Boluses of Navara rice cooked in milk and herbal decoction are massaged over the body — a nourishing Kerala therapy for muscles, nerves and tissues.
Navara Kizhi is a nourishing bolus therapy: Navara, a medicinal rice from Kerala, is cooked in milk and a herbal decoction, tied into cloth bundles and massaged warm over the body. Kizhi means a tied bundle in Malayalam; the Sanskrit name, Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda, refers to rice that ripens in sixty days. It belongs to the Kizhi & Sweda family, but unlike its drying siblings it is meant to build and nourish rather than reduce.
A session runs about 60–90 minutes. Navara Kizhi is carried out at Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe, a doctor-led Ayurveda hospital at Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131 — within reach of Medavakkam, Sholinganallur, OMR, Pallikaranai, Velachery and Tambaram.
What Navara Kizhi is traditionally used for
Navara Kizhi is traditionally used for muscle and nerve weakness, debility and recovery, neurological complaints, alongside medical care and rejuvenation.
Navara Kizhi is traditionally used to support people whose muscles and nerves have weakened: wasting after a long illness or time in bed, weakness and stiffness after a stroke or with other neurological conditions (always alongside a neurologist’s care), and the thin, tired body of older age.
At Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe it is a regular part of the 42-day postnatal care programme, given by female therapists. It is typically planned for people who are underweight, recovering or frail; those carrying heaviness or swelling are usually given Podi Kizhi or Udwarthanam instead.
What happens in a session
Navara rice is cooked soft in milk and a decoction that classically includes Bala root, then tied into cloth bundles; the rest of the liquid is kept warm in a pan.
Your head is oiled, and a warm medicated oil — Dhanwantharam Thailam, where the doctor chooses it — goes over the body.
Two therapists dip the bundles in the warm milk and massage in long, soft strokes, in step, while you are turned through several positions.
Re-dipped as they cool, the bundles leave a layer of rice paste over the skin by the end of the 60–90 minutes.
The paste is wiped off, a little oil is applied, and you rest before a warm bath.
Who should not have Navara Kizhi
Swelling, puffiness or excess weight, where a nourishing therapy points the wrong way.
A milk allergy, or skin that reacts to milk.
Fever, indigestion or poor appetite on the day; the doctor attends to digestion first.
After a caesarean, until the wound has closed and the doctor has checked it.
Uncontrolled blood pressure, a heart condition or pregnancy, checked before it is planned.
Bedsores or open sores, which are left out and dressed as a medical doctor advises.
How many sessions?
Navara Kizhi is almost always a course, commonly 7 or 14 days, because its aim is gradual nourishment. In postnatal care it sits inside the 42-day programme, and the dates are held when you book during pregnancy.
Dr.V.Vaitheeshwari B.A.M.S., sets the length from your strength, weight and digestion and from how you manage the first few sessions. After a stroke, the plan is fitted around physiotherapy and the medical team’s advice rather than replacing either.
Before you come
Have a light breakfast; you will lie down for up to an hour and a half.
Bring a cap or scarf for oiled hair.
For a patient with limited mobility, bring someone to help on and off the table, and tell us when you book.
Mention a milk allergy or lactose intolerance at booking.
Afterwards
You may feel heavy-limbed, calm and sleepy, so plan a quiet afternoon.
Eat a warm, simple meal when you are hungry, and avoid cold food and drinks for the rest of the day.
Keep warm and stay out of the direct line of a fan while the skin is still oily.
Call us if a rash or itching appears. Sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech or a drooping face is a stroke warning — call an ambulance at once, not the clinic.
Cost
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
How is Navara Kizhi different from Navara Mukha Lepam?
Both use Navara rice cooked in milk. Navara Mukha Lepam is a face pack left to rest on the skin; Navara Kizhi massages the rice over the whole body for much longer and is planned for strength and recovery, not skin care.
Is Navara Kizhi suitable for older people?
Often, yes — it is chosen for frail patients when the firmer kizhi therapies would be too much. The doctor checks blood pressure, heart and skin first, and the session can be shortened if lying still is hard.
Why is the head oiled when only the body is treated?
In Kerala practice the head is protected before a long warming therapy; a little oil on the crown keeps it from overheating. A cloth band or cap may hold it in place.
What does Navara Kizhi cost in Chennai?
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe — 12/597, Main Road, Nethaji Nagar Main Rd,
Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131. Phone:
+91 81229 39197.
