Weight loss massage : The Kalari ayurveda way
According to the National Health and Nutrition examination Survey 2013-2014 , every 2 in 3 adults are suffering from obesity and related health issues . And, finding a correct workout regime amidst our busy schedule that keeps us engaged for long duration is a bigger task at hand.
Kalaripayattu , is known as a martial art today but earlier it was not restricted to these 2 terms alone, it was much more than that . It was always an authentic way of healthy life which is suitable for every era and lifestyle.
As soon as a young student enters the Kalari, he/she first applies the sesame oil all over her body and helps her co kalari mates in doing the same and that is the first time the awareness of one’s own body uncovers for a Kalari practitioner.
Ancient scientific movements :
Leading to modern fitness goals.
This ancient art of warfare’s unique combination of Movements and Massage is an assured method of regulating the overall weight of the body.
The comprehensive yet exhaustive movements inspired by animals works on the body in such a manner that it increases the heart rate and stamina in spite of its slow course in the beginning thus increasing the metabolism rate. For example : an animal movement of a snake (sarpa Vadivu) works on stretching your thighs, hips, spine and arms in such a manner that its regular practice shapes and tones your entire body.
As the practitioner progresses she is introduced to ‘meipayattu’ , which is a set of martial movements consisting of animal postures, high jumps, throws, kicks and fighting sequences performed together without a single break, i.e , in one go. It takes 2- 2.5 minutes for a senior practitioner to complete it whereas 10 minutes approximately for a beginner. Practicing this particular wholesome movement after a basic warm up is enough to burn 250 calories for a normal body. And needless to say, the biggest strength of kalaripayattu is the high combative jumps which are again an established method to lose the extra flab rapidly.
These carefully created raw movements of kalari cover each and every part of the body, in its own incalculable style leading to visible weight loss which in turn results into fitness inside and out.
The natural cure to your body.
Additional to these combat movements is a branch of Ayurveda Massage attached to Kalaripayattu called as ‘Kalari Uzhichil’ .This distinct method of doing the therapy of the body focuses in depth on all the hidden Marma (vital) points of the body and activates them thoroughly to undo all the losses caused to the body through an unhealthy lifestyle or any mental ailment like stress, etc.
This is no ordinary treatment, a minimum 7 days(and maximum of 21 days) of kalari massage practiced on a person’s body not only regulates but enhances their digestive system, blood circulation, hormonal balance and mostly it removes all the stale and stagnant toxins from the body leaving the body recharged , rejuvenated to a new and clean state.
This system of treatment gives the body an opportunity to breathe and start afresh with a fit and healthy body.
The Satvik lifestyle :
weight loss is a journey..
The regular and consistent practice of kalari gradually inculcates a deep awareness about ones own body by keeping a track of 3 most important elements of a healthy lifestyle, namely,
Water intake: which acts as a ‘fuel’ that one needs to run the whole day.
Sleep cycle: which is the major factor responsible for the increase or decrease in the stress levels that one suffers with as stress induced due to distorted sleep is directly related to unhealthy weight gain and other obesity related diseases.
Mindful eating: which is responsible for the level of performance one executes in the kalari ground to start with and generally in a day to day life because you are exactly what you eat.
Hence it won’t be wrong to say that as one gets deeper into this form of fitness regime, one realizes that keeping a healthy track in daily life is not just a basic requirement but shall be the priority as well.
Regulate your weight,
Not reduce it..
Kalaripayattu does not “reduce” your weight only but it basically regulates the imbalance caused in a body due to unhealthy and ‘corporate’ lifestyle of present times .
It puts back your weight to equilibrium according to your height and other biological aspects and improves your cardiovascular health , reducing the risk of complications caused by obesity.
A body that is “fat” is not a health issue as such, it is an unnecessary social taboo that we need to abolish from our social conditioning and understand that a body which is “unhealthy” is the real issue and that could be thin, slim, overweight or weak and that’s exactly where Kalaripayattu strikes.
Therefore, this hidden treasure of India needs to spread globally for an indelible healthy mind, body and spirit.
Had a single massage session at the Noida centre of Kalari Kendra. Pushpa handled the massage session and was considerate of the comfort and pressure level of the body. After the session I felt instantly relieved off my lower back pain.
I have had low back pain since my second delivery. Just like most women, I simply used to manage it by gels and some rest and did not take steps to overcome the pain. It got worse and unmanageable in Feb 2021. I had been taking online Kalari classes with Shinto Matthew Gurukal and hence went for treatment at Kalari Ayurveda Treatment Centre.
Shinto Sir is very experienced and he was able to find the exact origin of the pain. The massage and khizhi treatment was very effective. I also took the given kashayam for two weeks. In just two weeks my pain of four years disappeared!
Sir assesses you each day and recommends the treatment accordingly and does not overcharge you.
Also, he very frankly tells you the possibility outcome of the treatment. If you follow his instructions I am sure he can cure you of any pain!
Athlete , writer , Founder of Jairath Wellness . Since i belong to the fitness fraternity , I need to make my conscious endeavor to work on my over all fitness and the best decision I could have taken was to join the Kalari online classes with Shinto sir putting an end to my perception that this art could only be learnt while staying in Kerala. Having a teacher like Shinto Mathew sir is a blessing and gift from God. The classes are conducted while staying in its ancient and authentic structure. The best thing is that you can start this art at any age irrespective of your fitness levels. It leads to a complete harmony between the physical being and the inner self.
This is one of the most disciplined places, I have come thru in my life, and by discipline I mean not only behavioral discipline but you can learn here complete body and mind discipline. Circumstantially I got the opportunity to learn this art only for one year and during my training, I felt that Guruji has put his all to keep up the real standards of this most ancient art form. Quite away from business and profit-making associations he runs this sacred center, trying to sustain one of the most amazing wonders of ancient India. This art has lots of healing and keeping your body healthy secrets. Anyone, at any age of life and with any background or gender can learn this art safely. Inevitably I can say, Guruji is ensuring the genuineness of this center all by hi heart.
I was introduced to Kalaripayattu through a friend while writing a book with him. I immediately contacted Shinto Sir who guided me through his online classes. So far the journey has been wonderful. All the movements practiced have given me a lot of confidence in my daily work as well as physical structure. THANK YOU sir, the art which was limited to Kerala alone, you have made it reachable for all of us across India. It is amazing to have people of all ages and gender in the class. I wish you the best sir.