Bandaging remains an inevitable therapy in musculoskeletal conditions. Whether it is sprains to fractures, bandages were the primary choice among physicians. Ancient traditional healing, Ayurveda utiltises bandages by the name Upanaha where medicated herbal paste is applied over the affected region and wrapped with a cotton cloth. Let’s explore the healing properties of Upanaha.

What is Upanaha?

Upanaha is an Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy to relieve pain, swelling, and localized discomforts. It is accomplished by applying warm medicated oil or paste over affected regions and tied with medicated leaves and cotton cloth.

The term ‘Upanaha’ refers to ‘poultice’ or ‘bandage’; the affected region is bandaged with medicinal paste.

The therapy helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation; balances the Vata Dosha, and improves blood circulation in the affected region. It is an ideal choice for managing musculoskeletal conditions and varicose veins.

How Upanaha Works?

When the medicated paste is bandaged over the affected area, the sweat glands get stimulated, creating external fomentation(sweating). The bandaging also causes an increase in localized body temperature.

It enhances metabolic activities, increased blood circulation, and stimulation of the nerve roots in the skin. The dilated blood vessels help with the expulsion of toxins, cleansing the region with increased circulation of oxygen and nutrients.

The opened sweat pores aids with transfer of nutrients and other essential elements to the affected region. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties of herbal paste aid with relieving pain and other discomforts.

If you are opting for sudden relief from pain in a busy schedule, a professional Upanaha therapy can address all your concerns.

Benefits of Upanaha

Upanaha is an external non-invasive therapy that can be performed even at the comfort of your home. It offers a wide range of health benefits including:

• Helps relieve pain – As per Ayurvedic philosophy, all types of pain are caused due to the imbalance in Vata dosha. The procedure helps normalize the dosha, and thus helps relieve pain and discomforts in the muscles and joints.
• Aids in reducing inflammation – The medicated paste used in the therapy contains anti-inflammatory components that act on inflammatory mediators on the affected area; thereby reducing swelling.
• Helps relieve joint and muscle stiffness – Upanaha relaxes the muscles and joints and helps reduce stiffness.
• Improve blood circulation – The rise in localised body temperature results in vasodilation. Improved blood circulation can expel the accumulated toxic materials from the area and increase the availability of oxygen and nutrients.
• Enhance joint flexibility and mobility – Upanaha helps eliminate accumulated toxins in the joints, nourish the cells, and improve joint movements.
• Helps normalize Vata dosha – The therapy helps bring the Vata Dosha back to normalcy.

Procedure

Our expert panel of physicians analyzes your health to determine the suitable medicines for your therapy. After positioning the individual in a comfortable position, the affected area must be checked for any wounds or bruises.

The medicated herbal paste is prepared by combining the herbal powder with oil, water etc.

Once the individual is seated comfortably, local abhyanga must be done with suitable oil for a few minutes. The lukewarm herbal paste is applied over the affected area with a thickness up to 5 mm, covering the entire area. Once the paste is spread equally, the area must be bandaged with leaves having Vata pacifying property and tied with cotton cloth.

The duration of the therapy depends upon severity of the condition. Usually it is advised to perform therapy by evening for 12 hours. After the prescribed time frame, the herbal paste can be removed, and the area can be cleaned with lukewarm water.

Upanaha provides quick relief from discomfort and is highly beneficial in the following conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Frozen Shoulder
• Bursitis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Varicose Veins
• Joint injuries
• Strains and sprains
• Sciatica
• Cellulitis

Ayurclinic Approach to Upanaha

At Ayurclinic, we have a personalized approach to treating tropical health concerns using Upanaha. We first evaluate the patient’s condition, considering their lifestyle, diet, and body type to understand the underlying causes of your localized pain and discomforts. During the Upanaha therapy, we use medicated herbal paste as per your needs to reduce localized pain and swelling. This treatment is gentle but effective in relieving all your concerns.

In some cases, Upanaha is combined with other Ayurvedic therapies and lifestyle guidance to maximize its benefits.

Conclusion

Upanaha is a short-term yet potent therapy that connects the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to the contemporary world. With its ability to reduce pain and swelling, improve blood circulation, and enhance joint mobility and flexibility. Upahana therapy can be opted for by anyone for quick relief of their aches and pains. Reconnect with your body’s natural balance and embrace the benefits of Ayurveda in Melbourne.