Ela Kizhi (Herbal Leaf Bundle Massage)

Ela Kizhi is the leaf-based form of kizhi. Where our general Kizhi Ayurvedic Therapy may use powders or dry herbs, Ela Kizhi uses fresh medicinal leaves — such as nochi, castor, tamarind or drumstick, depending on season — chopped, lightly fried with grated coconut, lemon and medicated oil, then tied into cloth bundles and warmed in oil before use.

The warm, moist bundles are pressed and rubbed in rhythm over the back, hips, thighs and calves after a light oil application. The moist heat suits mothers whose aches feel muscular and tight rather than stiff and dry: sore lower back from feeding, tired legs, and tension through the hips after delivery.

It is offered once the doctor has cleared massage, typically a few weeks after a normal delivery and later after a caesarean. It is avoided over stitches, broken skin, varicose veins and areas of reduced sensation, and postponed during fever or high blood pressure.

A session takes about forty-five to sixty minutes. Bundle temperature is checked on the therapist's wrist before every pass, and the mother rests warmly covered afterwards. As with all our Ayurvedic Therapy sessions, it closes with a cup of warm herbal tea.