Special Kerala massages using warm bolus
Potli Massages in Kathmandu
Heated herbal boluses (potli) moved across the body. A Kerala-lineage therapy for deep, dry, heating work.
6 treatments, from Rs. 3,500, at Nepveda in Babarmahal, Kathmandu. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 7 PM. Every therapy below can be booked on its own or set inside a consultation-led package.
Valuka Pinda Sweda (Two Therapists)
Extremely dry potli massage with sand.
Traditionally used for. Rheumatoid arthritis (pain with swelling), joint inflammation with heaviness.
- 60 minRs. 3,500
Choorna Pinda Sweda (Two Therapists)
Dry potli massage with powders of medicinal herbs.
Traditionally used for. Sciatica, spondylitis, arthritis, lower back ache, muscle stiffness.
- 60 minRs. 4,000
Jambir Pinda Sweda (Two Therapists)
Dry and sweat-inducing potli massage with lemon.
Traditionally used for. Cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulders, localized pain with kapha stagnation.
- 60 minRs. 4,500
Patra Pinda Sweda
Sweat-inducing potli massage with medicinal leaves.
Traditionally used for. Rheumatoid and osteo arthritis, lumbar and cervical spondylitis, myalgia (muscle pain).
- 60 minRs. 4,500
Tila Pinda Sweda (Two Therapists)
Warm and unctuous potli massage with sesame seeds immersed in ayurvedic oil.
Traditionally used for. Osteoarthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, stiffness, spasms, chronic fatigue, muscle wasting or weakness, post-injury, post-surgery, post-paralysis, dry skin or vata prakopa.
- 60 minRs. 5,000
Sarsapa Potli Massage (Two Therapists)
Heating and stimulating potli massage with mustard seeds used dry.
Traditionally used for. Stiffness, cellulite, obesity, muscle cramps, sluggish circulation, cold extremities.
- 60 minRs. 3,500
Unsure which suits your constitution? Begin with a consultation. We'll listen first.
Questions about potli massages
- What is a Potli massage?
- Potli, or Pinda Sweda, is a Kerala-lineage therapy in which heated cloth boluses filled with herbs, powders, seeds or leaves are pressed and moved over the body. Most versions take 60 minutes with two therapists working together.
- Which Potli should I choose?
- It depends on the condition: sand (Valuka) for swollen inflamed joints, herbal powder (Choorna) for back and muscle stiffness, lemon (Jambir) for frozen shoulder, leaves (Patra) for arthritis and muscle pain, sesame in oil (Tila) for stiffness with weakness, and mustard (Sarsapa) for cold, sluggish circulation. A consultation settles the choice.
- Does it induce sweating?
- Yes, most Potli therapies are meant to. Drink water afterwards, avoid cold showers for a few hours, and expect to feel warm and loose rather than sore.
- Who should tell the therapist before booking?
- Anyone with a fever, a heart condition, high blood pressure that is not controlled, skin infection, or who is pregnant. Sweating therapies are usually avoided in these cases.
- How is Potli different from Abhyanga?
- Abhyanga is an oil massage with the hands. Potli adds heat and the medicinal action of the bolus contents, so it is chosen when stiffness, swelling or deep-seated pain is the main complaint.