Podikizhi is a method of swedanam; therapeutic sweating in which the hot pottali is filled with fine medicated herbal powders like kottamchukkadi choornam, kolakulathadi choornam etc.. are dipped in kashaya/oil is applied over the body or affected part. Medicinal powder is taken from the roots and barks of the medicinal plant, which are dried and crushed. This is tied in a cloth and made into a pottali (bolus). Patient is allowed to lie on the table. Pottali is subjected to heat. Warm pottali is applied on the body with a massage. It induces sweating and patient feel light.
This procedure is unique, specified under Ruksha sweda