Udvartana (Udwarthanam) in JVC, Dubai — Ayurvedic herbal powder massage, prescribed by a doctor.
Udvartana is a firm, upward massage with warm herbal powders, traditionally used for heaviness, sluggish metabolism and as support in weight management. At Vedara Care near Circle Mall, JVC, Dr. Zainab Sheikh (BAMS, MD Ayurveda) chooses dry or oil-based Udvartana and the powder, and same-gender therapists give the treatment.
STIMULATING, NOT SOOTHING
Firm upward strokes with warm herbal powder — the opposite of a relaxing oil massage.
THE QUICK ANSWER
Udvartana, in one paragraph.
Udvartana, also written Udwarthanam, is a classical Ayurvedic massage in which warm herbal powders are rubbed firmly upwards over the body, against the direction of hair growth. It comes in two forms: Rukshana (dry powder), the classical choice for heaviness and weight management, and Snigdha (powder mixed with oil), which is gentler on dry or sensitive skin. It is traditionally used for heaviness, sluggish metabolism and as support in weight management alongside diet and activity — it does not burn fat on its own. At Vedara Care Polyclinic in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), near Circle Mall, Udvartana starts with a 45 to 60-minute consultation with Dr. Zainab Sheikh (BAMS, MD Ayurveda, DHA-licensed), who chooses the form and powder, and same-gender therapists give the treatment. The clinic is open daily 9am to 10pm and is close to JVT, Al Barsha South and Arjan.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Zainab Sheikh, BAMS, MD (Ayurveda), DHA licence 20918133. Reviewed November 2026.
Why Udvartana is done with powder, upwards.
In Ayurveda, heaviness, excess weight and sluggish circulation are linked to Kapha. Dry, warming powders and brisk upward strokes are the classical way to counter it — the opposite of an oil massage, which nourishes.
Udvartana is often part of a wider plan with diet, activity, other therapies such as Abhyanga, and sometimes Panchakarma.
What does the research say? There is very little published research on Udvartana. We present it as support for weight management and well-being, not as a weight-loss treatment by itself.
TYPES OF UDVARTANA
Dry or oil-based: two kinds of Udvartana.
The doctor chooses the form and the powder for your skin and goal.
Rukshana Udvartana
Dry powder
Warm dry herbal powder with firm upward strokes. The classical form.
Typically prescribed for:
Snigdha Udvartana
Powder with oil
Herbal powder mixed with medicated oil; gentler on the skin.
Typically prescribed for:
Common powders include Kolakulathadi Churna and Triphala Churna; the doctor decides which suits you.
What happens at an Udvartana session.
Every session follows the same steps; the form, powder and course are set by your doctor.
Consultation
Your first visit is a 45-60 minute consultation with Dr. Zainab: your health, skin, weight goals and medicines are checked, and she decides whether Udvartana suits you.
The massage
A same-gender therapist rubs the warm powder firmly upwards over the body, area by area.
Steam (if prescribed)
Some plans add medicated steam (Swedana) afterwards.
Shower and advice
You shower to remove the powder and receive diet and activity advice.
Session length and the number of sessions depend on your plan.
WHAT UDVARTANA IS USED FOR
When Udvartana may help.
The doctor checks your health first; weight gain can have medical causes that need other care.
STRONG INDICATIONS
With diet and activity
Often in a short course
Brisk upward strokes
With Abhyanga or Panchakarma
Alongside your doctor (e.g. diabetes, thyroid)
COMPLEMENTARY USE
Real Ayurvedic doctors at our JVC clinic recommend something else when this treatment is not appropriate.
Who should not have Udvartana, and possible side effects.
Your doctor will postpone or change Udvartana if you have:
- Broken, infected or very sensitive skin
- A rash, eczema or psoriasis flare
- Fever or acute illness
- Pregnancy
- Recent surgery
- Very low body weight
Usually mild and short-lived:
- Skin redness or warmth
- Dry skin (Snigdha Udvartana is gentler)
- Mild soreness after the first sessions
- Rarely, skin irritation from the powder (tell the therapist)
Tell the doctor about any skin condition and all medicines you take before your first session.
What patients say about Ayurveda at Vedara Care
Real reviews from our Google Business Profile, quoted as written.
"Excellent Ayurveda treatment. Experienced doctors, caring staff, and effective results. Highly satisfied."
Seethubhoopesh Seethubhoopesh
Google review · 5 stars · 8 months ago
"I went to vedara clinic for my knee pain and taken Ayurveda treatment. Now i am really better. Thank you Vedara Team."
Preethi Mis
Google review · 5 stars · 8 month ago
"The best ayurveda clinic in jvc i found thank you for the treatment"
shamna tcam
Google review · 5 stars · 8 month ago
4.5
Google rating
25
Google reviews
Udvartana: your questions answered.
Answers reviewed by Dr. Zainab Sheikh. For other therapies, see our guide to Ayurvedic treatment in Dubai.
Ask the team on WhatsAppVISIT US
Udvartana in JVC, near Circle Mall.
Patients visit us from JVC, JVT, Al Barsha South, Arjan, Dubai Production City, Sports City and Motor City.
NEARBY LANDMARKS
- ✓Near Circle Mall
- ✓Close to JSS Private School
- ✓Free and paid parking available
READY?
Start with a consultation. The right plan follows from it.
In 45 to 60 minutes, Dr. Zainab will check whether Udvartana suits you, dry or oil-based, and how it fits with diet and activity.
Prices shared on WhatsApp - Same-gender therapists - Free and paid parking - Near Circle Mall, JVC
EXPLORE FURTHER
Related pages.
Ayurveda for weight loss
The full plan for weight management.
Learn moreAbhyanga
Warm oil massage, the nourishing opposite of Udvartana.
Learn moreAyurvedic massage
Compare all Ayurvedic massages in JVC.
Learn moreBasti
Classical Ayurvedic enema therapy.
Learn morePanchakarma
The full five-action programme.
Learn more