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TRADITIONAL KALARI TREATMENT
The
training of a student to become a master includes the training in
Ayurveda and in locating the vital points of the body. A Kalari
Guru is not only a trained movement artist but also a professional
in Ayurveda, a doctor who treats people of diseases and general
ailments. Kalari has developed a traditional orthopedic system which
is widely popular all over the states, especially for the setting
of displaced bones. There are different types of Oils, pastes, herbs
etc are used only by kalari masters to treat muscle and bone injuries.
Kalari Massage
The first stage of the preparation of a warrior and the
artiste is based on oil massage known as Udvarthaizam or
Uzhichal. The Ayurvedic tradition of Susrutha says that
diseases are afraid of approaching a body which has been
foot-massaged, just like animals in the sight of a lion.
Kalari massage is a traditional massage, performed by the
therapist using his hand and feet, applying appropriate
pressure to specific vital parts of the body. It
involves a full body massage with medicated oil and
stimulating or massaging the Marma points on the body.
Usually an uzhichil course lasts for fourteen days. At the
time of this massage the student has to follow strict
restrictions in his or her daily routines. He should not
expose to the sun for a long time should take only the
prescribed food and drinks and should follow strict celibacy.
Massage helps the body to attain a healthy constitution as
well as flexibility, nimbleness and suppleness. Moreover,
massage enables proper blood circulation and easy
maneuverability of the body for turning and twisting. Kalari
massage not only relieves back pain, stiffness and sports
injuries but also stimulates various bodily organs and
systems.
Marma points
Marmas are certain vital points of the body. A marma point is
a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet,
such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints and 'where
the Prana is present'. There are total 108 Marma points in the
body in which 64 are considered as kulamarma (deadly points).
These points could be used to heel or to harm. If these points
are pierced hard, it could result in trauma or even death. A
kalari masseur uses the Marma points to heal.
The mind is considered as the 108th marma. The other marma
points are classified for better understanding according to
the physical components:
Mamsa Marma - muscle
Sira Marma - vessel
Sanyu Marma- Ligament
Asthi Marma- bones
Sandhi Marma - joints
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