Navarkizhi is a form of sweat inducing massage treatment. It is called “Shashtika shali pinda sweda” in Sanskrit and “Njanavarkizhi” in Kerala Ayurveda practice.
This “sweda” or fomentation is done using milk and rice. It is processed with medicinal plants (herbs) root and a special type of rice that is navar rice which is harvested in 60 days, processed in herbal decoctions and milk, tied in bolus to rub against the whole body or affected part of the body.
Benefits:
It is a strengthening and nourishing therapy for muscles, joints and underlying tissues which are undergoing degeneration and depletion. It is effective and reliable treatment administered in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases.
It is best treatment for the conditions where there is stiffness, pain and inflammation. It has great analgesic and rejuvenating effects.
Navarkizhi will prevent or slows the degeneration process of joints and underlying soft tissues.
Some of the conditions that can be successfully treated with Navarkizhi are
- Cervical spondylosis
- Sciatica and lumbar spondylosis
- Intervertebral disc protrusion(IVDP)
- Frozen shoulder
- Spondylolisthesis
- Torticollis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Spina bifida
- Spinal stenosis
- Delayed milestones and muscular dystrophy in kids
Contraindications:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) should be checked or monitored during the therapy and done with precaution
- Diabetes (if uncontrolled)
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fractures
- Fever
- Acute and severe inflammation.