Kerala the cradle of Ayurveda is has become a global favorite destination to offer authentic Ayurveda through its powerful ayurvedic treatments, therapeutic massages and detox therapies. Among these treatments the Njavarakizhi and Udwarthanam have stood out to be one of the most seeked treatments that are designed for unique health needs.
While Njavarakizhi focuses on strength, healing and deep nourishment Udwarthanam prioritizes weight management and deep detoxification. Together these offer authenticity, versatility and the strength of Ayurvedic healing.
Let’s dive into explore what is Njavarakizhi and Udwarthanam, the Ayurveda Massage benefits, how can they be performed, what are the health conditions healed and what precautions to consider.
What is Njavarakizhi?
Njavarakizhi is one of the most therapeutic and classical treatments of the traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massage therapy, where a sudation therapy is induced with the Kizhi rice cooked with herbal decoctions and milk.
The rice is then tied into small bundles of cloth which is called as kizhi, pinda or boluses and with rhythmic circulations and appropriate amount of pressure it is applied and massaged over the entire body of the patient. The Kizhi rice in Kerala is a medicinal variety of rice that is unique for its healing properties. It is not just any regular rice but it has strong therapeutic properties that are used in the treatment for deep healing, pain relief and offering rejuvenation.
How is it performed?
The Kizhi, boluses, or the bundles of rice in the cloth are to be applied over the patient when the rise is still warm. So initially, the patient’s body is massaged with a medicated oil and then it is followed by applying these warm rice boluses rhythmically over the entire body. It is important to maintain the temperature of the boluses throughout the session to retain its efficiency.
Key benefits of Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi treats a number of health concerns. It not only helps strengthen the nerves and the muscles. But it also enhances joint movement, deep nourishment of the tissues, reduced stiffness, sore muscles, better neurological recovery, immunity, good skin texture and overall enhancement of Health.
Health conditions healed
Heath conditions that are best treated with this treatment are arthritis, injuries related to sports, post illness recovery, back pain, cervical spondylosis, disorders related to the nervous system as well as recovery in paralysis. It is usually recommended after Panchakarma deep detoxification to rebuild the body’s natural strength and immunity.
Precautions to consider
Usually ayurvedic treatments don’t have much side effects and Njavarakizhi benefits deeply. Yet precautions to consider while undertaking Njavarakizhi are that it should be avoided during high fever, infections and even acute inflammations.
What is Udhwarthanam?
Udwarthanam is a full body massage done by using herbal powders. It is much similar to an all body oil massage such as Abhyangam. But the only difference here is that instead of oil, dry herbal powders are chosen to serve best the requirements of the patient. The powders are used in various strokes and frictions to break down the excess fat, remove toxins and boost metabolism. This herbal massage is best suited for people dealing with aggravated Kapha dosha, obesity and weak metabolism.
How is it performed?
Udwarthanam is performed by massaging dry herbal borders on the body. But the selection of the herbs matter a lot as herbs hold therapeutic healing properties and when it is performed in the right manner, the body absorbs the healing properties and benefits from it.
So as per the requirements and the body’s constitution, a specific herb is selected then it is ground and made ready to be used as a powder massage. In the actual massage therapy, the powders are rubbed against the direction of the hair growth to induce friction and firm pressure is applied in the massage so that heat is generated and the sweating can be induced. This is then followed by a steam therapy for deep detoxification and removal of deep seated Ama – toxins. Usually the session lasts for around 30 to 45 minutes.
Udhwarthanam Ayurveda massage benefits
Udwarthanam helps in removal of excess fat and slower metabolism. It breaks down cellulite and removes toxins through massage and steaming. It also helps in better flow of blood and oxygen in the body, reduced water retention, reduced bloating and helping with toning the overall skin. This massage therapy is also beneficial in situations related to pcos and the thyroid disorders.
Health conditions healed
Udwarthanam helps in conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, water retention, pcos, fatty liver, lethargy, slowed metabolism, weak digestion and weak immunity.
Precautions to consider
Udwarthanam is generally a safe therapy but it is recommended not to be done by pregnant women, people having severe weakness, allergies and skin wounds and infections.
People Also Ask
Who can choose Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi is best for people dealing with joint pain, people looking for fast recovery post-surgery, elderly individuals, neurological patients, stressed individuals and people in general looking for a calming, relaxation and rejuvenation therapy.
Who can choose Udhwarthanam
Udwarthanam works best for people who have weight related issues, slow metabolism, water attention capacity, pcos, thyroid imbalances and in general sedentary lifestyle and an aggravated kapha dosha.
