Kalari Marma Treatments

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.
Kalari Marma Treatments
Marma Abhyangam
Chavitti Thirummu
Synchronised Marma Abhyangam
Shirodhara
Sarvangadhara
Vasti
Udhwarthanam
Pizhichil
Marma Kettu
Kizhi
Nasyam
Medicated Steam Bath
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Who is it for?

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

Benefits

  • Sweat absorbent hard bandage
  • Resistant to bacterial infection
  • Promotes healing without ingestion of medicines
  • 15 mins to bandage. 2 hours for the bandage to dry and harden.
  • Depends on size and area of injury
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marma Kettu used for?

Marma Kettu is a traditional Kalari-based treatment used to heal physical injuries such as muscle tears, ligament damage, fractures, bruises, and joint wear. It involves the application of a special herbal paste bandaged onto the affected area

How does it differ from modern plaster?

Unlike plaster of Paris, Marma Kettu:

  • Allows the skin to breathe
  • Absorbs sweat, reducing discomfort
  • Prevents bacterial infection
  • Forms a natural, hardened coating that supports healing without restricting energy flow
What is the paste made of?

The paste is handcrafted using traditional ingredients like:

  • Aloe Vera (Chenninayakam)
  • Arrowroot Powder (Koovapodi)
  • Gum of Arjun Tree (Chenchilyam)
  • Bamboo Rice (Yavam), Limonite (Sahasravedi), Egg White, and even Potter Wasp Nest (Puttu Mannu)
How long is the bandage kept on?

Typically, a Marma Kettu is left for 5–7 days. After this period, the therapist will examine the injury and may apply a second round if needed.

Who is this treatment ideal for?

This method is ideal for:

  • Martial artists, athletes, or individuals with physical trauma
  • Those who prefer natural healing over synthetic casts
  • Patients with bone fractures, ligament tears, or muscle strain

Our Healers

Abhijith Gurukkal

With over 30 years of expertise in Kalaripayattu and 20 years in Kalari Marma Therapy, Abhijith Girikkal hails from a family of Kalaripayattu warriors and started training under his father T Ashokan at the age of 6.  He mastered the Vadakkan (Northern) style of Kalaripayattu under Sudakaran Gurukkal of CVN Kalari, Kozhikode. Later he honed his skills in the Aruppukai lineage and explored Pillathangi and Thekken styles under various gurus across Kerala, while mastering various Kalari Marma treatment techniques.

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