A CLASSICAL AND CRITICAL REVIEW OF DHANYAMLA DHARA: NOMENCLATURE, PREPARATION, THERAPEUTIC PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURAL CONSIDERATIONS

‘Dhanyamla Dhara’ is an external therapeutic procedure in Ayurveda, performed by pouring Dhanyamla continuously over the body or a specific body part for a stipulated period. It is included under Bahirparimarjana Chikitsa (external therapy) and is practiced as Parisheka Sweda (therapeutic pouring/sudation) under Swedana (sudation therapy) Karma, which is one of the procedures associated with Panchakarma. Dhanyamla is a traditionally prepared sour fermented liquid prepared using grains and other prescribed ingredients. The therapeutic effects of Dhanyamla Dhara depend upon the properties of the prepared liquid and the method of its external application. The present article aims to review the classical concept of Dhanyamla Dhara, with emphasis on its ingredients, preparation, properties, therapeutic actions, indications, procedure and benefits. Relevant classical references are compiled to provide a comprehensive understanding of Dhanyamla Dhara and its therapeutic significance.