Navarakizhi

Navarakizhi (also known as Njavarakizhi or Shashtika Pinda Sweda) is an Ayurvedic massage that uses Navara rice poultice (hence the name of the treatment). Navara is an indigenous variety of organic rice grown in Kerala that has medicinal properties. The rice is cooked in herbal decoction and cow’s milk, which is the main ingredient in its preparation. This massage is beneficial for strengthening the nerves, nourishing the tissues and enhancing muscle strength.

What is the process of Navarakizhi?

Prior to Navarakizhi, medicated oil massage may be done based on your body constitution as advised by our doctor. Navara rice, cooked in a mixture of milk and herbal decoction, is made into a small bolus in cotton cloth and is massaged lukewarm over your body. The bolus gets smaller and smaller over the course of the treatment as the navara rice is used up. Despite using lukewarm milk and warm herbal decoction, Navarakizhi is actually a cooling and nourishing massage.

According to your skin condition and the directions of our Ayurvedic consultant, oil may or may not be used for the treatment.

What are the benefits?

Navarakizhi nourishes your skin (as well as the subcutaneous tissue and muscle tissues), softens skin, enhances complexion, strengthens body muscles, cures joints stiffness and improves digestion. The treatment helps in strengthening the nerves and relieving neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness and paralysis. It can bring about strength to your body muscles and helps prevent muscle wasting. It is advised for the management of certain diseases like hemiplegia (weakness of one side of the body), facial and limb paralysis, muscular atrophy, rheumatism, wasting (or malnutrition) of the limbs etc.

Navarakizhi can also be used for beauty therapy as it enhances the glow and fairness of the skin. It helps prepare the individual to bear the stresses and strains of a busy lifestyle.

How long is the treatment?

Navarakizhi Ayurvedic massage generally lasts 60 minutes, but may vary from individual to individual. Treatment is advised as a full course for 7 or 10 days, depending on the needs of the individual.