AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Pichu
A thick cotton pad soaked in warm medicated oil placed over the crown of the head or a painful region. A gentle, short therapy for headache, dryness, lower back and joint discomfort.
01WHAT IT IS
पिचु · A pad of cotton soaked in medicated oil
Pichu is the simplest of the oil-retention therapies. A folded pad of cotton or cloth is soaked in warm medicated oil and placed on the crown of the head, or over the lower back, a joint or another region as advised. It is left in place for a short period, re-soaked as needed to stay warm.
Shiro Pichu, on the head, is used for headache, dryness of the scalp, sleeplessness and Vata disturbances where a full Shirodhara or Shiro Basti is not needed. Kati Pichu and Janu Pichu offer a gentler, shorter alternative to the Basti therapies for the back and knees.
02HOW IT IS DONE AT AROGYA
- 01
Consultation confirms the region, the oil and whether Pichu is used alone or with other therapies.
- 02
You sit or lie comfortably depending on the region to be treated.
- 03
A thick cotton pad is soaked in warm medicated oil and placed on the region.
- 04
The pad is kept warm and in place for around fifteen minutes.
- 05
The pad is removed and the area is gently wiped and massaged.
03BENEFITS
- Eases headache and dryness of the scalp
- Calms the mind and supports sleep
- Relieves local pain and stiffness in the back or joints
- Gentle enough for older guests and those new to oil therapies
- Quick to give and easy to combine with other treatments
Often suited to
- Mild headache and scalp dryness
- Guests who want a shorter alternative to Shirodhara
- Localised back or joint discomfort
- Older or frail guests where gentler therapy is advised
Please tell us first
- Not given during fever, cold or scalp infection
- Avoided over open wounds or infected skin
- Please mention any neurological diagnosis if the head is treated
- Not usually combined with Kapha congestion
04WHAT TO EXPECT
The session is short, quiet and comfortable. It is often added at the end of another therapy or given daily for a few days. A light oil residue remains on the hair if the head is treated.
This page is educational and describes the therapy as traditionally practised. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified practitioner. Suitability, preparation and duration are confirmed individually at Arogya Retreatt. Content reviewed September 2026.
05QUESTIONS
Common questions about Pichu.
When is Pichu chosen over Shirodhara?
Pichu is gentler and shorter. It is chosen for milder concerns, for older guests, or when a daily head therapy is wanted alongside a fuller program without the intensity of Shirodhara.
Which regions can be treated?
The crown of the head is most common. The lower back, knees and other joints can also be treated with a Pichu pad as advised.