Rukshana
Rukshana originates from Ruksha, meaning dry. It is the therapy that increases dryness and roughness in the body. Because of that it removes excessive mucus, fat and moist from the tissues and organs.
Therefore it is a useful therapy if you are experiencing symptoms like high cholesterol, undue sweating, edema or coughing up mucus. In general very suitable when Kapha is aggravated.
It goes without saying that dryness is the main quality associated with this therapy. Other properties are lightness, roughness, heat and sharpness.
Drying herbs like black pepper, cinnamon or turmeric are efficient ways of implementing this therapy in your meals. As is judiciously reducing your water intake. Some grains have a diuretic effect and are thus drying to the body. In case you’re looking for an excuse to go abroad: living in a dry climate or at high altitude also desiccates your system.
Besides nutritional and lifestyle advices, AyurJoya offers udvartana, a massage in which dry powder is used. The Ayurvedic sweat box can also be used for rukshana therapy (see Svedana).