Navarakkizhi, Kerala’s unique contribution to Ayurveda, is a fomentation of the body with bolus of cooked rice. Shastika or navara is a particular kind of rice known for its nutritional value.

The rice is first cooked with milk and herbal decoction made of kurumthotti, a herb. Four boluses are made of the cooked rice and are tied up in linen bags.

The fomentation begins with the patient sitting straight on the droni with legs stretched. The masseurs on either side perform the fomentation process in an identical manner.

The movement of the hands during both fomentation and massage should always be downwards. This therapy is done in seven standard positions.