Kalaripayattu
is a martial and healing art of Kerala dating back to circa 6th century.
Through a traditional system of bodily and mental development, this art seeks
to cultivate not only a powerful physical warrior but more importantly, a person
of deep inner self-knowledge and humility.
Today
Kalaripayattu is practiced throughout the world and has been recognized as a cultural
treasure of Kerala by the Government of India. Traditional masters still instruct
disciples in combative and spiritual training. They also serve as doctors for
all types of ailments, healing through the ancient science of ayurvedic Medicine.
Healing
aspects of Kalaripayattu
practice
of Kalaripayattu makes the body exert more than usual, making it prone to injuries
and various physical disorders. It becomes absolutely necessary for the Master
to have the skill to treat these diseases. This treatment needs to be fast and
effective so that the fighter can maintain his form intact. a treatment system
evolved along with a tradition of Kalaripayattu called Kalari Marma Therapy,
this system of treatment follows the ayurvedic tradition in principle and
concept.
In
Kalari system, various types of treatment are given along with massage
to cure some of the most chronic disorders like treatment for broken bones,
joint dislocation, rheumatism, back pain, stomach trouble, headache, and paralysis
etc.
There are three types of massage:
1)
Sukha Thirummu (Rejuvenation Massage) This is a common massage given
to people with normal health, different types of oil can be used for this but
the particular type has to be decided by the therapist after analyzing the general
constitution of the person. This, according to the ayurvedic principle of deciding
the body structure, disease proneness etc. The duration also based on this analysis
but generally this is 7 days or 14 days or 21 days. This massage increases the
efficiency of the auto immune system of the body as a result one feels more relaxed,
alert and efficient. This is given to Kalaripayattu students during that time
of their learning to increase the flexibility of the body; massage is given in
hatha Yoga postures.
2)
Raksha Thirummu (Therapeutic Massage) This massage is always done as
a part of a treatment. The pressure, applied medicones used etc., has to be decided
with the perception of the therapist about the intensity of the disease, assessment
of the efficiency of the immune system. This requires a meditative mind and a
capacity to observe and learn from experience. Here, along with the massage, manipulating
the vital points does pulsing the nerve. This is a very delicate technique, which
requires a long experience of working on the body. This massage is found to be
very effective in curing chronic diseases like arthritis, asthma, migraines, back-pain
etc.
3)
Kaccha Thirummu (Flexibility Massage) This massage is a special massage
meant to increase the flexibility, suppleness, and general efficiency for the
body for doing strenuous job. This is mainly done on Kalaripayattu students, before
they start the actual practice of the training. and also to dancers who have to
work on the body more than usual. a deep massage is given with the leg and also
done on selected Yoga postures. Since the pressure applied in this type of massage
is high, certain type of bodies shows reaction, in such case the therapist has
to give a remedy for the patient.
Marma
Chikitsa: Energy point Therapy Marma points serve as the bridge between
the physical body and its more subtle energy pathways, called nadis. This therapy
is aimed at stimulating and revitalizing specific organs and/or systems, while
releasing blocked energy and promoting flexibility. Sessions consist of ayurvedic
massage, with an emphasis on key marma points depending on the needs of each client,
and include the use of ayurvedic essential oils, passive yoga stretches, and application
of mild heat on specific areas.
