Janu Pichu Traditional
Ayurvedic Knee Oil Therapy
A classical Ayurvedic knee therapy using warm medicated oil to ease pain, stiffness, and weakness in the knee joints.
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What is Janu Pichu?
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Janu Pichu is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy used for knee care.
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In this therapy, a soft cotton pad soaked in warm herbal oil is placed on the knee, allowing the oil to slowly penetrate the joint tissues.
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This process helps nourish the knee, keep the joint well-lubricated, and calm Vata dosha, which Ayurveda links to joint pain and stiffness.
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It is often recommended alongside other Ayurvedic therapies to improve joint health and overall treatment effectiveness.
Process of Janu Pichu
Purvakarma
Before Janu Pichu, an Ayurvedic physician selects a suitable medicated oil based on your dosha imbalance. The oil is gently heated until lukewarm, while the knee area may be cleaned before therapy. Sometimes mild Swedana (herbal steam) is applied to relax the joint and open the channels, helping the tissues absorb the oil more effectively.
Pradhanakarma
A cotton pad, called a pichu, is soaked in warm medicated oil and placed directly over the knee joint. The oil temperature is maintained throughout the session to ensure continuous warmth. The pichu is kept in place for a specific duration, allowing the oil to deeply nourish muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and joint spaces.
Paschatkarma
After removing the pichu, the knee is gently wiped and covered to retain warmth. The patient is advised to rest and avoid strain, cold exposure, or sudden movements. Light diet and joint-friendly routines help maintain the therapy’s effects.
Process of Janu Pichu
Purvakarma
Before Janu Pichu, an Ayurvedic physician selects a suitable medicated oil based on your dosha imbalance. The oil is gently heated until lukewarm, while the knee area may be cleaned before therapy. Sometimes mild Swedana (herbal steam) is applied to relax the joint and open the channels, helping the tissues absorb the oil more effectively.
Pradhanakarma
A cotton pad, called a pichu, is soaked in warm medicated oil and placed directly over the knee joint. The oil temperature is maintained throughout the session to ensure continuous warmth. The pichu is kept in place for a specific duration, allowing the oil to deeply nourish muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and joint spaces.
Paschatkarma
After removing the pichu, the knee is gently wiped and covered to retain warmth. The patient is advised to rest and avoid strain, cold exposure, or sudden movements. Light diet and joint-friendly routines help maintain the therapy’s effects.
Key Benefits of Janu Pichu
Janu Pichu is a localized Ayurvedic therapy that nourishes and strengthens the knee joints. It also helps with:
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Pain Relief
Warm medicated oil helps ease knee pain caused by
arthritis, injury, or overuse. -
Reduces Stiffness
Improves joint flexibility and reduces morning stiffness.
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Joint Nourishment
Provides deep nourishment to cartilage, ligaments, and surrounding tissues.
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Improves Mobility
Helps restore smooth knee movement and comfort while
walking or bending. -
Calms Vata Dosha
Especially beneficial in Vata-related joint disorders and
degeneration. -
Supports Recovery
Helpful during rehabilitation after injury or long-term joint
stress.
Mental & Emotional Benefits
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Minimizes discomfort-related stress
Gentle warmth relaxes the body and mind
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Improves comfort
Creates a sense of ease and stability in movement
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Relieves tension
Helps relax muscles around the knee joint
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Promotes relaxation
Encourages a calm and restful state
The History of Janu Pichu
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Janu Pichu is described in classical Ayurvedic practice as a form of Sthanik Sneha Swedana, where medicated oil and gentle warmth are applied locally to the knee joint.
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Ayurvedic texts emphasize oil-based external therapies for joint care, especially in Vata-related conditions affecting movement and lubrication.
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The term “Pichu” refers to a cotton pad soaked in oil, used to keep the area warm and help the oil penetrate slowly.
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Traditionally, it was used for knee problems caused by aging, injury, dryness, or joint degeneration.
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This therapy helps lubricate the knee, improve blood flow, and strengthen surrounding tissues, reducing pain and stiffness.
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Classical Ayurveda recommends localized oil therapies like Janu Pichu to nourish bones (asthi) and sandhi (joints) dhatu, maintaining their strength and flexibility.
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Janu Pichu supports preventive joint care, using regular oil therapy to maintain knee health and reduce Vata-related wear.
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Janu Pichu is now part of modern Ayurvedic practice, keeping its traditional principles intact.
Conditions Reversed
Janu Pichu works by delivering warmth and medicated oil directly to the knee joint. It helps in:
Osteoarthritis of the
Knee
Joint Stiffness and
Weakness
Post-injury Knee
Discomfort
Vata-related Knee
Disorders
FAQ’s
Janu Pichu is an Ayurvedic therapy where warm medicated oil is applied to the knee using a cotton pad to relieve pain and stiffness.
It helps nourish the knee joint, reduce pain, improve flexibility, and calm Vata imbalance.
Usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the condition.
It is generally warm, soothing, and relaxing.
People with open wounds, infections, or acute swelling in the knee should avoid it unless advised by an Ayurvedic doctor.
Rest the knee, avoid cold exposure, and follow the diet or activity guidance given by the physician.
