Njavarakizhi, also known as Shashtika Pinda Swedana, is a unique Ayurvedic therapy from Kerala that tones and strengthens muscles, enhances nerve function, and promotes overall rejuvenation. The term Njavara refers to a special variety of rice (Oryza sativa) used in this treatment.

In this therapy, Njavara rice is cooked, filled into cotton boluses, and used for massage. The body is first massaged with medicated oils, after which the boluses are dipped in a mixture of cow’s milk and herbal decoction, then applied all over the body to induce sudation (therapeutic sweating). Once the procedure is complete, coconut leaves are used to gently remove rice from the skin, followed by a final herbal oil massage.