Angam Tree Wellness Hut
Angam Tree is a service focused on ensuring the continuity of the ancient and traditional arts of wellness and therapy handed down through generations. Healing takes place through the channelling and re-balancing of energy points in the body. By using the therapeutic use of touch, sound and movement, stress and anxiety are reduced.
From Gods to Healers
Massage Therapy
Folklore traces Varma Kalai to the god Shiva who is said to have taught it to his son Murugan. While disguised as an old man, Murugan passed the knowledge of 108 Varmams to the sage Agastya who then recorded it and disseminated the skill among his students. The Nadar tribe believes Varma Kalai was given to them by Agastya. Siddha medicine is also attributed to Agastya. It combines massage, traditional yoga and martial arts in which the body’s pressure points (varmam) are manipulated to heal or cause harm.
The essence of sound for spiritual growth and all-round wellbeing is ancient. In India, the Naath Yogis were the pioneers in knowing and using the therapeutic benefits of sound, light and vibrations. As per Siddha philosophy, therapists are not ordinary beings but are Vaidyas, meaning one who is an evolved soul. They recognized the fact that through the medium of sound, even the intention, mood and positivity of the therapist is transferred to the recipient. Sound Therapy is employed to ease people of their chronic pains and discomforts.
The psychotherapeutic use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration is a powerful healing technique. Dance movement therapy can help people regain physical health by increasing strength, improving flexibility, decreasing muscle tension, and boosting coordination. It can also offer important benefits including stress reduction and even symptomatic relief from conditions such as anxiety and depression. It provides the space for individuals to experience an invitation, a sense of choice and validation.
Angam Tree Wellness Hut has now grown into Angam Tree Varmam Wellness Research and Education Centre a “Dream” focused on Holistic Wellness.
Angam Tree is focused on the Sustainable Development Goal: SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-being” which is a “Global Goal achieved via action”. This work in therapy and healing is focused on educating people in the importance of healthy living and lifestyle. It aims to achieve a better and sustainable future in wellness for each individual and their communities.
Raja's Dream: A Multifaceted Healer - From Varmam to Yoga and Dance
Ainnarappan, having received his Auroville name as Raja, a child of Auroville, grew within its spiritual and integral yoga culture and work ethic. He began his journey into the healing arts by first learning the art of varmam from his grandfather. Later, Raja specialized as an Ayurvedic and Hawaiian heart-healing massage therapist. He also chose to follow his passion by embracing Kalarippayattu and Yoga in 2005.
Trained in different styles of dances like Capoeira, Latin and Contemporary, he is also a certified Zumba instructor. Raja has given Kalari performances in contemporary form in cities including Pondicherry, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad and Bangalore.
His academic credentials include a Diploma in Movements Arts and Mixed Media from Atta Kalari Center for Movements Arts in Bangalore. Raja has been practicing the integral yoga of holistic wellness of sound healing, traditional body work and dance movements arts to serve his community.
