The treatments in Ayurveda are mainly divided into Sodhana (Purificatory) and Samana (Palliative). For all the type of Sodhana treatments there are two pre-requisite viz; Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). Most of the massage and treatment mentioned below are a combination of these two process & few come under the Samana Chikitsa. Treatments indigenous to Kerala are also mentioned below.

A king among the traditional therapies and a speciality of Kerala! As mentioned earlier, this therapy is a beautiful combination of two classical Ayurvedic treatments, Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (sudation). The whole body is subjected to streams of lukewarm medicated oil with simultaneous soft massage in seven postures. Enormous amount of medicated oil to the volume of more than three litres is used in this. This therapy protects the body from illnesses and builds up immunity for a healthy life. It is very useful for rheumatic diseases, arthritis, paralysis, sexual weakness, neurological disorders, blood pressure, nervous weakness and helps to arrest the ageing process.

“Njavarakizhi” is a procedure in which small cotton cloth boluses are filled with cooked Njavara rice and massaged over the body after a liberal application of medicated oil. The rice used is cooked in cow's milk and herbal decoction. The boluses are then dipped in the same mixture and applied all over the body to induce sudation (sweat). This procedure is highly rejuvenating, nourishing and prepares the individual to bear the stresses and strains of a hectic lifestyle. It enhances physical consistency, strengthens the nervous system and improves the overall appearance of the skin. This is a strengthening fomentation employed in neurological disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and malnutrition of limbs.