Kalaripayyat, Martial Art of Kerala

Kerala's traditional martial art form teaches you how to floor an opponent with a feather - and then mend his injuries.

KALARIPPAYAT is the exclusive martial arts legacy of Kerala, taken to China by the Buddhist monks which became the fabled model for the modern martial arts. Kalarippayat encompasses an invigorationg Ayurvedic herbal treatment for chronic ailments like arthiritis and spondylosis, and a massaging regimen which repairs physiological damages and makes the body young and supple. The fracture treatment system, developed as a corollary of the rough and tumble world of martial arts, does away with the risk-ridden x-rays and hit-or-miss plaster-cast method.

The kalari tradition is at once a cultural experience too. The folk-lore of Kerala is woven around legendary exponents of kalarippayat and their exploits. The vocabulary of the rural people, especially of northern Kerala, is studded with kalarippayat jargon. It is a scientific and comprehensive system of training for the body and the mind with an elaborate repertoire of weapon training

Kalarippayat literally means 'acquired skill' of art. "Kalari" means school or arena, and "payat" is skill training, exercise or practice. It is the most comprehensive personal combat training shceme anywhere in the world. The training includes exercises to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and techniques of combat using mace, spears, daggers and sword and shield. There is also a unique Kerala weapon- the lethal flexible sword, called the 'Urumi' which can be concealed as a waist belt.

Kalarippayat also includes the 'marma' treatment which identifies the vital nodal points(marmas) in the body (107 of them in all) for suitable pressing and nudging to correct muscular and neurological problems. The massaging may involve standing full length over the patient and applying pressure with the feet. The system is acknowledged superior to any other method of massage.

Treatment

It is a unique system of treatment, which is developed in connection with Kalaries in Kerala. The knowledge attained by the sages and yogies of ancient India, about the 107 vital points led to the development of this unique treatment method. It is also very effective for wounds, burses and fractures. The way of treatment with Herba and Herbal preparation can give instant relief. Massages or Uzhichil with specially prepared oils in an effective treatment for rheumatic complaints and nerval disorders

FEATURES OF KALARI MASSAGE

Balancing of Chakras: According to yoga science, Cakras are circular energy centres, which exist, in man’s subtle body.
Balancing of Sapthadhathu: Seven tissues of Human body like Plasma, Blood, Muscle, Fat, Bone, Bone marrow and semen.
Stimulation of Nadisuthra Points: Ayurvedic Acupressure
Stimulation of Marmam: Vital Points
Stimulation of footprints: Foot Reflexology
Awakening of Prana: Life – Energy
Awakening of Senses: Five senses of the body

THE MASSAGE

The Massaging may involve standing full length over the patient and applying pressure with the feet. This encompasses an invigorating Ayurvedic herbal treatment for chronic ailments like arthritis and spondylosis The system is acknowledged superior to any other method of massage.This Rejuvenation Massage, restores energy reserves of the body, reduces stress strain and fatigue, relieves body aches, improves complexion and skin texture and gives a healthy and euphoric feeling. The chronic illness due to back pain, spondylosis, rheumatism, arthritis etc. can be relieved with this treatment.

KIZHI

Kizhi, a cloth pouch filled with medicine, heated in boiled oil is applied on the body. The Kizhi is useful in removing swells and for the treatment of rheumatism, back pain etc. The  Kizhi is available  in accordance with the medicines used in it like Navarakkizhi, Elakkizhi, Podikkizhi, Manhakkizhi etc.

DHARA

Dhara is a method of treatment by pouring warm medicated oil on different parts of the body and head.
Dhara, is divided into three in accordance with the part of the body where the treatment is done.

"Moordhania Dhara" (Dhara done on head)
"Sarvanga Dhara" (on the whole body)

"Ekanga Dhara" (on any particular part of body)

Moordhania Dhara is a treatment for diseases of head, eye, nose, ear and face and also for some particular types of rheumatism.

Sarvanga Dhara gives relief from body ache, sprain etc. It is also done for body rejuvenation.

Ekanga Dhara is performed on particular parts of the body for body aches, sprains etc
The name of the Dhara is used according to the medicine used in it. 'Thakra Dhara' (using Butter milk), 'Ksheera Dhara' (using Milk) and 'Sneha Dhara' (using Ghee, Oils etc) are some of them.

PIZHICHIL

Pizhichil is similar to Dhara. But it is done by hand.

Useful links
http://www.lifepositive.com/body/martial-arts/marma-adi/kalarippayat-martialart.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_kalaripayattu
http://www.keralacvnkalari.com/index.asp
www.keralacvnkalari.com/kalarippayat.htm
www.kalarippayatacademy.com/
www.cvnkalarikerala.com/
http://www.enskalari.org.in/
http://books.google.co.in/books?id=hISikpYZ9hYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=kalarippayat&source=bl&ots=VikC-2-xwP&sig=AEst9CXQXZcMjazf5eIjmqfr0rg&hl=en&ei=GdicTOrvGoTfcZeV5dMJ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=13&ved=0CEoQ6AEwDA#v=onepage&q&f=false