Ayurvedic method of body scrub (उद्वर्तनम्)
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Udwartana literally means “rubbing or kneading”. Conventional rubbing of body with medicated churnas(powders) is udwartana. It is a kind of body massage wherein instead of oil various churnas(herbal powders) is used. Udwartana is an essential part of dinacharya(daily routine) which helps in prevention of various diseases. These churnas are selected according to the prakriti, vikara etc of the patient.
Role of Udwartanam
उद्वर्तनं वातहरं कफमेदोविलापनम् ||५१|| स्थिरीकरणमङ्गानां त्वक्प्रसादकरं परम् |५२| (sush. chik.24. 51-52)
TYPES
Udwartana is classified in two types: (sush. chik.24. 52,53,54)
Udgharshana and Utsadana
Udgharshana
Rubbing the body with medicated churnas(powder) without mixing it with any liquid like oil, water etc is udgharshana. Udgharshana cures and prevents various vata dosha related disorders, reduces itching and few skin related disorders.
Utsadana
Utsadana is rubbing or massaging body with medicated churnas(powders) with oil or ghee or any liquid in the form of kalka added in it. It brings about lustre, radiance.
PROCEDURE
Depending upon the type of udwartanam, either dry herbal powders (one or more in mixture) or herbs mixed with unctuous liquids like oil or milk are rubbed on the body parts in a specific manner. This method is similar to scrubbing done in cosmetology and beauty treatments done in todays time. However, udwartanam is therapeutic body scrub which differs from normal scrubs in multiple aspects. The pre and post udwartana precautions in udwartanam are not essential in body scrubs. The time to perform this is also different.
The right time for Udwartanam
Udwartana being a part of dinacharya(daily regimen) is to be done before snana(bath). That is in the morning.
Prerequisites
Abhyangam. ? Before udwartana bowel and bladder must be empty or cleared.
Post udwartanam
After the procedure a minimum of 15 min rest is essential for the churna(powder) to get absorbed.
After rest, warm water bath is recommended.
ADVANTAGES OF UDWARTANA
Udwartana prevents and cures kapha dosha related disorders (eg. Sthaulya(obesity), helps removing excess medas(fat), brings about stability and strength in the body.
Udwartana enhances the lustre of skin.
It also cures vata dosha related diseases, it acts by removing excess kapha dosha.
Udwartana acts by removing bad or foul smell from the body, induces lightness, reduces fatigue or exhaustion.