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| The
Princely Path Kalari
Kovilakom offers ayurveda unveiled in its most authentic form. The herbs
used are pure and freshly picked, usually from the herb gardens maintained on
Kalari Kovilakom's own extensive grounds. All food is prepared in a full
fledged ayurvedic kitchen, using pure
spices and ingredients to create simple, yet delicious vegetarian meals that form
an integral part of the treatments. And the therapies are in strict accord
with the ancient texts of Ayurveda. Through
a combination of massages, herbal treatments, medicines, diet and purifying baths,
the Kalari experience promises you a chance to see the world afresh, to be twice
born. 10 therapy and massage rooms offer a complete range of treatments. Expert
masseuses and therapists work with you from head to toe, bringing new life to
tired muscles, bones and tendons. The healing continues at our Yoga and meditation
centres, and even at the dining table. And of course, hovering protectively over
your whole treatment are Doctors Shreelatha and Jain, qualified ayurvedic physicians
with years of clinical experience. Want
to learn more about Ayurveda in general and our treatments in particular? Read
our Doctor's briefing. |

Preparation
for Shirovasthi
(a head treatment) in progress. Read
more about our therapies Experience
the ayurvedic centre |
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Yoga
and Pranayama Yoga
is the ancient Indian mind-body-spirit discipline, said to have originated in
the 'sutras' (philosophical verses) of sage Patanjali, millennia ago. The
word is from the old Sanskrit, and means 'union'. While there are many different
forms of Yoga, the purpose of all of them is the same - to achieve oneness with
the cosmos. For the serious Yogi, the ultimate aim is to attain 'moksha', or liberation
from the karmic cycle of birth and death. The form of yoga that's most widely
known in the West is 'Hatha Yoga', a system of 'Asanas' (postures) meant to perfect
and discipline the body, and its accompanying breath exercises, called 'Pranayama'.
At
Kalari, we use the Bihar school of Hatha Yoga, a gentle, yet powerful form that
combines particularly well with other therapies. Afternoons in the Yoga Centre
are reserved for 'Yoga Nidra', a special meditative technique that brings about
deep relaxation in the individual. Like everything else here, yoga therapies
too are personal and focused. You'll be guided through a routine that's designed
for your age, ailments, body type and general condition. |
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| Experience the Kalaripayattu centre |
| Kalaripayattu Kalaripayattu
is one of the oldest martial arts traditions in the world. In
fact, many historians believe that it was the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma ( Daruma
to the Japanese), founder of Zen, who first took it to the Far East. Over the
centuries, the form was expanded and developed, finally becoming the basis for
Kung Fu and other martial arts. 'Kalari' means school or arena, and 'payat'
is skill training, exercise or practice. Kalari
aims to create the most proficient warrior. and so fits out the body and the mind
with an elaborate repertoire of movements and exercises: There
are four basic types of Kalari training, viz. body control exercises, training
with wooden staffs, the use of weapons such as swords and shields, and
unarmed combat. |
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There
is also training in the use of a unique Kerala weapon, the lethal flexible sword,
called the 'Urumi'
that can be concealed as a waist belt. Another
special feature of Kalari is training in 'Marma', the art of knowing and activating
the 107 energy points in the body. Theses
are vital points for correcting the body's energy flows and replenishing its resources.
Kalari therefore aims to make the practitioner not just a warrior but a self-healer,
and one who can also help others with his healing powers. At
Kalari Kovilakom, there are regular training sessions in Kalaripayattu, held in
a traditional covered pit arena on the grounds . So not only can you watch
the experts at play, you can even take a crack at Kalaripayattu yourself! Simple
Kalari movements are great exercises for strengthening and toning the whole body,
and can make your treatments that much more beneficial. | |
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| | Copyright,
2005, cgh earth |