Upanaham is a poultice therapy – a warm, thick herbal paste (upanaha) is applied over an affected joint or muscle and bandaged in place, often retained for several hours or overnight. It is classed as a snigdha sweda (unctuous sudation) and works through sustained warmth, herbal action and gentle compression on the area.
At ACTYMED it is used mainly for localised joint and soft-tissue pain, stiffness and swelling, where a prolonged, focused fomentation is more useful than a brief one. The paste is prepared fresh from herbs, medicated oils and a warm base chosen for the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it performed?
Preparation (purva karma): the part may be prepared with a light oil application. Main procedure (pradhana karma): a warm herbal paste is spread thickly over the area and covered with a bandage of natural leaf or cloth, then left in place for a prescribed period. Aftercare (paschat karma): the paste is removed, the skin cleaned and kept warm, and cold exposure avoided.
Which conditions is it used for?
Localised osteoarthritis and joint pain, chronic sprains, muscular stiffness, spondylosis and non-acute soft-tissue swelling.
Is there any classification?
It is one of the classical local sweda techniques; the paste ingredients are varied – warming, analgesic herbs for vata-type pain, or milder herbs where slight heat is present.
Who should avoid it?
Acutely hot, red, infected or broken skin, open wounds, active fever and known allergy to the paste ingredients. Sustained heat is used cautiously in pitta-type inflammation.
How long is it kept on?
Depending on the prescription, from a couple of hours to overnight; your doctor sets the duration.
