Lepana
Herbal paste therapy helps reduce pain, inflammation, and supports faster healing.
Duration
60 min
Price
$150
Locations
Fremont
Over view
Lepana: Ayurvedic Herbal Paste for Pain, Inflammation and Skin
Lepana at Ayurhitam is a 60-minute classical Ayurvedic therapy in which a medicinal herbal paste is applied to the affected area and left in place until the paste has released its therapeutic properties into the skin and tissue below. Priced at $150 per session, this therapy is one of the most versatile Ayurvedic localised practices, traditionally used to support relief from pain, inflammation, skin concerns, and localised heat.
Lepa (or Lepana) means “application” or “paste,” and Lepana is described in classical Ayurvedic texts as a supportive therapy for both external musculoskeletal concerns and skin concerns. Unlike Upanaha (which uses warm oiled paste under a bandage), Lepana typically uses cooler pastes with water, honey, or specific decoctions as the base, making it beautifully suited for Pitta-driven concerns like inflammation, skin heat, and acute joint swelling.
What is Lepana?
Lepana is a classical Ayurvedic Bahya Chikitsa (external therapy) described in the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and other traditional texts. Specific Ayurvedic herbal powders are combined with a liquid base (water, milk, honey, ghee, or a herbal decoction) to form a smooth paste. The paste is applied to the affected area at a specific thickness and left in place for the therapeutic duration. As the paste dries or is absorbed, the herbs release their properties into the tissues below.
Ayurvedic texts distinguish between three types of Lepana: Doshaghna (dosha-pacifying), Vishaghna (toxin-clearing), and Varnya (skin-tone supporting). The type of Lepana chosen for your session depends on your concern, dosha, and the specific tissue involved.
How is Lepana Done at Ayurhitam?
The session begins with a short assessment to confirm the target area, choose the herbal paste, and understand the specific concern. The area is gently cleansed. A specific Ayurvedic herbal paste is prepared using powders chosen for your dosha and concern (Sariva, Manjishtha, Chandan for Pitta-skin support; Rasnadi, Kolakulathadi for joint concerns; Neem, Turmeric for cooling and anti-inflammatory support).
The paste is applied to the target area at a specific thickness and left in place for 30 to 45 minutes. During this time the client rests comfortably. As the paste dries, it releases its therapeutic properties into the skin. At the end, the paste is gently removed, the area is wiped clean, and a short warm oil application or gentle massage may follow. Clients are advised to keep the area comfortable and avoid harsh cleansers on the treated skin for the rest of the day.
Benefits of Lepana
Localised Inflammation Support: Traditionally used for area-specific heat and swelling.
Pain Relief: Beautiful for acute or chronic joint pain.
Skin Support: Traditionally used for skin tone, glow, and pigmentation.
Cooling Effect: Well suited for Pitta-driven concerns.
Anti-Ama Support: Traditionally used to help release localised toxins.
Wound-Healing Support: Historically used for wound healing (only under practitioner guidance).
Post-Injury Support: Often chosen for slow-healing localised concerns.
Concerns Abhyanga Can Support
- Joint pain with inflammation and swelling
- Localised heat and Pitta imbalance
- Skin concerns (eczema, psoriasis patches, pigmentation)
- Acne-related skin heat (as complementary support)
- Chronic muscle knots and localised stiffness
- Slow-healing skin concerns
- Post-injury area-specific swelling (with medical clearance)
- Localised Kapha stagnation
- Age-related skin concerns (Rasayana Lepa variations)
Why Choose Ayurhitam for Lepana in the Bay Area
- Authentic classical protocol: Delivered as per classical Ayurvedic Bahya Chikitsa methods.
- Fresh herbal paste: Prepared for you the day of your session.
- Personalised herbal selection: The Lepana blend is chosen for your dosha, concern, and skin type.
- Certified therapists: Every session delivered by trained Ayurvedic therapists.
- Clean, private therapy space: Dedicated rooms in Fremont, CA.
Featured Questions
Lepana is a classical Ayurvedic herbal paste therapy traditionally used to support relief from localised pain, inflammation, joint concerns, and skin concerns. It is often chosen by Bay Area clients working through localised joint pain, Pitta-driven skin heat, chronic muscle knots, and pigmentation concerns.
Upanaha uses a warm oily herbal paste, bandaged in place for 45 to 60 minutes ($175, 90 min, warming). Lepana uses a cooler herbal paste applied at specific thickness for 30 to 45 minutes without bandaging ($150, 60 min, often cooling). Upanaha suits Vata-Kapha chronic joint stiffness. Lepana suits Pitta-driven inflammation, skin concerns, and localised heat.
Lepana at Ayurhitam is a 60-minute session including paste preparation, application, 30 to 45 minutes of retention, and removal. Please plan for about 75 minutes at the clinic.
Lepana is $150 per 60-minute session. Package pricing is available for a series. Please call 510-556-3738 for current pricing.
Yes, Lepana is one of the classical Ayurvedic therapies for skin concerns like eczema patches, psoriasis, pigmentation, and localised skin heat. Specific herbal blends like Sariva, Manjishtha, Chandan, and Neem are traditionally used to support skin tone, cool localised heat, and calm irritation. Consistent care over weeks is typically needed for skin outcomes.
Lepana is generally safe when supervised by a certified practitioner. It is not recommended over open skin injuries, in cases of herbal allergy, or in acute skin infections. A brief patch test may be done before a full session on new clients. Please share any skin allergies before booking.
For skin concerns, weekly Lepana for 4 to 6 weeks followed by monthly maintenance is common. For joint concerns with inflammation, a series of 5 to 7 sessions on consecutive or alternate days is typically recommended.
Lepana in the Bay Area is offered at Ayurhitam, 43255 Mission Blvd, Suite 100, Fremont, CA 94539. Call 510-556-3738 to book.
Book your Lepana session at Ayurhitam today. Call 510-556-3738. Available at both Fremont and Sunnyvale.
Disclaimer: Ayurhitam is an Ayurvedic wellness center. The services offered are traditional Ayurvedic practices for wellness support and are not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or advice from a licensed physician. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult your medical doctor before beginning any Ayurvedic wellness program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.
