Navarakizhi Therapy in Ayurveda: Benefits and Procedure

Navarakizhi, also called Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda or Pinda Sweda, is a special Ayurvedic treatment. It involves the use of warm, medicated rice pouches, typically made from Navara rice, boiled and tied in linen bundles. This therapy helps heal muscles, reduce pain, and rejuvenate the body. It is highly popular in Kerala and is often used in Panchakarma and rejuvenation therapies. Rasayana Ayurveda centre provides the best Ayurvedic treatment in Kochi, especially for Navarakizhi.

What is the procedure of Navarakizhi Therapy?

1. Preparation:

As the name suggests, Navarakizhi is prepared with boiled Navara rice with herbal decoction and milk. The rice is tied into small linen bundles like pouches (small bags that are able to be held with one hand for easy movement).

2. Oil Massage:

The body is massaged with warm medicated oils to relax the muscles.

3. Warm Massages:

Navarakizhi is dipped in milk and herbal decoction at regular intervals. There will be flame beneath the milk and decoction mixture. It needs to be slightly warm as it needs to penetrate the medicated value deep inside the tissues and muscles. The pouches are reheated and replaced as they cool down.

4. Duration:

The Navarakizhi massage typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes per session and is usually performed daily for 7 to 14 days, depending on the illness. The treatment is administered by four therapists, two on each side of the body, who work in synchronized movements to ensure uniform heat penetration.

5. Rest and Detox:

After the massage, the person rests to allow the body to absorb the herbal benefits. Depending on the specific disease or ailment, mild steam therapy may also be given alongside Navarakizhi therapy.

6. Post therapy sessions:

The body is wiped with a towel.

What are the benefits of Navarakizhi therapy?

Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that blends traditional wisdom and medicinal values, supported by historical evidence and ancient scriptures. Recently, more people have been choosing Ayurveda over modern medicine due to its proven therapeutic benefits.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, various decoctions (kashayam), herbal tablets (gulika), and therapies are highly effective, offering numerous health benefits.

The Benefits of Navarakizhi Therapy

Navarakizhi is a powerful Ayurvedic treatment that helps heal the body, reduce pain, and restore energy. Let’s explore its key benefits for different parts of the body:  

• Musculoskeletal benefits

The benefits are received through bones, muscles, and joints.

It easily relieves arthritis and joint pain: Navarakizhi, the rice bundle with medicated oil and herbal decoction, helps to reduce the swelling and stiffness in the joints, especially in the knees, back, and shoulders. It is great for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and spondylitis.

It strengthens bones and tissues: The special Navara rice and herbal oils help to nourish bones and muscles, making them stronger. It is recommended for heavy injuries and fractures because of its fast recovery.

It reduces muscle stiffness and pain: As age goes up, there will be wear and tear of tissues. The body needs some sort of rejuvenation. This is ideal for athletes, gym enthusiasts, or people with back pain, sciatica, or frozen shoulder.

• Neurological and circulatory benefits

Neurological and circulatory means nerves and blood flow.

Navarakizhi improves the blood flow: The massage helps blood flow better, reduces numbness, and works best for cold hands and feet.

Reduces Nerve Pain: Since it is frequently dipped in the warm decoction and herbal mixture, this warm therapy soothes pinched nerves, helping with sciatica, partial paralysis, and nerve damage.

Calm the nervous system: It helps deal with stress, anxiety, and insomnia by relaxing the body deeply. 

• Rejuvenation and detoxification

Glowing and healthy skin: the herbal oil and rice milk mixture removes the dryness, making it soft and delicate. It is highly recommended for skin-related diseases like psoriasis and eczema.

Removes toxins from the body: Our bodies accumulate toxins from food, lifestyle, or constipation-related issues. The heat and herbs help pull out toxins stored in muscles and joints.

Delays ageing: Regular therapy keeps the skin glowing, muscles firm, reduces wrinkles, and boosts energy.

• Post-illness recovery

It helps with healing and energy boost. It is highly recommended for improving mobility after a stroke. It reduces pain after surgeries like hip and knee replacements.

It is ideal for patients who can restore energy after chronic fatigue. People with low immunity, weakened, or long-term illnesses feel more energetic after Navarakizhi treatment. It is also highly recommended for bedridden patients to rejuvenate the muscles. It helps prevent and assist those who are unable to move much in avoiding muscle weakness.

Who should try Navarakizhi?

When reading the article, you may wonder or concerns may arise about whether this is applicable for people of any age group. Can this be considered just a rejuvenation therapy?

People with joint pains or muscle stiffness can opt for the choice of Navarakizhi. Those who are recovering from surgery, fractures, and paralysis, anyone feeling tired, stressed, or weak, and People looking for glowing skin and anti-aging benefits.

Precautions: consider if you have a fever, infections, severe heart issues, or open wounds. Approval of a medical practitioner is valid; rather than making a self-decision is always on the safer side.

End Note

Rasayana Ayurveda Centre is an Ayurvedic rejuvenation centre in Kerala. Navarakizhi is like a deep healing massage that works on muscles, nerves, skin, and energy levels. Taking a full body rejuvenation therapy is always ideal for body, mind, and soul. It’s a natural way to recover, detox, and stay young!