Kizhi Facial
A warm Navara rice pouch facial. Nourishes and rejuvenates the skin.
Duration
60 min
Price
$150
Locations
Fremont
Over view
Kizhi Facial: Classical Ayurvedic Navara Rice Facial for Radiance
Kizhi Facial at Ayurhitam is a 60-minute classical Ayurvedic facial using warm Navara rice pouches (Kizhis) soaked in a special herbal decoction and milk. Priced at $150 per session, this therapy is a signature offering in traditional Ayurvedic skin care, especially in Kerala Ayurveda. Kizhi means “pouch” or “bolus,” and Navara refers to a specific medicinal red rice with a 60-day growth cycle, traditionally used in Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies.
The warm Navara rice pouches are gently pressed and stroked across the face and neck, releasing their warmth, medicinal nutrients, and softening properties into the skin. Kizhi Facial is one of the most nourishing skin therapies in the Ayurvedic tradition, and is traditionally used to support skin elasticity, natural glow, softer skin texture, and slower age-related dullness.
What is Kizhi Facial?
Kizhi Facial is a version of Shashtik Shali Pinda Sweda focused on the face and neck. Shashtik Shali is another name for Navara rice, a shorter-growth-cycle red rice considered highly nourishing in Ayurvedic Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapy. The rice is cooked with milk and a decoction of specific Ayurvedic herbs like Bala, Ashwagandha, and Shatavari, then tied into small muslin pouches (Kizhis). These warm, nutrient-rich pouches are the tool of the therapy.
Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Kizhi facial applications as traditionally used to support skin nourishment, natural facial glow, healing of skin dryness, and slower age-related skin changes. Regular Kizhi Facials are a beautiful part of a long-term Ayurvedic skin care routine.
How is Kizhi Facial Done at Ayurhitam?
The session begins with a gentle facial cleansing using warm water and a mild Ayurvedic cleanser. Warm medicated oil is applied to the face and neck, then the therapist begins the Kizhi work. Warm Navara rice pouches, freshly prepared for your session, are gently pressed and stroked across the face, neck, and décolletage in specific classical patterns. The pouches are re-warmed in the herbal milk decoction periodically to maintain temperature.
The session ends with a gentle wipe-down, a soothing rose water mist, and a short rest. Clients are advised to avoid heavy makeup, sun exposure, and cold water on the face for the rest of the day. Deep, healthy sleep on the night of the session is very common.
Benefits of Kizhi Facial
Deep Skin Nourishment: Navara rice and herbal milk are traditionally used to nourish the skin from within.
Natural Glow: Traditionally used to support facial radiance and even skin tone.
Skin Elasticity: The warm bolus work is traditionally used to support skin firmness.
Anti-Aging Support: Classical Rasayana therapy for slowing age-related skin changes.
Facial Muscle Relaxation: Eases tension held in the jaw, forehead, and around the eyes.
Reduced Fine Lines: Regular sessions may soften early signs of skin aging.
Improved Facial Circulation: The warm pouch work supports healthy blood and lymph flow to the face.
Deeply Relaxing: One of the most calming Ayurvedic therapies, a beautiful stress reset.
Concerns Kizhi Facial Can Support
- Dull, dry, or tired-looking skin
- Early signs of skin aging
- Loss of skin elasticity and firmness
- Fine lines and softer wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Post-partum skin recovery
- Age-related skin dryness
- Vata and Pitta imbalance affecting the skin
- Post-illness skin dullness
- Special occasion skin prep (bridal, event, celebration)
Why Choose Ayurhitam for Kizhi Facial in the Bay Area
- Authentic classical protocol: Kizhi prepared freshly for each session with real Navara rice and traditional herbs.
- Real Navara rice: Sourced from Kerala for authentic Shashtik Shali properties.
- Personalised herb selection: The herbal decoction is chosen based on your skin type and dosha.
- Certified therapists: Every session delivered by trained Ayurvedic therapists.
- Clean, private therapy space: Dedicated therapy rooms in Fremont, CA.
Featured Questions
Kizhi Facial is a classical Ayurvedic Navara rice facial traditionally used to support skin nourishment, natural glow, elasticity, and slower age-related skin changes. It is often chosen by Bay Area clients looking for a natural, deeply nourishing alternative to conventional facials or as a Rasayana (rejuvenation) practice.
Navara rice, also called Shashtik Shali, is a special red medicinal rice with a 60-day growth cycle, traditionally grown in Kerala. It is considered highly nourishing in Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy and is used in classical texts for tissue regeneration, skin nourishment, and post-illness recovery. Its nutrient profile and warming quality make it uniquely suited for facial Kizhi work.
Mukha Abhyanga is a warm oil face massage using classical strokes (40 minutes, $100). Kizhi Facial uses warm Navara rice pouches soaked in herbal milk decoction, gently pressed and stroked across the face (60 minutes, $150). Kizhi Facial is deeper, more nourishing, and considered a Rasayana therapy. Mukha Abhyanga is often chosen as a lighter, more frequent practice.
Kizhi Facial at Ayurhitam is a 60-minute session including preparation, the Kizhi work, and closing rest. Including pre-session cleansing, please plan for about 75 minutes at the clinic.
Kizhi Facial is $150 per 60-minute session. Package pricing is available for a series. Please call 510-556-3738 or refer to the Treatments page for current pricing.
Yes, Kizhi Facial is one of the classical Ayurvedic therapies used for skin rejuvenation. The Navara rice, herbal milk, and warm bolus work together to support skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness. Regular sessions (once every 3 to 4 weeks) alongside a Sattvic diet and good sleep are traditionally used to soften early signs of skin aging.
Yes, when the herbal decoction is chosen carefully. Cooling herbs and milder milk-based decoctions are typically used for sensitive or Pitta-driven skin. Kizhi Facial is not recommended during active acne breakouts, open skin injuries, or acute skin infections. A brief assessment confirms your eligibility.
For general wellness and Rasayana benefit, once every 3 to 4 weeks is a beautiful rhythm. For specific rejuvenation goals, a series of 5 to 7 sessions on a weekly or every-other-week schedule may be recommended, followed by monthly maintenance.
Kizhi Facial in the Bay Area is offered at Ayurhitam, 43255 Mission Blvd, Suite 100, Fremont, CA 94539. Call 510-556-3738 to book.
Book your Kizhi Facial session at Ayurhitam today. Call 510-556-3738. Available at both Fremont and Sunnyvale.
Disclaimer: Ayurhitam is an Ayurvedic wellness center. The services offered are traditional Ayurvedic practices for wellness support and are not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or advice from a licensed physician. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult your medical doctor before beginning any Ayurvedic wellness program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.
