Kairali Health Centre
Featured in an article on therapeutic Kerala Massages in Hindustan Times

In a nice and informative article about the various ayurvedic massages with high therapeutic
value in Hindustan Times, Kairali Ayurvedic Health centres and the various
massages offered by the centre was featured.

Massage : Kerala Style

Massage has been a
part of our lives. Whether it be back-ache or post natal, in India, we resort
to massage as though it were the most natural thing to do. The encyclopedia
describes massage as ??a systematic and scientific manipulation of body tissues performed with the
hands for therapeutic effect on the nervous and muscular system and on systematic
circulation.?? Massages relive pain and reduce swelling and speed the healing process following
strain and sprain injuries.

Hand manipulation
which includes light or hard stroking, is said to increase the flow of blood to
the heart. Another form is compression that includes kneading and squeezing ?
useful in stretching scar tissue, muscles and tendons, so that movement is
easier. While in percussion, the sides of the hand are used to strike the
surface of the skin in rapid succession to improve circulation.

According to Gita
Ramesh of Kairali Ayurvedic Health Centre,
??massage with Ayurvedic medicated oils is also preventive medicine. It helps in
toning up circulatory system and in rejuvenating the body.?? This special
treatment of oil massage prescribed in ancient Indian medical lore has been practiced
in Kerala for centuries in accordance with the works of Charakha and Sushruta. Interestingly,
these massages, ae done on wooden beds craved to match body contours.

Abhyangam or the
general massage from Kerala is done by two masseurs who apply herbal oil on
head, neck, shoulder , ears, chest and
back. It is then continued to the
rest body. This massage has been found to be good for rheumatism, eyesight,
sound sleep and of course a glowing skin.
Dhara popularized in the Capital by Shahnaz
Husain?s ?Panchakarma Clinic? and Kairali near Qutub, has the patient receiving
a continuous stream of herbal decoctions in a clay pot over the head that drop
gently on the forehead. Said to awaken the third eye , it is great for
relieving stress and tension.

For paralysis ,
hemiplegia and muscular dystrophy , Gita recommends Navarkizhi. Small linen
bags of cooked navara rice in cow?s milk along with
Ayurvedic medicines are applied in the body. The bags are neither hot nor cold.
After wiping the body dry, oils are applied again. The course lasts for 14 to
21 days.

Those suffering from
sinus, migraine , chronic cold, arthritis, abscesses etc are sure to find
relief in Kerala?s Sirovasti. Medicated oil is kept on the head bearable at a temperature on the head by
fitting a leather cap around it.

Many may find Nasyam uncomfortable
but the effect it has for those suffering from chest congestion and chronic
cold, is miraculous. The upper body is
massages and made to perspire. The medicine is poured into the nostrils , while
the areas around the neck shoulder palm and feet are rubbed simultaneously.
Herbal poultices of medicated powder warmed in oil are then used to massage the
body. This form of massage in Kerala is known as Elakizhi. By promoting perspiration,
it helps the skin to release its wastes and toxins. In addition, it tones the
skin and can be relaxing.

Those suffering from
diabetes , blood pressure and painful joints have oil applied on the head and
pieces of linen dipped in warm medicated oil and squeezed on the body and
massaged , find themselves building immunity to the problem. Pizhichil is a slow
and light massage without the exertion of much pressure.

Herbal oils and
treatments are selected to suit individual needs. Little wonder , then, that
the kairali massage is renowned for its therapeutic values. When combined with
Panchakarma, literally meaning five actions that flush and eliminate the toxins
, in the body, it is ideal for those aiming for a perfect state of health.

Published on: 21 August 1996

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