Elakizhi in Chennai

Fresh medicinal leaves fried in herbal oil are bundled into warm boluses and massaged over the body, excellent for joint and musculoskeletal complaints.

A session runs about 45-60 minutes. Heat carried into the body — through herb-filled poultices, medicated steam, or both.

Elakizhi is carried out at Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe, a government-certified Ayurveda hospital at Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131 — within reach of Medavakkam, Sholinganallur, OMR, Pallikaranai, Velachery and Tambaram.

Elakizhi is used for eases joint pain, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, improves flexibility.

What happens in a session: Herbs, powders, rice or leaves are tied into cloth boluses and warmed, or a steam chamber is prepared. The boluses are dipped in warm oil and applied over the body in a firm, rhythmic pattern, re-warmed as they cool. Heat is built up gradually rather than all at once, and the therapist checks your tolerance throughout. You rest and cool down afterwards before dressing — going straight into cold air undoes the work.

Before you come: Hydrate well beforehand, and tell us if you find heat difficult. Let us know about any cardiac condition, pregnancy or fever — sudation is not appropriate in all of them. Come with a light stomach and allow time to cool down afterwards.

Whether Elakizhi suits you is decided at consultation, not at booking. Dr.V.Vaitheeshwari B.A.M.S., assesses your constitution, your history and your current medication first. Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe is open every day from 10 AM to 8 PM at Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131.

Common questions

How long does Elakizhi take?

A single session is about 45-60 minutes. Where the doctor plans a course, the number of sessions depends on what is being treated and is decided at your consultation.

What happens during a Elakizhi session?

Herbs, powders, rice or leaves are tied into cloth boluses and warmed, or a steam chamber is prepared. The boluses are dipped in warm oil and applied over the body in a firm, rhythmic pattern, re-warmed as they cool. Heat is built up gradually rather than all at once, and the therapist checks your tolerance throughout. You rest and cool down afterwards before dressing — going straight into cold air undoes the work.

How should I prepare for Elakizhi?

Hydrate well beforehand, and tell us if you find heat difficult. Let us know about any cardiac condition, pregnancy or fever — sudation is not appropriate in all of them. Come with a light stomach and allow time to cool down afterwards.

Is Elakizhi suitable for me?

That is decided at the consultation. Dr.V.Vaitheeshwari B.A.M.S., assesses your constitution, your history and what you are dealing with before any therapy is scheduled — the same therapy is not right for everyone.

What does Elakizhi cost in Chennai?

Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.

Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe — 12/597, Main Road, Nethaji Nagar Main Rd, Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131. Phone: +91 81229 39197.