Sarvangadhara

Sarvangadhara is a traditional treatment that involves 3 steps

1. A full body oil massage (abhyangam) to prepare the body for receiving the treatment,
2. Application and resting of a herbal paste (kuzhambu),
3. Gradual pouring of the medicated decoction along the whole body.

The constant rhythmic stream of dhara along with a gentle massage, lets the medicated decoction soak the skin, which then permeates into the body. The decoction is chosen as per the patient’s physical condition.
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Types of Sarvangadhara

  • Kashayadhara: Kashayam is a medicated decoction made by aqueous extracts of herbs. The Kashayam is heated to a lukewarm temperature and used along the body as Dhara.
  • Ksheeradhara: The name means “Cold Stream” where buttermilk enriched with herbs is used as dhara. This cools the body down, providing relaxation and relief from conditions caused due to excessive heat in the body.

Who is it for?

Patients who experience skin problems, joint pains, arthritis and anxiety.

Benefits

  • Reduces pain, stiffness and swelling of joints
  • Reduces wrinkling, cellulitis, scars and improves skin smoothness
  • Reduces stress
  • Reduced post traumatic stress disorder
  • Lowers blood pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Sarvangadhara?

Sarvangadhara is a three-step Ayurvedic therapy involving a full-body oil massage (Abhyangam), application of a herbal paste, and a continuous pour of medicated decoction over the entire body. It deeply relaxes, detoxifies, and nourishes the system.

What is the purpose of the decoction pouring?

The rhythmic stream of warm herbal liquid helps the skin absorb medicinal properties. This process supports lymphatic drainage, nervous system calming, and rebalancing the body’s internal energies.

How is the herbal decoction selected?

The decoction—such as Kashayam (herbal extract) or Ksheeram (medicated buttermilk)—is chosen based on your body constitution (dosha) and current health conditions like inflammation, skin disorders, or anxiety.

Who is this treatment ideal for?

Sarvangadhara is beneficial for those suffering from:

  • Joint pain or arthritis

  • Skin conditions such as roughness or scarring

  • Stress, anxiety, or high blood pressure
    It’s also excellent for general detox and nervous system reset.

What does a session include and how long is it?

Each session lasts about 90 minutes, including the full body massage, paste application, and dhara treatment. A brief rest and optional steam bath often follow to enhance absorption and detox.

Our Healers

Abhijith Gurukkal

With over 30 years of expertise in Kalaripayattu and 20 years in Kalari Marma Therapy, Abhijith Girikkal hails from a family of Kalaripayattu warriors and started training under his father T Ashokan at the age of 6.  He mastered the Vadakkan (Northern) style of Kalaripayattu under Sudakaran Gurukkal of CVN Kalari, Kozhikode. Later he honed his skills in the Aruppukai lineage and explored Pillathangi and Thekken styles under various gurus across Kerala, while mastering various Kalari Marma treatment techniques.

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