Kizhi is a traditional Ayurvedic massage from Kerala in which warm poultices — cloth bundles filled with herbs — are pressed and massaged over the body. At Arogya Studio in Colindale, a 45-minute Kizhi for one area costs £95 and a 70-minute full-body Kizhi costs £145.
You may also see it called herbal compress massage or potli massage. The heat is what people remember: steady, comforting warmth worked into the muscles with rhythmic pressure.
Also known as: Herbal compress massage, potli massage, Pinda Sweda
Options and prices
Hot herbal poultice therapy
Warm herbal poultices are dipped in oil and pressed, dabbed and rolled across the back, shoulders, arms, legs and joints. Traditionally used to relax muscles and ease stiffness.
Good for: All-over stiffness, tired muscles, or feeling the cold.
£145
Book thisTargeted herbal poultice therapy
The same warm poultice massage focused on one area, usually the back, shoulders, neck, knees or hips.
Good for: Tension in one place, or a shorter first Kizhi.
£95
Book thisFifteen minutes of warm poultice work added to another treatment.
£25
Book thisWhat to expect
Every treatment is given by Dr Priyanka Balachandar in a private room at the studio in Colindale.
Questions
£95 for a 45-minute treatment on one area, or £145 for a 70-minute full-body Kizhi. A 15-minute Kizhi add-on to another treatment is £25.
Yes. Kizhi is the Kerala name for massage with warm herbal poultices. It is also known as potli massage or, in classical Ayurveda, Pinda Sweda.
Kizhi is traditionally used to relax muscles and ease stiffness, and many people book it for a tight back or shoulders. It is not a medical treatment, so please see your GP about persistent or severe pain.
Yes. All hands-on treatments at Arogya Studio are for women only, in a private room with Dr Priyanka. Consultations are open to everyone.
Tell Priyanka how you are feeling and she will suggest a treatment. No pressure, and no obligation to book.
