Ayurveda & Kalari Marma
Ayurveda
Why Ayurveda?
- Shirodhara
- Abhyanga
- Pizhichil
- Kizhi
- Udhwarthanam
- Herbal Steam Bath
- Rejuvanation
Major Treatments in Ayurveda
1. Shirodhara
- Shirodhara massage is a classic Ayurvedic therapy, which includes pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead in a continuous stream. Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy is very effective in promoting sound sleep and reducing stress. Shirodhara treatment is one among the Bahiparimarjana chikitsa, or external treatments told in Ayurveda. The term Shirodhara comes from two words “Shira” meaning head and “Dhara” meaning stream.
- The benefits of Shirodhara include treatment of sleep problems, memory loss, poor concentration, chronic headaches, stress, depression, mental tension, hypertension, facial Paralysis and degenerative conditions of the brain. The medicated oils absorbed through the scalp stimulate the hair follicles and hence shirodhara is an important therapy to treat hair problems such as premature greying of hair or hairfall.
2. Abhyanga
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
- Nourishes the Entire Body—decreases the Effects of Aging
- Imparts a Firmness to the Limbs
- Increases Circulation
- Assists in Elimination of Impurities From the Body
- Increases Stamina
- Benefits Sleep—better, Deeper Sleep
- Enhances Vision
- Imparts Muscle Tone and Vigor to the Dhatus (Tissues) of the Body
- Lubricates the Joints
- Stimulates the Internal Organs of the Body
- Moves the Lymph, Aiding in Detoxification
- Calms the Nerves
- Makes Hair (Scalp) Grow Luxuriantly, Thick, Soft and Glossy
3. Pizhichil
Pizhichil (literally meaning squeezing) is a unique Ayurvedic therapy from Kerala. It is very effective in the treatment of ailments like arthritis, muscle cramps, paralysis, rheumatic diseases, neurological disorders, and blood pressure issues. The benifits of Pizhichil are;
- Improves the Circulation and Metabolism and Thus Restores Health. It Helps in Rejuvenating the Body.
- Beneficial in Many Ailments Like Arthritis, Neurological and Degenerative Disorders as It Induces Diaphoresis (Sweating).
- Increases the Skin Luster and Complexion of the Skin. As It Improves the Circulation, It Increases Immunity and Life Span.
- Promotes Relaxation to the Body by Relieving Stress.
4. Kizhi
Kizhi is an ayurvedic massage that is done with the help of small and warm bundles that may contain herbal powders and medicines, medicinal rice or sand. It helps in providing relief from pain and relaxes the muscles, so it’s used to treat conditions like arthritis, spondylitis, fibromyalgia, any type of rheumatism, and general or chronic pain in any part of the body. It is also claimed to improve circulation and skin complexion, as well as delay the signs of aging. The major benefits of the treatment are;
- Alleviate Doshas, Pain and Stiffness
- Helps the Body Get Rid of Wastes and Toxins, Thus Leaving the Body Rejuvenated
- Specifically Useful in Relieving Pain, Stiffness and Numbness
- Prevent Ageing
- Improve the Quality of Skin by Adding Shine and Lustre
- Reduce Body Weight
5. Udhwarthanam
- Removes Toxins From the Skin
- Improves Skin Complexion
- Eliminates Excess Fat Accumulated Under the Skin
- Reduces Cholesterol
- Recovers Joint Mobility Issues
- Relieve Stress
6. Herbal Steam Bath
A herbal steam bath (known as Bashpa Swedana) involves sweating caused by steam. Such a steam bath can help remove toxins from the body. It is a part of the cleansing therapy done after a massage. A steam bath in Ayurveda involves the use of a steam chamber. Herbs are used in the form of an oil to help remove toxins. There are many benefits of the steam bath, some of them are;
- It Helps Improve Blood Circulation
- It Deep-cleanses the Skin and Helps in Improving Skin Health
- It Helps Provide Relief From Congestion in the Upper Respiratory System
- It Prevents Mucus Membranes From Becoming Dried Up
- It Provides Relief From Coughing That Occurs Due to Mucus Accumulation
- It Can Help in Weight Loss Efforts as Sweating Helps Reduce Fat Tissues
- It is a Helpful Therapy for Those Who Suffer From Asthma and Other Respiratory Problems
- A Steam Bath Can Help Refresh Both the Body and Mind. It Has a Calming Effect and Helps Reduce Stress.
- Nasal Congestions Get Alleviated With a Steam Bath
- It Ensures Relief From Soreness and Muscle Pain That Occurs After a Workout
6. Rejuvanation
The Rejuvenation Therapy, is often considered synonymous with rebirth, for it completely revitalizes the body, eliminating the ill-effects of all previous disorders. Its cleansing effect gives a second lease of life by completely decontaminating the body, mind, and spirit. The tranquility of the mind is promoted and the nerves as well as bones are kept soft and soothing. This prevents the process of ageing and makes the individual free from any disease even during an advanced age. The benifits are;
- The Unique Panchakarma Treatments Remove These Toxic Wastes and Maintain Your Body in an Equilibrium State.
- The Rejuvenation Process Helps to De-stress & Re-energize From Inside Out.
- The Theme of the Therapy is to Improve Physical, Mental and Moral Qualities.
- Rejuvanation Therapies Are Performed After Removing the Toxic Wastes From the Body to Get the Best Results.
Kalari Marma
Kalari Marma
Kalari Marma Chikitsa is a technique for healing injuries relating to the musculoskeletal system that evolved alongside the martial art form itself. While Ayurveda is an integral part of this healing methodology, there are several medicines and treatment methods that have evolved from traditional folk medicine.
The Results
- Sports injuries including martial arts, dance & yoga
- Musculoskeletal injuries and imbalances
- Acute and chronic pain
- Muscle and joint pain and stiffness
- Back, neck, shoulder & knee pain
- Frozen shoulder, Sciatica & Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Reducing the risk of injuries
- Enhancing physical performance
- Increasing body flexibility, agility & strength
- Preparing the body for strenuous exercise
- Maintaining optimal health
Why it's Done?
The external application of warm herbalised oil plays a major role in Kalari Marma Massage. Kalari herbal oil is a transport mechanism for delivering herbs into the deeper tissues. When the warmed herbal oils are applied in a treatment, the pores of the skin are opened due to the warmth. This allows the healing properties of the herbs to more deeply penetrate the affected tissues. When herbs are used in this manner, they also help to pull impurities out of the body. Kalari Chikitsa was used by the ancient warriors to;
- Treat Their Injuries Sustained During Training or Combat
- Treat the Conditions That Affected Their Performance Ability
- Prevent Injuries and Prepare Their Bodies for Training or Combat
- Improve Their Skills by Increasing Strength and Flexibility
