Udwarthanam is one of the most sought after Ayurvedic treatments for weight loss. It is a special deep tissue massage using herbal powders.
In this procedure, the body may be coated with herbal oils and then herbal powders called Choornams are rubbed forcibly on the body in the upwarddirection. Udwarthanam is performed by an Ayurvedic practitioner. The massage techniques are performed in seven postures by applying suitable pressure so as to break down the fat under the skin. The herbal powder is applied and the massage is done for about 15-45 minutes. This is concluded by complete rest for half an hour followed by steam and bath.
By generating heat through massage, this treatment melts the excess fat that is accumulated in the body. It improves the blood circulation, rejuvenates the bodyand improvesskin texture. Certain skindiseases canbe treated with Udwarthanam.
There are mainly two types of Udwarthanam

• Snigadh or Sneha
• Ruksha

Snigadh Udwarthanam is massage with dry powder and medicated oils.This type of massage is very helpful in improving the skin texture and is recommended for skin rejuvenation and certain skin diseases. Ruksha Udwarthanam is done only with dry powders. Since the massage is rough and dry, it helps in reducing weight and the Kapha Dosha.
There are many benefits of Udwarthanam.Some of them are stated below:

• Helpful in calming the Kapha dosha
• Reduces the excess fat accumulated in the skin
• Strengthens the muscles by toning them and exfoliates the dead cells in the skin.
• Improves blood circulation which leads to reduction in cholesterol and helps in achieving a good rate of metabolism.
• The joints become more flexible
• Eliminates body odour
• Also beneficial in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis as it reduces Kapha and Ama.
However, Udwarthanam should be avoided in the following cases:
• Dry Skin and skin with cuts and other injuries. People suffering from eczema
• Pregnant women and children under 10
• Post Ayurvedic Panchakarma

Udwarthanam is an excellent therapy for weight loss but the results of such massage heavily vary from person to person. After thoroughly analysing the lifestyle pattern of the person concerned, the Ayurvedic physician chooses a combination of herbs and oils that would yield the specific result one is looking for. A noted Ayurvedic hospital in Pune suggests that Udwarthanam can be combined with other treatments like Shirodhara or Takradhara to yield best results. For example, a person suffering from an eating disorder can lose weight by combining Udwarthanam with Shirodhara( Rhythmic oil flow over the forehead) or Takradhara( Rhythmic flow of clarified butter milk infused with herbs over the forehead) to get excellent results.
A holistic approach to weight loss goes a long way in maintaining good health. It is generally recommended to follow a balanced diet along with regular physical exercises. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and include walking or any form of physical activity as part of a daily routine. Yoga helps in maintaining the perfect mind-body balance. All these along with Udwarthanam help in weight loss