What Is Lepanam Therapy in Ayurveda, and How Does It Work for Pain and Skin Health? - #14196
I recently heard about Lepanam therapy, an Ayurvedic treatment where herbal pastes are applied to the body to relieve pain, inflammation, and skin disorders. While I know it is a widely used external treatment for joint pain, muscle stiffness, and chronic skin conditions, I want to understand its full range of benefits and how it differs from regular oil massage therapies. Some sources suggest that Lepanam is beneficial for arthritis, swelling, and even skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema, but I am unsure how long the paste needs to stay on the skin and whether it provides instant relief or requires multiple sessions. Also, I have read that there are different types of Lepanam, including cooling pastes for Pitta imbalance and warming pastes for Vata disorders. For those who have undergone Lepanam therapy, what was your experience like? Did it provide significant pain relief, skin healing, or long-term wellness improvements? Is it more effective than Ayurvedic oil massages like Abhyanga? Would love to hear from people who have tried Lepanam therapy for pain relief or skin health and whether it provided lasting benefits. Also, is it safe for all skin types, or should it be done under expert supervision?
100% Anonymous
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Lepanam therapy is indeed a potent Ayurvedic treatment, often used to provide targeted relief from conditions like joint pain, muscle stiffness, and chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Unlike regular oil massage therapies like Abhyanga, which are designed to promote overall relaxation, circulation, and detoxification, Lepanam specifically targets localized issues using herbal pastes that are applied directly to the affected areas of the body. These pastes are typically made from a combination of medicinal herbs that are chosen based on the individual’s dosha imbalance—cooling pastes for Pitta imbalances (which help with inflammation and skin irritations) and warming pastes for Vata imbalances (which help with dryness, stiffness, and joint pain).
The application of the herbal paste may vary depending on the severity of the condition. For skin disorders, the paste may stay on the skin for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment plan. For pain and inflammation, the paste is often applied and left for longer periods, sometimes even covered with a cloth to retain heat. While Lepanam offers targeted and intense relief, its effects are usually gradual, with multiple sessions recommended for chronic conditions. Instant relief may be felt in some cases, especially for acute inflammation or pain, but lasting results usually require consistent treatments.
Many people report significant pain relief from arthritis or joint swelling, as well as improvements in skin conditions with regular use of Lepanam therapy. Lepanam can be more effective than an oil massage like Abhyanga in addressing localized conditions, as it focuses deeply on the area of concern with the healing properties of the herbs. However, Abhyanga offers a more holistic treatment, promoting overall relaxation, detoxification, and general well-being. Both therapies can be complementary when used together.
As for skin safety, Lepanam is generally safe when performed under the guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner, as they will select the appropriate herbs based on your skin type and condition. Some individuals with sensitive or highly allergic skin might need more caution or different herbal formulations to avoid irritation. It is always advisable to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for a personalized assessment before undergoing Lepanam, especially for those with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions.
recently heard about Lepanam therapy, an Ayurvedic treatment where herbal pastes are applied to the body to relieve pain, inflammation, and skin disorders. While I know it is a widely used external treatment for joint pain, muscle stiffness, and chronic skin conditions, I want to understand its full range of benefits and how it differs from regular oil massage therapies.
Some sources suggest that Lepanam is beneficial for arthritis, swelling, and even skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema, but I am unsure how long the paste needs to stay on the skin and whether it provides instant relief or requires multiple sessions. Also, I have read that there are different types of Lepanam, including cooling pastes for Pitta imbalance and warming pastes for Vata disorders.
For those who have undergone Lepanam therapy, what was your experience like? Did it provide significant pain relief, skin healing, or long-term wellness improvements? Is it more effective than Ayurvedic oil massages like Abhyanga?
Would love to hear from people who have tried Lepanam therapy for pain relief or skin health and whether it provided lasting benefits. Also, is it safe for all skin types, or should it be done under expert supervision?
Ah, Lepanam therapy! It’s an essential ayurvedic treatment worth knowing about, especially for pain relief and skin health. So, you’re right - Lepanam involves applying specific herbal pastes to the affected areas, and it’s not just another oil massage method. This technique directly targets localized issues and treats conditions such as arthritis, skin inflammations, and chronic joint or muscle pain by balancing your doshas.
In Ayurveda, the type of paste and its properties – cooling or warming – depend on the individual’s dosha imbalance. Like you mentioned, comforting cooling pastes work wonders for Pitta-related problems, often involving infections or redness. Whereas, warming pastes help alleviate Vata disorders, which manifest as pain, stiffness, or dryness.
About how long the paste should stay on? Generally, it’s left for about 30 mins to an hour, depending on the ailment and patient’s condition. Can be a bit messy but definitely worth it! Many do report feelings of relief shortly after, but regularly undergoing multiple sessions are usually needed for more persistent issues.
Comparing Lepanam to Abhyanga, which is an oil-based massage therapy- Lepanam aims for deep penetration into the tissues to tackle specific issues. Abhyanga gives a whole-body rejuvenating experience and balances overall energy flow.
From what I hear, those who have tried Lepanam often experience tangible relief with conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, calming the skin and reducing flare-ups timeously. However, it can be super important to do this under supervision - not just because of potential skin sensitivity but cuz expertly applied treatment ensures optimal benefits.
For safety’s sake, explore a professional Ayurvedic practitioner who can assess your dosha and guide you through the process to ensure it’s compatible with your constitution. That way, you’ll avoid any possible adverse reactions if your skin is on the sensitive side. Keep in mind, Ayurveda emphasizes a personalized approach, so what works for you might be different for someone else!

100% Anonymous
600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.
About our doctors
Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.