Pichu
A warm oil-soaked pad on the area. Relieves disc issues, spine problems and deep pain.
Duration
30 min
Price
$75
Locations
Fremont
Pichu: Warm Oil-Soaked Pad Therapy for Disc, Spine and Deep Pain
Pichu at Ayurhitam is a 30-minute classical Ayurvedic therapy in which a cotton pad soaked in warm medicated oil is placed on the affected area and kept warm for the duration of the session. Priced at $75 per session, this therapy is one of the most accessible localised Ayurvedic practices and is often chosen for disc-related concerns, spine issues, and deep, penetrating pain that needs sustained oil contact.
Pichu is deceptively simple: a folded cotton pad, warm medicated oil, and time. But the sustained oil contact and continuous warmth allow the medicine to penetrate deeply into the tissues, joints, or spine below. Ayurvedic texts describe Pichu as one of the gentlest yet most effective localised therapies, especially for Vata-dominant deep-tissue concerns.
What is Pichu?
Pichu (also called Pichudharana) is a classical Ayurvedic Snehana (oleation) therapy described in Ashtanga Hridayam and other traditional Ayurvedic texts. A pad of clean, absorbent cotton is folded to fit the affected area, soaked in warm medicated oil, and placed directly on the skin. The pad is kept warm by periodically re-soaking or by covering with a warm compress. The oil slowly seeps into the tissues below, working over 20 to 30 minutes.
Pichu is particularly valued for the spine, especially in disc-related concerns and chronic spine stiffness. It is also used on the head (Shiro Pichu) for headache, insomnia, and hair concerns; on joints for chronic joint pain; and over the abdomen (rarely, and only under specific conditions) for deep abdominal Vata concerns.
How is Pichu Done at Ayurhitam?
The session begins with a short assessment to confirm the target area, choose the medicated oil, and understand the specific concern. The client is positioned comfortably. A folded cotton pad is soaked in warm medicated oil (chosen based on your dosha and concern) and placed on the target area. The pad is covered to retain warmth and is re-soaked with fresh warm oil every few minutes to maintain temperature and oil saturation.
The session is deeply restful. Many clients close their eyes and rest deeply through the 30 minutes. At the end, the pad is removed, the area is gently wiped, and a short massage may follow. Clients are advised to keep the warmth, avoid cold air, and drink warm water for the rest of the day. Pichu is often paired with Kati Basti, Janu Basti, or Manya Basti in the same treatment plan for compound benefit.
Benefits of Pichu
Deep Oil Penetration: The sustained warmth and contact support deeper reach than surface massage.
Spine and Disc Support: Traditionally used for chronic spine stiffness and disc-related concerns.
Vata Pacification: The warm oil is one of the classical Vata-soothing Ayurvedic practices
Chronic Pain Support: Beautiful for deep, long-standing pain that responds slowly to other therapies.
Gentle and Restful: One of the calmest Ayurvedic therapies to receive.
Time-Efficient: A shorter 30-minute session that fits into a workday.
Affordable Entry Point: $75 makes it one of the most accessible clinical Ayurvedic therapies.
Concerns Pichu Can Support
- Disc-related concerns (as complementary support)
- Chronic spine stiffness
- Sciatica and radiating leg discomfort
- Chronic joint pain (Sandhi Pichu)
- Frozen shoulder
- Post-injury deep-tissue stiffness
- Chronic headache (Shiro Pichu variation)
- Insomnia (Shiro Pichu variation)
- Vata-dominant deep-tissue concerns
Why Choose Ayurhitam for Pichu in the Bay Area
- Authentic protocol: Delivered as per classical Ayurvedic texts
- Personalised oil selection: Chosen based on your dosha and specific concern.
- Certified therapists: Every session supervised by trained Ayurvedic therapists.
- Clean, private therapy space: Dedicated rooms in Fremont, CA.
- Beautiful pairing: Combines well with Kati Basti, Janu Basti, Manya Basti, or Local Abhyanga.
Featured Questions
Pichu is a classical Ayurvedic oil-pad therapy traditionally used to support relief from disc concerns, spine stiffness, chronic joint pain, and Vata-dominant deep-tissue concerns. It is often chosen by Bay Area clients working through sciatica, disc issues, chronic back concerns, and long-standing joint discomfort.
Both use warm medicated oil on the lower back area. Kati Basti pools oil inside a dough dam for 30 to 45 minutes ($150). Pichu uses a warm oil-soaked cotton pad kept in continuous contact for 30 minutes or stay on for 4-6 hours depending on the condition($75). Pichu is gentler and more accessible; Kati Basti is deeper and more intensive. Both are traditionally used for lower back concerns, and are often combined in a treatment plan.
Pichu at Ayurhitam is a 30-minute session. Including pre-session assessment and closing rest, please plan for about 45 minutes at the clinic.
Pichu is $75 per 30-minute session. Package pricing is available for a series. Please call 510-556-3738 for current pricing.
Yes, Pichu is one of the classical Ayurvedic therapies traditionally used for disc-related concerns and chronic spine stiffness. The sustained warm oil contact is traditionally used to nourish the spinal discs and surrounding tissues. It is a supportive Ayurvedic therapy and works best alongside medical evaluation of the underlying disc concern.
A gentle version of Pichu (self-oiled compress) can be done at home for maintenance, and we can teach the technique during consultation. A full clinical Pichu with medicated oils, precise oil temperature control, and correct pad preparation is best received at our clinic.
Pichu is generally safe when supervised by a certified practitioner. It is not recommended over open skin injuries, acute infection, or in cases of oil allergy. A brief assessment confirms your eligibility.
For chronic concerns, a series of 5 to 10 sessions on consecutive or alternate days is typically recommended, often combined with deeper therapies. For maintenance, once every 4 to 6 weeks is a common rhythm.
Pichu in the Bay Area is offered at Ayurhitam, 43255 Mission Blvd, Suite 100, Fremont, CA 94539. Call 510-556-3738 to book.
Book your Pichu session at Ayurhitam today. Call 510-556-3738
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.
