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With Ojaswi Kalari-Marma Treatments

What is Kalari-Marma Treatment?

Kalari Marma treatment is a traditional Indian healing practice that originates from Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala. It is based on the knowledge of Marma points—vital energy centers in the body that control physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. This system of treatment combines therapeutic massage, pressure point manipulation, and herbal medicine to promote healing, restore balance, and enhance overall vitality.

Origin

Kalari Marma therapy has its roots in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine, developed by warrior-scholars of Kalaripayattu. It was traditionally used to treat injuries sustained in combat and training, but over time, it evolved into a holistic healing system benefiting people from all walks of life.

The treatment is based on the concept of Marma points, which are sensitive junctions where muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, and nerves intersect. These points regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) and, when stimulated correctly, can relieve pain, heal injuries, and improve overall health.

Who is it for?

Kalari Marma treatment is particularly effective for treating :

  • Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains, fractures, dislocations)

  • Nerve-related disorders

  • Chronic pain and stiffness

  • Postural imbalances

  • Insomnia and stress-induced problems

Kalari Marma treatment is also highly recommended for Rejuvenation and detoxification of the body. Taking treatments periodically can support in maintaining good health and is very useful for:

  • Removing toxins from the body

  • Improving metabolism

  • Strengthening immunity

  • Promoting mental clarity

Chavitti Thirummu

  • Chavitti Thirummu is Ojaswi’s flagship offering. It is a unique kalaripayattu massage technique using the therapist's feet. This technique was used traditionally in Kerala to mould the muscles and body agility of young kalaripayattu and kathakali performers. The therapist holds onto a rope tied to the ceiling and applies the right amount of body weight to the marma points and muscles with graceful sweeping strokes of their feet. The result is muscle and body restructuring improving the strength and flexibility of the patient, such as opening of the hip and thoracic areas.

  • Patients who experience back pain, sciatica caused by bulging of degenerated intervertebral disc, deep seated body pain, old and stiffened inflammations, muscle spasms, reduced flexibility or any restrictive stiffness in joints or muscles.

    • Relieves back pain

    • Increases intervertebral space, reducing sciatica and disc bulging

    • Eradication of inflammations

    • Decreases muscle stiffness

    • Improves flexibility and mobility

    • Promotes lymphatic drainage

Marma Abhyangam

  • Abhyangam is an Ayurvedic therapy that literally means oil massage. By interweaving the kalaripayattu knowledge of stimulating marma points to enhance energy flow, Ojaswi offers an enhanced Abhyangam experience. The stimulation of the marma points accelerates the body to heal itself through better flow of energy and blood through these important nodes. Marma Abhyangam can also be used as a preventive means to stay healthy, fit and slow down aging.

  • Anybody who wants to experience a preventive treatment as a means to stay healthy, fit and slow down aging. Patients who experience physical and mental stress, muscle stiffness, and skin disorders such as wrinkles, cellulitis, scars, rough skin, hyperpigmentation.

    • Reduced stress

    • Regulates blood flow

    • Reduces wrinkling, cellulitis, scars and improves skin smoothness

    • Decreases muscle stiffness

    • Improves flexibility and mobility

    • Promotes lymphatic drainage

    • Slows aging

    • Prevents arthritis

Synchronised Marma Abhyangam

  • Marma Abhyangam when done by two therapists in perfect synchronised unison it stimulates multiple marma points simultaneously. While it includes all the benefits of Marma Abhyangam, synchronised massage adds an enhanced layer of relief. Stress negatively changes the autonomic nervous system, reducing heart rate variability. Low heart rate variability indicates high stress levels. The rhythmic stimulation of the marma points influences the autonomic nervous system of the body, increasing the heart rate variability, leading to long-term reduction of stress levels.

  • Anybody who wants to experience a preventive treatment as a means to stay healthy, fit and slow down aging. Patients who experience physical and mental stress, low HRV (heart rate variability), high blood pressure, muscle stiffness, and skin disorders such as wrinkles, cellulitis, scars, rough skin, hyperpigmentation.

    • Reduced stress

    • Increases heart rate variability

    • Regulates blood flow

    • Reduces wrinkling, cellulitis, scars and improves skin smoothness

    • Decreases muscle stiffness

    • Improves flexibility and mobility

    • Promotes lymphatic drainage

    • Slows aging

    • Prevents arthritis

Sarvangadhara

  • Sarvangadhara is a traditional treatment that involves 3 steps –

    1. A full body oil massage (abhyangam) to prepare the body for receiving the treatment,

    2. Application and resting of a herbal paste (kuzhambu),

    3. Gradual pouring of the medicated decoction along the whole body.

    The constant rhythmic stream of dhara along with a gentle massage, lets the medicated decoction soak the skin, which then permeates into the body. The decoction is chosen as per the patient’s physical condition. 

    • Kashayadhara: Kashayam is a medicated decoction made by aqueous extracts of herbs. The Kashayam is heated to a lukewarm temperature and used along the body as Dhara. 

    • Ksheeradhara: The name means “Cold Stream” where buttermilk enriched with herbs is used as dhara. This cools the body down, providing relaxation and relief from conditions caused due to excessive heat in the body.

  • Patients who experience skin problems, joint pains, arthritis and anxiety.

    • Reduces pain, stiffness and swelling of joints

    • Reduces wrinkling, cellulitis, scars and improves skin smoothness

    • Reduces stress

    • Reduced post traumatic stress disorder

    • Lowers blood pressure

Shirodhara

  • Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment. Shira means head and Dhara means stream. Shirodhara involves the gradual pouring of warm or cool oil or medicated decoction (as per patient’s body type) onto the highly concentrated nerves on the forehead. Once the liquid soaks the scalp and forehead, it permeates into the sensory system. Along with the smooth vibrational sensation of liquid falling onto the forehead, the permeated liquid guides the body, mind and nervous system into a stress relief mode.

    • Taila Dhara: Uses medicated herbal oils specific to the individual’s dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) to perform Shirodhara.

    • Takra Dhara: Uses medicated buttermilk infused with herbs to perform Shirodhara.

  • Patients who experience neurological disorders, mental stress, physical stress, insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, psoriasis and fatigue

    • Improved mind concentration

    • Promotes better sleep

    • Resolves insomnia

    • Reduced post traumatic stress disorder

    • Lowers blood pressure

    • Nourishes hair and scalp

    • Reduces psoriasis

Vasti

  • Neck, lower back and knees are the three major points in the body where the weight of the body is held. Due to this reason, it is common for people to develop pain in these regions as they age. Vasti is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in which a small dam is created on the body part where the patient experiences pain. A medicated oil heated to lukewarm temperature is kept in this dam for 30-45 minutes. The oil along with the heat permeates through the skin into the body and provides relief against the symptoms. Vasti is only done after preparing the body with Abhyangam.

    1. Kadivasti - Vasti done for lower backache and disorders of the lumbosacral region.

    2. Greevavasti - Vasti done for neck and disorders in the cervical region.

    3. Jaanuvasti - Vasti done for knee pain developed through arthritis.

    1. Kadivasti for patients who experience lower backache or disorders of the lumbosacral region such as slip disc, lumbar spondylosis, sciatica, intervertebral disc protrusion, degenerative disc disease, etc.

    2. Greevavasti for patients who experience neck issues such as cervical spondylosis.

    3. Jaanuvasti for patients who experience knee issues due to arthritis.

    • Relieves back pain, neck pain or knee pain

    • Increases intervertebral space, reducing sciatica and disc bulging

    • Eradication of inflammations

    • Relief from arthritis related symptoms

    • Decreases muscle stiffness

    • Improves flexibility and mobility

Pizhichil

  • Pizhichil (literally meaning squeezing) is a unique Ayurvedic therapy from Kerala. In this treatment, a special linen cloth is dipped into warm kuzhambu (medicated oil mixture), and squeezed over the disease-affected areas or the whole body of the patient. While simultaneously massaging those areas, care is taken to ensure no portion is missed out. Pizhichil is only done after preparing the body using Abhyangam. Pizhichil is only done as a full course of minimum 3 days or above.

  • Patients who experience arthritis, joint pain, neurological disorders, muscle cramps, paralysis, rheumatic diseases, decaying tissues, and blood pressure issues.

    • Reduces pain, stiffness and swelling of joints

    • Improves psychological well-being

    • Increases mobility including recovery from paralysis

    • Lowers blood pressure

    • Rejuvenates the body and makes the patient feel young again

Udhwarthanam

  • Udhwarthanam is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in which the patient is given a deep tissue massage using a herbal powder that stimulates blood circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage and enhances metabolism. In Udhwarthanam the massage is performed in an upward direction, against the direction of the body hair. The valves inside veins that do not work properly open up during this type of massage promoting increased blood circulation. This massage also activates the sensory and motor nerves. Udhwarthanam is only done after preparing the body with Abhyangam.

  • Udhwarthanam is recommended for people with large amounts of body fat, as this massage helps reduce the fat, especially in the belly region. Patients with immobility caused due to Parkinsons or paralysis also benefit from this treatment.

    • Enhances metabolism

    • Promotes lymphatic drainage

    • Stimulates blood circulation

    • Increases mobility

Marma Kettu

  • To treat injuries like cuts, bruises, muscle tears, ligament tears, bone fractures, etc, we use a unique treatment methodology called Marma Kettu. A medicinal cream that contains different ingredients including herbs and animal secretions is applied along with a thin linen bandage along the region of the injury. Some of the ingredients of the paste include Aloe Vera (Chenninayakam), Arrowroot Powder (Koovapodi), Gum of Arjun Tree (Chenchilyam), Bamboo Rice (Yavam), Limonite (Sahasravedi), Egg White, Nest of Potter Wasp (Puttu Mannu) etc. This bandaged herbal cream hardens with time, and forms a strong  protective coating over the injury. Unlike plaster of paris normally used as cast over fractures, Marma Kettu absorbs sweat allowing the skin to breathe naturally. It does not allow bacterial infection to form as well. Usually a Marma Kettu applied on the injury is left on for 5-7 days, following which the therapist analyses the injury, and if required does a 2nd round of Kettu for a stipulated duration. 

  • For patients with injuries such as cuts, bruises, muscle tears, muscle spasms, ligament tears, ankle injuries, wearing of joints and bone fractures.

    • Sweat absorbent hard bandage

    • Resistant to bacterial infection

    • Promotes healing without ingestion of medicines

Nasyam

  • Nasyam is a very powerful rejuvenative Kalaripayattu therapy that involves administering medicated herbal oil through the nose. The toxins accumulated in the throat, nose and head are eliminated through this therapy. Depending on the area of the inflammation, the therapist will advise a methodology to heat up the inflammation and prepare the nasal passage to receive the oil. It can be either through inhalation of herbal steam or through a face and neck massage with a heated cloth. Once the body is prepared to receive the medicated herbal oil, it is administered through the nose followed by massage of the face and neck to allow the medicine to seep in. 

  • For patients who suffer from sinusitis or any Vatha-related issues above the neck.

    • Removes toxins from all the channels and cavities such as neck, eyes, nose, ear and throat

    • Revitalise the brain and nervous system

    • Improves memory power

    • Relieves headache and stress

    • Strengthens sensory organs

Kizhi

  • Kizhi or herbal poultice is used in a specialised procedure developed by the traditional vaidyas or doctors of Kerala to give the benefit of a medicated massage therapy. Herbs slowly cooked in milk or medicated oil are tied into a bolus using a muslin cloth to form a Kizhi. The body is prepared to receive the Kizhi through Abhyangam. The Kizhi is heated and used to gently massage the area of the body where it is required. The gentle pressure causes the herbal juices to ooze out of the Kizhi and permeates into the oil soaked skin. Along with the heat, these therapeutic juices prepare and heal the body.

  • At Ojaswi, we use different types of Kizhi based on the condition of the patient.

    1. Podi Kizhi – A bunch of herbs are dried up, crushed into a powder and filled up in the poultice to form this Kizhi. Podi Kizhi can be used along with medicated oil or with Dhanyamlam (a fermented decoction of grains)

    2. Ruksha Kizhi (Ruksha Swedha) – Certain body conditions, such as patients with Amavatham (rheumatoid arthritis), cannot be oiled up during treatment. Podi Kizhi, when used on the body without applying oil, is called Ruksha Kizhi or Ruksha Swedha.

    3. Naranga Kizhi – Made with lemon as the base, this herbal poultice is used primarily when heat needs to be applied at a concentrated area. Naranga Kizhi will not burn the skin when applied for long periods allowing the heat to permeate deeper into the body.

    4. Ela Kizhi – A herbal poultice that is used on the whole body for reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity.

    5. Njavara Kizhi – A herbal poultice with premium unpolished red rice from Kerala called Njavara ari as the base along with milk and other herbs. Njavara ari is considered a superfood due to its nutrient-dense nature. It has been used by vaidyas in Kerala for centuries as a food and for therapy due to its strength boosting capability.


    Depending on the body type and conditions of the patient, the therapists will recommend the right Kizhi to be used.

    1. Podi Kizhi – For patients who have a very old and unhealed joint injury or pain.

    2. Ruksha Kizhi – For patients who have Amavatham (rheumatoid arthritis) or muscle spasms.

    3. Naranga Kizhi – For patients with pain in joints, neck, chest, especially cervical spondylosis, sciatica and disc bulging.

    4. Ela Kizhi – For patients suffering osteoarthritis and back pain.

    5. Njavara Kizhi – For patients suffering joint immobility and reduced circulation due to arthritis.

    • Reduces inflammation

    • Improves mobility

    • Rejuvenates body

    • Increases blood circulation

    • Reduces stress and anxiety

    • Boosts immunity

    • Nourishes skin tissues

Medicated Steam Bath

  • After any of the deep tissue massages are completed, a medicated steam bath is recommended to accelerate the lymphatic drainage.

  • For anybody who underwent a deep tissue massage

    • Removes toxins

    • Revitalise the body

    • Improves blood circulation

  • Kalari-Marma treatment methodology is based on Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine. Therefore the foundational principles including many of the treatment methedologies are common in both Ayurveda and Kalari-Marma treatment. However, unlike ayurveda, Kalari-marma treatments never prescribe medications for consuming. All treatment focus on application of pressure and sometimes herbs and other medicines externally to treatment an illness and improve health.


  • No. However, the treatment can sometimes be intense, especially when working on deep-seated pain or injuries. It is always done in a controlled manner to release tension and promote healing without unnecessary discomfort or pain.

  • The number of sessions varies depending on the condition. A single session may be very effective for individuals seeking relaxing or rejuvenative care while acute injuries may need 3-5 sessions, while chronic issues may require 10-21 or more.

    Regular sessions can also be taken for preventive care and overall well-being.

  • Kalari Marma treatment is absolutely safe when done by a trained practitioner. Some people may experience temporary soreness, mild bruising, or fatigue, especially after deep tissue work. These effects usually subside within a day or two, leaving the body feeling more balanced and rejuvenated.

  • After a session, it’s best to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activities for the next 24 hours.

    Eating healthy nutritious food can help the body absorb the benefits of the treatment better.

Frequently asked questions