Kalari Massage
An Indian Martial Art Massage

Kalari massage is a type of marma therapy that is used in the Indian martial art, Kalari. Kalari originated in the Kerala state of Southern India. This therapy helps the figther train by helping to build flexibility and agility.

Kalari marma massage is a deep tissue massage that is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic traditions. The therapist is trained not only to help loosen the body up for a fight but also to promote the healing of injured muscles. The therapist uses herbs and medicated oils to encourage the body to heal itself. The therapist also incorporates yoga therapy, breathing exercises and mediation into the treatment.

This type of massage is essential in training to become a kalari master. Trainees get 14 days of massage in a row to help condition them for fighting.

There are 3 types of kalari massage each with a different purpose:

Sukha thirummu is used to ease muscle pain and aches. It is a relaxing massage that helps you feel rejuvenated.

Katcha thirummu is massage combined with yoga postures to increase flexibility.

Raksha thirummu is used to treat various conditions. It promotes healing.

During this type of massage you lay on a mat on the floor. The therapist uses hands and feet to massage you. As with most forms of Indian massage lots of oil is used in the process. When using his feet to massage you the therapist holds on to ropes suspended from the ceiling to maintain his balance. The massage is quite deep affecting underlying muscles that can be hard to get with traditional forms of Western massage.

Here's an example of what the massage is like.