Varma kalai

Varma kalai (Tamil: varmakkalai: marmakkalai,: maru kalāSanskrit: marmavidya) is a Indian term meaning "art of vital points". It is a component of traditional massage, medicine, and martial arts[1] in which the body's pressure points (varma or marma) are manipulated to heal or cause harm. The healing application called vaidhiya murai is used in ayurveda and siddha medicine (siddha vaidyam) to treat patients suffering from paralysis, nervous disorder, spondylitis and other conditions.[2] Its combat application is known as varma adi or marma adi meaning "pressure-point striking", and can be done either empty-handed or with a blunt weapon such as a stick or staff. Usually taught as an advanced stage of Indian fighting systems,[3][4] strikes are targeted at the nerves, veins, tendons, organs and bone joints.[5]

Schools of Varma Kalai

Varma Kalai in general is attributed to 3 Siddhars, namely,

Out of which only the Agathiyar is more commonly practiced in Tamil Nadu and in the neighboring states like Kerala and Karnataka.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Varmakkalai, an ancient art that ruled asia for centuries". varmakkalai.com.
  2. ↑ Zarrilli, Phillip B. (1992). "To Heal and/or To Harm: The Vital Spots (Marmmam/Varmam) in Two South Indian Martial Traditions Part I: Focus on Kerala's Kalarippayattu". Journal of Asian Martial Arts 1 (1).
  3. ↑ Luijendijk, D.H. (2005). Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art. Paladin Press. ISBN 1-58160-480-7.
  4. ↑ Stevens, B; From Lee to Li, HarperCollins 2009 ISBN 9780007347414
  5. ↑ Master Murugan, Chillayah (20 October 2012). "Silambam and Varma Kalai Art". Silambam. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
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