Potli Massage Therapy To Promote Healing And Wellness | Femina.in - Femina

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Potli massage is named after the use of a potli, meaning pouch, filled with herbal ingredients to help alleviate pain. While it is one of the popular massage therapies practiced in India, potli massage therapy has been a natural remedy for centuries in South East Asia, especially in Thailand.

Potli, also referred to as poultice can help rejuvenate and relax the affected areas of your body with their therapeutic effect. Read on to know more about potli massage therapy, how it helps, and the various benefits it offers.

What Is A Potli Massage Therapy?
What Are The Benefits Of Potli Massage?
Types Of Potli Massages
Potli Massage Ingredients
How Do You Make Herbal Potli?
Where Can You Get It?
Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is A Potli Massage Therapy?​

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As mentioned, potli massage therapy is performed using a poultice or a pouch filled with ingredients that benefit the body. The therapy finds its roots in Ayurveda, which is one of the oldest medicinal traditions in India. The potli used in potli massage therapy contains a mix of Ayurvedic herbs that are carefully chosen based on your ailment and your Ayurvedic constitution.

The potli is made of muslin cloth, and the ingredients for the massage are packed tightly in it. The potli is then dipped in either warm medicated oil (wet massage) or sand or herbal powder (dry massage). Then, the potli is massaged onto specific pressure points that promote healing in the body.

Tip: If you have any health condition that you’re seeking treatment for, consult your doctor before going for alternative therapies.

What Are The Benefits Of Potli Massage?​

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Below are listed some of the many benefits of potli massage:

• Owing to the selected ingredients in potli massage, this therapy serves to balance the doshas, thereby offering holistic wellness and improved health.
• Potli massage therapy primarily alleviates joint and muscle pain. It also reduces the severity of chronic muscle pain.
• This therapy is useful in reducing stiffness and soreness, especially in ailments like spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, slipped disc, paralysis, etc.
• It boosts blood circulation, thus speeding up the process of healing.
• Potli massage therapy helps detoxify the body, getting rid of all the waste and promoting rejuvenation.
• This massage therapy not only reduces the signs of ageing but also slows down the ageing process.
• Both on the face and body, potli massage helps nourish the skin and firm it, reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

Tip: Discuss your ailments and health or skin concerns with your massage therapist so they can choose the perfect kind of treatment for you.

Types Of Potli Massages​

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Below are the different types of potli massages you can treat yourself to:

• Herbal Poultice Massage: In this massage, herbs and leaves are fried in oil before being bundled in linen or muslin potlis. Again, the choice of herbs depends on the individual’s ailments and body type. The treatment enhances blood circulation and induces perspiration, thus helping in toxin and waste elimination. It also helps treat inflammatory conditions.
• Powder Poultice Massage: Herbal powders are bundled in a muslin cloth using herbal oil. This is mainly helpful in relieving ‘Kapha-Vatha’ dominant conditions, based on the person’s doshas.

• Herbal Rice Massage: In this treatment, cooked medicinal rice, called Njavara, is mixed with milk and herbs, tied into a muslin cloth, and then applied all over the body in a particular rhythm to offer therapeutic benefits. This helps manage stress, tones the muscles, and nourishes and rejuvenates the body.

Tip: Understand the benefits offered by each massage type to boost your health and wellness quotient.

Potli Massage Ingredients​

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The main Ayurvedic herbs and natural ingredients used in potli massage therapy are as follows.

• Ashwagandha: Used to relax tensed muscles and reduce stress.
• Turmeric: Helps treat painful skin conditions and inflammation and reduces swelling and tenderness.
• Mustard, Neem: Help detoxify skin and body.
• Ginger: This natural painkiller treats joint pain, headaches and menstrual cramps, and also revitalizes and purifies the body.
• Tesu Flower: The petals of this flower have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, reducing swelling, helping in managing sprains, and boosting blood purification.
• Aloe Vera: Used to reduce inflammation.
• Rasna Leaves: This ayurvedic herb has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping in muscle pain management and other rheumatic conditions.

The below infographic lists the benefits of different herbal oils used in potli massage.

Tip: You can use the above-mentioned herbs and oils on their own for potli massage. Using a mix of herbal powders and oils that work for you can offer multifold health benefits.

How Do You Make Herbal Potli?​

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To give yourself a potli massage at home, gather your selection of herbs and oils based on your Ayurvedic constitution and the health concern you want to address. Pack the herbs into a linen or muslin cloth and tie it tightly. Dip the potli in warm medicated oil or sand or herbal powder. Massage the potli onto pressure points to aid healing, relieve stress, and stimulate blood circulation.

Tip: Make sure it isn't too hot to burn your skin.

Where Can You Get It?​

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You can treat yourself to a potli massage at home or you can check your local spa or massage therapist if they offer this therapy. You will also be able to find readymade potlis online for purchase to treat specific health concerns.

Tip: If you’re signing up for a potli massage at your local spa, make sure they have a trained therapist for the same.

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Frequently Asked Questions:​

Q. How can I get relief from Potli pain?​

A. Potli massage therapy can help you get relief from muscle and joint pain, especially if you have a condition like spondylitis or arthritis.

Q. What is Potli facial?​

A. Potli facial is nothing but potli massage therapy for the face. It can boost blood circulation, rejuvenate the skin, and decrease signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

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Q. What are the benefits of a hot stone massage?​

A. A hot stone massage can help relieve stress and tension, alleviate muscle pain, promote sleep, and boost immunity.

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Q. How does potli massage work?​

A. Potali massage therapy involves using herbs and oils as per your Ayurvedic constitution and health problems. Massaging the herbs and warm oils onto your skin and applying pressure on specific points promotes healing and boosts circulation.
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