Common Ailments and Their Treatment in Kalari Chikitsa

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  Back Pain

  Back pain can be due to many causes, it could be due to abnormalities present in the vertebra by birth, can happen due to injury caused to either nerves or muscles or to vertebra by falling down, due to over working, hard physical labour or even excessive exercise with weights, or by not being active and leading a sedentary life style in which case slight swelling will happen initially in the lower back region and it gradually develops pain. Injury due to falling, or due to lifting heavy weights etc if not treated in a timely manner and if ignored will gradually result in instances of disc prolapsed which cause severe pain.

  Treatment for Back Pain in Kalari Chikitsa

  In kalari chikitsa, remedy for back pain is different Kettu (medicinal bandages) for most cases a duration of 14-21 days will be needed, but for severe cases it can take up to 3 months to completely heal. In addition to Kettu, depending on the physical condition other treatments like Uzhichil, Kizhi thirummu, treatment with thailams like Kativasti etc are prescribed. Certain Practice of either Kalari or Yoga along with the treatment shall also be prescribed in cases which could benefit from it.

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  Neck Pain

  Neck pain can occur due to many reasons, mainly due to weakness in either nerves or muscles of the neck, or due to sprains, accidents, or due to issues with blood circulation. It can also be caused by over straining due to use of computers, mobiles or books. Certain artificial chemicals used in hair dyes also cause discomfort and in certain instances irritations spread as stiffness or numbness and muscle loss in the arms.

  Treatment of Neck Pain in Kalari Chikitsa

  In most cases 7-14 days of treatment will be required, and in severe cases it can take up to 3 months to completely cure.

  Special massages with hands using certain medicinal oils and Kettu treatment and Dhara using Kalari Thailam (medicinal oils prepared in kalari) and Kizhi thirummu (application of Kizhi)

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  Shoulder Stiffness or Frozen Shoulder

  Injuries or weakness in the nerves or muscle in the neck, sprains, and also keeping the hand in certain positions while sleeping will result in swelling and if it is left untreated over a period of time will result in damage to the muscles, nerves, and cause shoulder pain and stiffness and can limit range of motion. It's usually caused by inflammation, which can lead to fibrosis of the glenohumeral joint capsule. This can cause the capsule to thicken and tighten, making it difficult to move the shoulder.

  Treatment for Shoulder Stiffness or Frozen Shoulder in Kalari Chikitsa

  For frozen shoulders, initially certain exercises are prescribed which are to be done after applying the thailam prepared in the kalari, after that different kizhi treatments and certain types of Poochu (Liquid Poultice) the external application of leaf juices or oils, after gently heating them is done.

  In most cases the condition will be cured in a month's time but for severe cases it might take up to three months to get completely cured.

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  Knee Pain

  Knee pain can happen due to many reasons, either sprain, wear and tear, falling, accidents, lifting weights, ligament tear etc. there could be swelling, pain and difficulty in walking.

  Treatment for Knee Pain in Kalari Chikitsa

  Kettu using certain thailams prepared in the kalari, bandages with certain medicines, uzhichil while maintaining kativasti, kizhi thirummu combined with certain kalari yoga is found most effective in treating knee pain.

  In most cases a course of 21 days should be enough to get cure, but for severe cases it can take up to 3 months to get completely cured.