Chavutti thirummalwith Master Biju Nair

Chavutti thirummal is a form of massage in the Kalari chikitsa system. Originating in Kerala in South India, Kalari chikitsa is an ancient system of musculoskeletal treatments developed to benefit the warriors of Kalaripayattu.

Chavutti thirummal was traditionally used by the Kalaripayattu warriors to increase their flexibility, and to prepare and strengthen their bodies for combat. Combat situations demanded a supple body capable of powerful movements.

Today, Chavutti thirummal is still an important part of Kalaripayattu training. The martial artists receive this treatment to support the strenuous daily training required to master their art.

This treatment is an excellent complement to physical training for greater flexibility and enhanced ease of movement.

Chavutti thirummal is a strong full body massage, where the practitioner uses their feet for the main part of the treatment. The practitioner supports themselves by a rope suspended from the ceiling allowing for long continuous massage strokes to be made with, deeper and more thorough pressure.

This massage is traditionally given by those who have first mastered the martial art of Kalaripayattu. To perform this massage, a high level of skill, control and coordination is required.

To support the benefits of the massage, this treatment incorporates warm herbalised oils, marma applications and herbal steam therapy (Swedana). Herbal medicine and dietary restrictions may also be prescribed when necessary.

Chavutti thirummal is a form of massage in Kalari chikitsa, the healing system of Kerala’s martial art, Kalaripayattu.

These treatments continue to be part of the Kalaripayattu tradition. In Kerala, the Kalaripayattu master plays the dual role of a martial arts teacher and a healer. Kalari students still receive these treatments to support their training. It also helps a wider range of people, who come to see the master with their injuries and pain-related conditions.

The specialty of these treatments is that they can only be practiced by a Kalaripayattu master and their senior students. In this ancient warrior tradition, the martial art and healing art can’t be separated.