Definition – Thalapothichil is a special procedure of application of medicated
paste on the head. Thalapothichil is also called as shirolepa [An ointment to
head /head pack]. Thalapothichil word is from Malayalam where thala refers to
head and pothichil is covering. It is the traditional Ayurveda treatment of Kerala
which is very effective in various Neuro-opthalmic disorders.
Method –
The person is made to sit in an easy position. A gentle oil massage is given to
head with specific medicated oil. An herbal paste is freshly prepared by cooking
it with the buttermilk after carefully assessing the condition of the person. The
paste is applied over the scalp in a layer of thickness of about 0.5 to 1
centimeter, leaving a small central portion. A medicated oil is filled in this
groove. The paste is then covered with leaves [plantain or lotus leaf] and cloth
leaving the groove open. At the end of the procedure the paste is removed; a
gentle head massage is given.
Duration of the treatment is 45 minutes – 1 hour (1Muhurta) depending on the
condition.
Indications – Thalapothichil is used to treat a verity of conditions Including Eye
disease like Optic Atrophy,Retinits Pigmentosa and other retinal degenerations,
Macular degenerations ,Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Neuropathy,
Dry eye syndrome, Corneal degenerations and dystrophy,Diplopia,Other Neuro-
opthalmic disorders etc…