In India, there are various
systems of massage in practice in addition to ayurvedic treatment. One
of the most advanced and sophisticated systems is ayurvedic Kalari
Massage and Marma Therapy. This system of massage is an inherent
discipline within Kalaripayattu. Traditionally, the Kalari fighter
is given massage and related treatments in keeping with various levels
of his training and practice. This helps him to acquire flexibility,
agility and alertness of mind, which enable him to learn various steps,
movements and intricate techniques of Kalaripayattu practice.
It is a Hindu form of martial arts that dates back
to the 12th Century, which probably makes it the oldest form of martial
art. 'Kalari' has been derived from the Sanskrit word 'Kholoorika'
meaning military training centre and 'Payattu' means the
fight.
Kalari also refers to the specially constructed hall with ample
space of fighting floor with idols of all the presiding deities of the
art and photographs of the entire lineage of Gurus. The instruction
and practical training in this art is imparted inside the Kalari.
Kalaripayattu as the Martial Art of Kerala
 Kalaripayattu
is taught by the Guru or master who is an exponent in the field.
It is taught by the master to the students and is considered to be a
sacred art form of Kerala. Kalaripayattu developed during the
9th century was practiced by the warrior clan of Kerala, the Nair community
to defend the state and the king. The Nair community considered it an
honour to die for the nation and the king.
This martial art is as much a spiritual discipline,
as it is physical. It helps the students in character build up, self-confidence
and adoptability to circumstances. Kalaripayattu helps systemize the
flow of energy in the body.
The pupils are trained in self-discipline and physical
culture. Before the pupils are initiated into the techniques of warfare,
their bodies are toned pliable, agile and versatile by regular massage
by feet and hands with medicated oil. Then taught to wield Kuruvadi
(short sticks), spear, dagger, sword, shield, etc. The last and sophisticated
piece in the weaponry is 'Urumi' a thin springy three-meter long
double edged sword worn around the waist locked like a belt drawn unwound
in a flick of a moment when required. It is highly lethal for an adept
wielder can aim it to swirl around the neck of the opponent and, at
the slightest jerk, the head will roll on the floor of the arena. Flying
feats, daring onslaughts and dodging with dexterity are the ways in
combat. Defensive and offensive strikes with lightning speed are its
peculiarity. There are customarily eighteen 'Adavu' (tricks)
in this warfare. Seventeen of them are fighting with all the weapons
one by one and the eighteenth being 'Poozhikkadakan', a feat
producing a cover of whirlwind of dust around the combatant by stamping
the earth and swift circular movement to camouflage him from the opponent
and to take him by surprise with sudden retaliatory deathblow.
The Kalari the training arena has to be built in
specific dimensions. The structure of Kalari (cocoon-like) is greatly
suited for training in the humid climate of Kerala. The ritualistic
and spiritual atmosphere plays an important role in forming a strong
character and moral attitude to the disciples. To acquire discipline
and concentration, a series of symbolic rituals are practiced everyday.
The training is mainly divided into three parts Maithari, Kolthari,
Ankathari.
Kalari as a medicine - (Kalari Chikitsa)
Kalari Chikitsa is a system of medicine based
on Ayurveda, specializing in treatment of orthopedic disorders
and neuromuscular problems like back pain, spondylosis etc.
The practitioner or the Gurukkal does the
treatments like bone setting and massages using specially formulated
oils and herbs, after undertaking specialized studies in the science
of Marmas (vital spots). The knowledge about these Marmas
plays a major role in the effective practice of Kalari Chikitsa.
The underlying principle of Kalari Chikitsa is that an abnormality
to any system of the human body such as nervous system, musculo-skeletal
system can happen only if anyone or more of the 107 vital spots are
bruised. The treatment is all about detecting the vital spots affected
and curing them to normalcy.
The fact that Kalari Chikitsa concentrates
on treating the affected vital spots by curing the root cause and not
the symptoms, makes it the most suitable method for the treatment of
sprains, bruises, fractures and dislocations. In Kalari Chikitsa,
nothing hostile to the body is used and nothing toxic is left behind,
unlike allopathic treatment. This makes Kalari Chikitsa free
from side effects. Several cases where surgery is a must in modern techniques
of therapy can be cured by Kalari Chikitsa without the surgical
blade coming into play. Also, there have been so many cases in which
Kalarichikilsa has succeeded where modern therapy was helpless.
Kalari Treatment
The different treatment methods used in Kalari Chikitsa are
1. Uzhichil - It is a complete system,
which rejuvenates the nervous and muscular systems of the body and stimulates
the blood circulation. Uzhichil is the systematic application
of pressure on the muscles according to their structure, at the same
time stimulating the nervous stem and the circulatory system. This is
done by oiling and massaging the various parts of the body. The practice
helps in preparing a healthy body for Kalarippayattu training.
It can also enhance the general fitness of a common man. The oil used
for Uzhichil depends upon the Prakrutham or physical nature
of the person. In general cases, a specially prepared Mukkoott oil
is used.
Uzhichil is of two types- one with the hands (Kaiuzhichil)
for children, old and people of light build and the other with the
feet (Chavuttiuzhichil) for young and healthy persons. Uzhichil
is always done so as to minimize the pressure on the heart and on
the nerves to the heart, massaging from the waist downwards and upwards
to the upper part of the body. The pressure and the force of massage
is increased day by day till the 4th and then reduced so as to reach
the minimum again on the 7th day. The massage is also done for the face
and the head.
2. Kizhithirummu - In this method, specially
prepared herbs and leaves are bundled in a cloth bag, known as Kizhi.
This Kizhi is dipped into a Thailam (Medicated oil) the
temperature of which is determined according to the physique of the
patient. The combination of the oil also changes depending on the nature.
The Kizhi is applied with certain pressure on the body where
there is pain and swelling. Kizhithirummu is very effective in
treating osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. This is also useful to treat
age-old bruises and disorders. Njavarakizhi, a particular type
of Kizhi is used to stimulate the nerves and to strengthen the
muscles. Njavara, a kind of paddy having medicinal properties
is boiled in Kashayam (medicinal decoction) and the Kizhi
is made with this boiled Njavara. The Kizhi is dipped
in a mixture of milk and medicinal decoction and is applied all over
the body.
3. Nasyam - It is a method of Kalari
Chikitsa where the medicated oils are administered through the nose.
'This treatment is effective for sinusitis and other ENT infections.
Kalari and Orthopedics
Kalari has also developed a traditional orthopedic
system, which is popular all over the state especially for the setting
of displaced or fractured bones and neurological complaints. Here too
traditional medical preparations like the herbs, barks and leaves of
plants locally available constitute the major ingredients. These medicines
are pulverized and made into a paste by adding oil, ghee or white of
an egg and put around the area of bone setting. After placing the bones
in correct position, twigs will be used as a support to effect immobilization.
The common medicated oil used in Kalari therapy
is Murivenna (oil for wounds), which is a traditional folk preparation.
An analysis of the medicine used in the Kalari for bone setting
and massage will show that the Kalari master of the olden times
were influenced by the folk medical knowledge, Ayurveda and siddha
medicine.
Who needs Kalari Therapy?
The different categories of people mentioned below
can benefit tremendously from Kalari Therapy -
Persons who drive vehicles on a regular basis.
Persons who are engaged in jobs that require minimal movement. (Usually
seated).
Persons engaged in adventure sports and games.
I.T. Professionals who are at the risk of constantly being exposed to
radiation from electronic gadgets and equipments.
Persons who travel extensively.
Persons suffering from mental and physical stress.
Kalari Therapy helps to check and set right
damages, injuries or health blocks that happen to the human body. Kalari
Therapy makes the body pliable and supple. It helps to reduce and
curb all physical discomfort that can affect the body.
Diseases that can be treated by Kalari Therapy
There are certain diseases that have the best treatments
in Kalari Therapy. Kalari Therapy is best suited for -
Arthritis (64 types)
Migraine (which is of 6 types)
Back pain
Disc prolepsis
Spinal chord disorder
Joint problems affecting knees, elbows, shoulders
Back pain, hip pain, menopause and postnatal discomforts in women
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