You are currently viewing Navarakizhi and Navara Facial: The Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy | Procedure and Benefits

Navarakizhi and Navara Facial: The Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy | Procedure and Benefits

🌾 Navarakizhi Ayurvedic Therapy

Also known as Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda

Navarakizhi is one of Ayurveda’s most cherished treatments. This ancient practice, rooted in classical Indian medicine, combines the healing properties of medicinal rice (Navara) with precise massage techniques to deliver deep rejuvenation.

“Navara rice is chosen for its brimhana (nourishing) and balya (strengthening) properties, according to the Charaka Samhita.”

Reviewed by Dr. Sumana
Dr. Sumana, a senior Ayurvedic specialist at Adyant Ayurveda, Indiranagar, brings over 23 years of expertise in Panchakarma and Ayurvedic beauty therapies. She is known for her clinical skills in neuromuscular disorders, skin rejuvenation, and women’s wellness.

📱 Download our app “AyurCare” from the Play Store for a free consultation.


📝 Quick Highlights

✅ Deep muscle rejuvenation with medicated rice boluses
✅ Relief from stiffness, fatigue, and joint pain
✅ Effective for neurological issues and post-stroke rehab
✅ Navara Facial: natural glow & wrinkle reduction
✅ Available at 4 centers across Bangalore – Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Kalyan Nagar, RR Nagar


🌿 What is Navarakizhi Ayurvedic Treatment?

Navarakizhi is a specialized form of Swedana therapy, where warm boluses filled with medicated Navara rice are applied to the body. Unlike conventional massages, it delivers therapeutic effects on muscular, neurological, and energetic levels.

🌾 What Makes Navara Rice Special?

The Navara variety, used in Navarakizhi, is a red-husked Ayurvedic rice native to Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Known for:

  • Richness in Vitamin B, amino acids, and antioxidants

  • 60-day harvest cycle and grown using organic methods

  • Mentioned in Sahasrayoga and Bhavaprakasha as Brimhana (nourishing) and Balya (strengthening)

It’s so revered that Kerala’s Navara Rice has GI (Geographical Indication) status.


🔄 Procedure of Navarakizhi

🛠 Preparation Phase

  • Selection of Navara rice

  • Cooking in herbal decoction

  • Tied into boluses with muslin cloth

💆‍♀️ Application Phase

  • Full-body Abhyanga (oil massage)

  • Boluses dipped in warm herbal milk

  • Rhythmic strokes over the body

  • Focus on affected areas, temperature-regulated

⏱ Duration: 45–60 minutes per session
📅 Treatment duration: 7 to 21 days, based on the condition


🌟 Benefits of Navarakizhi

💪 Physical

  • Strengthens muscles

  • Enhances circulation

  • Reduces joint pain and swelling

  • Improves flexibility and tone

🧠 Neurological

  • Rejuvenates nerve endings

  • Supports neuropathy, paralysis, and dystrophy

  • Enhances nerve conductivity

🌙 Rejuvenation

  • Promotes restful sleep

  • Improves energy and vitality

  • Enhances skin health and emotional well-being


💆 Navara Facial: Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy

A facial adaptation of Navarakizhi that deeply nourishes the face using Navara rice paste and herbs.

🌼 Ayurvedic Ingredients Used

  • Navara Rice (Shashtika Shali) – Brimhana & Balya (nourishing & strengthening)

  • Milk – Natural moisturizer and coolant

  • Rose Petals – Enhances glow and calms heat

  • Kumkumadi Lepa – Ayurvedic glow enhancer

  • Triphala & Yashtimadhu (Licorice) – Detoxifies and clears pores

💆 How the Ayurvedic Facial is Performed

  1. Herbal Oil Massage (10 mins)
    Customized oil suited to your skin type to relax facial muscles and improve circulation.

  2. Facial Scrub with Kumkumadi Lepa + Milk (10 mins)
    Boosts brightness, reduces tan, and enhances skin glow.

  3. Herbal Powder Scrub (Triphala + Yashtimadhu) (5 mins)
    Gently removes dead skin cells and clears pores.

  4. Facial Steam (5 mins)
    Opens pores, detoxifies skin, and prepares for deeper absorption of herbs.

  5. Navara Facial Therapy (25 mins)
    Warm boluses made from Navara rice cooked with Bala Moola decoction and rose petals are gently massaged over the face.

  6. Navara Mukha Lepa (5 mins)
    A cooling herbal mask that relaxes, tones, and deeply nourishes the skin.

💖 Key Benefits of Navara Facial

  • 🌿 Deep Skin Hydration – Penetrates and nourishes the deeper layers of the skin

  • Natural Radiance – Gently exfoliates, leaving skin brighter and more even-toned

  • 🧖‍♀️ Anti-Aging Effect – Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and early signs of aging

  • 🌸 Soothes Sensitive Skin – Ideal for dry, irritated, or inflamed skin

  • 🍃 Chemical-Free Glow – 100% natural therapy with no synthetic additives


👥 Ideal Candidates for Navarakizhi

  • Arthritis & joint pain

  • Muscular dystrophy & degeneration

  • Paralysis or neuropathy

  • Chronic back pain, fatigue

  • Sports injuries & post-stroke rehab


⚠️ Contraindications

“Always consult your Ayurvedic doctor before starting Navarakizhi, especially if you have diabetes, varicose veins, recent fractures, or wounds.”

  • Acute fever or infections

  • Severe inflammation

  • Pregnancy

  • Post-surgery (without doctor’s clearance)


🧬 Ayurvedic Perspective

Navarakizhi balances Vata and Kapha doshas, while stabilizing Pitta. It:

  • Pacifies aggravated Vata

  • Nourishes Dhatus (body tissues)

  • Enhances Ojas (vitality)

  • Restores internal equilibrium


🔬 How Navarakizhi Works: Mechanism of Action

Navarakizhi combines herbal nutrition, thermal therapy, and manual stimulation, targeting both local and systemic imbalances.

Key Actions:

  • 🌡 Heat from boluses opens skin pores, increases capillary blood flow, and relieves muscle tension.

  • 💧 Herbal milk & decoction are absorbed transdermally, reducing dryness (Vata) and stiffness (Kapha).

  • 🧠 Rhythmic application improves neuromuscular coordination and balances the nervous system.


🔁 Comparison with Other Swedana Therapies

Therapy Main Ingredient Target Area Key Benefit
Navarakizhi Navara rice + decoction Full body Muscle tone, nerve rejuvenation
Elakizhi Herbal leaves Joints Anti-inflammatory, pain relief
Podikizhi Herbal powders Back/Limbs Detox, stiffness release
Navara Facial Navara rice + herbs Face/Neck Anti-aging, skin brightening

📊 Condition-Based Treatment Chart

“Especially beneficial for individuals with Vata-Kapha prakriti suffering from joint stiffness, muscle wasting, or neurological imbalance.”

“Also supports skin detox and helps in managing psoriasis, eczema, and dryness as part of Panchakarma.”

Health Concern Recommended Treatment
Joint stiffness Navarakizhi
Paralysis/Neuropathy Navarakizhi (21-day plan)
Muscle degeneration Navarakizhi
Pigmentation/Dry skin Navara Facial
Premature wrinkles Navara Facial

🔐 Safety & Precautions

While safe and effective, it’s important to:

  • Consult an Ayurvedic physician before starting therapy

  • 🚫 Avoid Navarakizhi in:

    • Uncontrolled diabetes or skin ulcers

    • Acute infections

    • Active bleeding conditions or fractures

    • During the first 3 days of menstruation

💼 Treatment Packages at Adyant Ayurveda

🏥 Available at 4 branches in Bangalore:

  • Jayanagar

  • Indiranagar

  • Kalyan Nagar

  • Rajarajeshwari Nagar

💳 Packages

  • Single session

  • 7-day intensive therapy

  • 14/21-day full rejuvenation

  • Navarakizhi + Navara Facial combo plans

🎁 Special Offer: Book 7 Navarakizhi sessions & get 1 Navara Facial FREE

📞 Call Now: +91 99725 41009



🌟 Patient Testimonial

“I was struggling with chronic shoulder stiffness. Within 5 Navarakizhi sessions at Adyant, I felt pain-free and energized. Dr. Sumana’s team is truly experienced!”
Divya S., Bangalore


❓ FAQs About Navarakizhi

Q1: How long does each session last?
A: 60–90 minutes for Navarakizhi; 45–60 minutes for Navara Facial.

Q2: How many sessions are needed?
A: Typically 7–14 sessions, depending on your condition.

Q3: Is it suitable for elderly patients?
A: Yes, especially for arthritis, fatigue, and stiffness.

Q4: Can Navara Facial reduce pigmentation or acne?
A: Yes, it brightens the skin and balances sebum naturally.

Q5: Can it be combined with other Ayurvedic therapies?
A: Yes, it pairs well with Abhyanga, Basti, and Shirodhara.

Q6: Does Navarakizhi help in weight loss?
A: Indirectly, yes—by improving digestion and circulation.

Q7: Can it be done after fractures or surgery?
A: Yes, post-recovery and under doctor supervision.

Q8: Should it be avoided during menstruation?
A: Best avoided during the first few days.

Q9: What rice is used?
A: Special Ayurvedic Navara rice grown in Kerala.

Q10: Is it suitable for teens with muscle pain or injuries?
A: Yes, under supervision, it helps with sprains and recovery.


📲 Book Your Healing Session Today!

📞 Call Us: +91 99725 41009
📱 Download App: AyurCare on the Play Store
🌐 Website: www.adyantayurveda.com


Dr. Shree Lakshmi

Dr. Shree Lakshmi, with over 25 years of expertise in Ayurveda, Dr. Shree Lakshmi is a senior Ayurvedic physician at Adyant Ayurveda. She specializes in advanced Panchakarma therapies and holistic treatment of chronic conditions. Known for her compassionate approach and deep understanding of dosha-based healing, Dr. Shree Lakshmi has helped thousands of patients regain balance and wellness naturally.