Kalari Chikilsa Therapy
Kalari Chikilsa is a unique blend of Kalar’s Marma Points Therapy and the Ayurveda and Sidda systems of health.Kalari Chikilsa is especially used in the treatment of orthopedic disorders and neuromuscular problems such as arthritis (64 types), migraine (6 types), back pain, sciatica, hip pain, spondylosis, disc prolapse, joint problems affecting the knees, elbow and shoulders, bone fractures, etc..
At Ayurveda Yoga Villa, we have a specially designed Kalari hall for teaching Kalaripayattu in the Martial Art form. Our Kalari Master is also a trained therapist who can work on the Marma points through various types of massage.
How the therapy works?
Kalari identifies 107 vital points in the human body. The knowledge of these vital points (Marmas) plays a major role in the effectiveness of Kalari Chikilsa. The underlying principle of Kalari Chikilsa is that an anomaly to any system of the human body such as the nervous system or muscular-skeletal system can happen only if one or more of the 107 vital spots are bruised. The treatment is all about detecting the affected vital spots and restoring them to normalcy.
The different treatment methods used in Kalari Chikilsa are:
Uzhichil
Uzhichil is a unique massage therapy used to rejuvenate the nervous and muscular systems of the body and to stimulate blood circulation. The massages are performed with medicinal oils and pressure is applied to the muscles to stimulate the nervous and circulatory systems. Both the hands and feet of the therapist are used in Uzhichil treatments.
Kizhithirumu
Kizhithirumu therapy consists of massages with specially prepared herbs and leaves bundled into a cloth bag known as a kizhi. The cloth bags are dipped in medicated oil (thailam), the temperature of which is determined according to the body type of the patient. The combination of medicated oils used on the patient is also determined according to his individual needs. The kizhi is applied with pressure to the parts of the body where there is pain and swelling.
Kalari and Orthopedics
Kalari has developed a traditional orthopedic system used for the setting of displaced or fractured bones and for the treatment of neurological problems. All Kalari medicines are made from herbs, leaves and tree bark from plants and trees that are locally available in Kerala. These medicinal plants are ground and made into a paste by adding oil, ghee or egg white and are then applied around the affected area for bone setting. After placing the affected part of the body in the correct position, wood/twigs will be used as a support to immobilize the limb.
Who needs Kalari Therapy?
a.Anyone who travels or drives for long hours on a regular basis
b. Anyone who sits for most of the day
c. Athletes who have tired legs and knees
d. Anyone who works in front of a computer for long hours
e. Anyone suffering from accumulated stress in the neck, shoulders or lower back
The Secrets Of MARMA
Marma Therapy
Marmas are the vital points in the body where the life force energy is concentrated. The Marma points are located where the flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints meet. They may also be described as the junctions where Vata, Pitta and Kapha meet; where Sattwa, Rajas and Tams meet; or where Eternity and Relativity meet.
In the martial art of Kalaripayattu, the warrior is trained to attack particular Marma points in his opponent. It is claimed that an advanced Kalari Master can disable or kill his opponent merely by touching the correct Marma point. However, this is taught only to the most promising and level-headed persons to discourage the misuse of the technique.
Marma points grouping
Marma points are grouped according to the region of the body, Arms-22 points; legs-22 points (11 per lib); abdomen-3 points, chest – 9 points, back – points, head and neck- 37 points. The marma points are also grouped according to muscles – 10 points; tenders/ligaments – 23 points, Arteries – 9 points, Veins, joints – 20 points bones – 8 points. Traditionally marma points are grouped in to 3 categories: those on the legs and feet, (sanakha marma : on the trunk (Madhayamanga marma ): neck and head (jatrurdhara marma ).
These marma points are measured in finger units (angula) to detect their correct location. One “angula” is the width of the finger, For example, ‘ani marma’ is a marma point existing just above the knee, four fingers above the middle of the knee. This point relates to the small intestine, and situated on the back of the leg, directly behind this spot. If we move the hands from the front ‘ani marma’ in a straight line to the back, this marma would be stimulated. So working on a marma point affects the front, sides and back of a marma.
Marma Abhyanga
The heart, forehead and throat are the most vulnerable areas of the body, whereas the areas on the arms and legs are less vulnerable to severe injury. When imbalances exist in the body, the Marmapoints become sore, but through Marma Abhyanga therapy, balance can be restored.
The major Marma points in our body correspond to various chakras, while the minor Marma points are found around the torso and the limbs. Thus, healing through Marma Abhyanga affects the chakras and the doshas and also stimulates the various organs and systems of the body.
Marma and Astrology
There is a basic connection between the position of the planets and stars and Marma Abhyanga. It is well know that cosmic rays have an effect on the human body – for instance, the sun is very powerful at noon and the heat radiation is high at this time of the day. Hence, Marma Abhyanga therapy is performed only during morning and evening, not in the afternoon. A good Marma practitioner knows everything about the Marma points, Ayurveda, Kalari Chikilsa and Astrology.