A treatment in
Ayurveda, Elakizhi (also ilakizhi) is a bolos bag massage with medicinal leaves. It is very effective in improving the strength of muscles, relieving body pain and curing diseases such as arthritis and paralysis. In this treatment, herbal leaves are applied to the whole body in bundles with hot medicated oils. The treatment is also known by the name Patrawedam.
Ricinus, drum stick, tamarind and calotropis gigantia are among the herbal leaves used for the treatment. The leaves are fried together in neem or caster oil until a brown color is attained. Lemon pieces and coconut scapes are then added to it. All these are tied in cloth boluses and dipped in medicated oil to massage the body. When the process is complete, patient is given a bath in moderately hot water.
