NAVARA KIZHI

Herbal Rice Poultice Therapy

There are numerous therapies in Ayurveda and Navara Kizhi is one of the most effective ways to relax the mind and body.

Navara Kizhi is known as Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda in Sanskrit where Shashtika means 60, Shali means rice, Pinda means poultice, and Sweda means sweat. It is a type of massage that induces sweat and provides strength to the muscles while rejuvenating and re-energizing your body.

This procedure uses Shashtika Shali (a special type of rice harvested in 60 days and exclusively used for Ayurveda treatments), which is processed in herbal decoctions and milk. It is then tied in a poultice to be rubbed against the whole body or afflicted part to provide heat to painful joints and muscles.

This strengthening treatment gives nutrition to the tissues which are undergoing depletion and degeneration. It also has an extraordinary relaxing and analgesic effect. This is a time-tested treatment administered to those ailing from musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases.

Navara Kizhi Preparation


Balamula (the root of Sida Cordifolia) is thoroughly washed with sterile water to remove dirt and impurities. The roots are then cut into small pieces and put in a vessel containing water. This mixture is boiled until the quantity is reduced to a quarter of the initial quantity. The resultant liquid is then strained to obtain a decoction of Bala Kwath (Sida Cordifolia root decoction).

This decoction is divided into 2 equal parts. Milk and rice are added to one part and cooked. After cooking thoroughly, the mixture is ground until softened. The other half of the decoction is added to milk and heated on a low flame.

To make the poultice, several pieces of sterile cloth are cut into circular dimensions. The cooked rice is divided and put onto each piece of cloth. These are tied into poultices tightly bound by strong threads. It is important that the poultices are wrapped tightly so that hand gripping is easy during treatment.

Navara Kizhi 2

Navara Kizhi Procedure

Purva Karma (Pre-treatment)

The treatment begins with abhyangam (oil massage) followed by Amalaki Tala-dharana. A paste made by boiling amla in buttermilk is applied on the crown of the head and tied with a bandage. A well-like structure is made with the paste and filled with coolant oils like Chandanabala Lakshadi Tailam.

The Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda procedure involves the application of heat to the body for more than an hour. The heat might affect the brain and the sense organs, so Amalaki Tala-dharana protects these organs by providing a cooling effect on the mind and body.
 

Pradhan Karma (Procedure)

Navara Kizhi is performed by 4 attendants or masseurs (2 on each side of the body) who work in a synchronized manner. The poultices are dipped in the heated medicated milk and are rubbed and stroked on both sides of the patient’s body in a rhythmic way. The strokes are given in a clockwise manner covering all the joints in the body in a downward direction from the nape of the neck to the lower back and from the hips towards the feet.

The poultices are replaced with fresh warm ones once they cool.

This procedure must be performed continuously without any interruption. Each session of this procedure takes about 70 to 105 minutes while the duration of the treatment may vary from 7 to 21 days depending on the severity of the condition.
 

Paschat Karma (Post-treatment)

After the procedure, the poultices are opened and the rice is rubbed gently over the patient’s body for 10-15 minutes. This is wiped off with a tissue or sterile cloth. The Tala-dharana is also slowly removed and the head is wiped off with a sterile cloth. The patient’s body is sponged with hot water to remove the oil from the body and head, followed by a hot water shower.

Navara Kizhi 3

Precautions

 
  • Poultices should not be too hot.
  • This procedure should be performed only under the supervision of an expert therapist.
  • If the patient develops excessive sweating, treatment should be stopped to avoid dehydration.

Indications

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Muscular pain
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Myalgia
  • Prolapse of intervertebral disc
  • Spondylolisthesis

Contraindications

  • This treatment is not recommended for patients with diabetes unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
  • High blood pressure – treatment can be done for local problems in joints and soft tissues but only under the supervision of a trained expert.
  • Severe varicosity of veins
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Fractures
  • Fever
  • Severe inflammation

Benefits of Navara Kizhi

  • Helps in preventing the degeneration of joint tissues and wasting of muscles
  • Provides lightness in the joints, soft tissues, and muscles by inducing sweat
  • Corrects morbidity associated with Vata and Pitta doshas
  • Enhances flexibility and movement of joints
  • Enhances skin color and complexion by improving blood circulation in the skin

Limitations of Navara Kizhi


The Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda is one of the best Ayurvedic treatments because it provides relief from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and other conditions. It relieves stress, provides good immunity, and is also highly nutritious.

While it is beneficial for these ailments, it should be noted that it is not the sole remedy. In some cases, disease-modifying drugs and/or compounds must be taken for better relief. Some oral medications which enhance strength and stability should also be included.

Advisory Note


As with all Ayurvedic treatments, the Navara Kizhi must be performed by a trained Ayurvedic therapist under the supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor.

Related Links

 
  • https://easyayurveda.com/2016/02/04/navarakizhi-shashtika-shali-pinda-sweda-procedure-benefits/
  • https://manaltheeram.com/AYURVEDA/treatments/NJAVARAKIZHI
  • https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/navara-kizhi-an-oil-free-nourishing-ayurveda-massage-bs0317/
  • https://www.ayurtimes.com/navarakizhi-shashtika-shali-pinda-sweda/

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What is Ayurveda?

Practiced by the great sages of ancient India, Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of holistic medicine defined as Knowledge of Life (Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge). It describes the healthy and unhealthy state of life (mind and body) and describes the methods of balancing unhealthy conditions. Ayurveda focuses on the wellness of every person as a whole. Since the constitution differs from person to person, the wellness therapies also differ and are unique to every individual.

What is Naturopathy?

Human beings have remarkable recuperative powers that can heal the body on its own without external chemical or surgical interference, which simply suppresses symptoms but does not heal nor remove the root cause of the disease. Naturopathy seeks to heal the body by promoting its own internal processes. Naturopathy gives importance to internal hygienic conditions using healing therapies such as Dietetics, Hydrotherapy, Mud therapy, Reflexology, and Massage, among others.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a lifestyle, to be incorporated. It includes practices like Kriyas, Asanas, Pranayama, Bandha, Mudra, Meditation etc.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a holistic energy healing technique where a certified healer directs universal energy to the person who seeks healing. This restores your emotional, physical and spiritual energy.

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If you choose our all-inclusive package, you will get a well-appointed luxurious room, Ayurvedic therapies, Naturopathic therapies ( hydrotherapy, massage, mud therapy, reflexology, dietetics) yoga sessions, acupuncture, all meals, all amenities, and a personal wellness consultation.

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