The Njavarakizhi (Navarakizhi) is a process in which the whole body or any specific part is made to sweat by the application of certain medical concoctions externally in the form of small pouches tied up in a muslin bag (
Kizhi).
Procedure: Medicated oil is smeared on the head and body of the patient. The patient is then made to lie on a board. Pouches of njavara rice, cooked in medicated decoction are soaked for a few minutes in a warm medicated decoction and milk. The body is then massaged with these rice bags. After the treatment, the rice paste sticking onto the body is removed and warm medicated oil is once again applied on the body. Later the patient is given a bath in moderately warm water. By this process, the whole body or specific parts are made to sweat, which removes toxic wastes from the body.
This is performed by two to four therapists for about 60-90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is done for curing all types of rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, high blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.
