Kalari chikitsa

Kalari chikitsa is a complete system of traditional medicine. It includes a range of massage methods, marma applications, herbal oils, pastes, poultices and herbal medicines.

Kalari chikitsa is related to Ayurveda and Siddhavaidya, two larger traditional Indian medicine systems. They share a similar philosophy and approach. However, Kalari chikitsa has its own distinctive practices, treatments, and medicines within the Kalaripayattu tradition.

These treatments remain part of the Kalaripayattu tradition. In Kerala, the Kalaripayattu master plays dual roles as a martial arts teacher and a healer. Kalari students still receive these treatments to support their training. A wider range of people also visit the master with injuries and pain-related conditions.

A distinctive feature of these treatments is that they are traditionally practised within the Kalaripayattu lineage by masters (Gurukkals) and their senior students. In this warrior tradition, the martial and healing arts are inseparable.

Kalari chikitsa is often described as an ancient system of sports medicine. For Kerala’s Kalaripayattu warriors, it supported injury care, performance, injury prevention, and physical preparation for battle.

Today, these treatments continue within Kalaripayattu training and can also suit people whose movement is limited by pain, stiffness, or restrictions, as well as those who are active and want to maintain mobility and resilience.

Treatments for injury prevention and performance enhancement

Warriors followed rigorous training regimens to prepare for battle. Injury prevention was crucial, as performance could determine survival.

Today, for martial artists, athletes, active people, and anyone rebuilding strength and movement, injury prevention and recovery support are still important. The less time spent limited by pain or injury, the more time you can spend moving, training and living well.

Kalari chikitsa is used to support strength, flexibility and mobility, helping the body manage physical demands and recover more effectively.

Treatments for sports injuries, chronic pain and movement dysfunctions

Kalari chikitsa developed methods to treat injuries from training and combat, and to support pain and restrictions that affected movement and performance.

The goal of warriors then, and the goal of many people now, is to return to comfortable movement and physical activity as soon as possible.

Treatments first aim to relieve pain, then support improved mobility and function, with the long-term goal of reducing the risk of recurring issues.

As a practical manual therapy, massage is a primary element of Kalari chikitsa. Learn more about Kalari marma massage below.

Kalari marma massage comes from Kerala’s martial art, Kalaripayattu. It combines targeted massage techniques, marma applications, kizhi and herbalised oils for pain, injuries and movement restrictions.

Kalaripayattu is the traditional martial art of Kerala. Master Biju Nair teaches at our school, Australian School of Kalaripayattu.

Kalaripayattu develops the body and mind through a powerful flowing practice. It is a comprehensive system that was originally designed to create an expert warrior.