Spa Review: Kalari Massage at Neo Veda

Kalari Massage at Neo Veda Spa, Delhi

The idea of combining martial arts with a massage does not sounds very relaxing, does it? Try the Kalari massage at Neo Veda Spa and you’ll be proven wrong. A massage that works on body as well as mind, Kalari is a traditional massage from South India.

In ancient times, northern Kerala invented a system of massage that helped warriors strengthen not just their bodies but minds as well. Associated with the martial art form ‘Kalaripayattu’, the massage was called Kalari.

spa in delhi — Kalarippayattu Martial Arts originated in Kerala during 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD

Healing therapies are paired with martial arts not just in India but all over Asia. Kalari is one of the most popular massages to do so.

The massage uses herbal and medicated oils to enhance mental strength as well as muscle flexibility. The massage is a popular Ayurvedic treatment used in Kerala even today.

Offering the magical spa treatment in Delhi is Neo Veda Spa located in The Metropolitan Hotel. I cannot comment on the authenticity of the massage since I haven’t experienced the original, but here’s a review of the massage:

The Therapist Walked Over Me!: The massage requires the therapist to use both hand and feet to apply pressure to certain points of the body. The therapy begins with a deep oil massage on spa bed. The herbal oils offer not just healing benefits but also make the effect of massage last longer. After a shower, the massage continues on a flat surface. This time the therapist walks all over me! She uses feet to put pressure and release stress. The pressure isn’t as hard as one would imagine. The pressure is right enough to induce complete relaxation.

Ambiance of the spa: Music is a key factor in offering relaxation at the spa. The background music here requires some serious attention. Instrumental Bollywood songs do not qualify as spa music! I preferred silence and requested turning it off when the therapist showed her helplessness in changing the music. A soothing tune would have certainly uplifted my experience.

Benefits of the treatment:

Improves circulation of body fluids.
Allows energy to flow freely and keeps the body healthy.
Helps to relax by releasing emotional stress.
Balances the sapta dhatu (seven tissues of human body; plasma, blood, muscles, fat, bone, bone-marrow and semen).
Stimulates nadi-sutra (Ayurvedic acu-pressure).
Stimulates marmas.

Cost: Rs 5895/- (including taxes)

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Location: Bangla Sahib Road, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi