Kalari chikitsa as a sports medicine

Kalari chikitsa is an ancient system of sports medicine. For Kerala’s Kalaripayattu warriors, Kalari chikitsa was vital for survival on the battlefield.

Not only was Kalari chikitsa used to treat their battle injuries, but it was also used to improve performance, prevent injuries, and prepare for battle.

Today, while no longer on the battlefield, Kalari students still use these treatments to support the strenuous training required to master their art.

These treatments are not only beneficial for martial artists, but for anyone taking part in some form of physical activity or those having difficulty in doing so.

The warriors had rigorous training regimes to prepare them for battle. Preventing injuries was crucial to improving their performance as, for a warrior, performance was a matter of life and death. Today, for martial artists, athletes or anyone active, injury prevention is still necessary.  The less time spent injured, the more time that can be spent training and performing. Kalari chikitsa reduces the risk of injury by promoting strength and flexibility. As a result, athletes can better withstand the physical demands on their body and ultimately improve their performance.

Kalari chikitsa developed methods to treat the warrior’s injuries from training and combat. It also treated the conditions that affected their ability to perform the martial art. The goal of warriors then, and martial artists, athletes and active people now, is to get back to their physical activity as soon as possible. The techniques used to treat the ancient warriors continue to be of benefit to athletes today. The treatments aim to first relieve pain and then to restore not only their original physical capability but also to acquire a level of optimal health to reduce the risk of further injuries.

Kalari chikitsa includes a range of massage techniques, marma applications, herbal oils, pastes and poultices. Herbal medicine and dietary restrictions are also prescribed when necessary.

With the array of methods available, treatments are customised to the individual and their goals, sport and training regimes.

As a practical manual therapy, massage is a primary element of Kalari chikitsa. The two types of massage are Kalari marma Massage and Chavutti thirummal.