Kalari Marma Treatment

Traditional Siddha treatments rooted in southern Kerala's kalari.

MARMA KIZHI

Kizhi is a technique combined with massage to increase the pain-relieving benefits.A Kizhi is a poultice that is densely packed with herbal ingredients and heated in warm herbal oil throughout the treatment. The Kizhi is massaged over the affected area or the whole body as required. The warmth of the poultices, combined with the active ingredients of the herbs and oils, improves circulation and reduces body stiffness and pain.

THE AYURVEDIC MASSAGE HEALING TECHNIQUES OF KALARIPAYATTU TRAINING

As a holistic art, there are many aspects of Kalaripayattu, including healing techniques and preventative measures. Before training begins, the student applies special herbal oil, made by the master, to the entire body. It is used to enhance flexibilty, to alleviate aches and pains in the muscles and joints which often accompany vigorous physical exercise, and to help keep the body temperature cool. As an added benefit, the oil promotes soft, smooth skin. This multi-purpose Ayurveda oil is also used for Kalari marma massage, which is practiced by the Gurukkal for students and the public alike.

KALARI CHIKITSA/ KALARI UZHICHIL

Uzhichil or body massage is a staple in Ayurveda treatment but it gained popularity largely through the medium of Kalari chikitsa [treatment that is part of training in Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala]. Three forms of massage are prevalent in the Kalari chikitsa system – enna thechu pidipikkal or oil massage, kai uzhichil or massage using hands, and chavitti uzhichil or massage using feet. In very rare instances, during training, students sustain injuries to their marmas [vital parts of the body]. They are instantly and completely cured, thanks to the intervention of the Kalari asans [masters] who are adept at giving the right treatment. That is because imparting and imbibing knowledge about the marmas is an important component of Kalaripayattu training.