CHAVUTTI THIRUMAL
(Kalari Uzhichal)
MASSAGE BY FOOT
PRESSURE
This medicinal system was
originally developed by kalari masters in order to heal battle related
injuries, as well as to improve their students fighting abilities .Nowadays,
kalarichikitsa/Chavutti Thirumal 
can be applied to help a wider range of people achieve
good health. Specializing in neuro-muscular (sciatica, spondylosis, etc.), and
skeletal disorders (sprains, fractures, dislocations, etc.) this treatment also
helps the client to reach beyond their psycho-physical limitations and is
particularly suitable for kalari practitioners, but also for any discipline
such as athletes, dancers, and stage performers.
The therapy is based on the
precise knowledge of the body's energetic channels (nadis) and vital spots
(marmas), the wide selection of medicines, usually homemade by the Gurukkal,
and is entirely organic. Thailam, or oils, medicated with leaves, roots, barks,
and even dairy products can be applied externally by massage, or taken
internally. Numerous internal medicines are also available: churnam (powders),
kashayam (decoctions), gritham (medicated ghee), etc.
Teacher Vinay Kumar
working at his family school
Uzhichil,
the name given to this treatment is a full body massage system and is executed
by the practitioner with his/her hands and feet, and is unique to
kalarippayatt. It is a very powerful treatment, which requires patient and
therapist to follow a strict regimen during the whole course. It can relieve
serious back problems, and also increase flexibility, stimulate the flow of
vital energy, and develop mental sharpness. The treatment is given by the therapist
suspending his weight from ropes overhead, and applying pressure with long
strokes of the soles of his/her feet, after the patient's body has been
prepared with specially medicated oil. He/she also makes use of strokes with
his/her hands, as well as some manipulation of the joints and limbs.
Where does it come from? Chavutti Thirumal comes from Kerala in
What’s required? What distinguishes Chavutti Thirumal from other
massage treatments is the application. The foot of the masseur/se is able to
give a deeper, more thorough pressure and is able to cover the whole length of
the body from the tips of the fingers to the tips of the toes, with long
continuous graceful strokes. As with many years of training for Kalari and
Kathakali, the process of learning the Chavutti art may require a type of
calling and certainly a deep dedication to the well-being of people and their
physical, emotional , mental and spiritual upkeep. The masseur/se will have
been inspired into trying to understand and prevent illness in order to develop
the skill and dexterity required that enables a deep concentration and
co-ordination to execute this joyful but intense experience.
Other Auyervedic treatments
Candida also gives a
traditional detox/beauty treatment called Udvartana, which comprises of a one
hour sandalwood oil massage either with the hands or feet, followed by a 30
minute application of triphala medicated powder which is a traditional tonic
used in auyervedic medicine. The powder is vigorously rubbed into the body, a
very similar feeling to skin brushing this will help detoxify the skin and
increase the blood circulation, stimulate and improve lymph flow. This aids
the removal of dead skin cells and fat
cells. This treatment is amazing for reducing fat and also the gives the skin a
good workout creating the skins texture to become soft, silky with a lustrous
glow.
PRICES One hour Chavutti at Arc £55
One and half hours Chavutti
£70
Two hours Chavuttti £85
Udvartana Detox One and half hours £75
Candida has been practicing Chavutti Thirumal
since the beginning of 1996. After several 
visits to Trivandrum in Kerala to train at the Yoga
Therapy Institute set up by Dr Pillai, she went on to practice this massage at
Natureworks in Mayfair, The Life Centre in Notting Hill Gate, Tri Yoga in
Primrose Hill and also has participated on many Yoga retreats including a three
month stay at a health spa in Sri Lanka called Ulpotha. More recently Candida
has been treating dancers at the Ballet Frankfurt and is currently setting up a
practice in
Candida currently gives one
off treatments as well as courses of ten accompanied with a general detox
programme. She can also assist clients to improve their health through teaching
techniques such as, Pranayama, Kryias (cleansing breath) and the Eight Golden
Psychodynamic Chi-Kung Exercises. She now gives treatments at ARC Complementary
Centre in Islington.
Candida and Vinesh Kalari Master
“Candida’s authenticity & dedication shines
through her practice of Chavutti. She complements the process with her choice
of oils & has an amazing dexterity & sensitivity in the application of
pressure with her feet. This treatment is a wonderful compliment to yoga
practice, & is one of the most thorough oil massages achieving total
liberation of connective tissue. I highly recommend this treatment.” LIZ LARK,
Author & teacher of “Astanga Yoga” Carlton Books. Also “Yoga for Life”
Website for Liz -
http://www.lizlark.com/
For more information or to book a
treatment
CONTACT mailto:candidavalentino@yahoo.co.uk
If you wish to go to Kovalam in Kerala to receive
training in Chavutti
or receive courses of treatments you can contact my
teacher Vinay Kumar
Mail to: vinayanvkm@yahoo.com
or visit web page http://www.dhanurvedam.com
Please check out youtube footage of chavutti massage
on http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=GRTYgJ6I6zM