External Therapy Protocol
Njavara Theppu (Rice Paste Massage)
in Bengaluru
Njavara Theppu is a milder variation of Navarakizhi (Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda). Instead of using hot rice poultices (kizhi), the warm, medicinal Njavara rice paste is applied directly to the body and continuously massaged by therapists. It is intensely nourishing and less heat-intensive.
Clinical Benefits
- Highly nourishing for muscle wasting, especially in pediatric cases like Cerebral Palsy
- Deeply moisturizes and softens the skin, acting as a luxurious full-body beauty treatment
- Relieves extreme fatigue and physical exhaustion
- Gentler than Kizhi, making it ideal for children and the elderly
Clinical Procedure
1. Preparation (Purvakarma)
- • Njavara rice is cooked in milk and Sida cordifolia (Bala) decoction to form a thick, warm porridge/paste.
2. Main Action (Pradhana Karma)
The warm paste is applied thickly over the patient's entire body. Therapists continuously massage the body through the paste using specific, rhythmic strokes, adding more warm paste or milk as it cools.
3. Post-Therapy (Paschatkarma)
- • The dried paste is gently scraped off (which acts as a mild exfoliant).
- • The patient is bathed in warm water.
Patient FAQs
What is the difference between this and Navarakizhi?
Navarakizhi uses the rice packed tightly in cloth boluses to pound and induce deep sweat. Njavara Theppu applies the rice paste directly to the skin like a lotion, focusing purely on nourishment and absorption rather than deep sweating. It is much gentler.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Abhiram SSBAMS (Reg No: 36991)
Chief Consultant, Ayurvedic Rheumatology & Dermatology • Updated: 2026-07-24
Protocol Details
Duration
45 to 60 minutes.Frequency
7, 14, or 21 days for chronic muscle wasting.Primary Indications
condition-cerebral-palsycondition-muscular-dystrophycondition-chronic-fatigue-syndromecondition-psoriasis
Contraindications
- Obesity and high Kapha conditions
- Active fever or severe chest congestion
- Diabetes (requires careful assessment due to the high carbohydrate content of the paste)