi cost?
The price of a full body Kizhi massage ranges between INR 2000 to INR 3,000 but it varies based on duration of service, specific requirements of the patient, city, and the overall service quality on offer.
Price is lower for non-full body Kizhi.
How long does Kizhi take and what does this include?
A session of Kizhi takes about 30-45 mins. A session includes a full body massage and a steam bath.
What are the requirements for Kizhi?
Yuvrit recommends a doctor consultation to assess your tailored requirements. Our experts will also provide a diet plan to be followed while undertaking Virecahana therapy. Post therapy, we advise sticking to simple and easily digestible foods for a week.
Does Kizhi have any side effects?
When performed by trained Ayurvedic professionals, Potli massage is very safe.. You may feel a warm sensation or light sweating during treatment, which is normal. Because it uses gentle pressure and heat, there’s virtually no downtime—you can return to normal activities immediately. Just inform us if you have sensitive skin or any medical conditions beforehand.
When can I start seeing results?
The results from Kizhi therapy are experienced based on (i) your specific body type, (ii) severity of your condition and (iii) post therapy care.
Below is a general timeline of what you might experience. Keep in mind that not everyone will feel all of these effects—it varies from person to person.
Immediate Effects (1–3 Days post Kizhi)
A feeling of lightness in the body
Improved digestion
Clearer skin and eyes
Relief from bloating or that heavy feeling
Short-Term Benefits (1–2 Weeks)
Enhanced metabolism
Improved bowel movements
Long-Term Results (1–3 Months)
Sustained detoxification effects
Balanced doshas, especially Pitta
Relief from chronic issues like allergies, digestive disorders, or skin diseases
Improved energy levels and mental clarity
