Varma_kalai
Varma kalai
Indian study of vulnerable anatomy
Varma Kalai (Tamil: varmakkalai, Malayalam and Sanskrit: marma-vidya) is a Tamil traditional art of vital points. It combines massage, alternative medicine, traditional yoga and martial arts[1] in which the body's pressure points (varmam) are manipulated to heal or cause harm. The healing application called Vaidhiya Murai is part of Siddha medicine (siddha vaidyam).[2]
Its combat application is known as Adimurai (it includes a component called Varma Adi, meaning "pressure-point striking") can be done either empty-handed or with a blunt weapon such as a stick or staff. Varma Kalai is usually taught in the advanced stage of Adimurai,[3] Kalaripayattu, and Silambam in Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively;[4][5] strikes are often targeted at the nerves and soft tissues.