Udgharshana karma (ayurvedic herbal powder friction massage) in the reduction of sthaulya (obesity): An integrative review of classical ayurvedic concepts, cutaneous physiology and contemporary biochemical evidence

Background

Sthaulya (obesity) is described in Ayurvedic classics as a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi arising from vitiation of Kapha Dosha and abnormal accumulation of Meda Dhatu consequent upon Agnimandya (impaired metabolic fire) and Srotorodha (channel obstruction). Udgharshana – the vigorous rubbing of dry or semi-dry herbal powders (Churna) over the skin in a direction opposite to hair growth – is among the Bahiparimarjana (external palliative) procedures prescribed for Sthaulya, alongside its allied procedures Udvartana and Utsadana.