Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is a traditional psycho-physiological martial art form of Kerala with a legacy of 5000+ years, considered to be the oldest physical training form in human history. It is considered to be the mother of all martial arts that was founded independently by the illustrious sages, Parasurama and Agastya resulting in the northern and southern traditions of Kalari respectively. It is widely recognised that most Chinese martial arts find their origin from Kalaripayattu.
Marmas are the 108 vital energy meridians in the body, the storehouse of concentrated prana (life force energy), located where two or more types of tissue meet – flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints. Kalaripayattu trains the warrior to disable, maim or even kill an opponent by a mere touch of the right marma point(s)
Marma Chikitsa
Marma chikitsa (treatment) is a medical system for healing musculoskeletal and neurological injuries that evolved alongside the martial art form with deep understanding of human body, chakras and marmas.
The underlying principle of marma chikitsa is that any anomaly (disease, pain or discomfort) in the human body results from injury to or imbalance in one or more marmas. The treatment aims to detect and address blockages in the affected marmas to clear the blocks in the body’s energy pathways, allow a free flow of prana (vital energy) and boost the body’s healing capacity.
Though Ayurveda is an integral part of this treatment, the medicines and treatment methods focused on immediate recovery for warriors resulting in a highly specialized technique for rapid treatment of injuries relating to bones, muscles, nerves, joints and tissues. Hence, there are many traditional solutions in marma therapy that are otherwise unavailable in Ayurvedic treatment.
Therapy Overview
The cornerstone of marma chikitsa is the chavittu uzhichil (massage using the legs) – a unique massage therapy used to rejuvenate the nervous and muscular systems of the body and to stimulate lymphatic and blood circulation.
Medicinal oil is applied by the therapist to the body and the therapist massages the patient with their feet using smooth and rhythmic movements, holding on to a rope tied to the ceiling. This requires great dexterity and skill and the therapists train for years to know the right pressure to be applied to various parts. The neck, face, and head are massaged only using the hands.
Another therapy element is kizhi – hand massages using poultices with specially prepared herbs and leaves bundled into a cloth bag known as a kizhi. The kizhi is dipped into the thailam, the temperature of which is based on the patient’s body type. The kizhi is applied with pressure to the parts of the body where there is pain and swelling. The combination of herbs and medicated oils depends on the patient’s requirements.
The therapy also employs various other techniques from Ayurveda
Pizhichil
(literally squeezing) where a muslin cloth dipped into a medicated oil mixture is squeezed over the affected area
Shirodhara
Slow and steady dripping of medicated oil on the forehead to relieve stress and soothe the brain cells
Vasti
A traditional Ayurvedic treatment where warm medicated oil is pooled and placed over the affected region. Kadivasti for lower back and lumbosacral disorders, urovasti for the chest region and so on.
The skilled therapists are adept in marma shastra, trained in massage techniques and Ayurveda, and knowledgeable about medicines. With years of training and practice, they are conversant with handling the various issues that are presented to them.
They employ darshanam (observation) to see the patient’s posture and movements, sparshanam (touch) to explore the physical condition including the knots in the energy pathways during massage and prashnam (questioning or consultation) to gain a holistic understanding and choose the right treatment protocol and fine-tune based on individual need and progress.
All medicines are made from herbs, leaves and tree bark that are locally available. These are either ground into a paste or made into an oil and suitably applied.
Therapy Protocol and Duration
The therapy procedure and duration depend on the specific ailments for which the therapy is desired. Many people do a 1-2 week therapy every 6 months or a year for physical and mental rejuvenation, boosting immunity and being injury free throughout the year. Some also couple therapy with kalaripayattu training for physical endurance and flexibility. Pain releasing treatments typically last from 14 to 21 days.
Dos and Don'ts
During the therapy, it is advisable to have a simple diet that is easy on the stomach
It is strictly advised that during this period, one does not exert oneself, stays out of the sun and away from heat and dust
It is recommended that one rests for an equal period of time following the treatment to allow the body to normalise from the relaxed state, thus allowing total body rejuvenation.
Specific therapies offered and their benefits
Dhara
Relieve mental stress
Podi kizhi
Fat loss
Nasya
Remove excess toxicity from the head region and relieve sinus related afflictions
Kizhi
Remove excessive joint Inflammation and swelling (for vata aggravated people)
Abhyanga
Tone, moisturise skin and cool the body
Vamana
Remove excessive materials from the GI tract
Swedhana
Open skin pores and remove excess fat through sweat from the skin pores
Navara kizhi
Cure pain in seniors, occurring primarily due to vata aggravation
Virechana
Cleanse and improve metabolism, clear gut issues, purge and purify the body. Flush out toxins and excess mucus from the GI tract and improve digestion and heal skin disorders like rashes and allergy.
Benefits Of Marma Chikitsa
Armor your body with preventive mechanisms to withstand daily postural stress
Rejuvenate yourself and strengthen immunity through improved lymphatic and blood circulation
Eradicate hidden toxins causing bodyache, insomnia, indigestion, joint pains, stiffness and mobility issues
Correct muscular and ligament misalignment and improve the musculoskeletal coordination
Remove oedema in various cells, reduce obesity and improve digestion.
Attain flexibility, rejuvenation and liveliness in the body
Improve physical strength and stamina
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Benefits Of Marma Chikitsa
Armor your body with preventive mechanisms to withstand daily postural stress
Rejuvenate yourself and strengthen immunity through improved lymphatic and blood circulation
Eradicate hidden toxins causing bodyache, insomnia, indigestion, joint pains, stiffness and mobility issues
Correct muscular and ligament misalignment and improve the musculoskeletal coordination
Remove oedema in various cells, reduce obesity and improve digestion.
Attain flexibility, rejuvenation and liveliness in the body
Improve physical strength and stamina
Who can benefits from Kalari Marma therapy?
- Orthopedic disorders and neuromuscular problems such as arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, etc
- Those with back pain, hip pain,
- Those with migraine, spondylitis and disc prolapse
- Those with spinal injuries, sports injuries, cervical injuries, knee injuries, etc
- Those with fractures and dislocations of bones and joints
- Those with ligament tears
- Those with wounds and burns
- Those with wounds and burns
- Those with joint problems in the knees, elbows, wrists, shoulders, hips, etc
- Those with muscle or joint inflammation and swelling
- Those with tired legs and knees
- Those who travel or drive for long hours on a regular basis, sit for most of the day or in front of a computer for long hours
What we Provide at the Hstmat Centres?
Personal consultation and kalari marma chikitsa therapy
Delivered by well-experienced traditional male and female kalari therapists
Treatment dress will be provided by the centre.
Medicines and treatment oil is included in the therapy
What we Provide at the HSTMAT Center?
Personal consultation and kalari marma chikitsa therapy
Delivered by well-experienced traditional male and female kalari therapists
Treatment dress will be provided by the centre.
Medicines and treatment oil is included in the therapy
Testimonials
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Location Information
Address: 286, 5th cross, Rama Mandir Road, Kodigehalli, Sahakar Nagar post, Bengaluru
