Upanaham is a herbal bandaging treatment applied to treat any part of the body for inflammation, pain and swelling. The therapy helps in joint and muscle health and also helps to treat vata related conditions like vericose veins.

The goal of Upanaham Treatment

The main goal of Upanaham treatment is to balance the vata dosha. Blockages in the body and dry skin are caused by vata. The edema, obstruction, dislocation, or fracture starts to mend when localized sweating is induced by applying heat.

How does it work?

The process stimulates the skin's sweat glands by acting as an external fomentation. The bandaged area's internal temperature increases during the operation. It stimulates the skin's nerve endings, improves blood circulation, and raises body metabolism. The dilated blood vessels increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients while also removing poisons from the cells. As the sweat pores open, the medicinal paste and nutrients are transferred to the afflicted areas. The Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, and antioxidant properties of the herbal paste help reduce pain and swelling.

Types of Upanaham

Upanaha is a swedana karma (Sweat-inducing treatment). Upanaham is classified into,

Pradeha - The medicinal herbs are ground to form a thick paste which is then directly smeared over the affected area.

Sankar - The medicinal powders are made into a paste to make a bolus. This is then tied using a cloth. The heated bolus is then applied over the painful area.

Bandhanam - Herbs are ground to a paste, which is applied to the area of inflammation. After the application it is covered with leaves of plants that are Vata pacifying e.g. Leaves of ricinis communis, to enhance the pain relief.

Medicines used for Upanaham

Powders such as Kottamchukadi, Kolakulathadi, and Nagaradi are commonly used.

Oils include Sahacharadi, Kottamchukadi, Chinchadi

Decoctions of Leaves like Tamarind, Moringa, and Castor are also used. 

Leaves like Devadaru, Castor, Vacha, satavaha, and Rasna are chosen.

How it is Done?

Preparation of the Patient: A thorough physical examination is carried out prior to the commencement of the treatment. The patient is made to sit or lie down in a suitable posture based on the area of application.

Preparation of the Drug: The drug to be used and the duration is determined by the physician.The medicated Herbal powder is procured and mixed with suitable Solutions( Can be oil/ Rice water/ Kashaya), Made into a lukewarm paste.

Checking for Allergy: An allergy check is done by applying a small quantity of paste to the area.

Application of Paste: The paste is quickly smeared over the area when it is in its warm state, for a thickness of 4-5 mm, such that it completely covers the area to be treated.

Covering the area: Leaves with vata pacifying property are kept ready and are immediately placed over the paste and then bandaged carefully using a cotton cloth or gauze.

Duration: The paste is usually left to dry completely before removing or may be left in place overnight to derive better results.

Removing: The paste is removed by using a wet cloth dipped in lukewarm water.

Benefits Of Upanaham

Reduces Pain: According to Ayurveda Vata dosha relates to the pain in the body. Upanaham aims at pacifying the vata and thus reducing the pain and stiffness in the joints and Muscles.

Relieves Inflammation and Swelling: The herbs used for Upanaham are rich in compounds that are anti-inflammatory by nature. They act as mediators in reducing swelling and inflammation in the localized area.

Improves Mobility: The heated compounds provide warmth and comfort to the area where they are applied. The heat soothes the joints and relaxes the muscles thus reducing the stiffness and increasing the range of movement.

Enhances Blood circulation: The increase in local temperature dilates the smaller blood vessels to relieve the congestion and fastens the healing process through enhanced blood circulation by increasing the availability of essential nutrients.

Balances the Doshas: Upanaham balances the vata dosha which vititates in conditions of pain.

Expels the toxins: The accumulation of ama in the painful area affects mobility. Upanaham eases the way the Ama is mobilised and helps in easy expulsion.

Considerations

• It is important to ensure that there are no open wounds or cuts in the area of treatment

• The area must not be bandaged too tightly or loosely.

• It is good to check for skin sensitivity before undergoing the therapy.

• In order to choose the right drug for your Upanaham, consult with our Ayurvedic physician.