Njavarakizhi treatment (Ayurvedic rice pouch therapy)

Of all the therapies I provide for my patients with muscle and nerve-related conditions, I recommend Njavarakizhi more than any other. Known as Shashtikashali Pinda Swedana, this therapy uses a special medicinal rice of Ayurvedic herbal systems of India called shashtika shali, or raktha shali. It is used for its special therapeutic value. In this therapy, rice is cooked with milk and a herbal decoction and then made into the medicinal tool of the therapy.

How the Treatment Is Actually Done

The treatment starts with the application of medicated oil on the patient’s body. The patient lies comfortably on a treatment table. Njavara pouches are dipped in a boiling mixture of cow’s milk along with a decoction of kurumthotti (or bala moola, which is the root of Sida cordifolia) and then pouches are rubbed over the body to promote the process of swedana and generate sweat. This heat also provides the medicinal properties that further penetrate into the muscles, bones, and joints.

There are seven positions the practitioner will use whilst conducting the treatment, and based on your individual issue, treatment may either be carried out on the whole body or just one specific area. Once I become aware that my patients or the students I am training are going to be receiving this procedure, I always tell them the same thing. For this procedure to offer the best results, it should be carried out continuously with no breaks, since the rhythm and the consistent heat are critical to the success of the procedure. The average duration of one session is between one hour to one and a half hours, and the number of sessions required typically ranges from one session to three sessions, depending on the severity of the condition.

At the end of a session, the remnants of the rice are removed and a medicinal oil is applied to the body. It is recommended that patients refrain from bathing for at least a half an hour, as it allows the treatment to stabilize in the cells of the body.

Why Njavarakizhi is One of the Advanced Rejuvenation Ayurveda Treatments

This ayurvedic procedure is one of the best options that facilitates rejuvenation. It increases the tone and strength of the tissue and musculature of the body, and it is also very effective in the relaxation of musculature and the reduction of pain.

Support for Muscle Wasting and Degenerative Conditions

In my personal opinion, this treatment is one of the best options when attempting to rehabilitate conditions associated with muscle wasting and/or paralysis, dystrophy, and general emaciation. It aids the stabilization of deteriorating and/or developing abnormal musculature, and it also provides restorative energizing properties beyond the treatment that is available through diet and exercise, especially for individuals who are physically restricted.

Strengthening Musculoskeletal Health

For painful musculoskeletal issues like spondylitis, sciatica, arthritis, or scoliosis, Njavarakizhi provides a building treatment. Rather than just relieving pain, it builds the surrounding muscle structure. Although I frequently combine Njavarakizhi with other treatment methods based on the given condition, it provides consistent improvement to muscle tone and joint support during the full course of treatment. I have even seen these improvements in Njavarakizhi alone.

Supporting Neurological Recovery

Njavarakizhi has a strengthening function towards the restoration of sensory and even more so motor functions in many neurological conditions, such as paraplegia, paralysis, and many variations of different palsies. It cannot cure these ailments, however, it also functions greatly as part of a more comprehensive Ayurvedic and rehabilitative treatment, as it even more consistently supports gradual improvement of the conduction of nerves and the responsiveness of muscles.

Broader Benefits Beyond the Primary Condition

Beyond the treatment of given ailments, more frequently visible improvements to the texture and condition of skin have been reported after a course of treatment. Its truly calming effect on body and mind even helps stress and fatigue while enhancing immunity. Overall, the longer a patient is consistent with the full course of treatment, the more pronounced these effects are.

Before Treatments Commence

Due to the complexity and duration of this therapy, it is crucial that a trained Ayurvedic Therapist performs this treatment. It involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s doshas and overall constitution, and should not be attempted on the basis of a home remedy. For safety and efficacy, all elements (control of temperature, rhythm, and the herbs) should be done with professional oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Njavarakizhi is a highly effective form of therapy that helps with muscle weakness, degenerative disorders, neurological disorders and has many other benefits such as skin health, stress relief and boosts immunity. At Kottakkal Ayurveda, we take into account each of our patients’ unique concerns and their constitution so that we can safely and productively provide our therapy on a case by case basis determine the duration of the therapy.

About the Author

Dr. Nasreen Thacham Poyil is an Ayurvedic Physician at Kottakkal Ayurvedic Treatment Centre, Ajman. She is a graduate of VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal and has a great wealth of knowledge and experience to treat a wide variety of ailments such as Musculoskeletal, skin, gut, gynecology, and neurological disorders.

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