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Massage is the medium
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Rajgopal runs Bangalore's only Kalarichikitsa centre
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RAJAGOPAL USES an ancient method of diagnosis and treatment, derived from the Dhanur Veda, to treat what we think of as "modern" ailments, curses of the computer era — cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulder, back ache, and sundry other musculoskeletal disorders.
A practitioner of Kalarichikitsa, the ancient physiotherapy system, Rajagopal's is the only Kalari treatment centre in Bangalore, and one of the few in the entire country. Kalarichikitsa, as the name suggests, is associated with Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala, which some regard as the mother of all eastern martial arts systems. Like Kalarichikitsa, Kalaripayattu too derives from the Dhanur Veda.
Massage treatment
So what is Kalarichikitsa? "It is a system of massage treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, using herbal oils, pastes and poultices. Massage, which is done with both hands as well as feet, is the crucial part of this treatment, though we may also prescribe some form of internal medicines," says Rajagopal. "Massage for the body is like ploughing for the soil; it removes toxins and wastes, and rejuvenates the body, where toxins have accumulated, it rids the body of those and brings it back to life. You can feel the difference with a single massage session, at the end of our course of treatment, the relief experienced by patients ranges from 60 per cent for cases of partial paralysis to about 90 per cent for other cases."
Kalarichikitsa or Marmachikitsa, as it is also known, evolved in answer to the treatment needs of Kalaripayattu, which, now confined to the ring and stage, was not so very long ago a living martial art, taught, practiced, and used by warriors in Kerala. Each Kalari, or, in its sanitised English term, gymnasium, was presided over by an Ashan or teacher, who imparted training under strict codes of conduct and use, giving his disciples knowledge of the distinctive, secret moves, which were a trademark of that particular Kalari. Warriors fought not only as part of the royal army, but also fought duels on behalf of one or other quarrelling local chief or faction.
During learning, practice, and use, warriors could hurt themselves either in defensive or offensive moves and it was essential to formulate a system suited to the effective and time-bound treatment of these injuries. For our times, Rajagopal explains, Kalaripayattu techniques are a very effective means of self-defence, especially for women. He is willing to teach women if he is provided a place and students are willing to spare a minimum of one month. In between he demonstrates on my shoulder how to "poke" an attacker. I squeal in pain and then he "releases" the knot!
For generations
Rajagopal himself comes from a famous Nair family of physicians from North Malabar, who have been associated with Kalaripayattu and Kalarichikitsa for several generations. His father founded the famous C.V.N. Kalari, which was later carried on by an uncle and others.
When he began training in Kalaripayattu, Rajagopal was 10, but he had to wait till 14 to begin Kalarichikitsa training. At 14, he was allowed to accompany the elders to pluck herbs, to prepare them for grinding, to help in filtering the ground herbs and the boiling of these herbs in oil, the preparation of the poultices, and so on. After some time, he was permitted to attend to the seniors as they treated patients, then slowly to help in the massages, then to attempt a diagnosis, then to help in the actual massaging and so on, till after several long years, he was allowed to diagnose and treat a patient on his own.
There are neither scrolls nor books for Kalarichikitsa and its knowledge and secrets are passed on orally and through apprenticeship and training under a seasoned practitioner. Also, Kalarichikitsa is distinct from Ayurveda; it is not obligated to Ayurveda for the methodology of treatment, or for the particular "yoga" or combinations of oils.
Though Rajagopal has been practising all through, he also trained in graphic art in Kolkata and worked as a visualiser in Hindustan Thompson. He came to Bangalore in 1971 and worked in Focus Advertising for several years. Since then, he has had a regular clinic, now attached to his home, where he works accompanied by his son Madhu, who is also fully trained.
Rajagopal explains the sequence of treatment: "First, they explain to me what they are now suffering, as well as a history of their illnesses and I get an idea of their lifestyle and the like. Then I do hands-on diagnosis. After that I decide the treatment. We generally recommend beginning with seven days and then to go on to 14 days of massage without breaks and with maximum rest avoiding physical exertion of all kinds."
Miraculous
Speaking to some of Rajagopal's patients, one is impressed — accounts of his success in treatment sound almost miraculous. Cases of 15-year-old sciatica, sudden attacks of excruciating, almost paralysing pain in the lower back, severe spondylitis... the list goes on. And in cases where patients have felt the need to consult an orthopaedic physician, Rajagopal's diagnosis, made entirely with fingers and mind, has always been confirmed by X-rays and other "proof".
Rajagopal's clinic is at No. 211, 4th Cross, 5th Main, Jagadishnagar, New Thippasandra P.O. Phone: 25231506
KALA KRISHNAN RAMESH
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