Kerala Therapy
Navarakizhi
Also known as Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda, Rice Bolus Therapy
Therapeutic massage with boluses of cooked medicinal rice in warm medicated milk — one of the most restorative Kerala therapies.
Whether this therapy is right for you is a physician's decision
About Navarakizhi
Navarakizhi uses small cloth boluses filled with cooked Shashtika Shali (a 60-day medicinal rice variety), dipped repeatedly in warm medicated milk and applied rhythmically to the body. It is considered one of the most tissue-nourishing Kerala therapies, indicated in muscle wasting, neurological conditions, and chronic musculoskeletal weakness.
When Navarakizhi may — and may not — be appropriate
May be appropriate for
- Muscular dystrophy and myopathies
- Post-stroke rehabilitation
- Post-polio residual paralysis
- Advanced osteoarthritis with muscle weakness
- Chronic neurological deficits
When it should NOT be done
- Active inflammation
- Acute febrile states
- Kapha-dominant obesity
- Skin breaks or infections at the application site
The decision is always individualised by your treating physician.
What to Expect During Navarakizhi
Unique warm, rhythmic, nourishing experience. Muscle tone improvement often visible across a 14-day course.
Specialities That Use Navarakizhi
Conditions where Navarakizhi may be part of the programme
Other Kerala Therapy Therapies at AVN Arogya
Interested in care that may include Navarakizhi?
Book a consultation and our physicians will assess your condition and prescribe the right therapies for you as part of a personalised programme.