Sevanti WellnessJames Bailey, LAc, Dipl OM, Dipl. Ayu., ERYT Marma Having drawn the prana from one point to another, holding in the 18 marmasthanas is spoken of as pratyahara. The Ashwini Kumaras, who are the best among the physicians of the devas, have spoken thus of the vital points in the body, for the attainment of liberation through yoga. Yoga-yajnavalkya, VII. 2-7 Marma Shastra By Anupama Bhattacharya Marma shastra, the ancient Indian martial art form that manipulates vital points in the body, can be used both for self-defense and healing. Healing has always been an important part of martial arts. You cannot be a fighter without knowing how to heal your wounds. But nothing connects the two better than marma shastra—where the difference between life and death is just a matter of pressure. The word 'marma' was used for the first time in Atharva Veda (ancient Indian scripture). During the Vedic period of India, this martial art was known to kings and warriors and was used in battlefields. It is said that marmas are constituted of six vital elements—soma (sleshma, phlegm), marutha (vata, air), teja (pitta, bile) and the three mental types: rajas, tamas and satva. Marma adi is the science of manipulating marmas or vital points. These are nerve junctures usually close to the skin surface. According to Susruta, author of Susruta Samhita, the ancient treatise on ayurveda, human body contains 107 marma points which, when struck or massaged, produce desired healing or injurious results. Like acupressure, marma adi functions by pressing these points through which the prana (chi in Chinese) flows. The highest stage of kalarippayat, Kerala's ancient and potent martial art form, marma adi is now a near-extinct science, existing in a few remote corners of the place of its origin. Even in this age of websites and rediscovering of ancient wisdom, marma adi has remained a tradition shrouded in mystery. SEVANTI WELLNESS1502 Montana Avenue, Suite 207 Santa Monica, CA 90403! 1 when struck. 12 are located in pairs on the left and right sides. When somebody hits the marma. it results in paralysis. and press with your thumb or the index finger to heal. This excessive stress on a precise hit and the years of practice it demands has stymied the popularity of this martial art form. CA 90403! 2 . You strike the marma points to hit. or shiatsu. follows a 14-meridian theory (with 361 marma or tsubo points). A study of the exact location of prana is imperative for marma adi to be effective. our body is crisscrossed like irrigation channels with meridians. find out whether he is a vata (air). however. Usually these exercises are recommended three days a week. Other ailments such as spondylosis. make sure that you massage your palms. a student of marma. fingers and wrists with oil to regulate the blood circulation. And since that. the corresponding organ is affected. A marma point is most vulnerable when prana is flowing through it. can cause impotency while the same marma. pitta (bile) or kapha (phlegm). Marma points. is its function. vishalaya ghunam (air). mantis strike and dragon fist strike." says Sudhakaran. when massaged. is struck. including jabbing your fingers on leather strips. kalanthara pranahara (water). massaging and increasing physical flexibility. resulting in a stronger life force energy. The hit should also be vertical. pingala). But the same marma is treated with moderate circular and deep pressure to treat paralysis. But before doing any of these. a spoon. Of these. a closed interconnecting system through which prana flows in the body. Two kinds of weapons can be used in marma adi: natural and artificial.m." At present. for it works only if the blow is precisely on the marma point. "Kapha and pitta types require medication as well as marma. For example. Marma points are also divided on the basis of their pancha bhautic (five elements) constitution into sadya pranahara (fire). a marma point on the leg. If martial arts remind you of Bruce Lee gracefully slashing the wind with lightning strikes." It is. Suite 207 Santa Monica. yin. It is possible to find marma masters in some gurukkals (teachers) of kalarippayat in Kerala. While six of the 12 pairs of meridians have negative polarity (Shakti. The prana leaves the lungs at dawn between 1. six are of the positive polarity (Shiva. and continues to be. "Vata type of people respond best to marma. or its Hindi version Hindustani would get an inkling of marma adi through those intricate jabs the hero Kamal Haasan uses to kill or maim his enemies. is taught only to the most exceptional and dedicated students. marma adi will revise your opinion. The system takes 8-10 years to learn and is used for three basic purposes: healing. peaking and diminishing in a 12-hour cycle. is the inaccessibility of many marma points. A student can heal independently after he completes his course SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue." It takes six weeks for a fracture to be healed through marma. especially as a form of defence. cures impotency. "The effectiveness of marma healing is almost 100 per cent. handed down from one generation to the next within a family. and 3. Similarly. or even a corner of War and Peace to hit an assailant on the marma points. The intensity of prana flow varies according to the time of the day. marma has been. and which are later used by a marma master from Kerala to heal one of the victims. yang. The metamorphosis of your hand from a wobbly five-fingered prong to a deadly weapon requires much practice. and returns after flowing through 13 other channels within 24 hours. The negative meridians begin from the toes or the middle of the body and go upward to the head. your house keys. You might use a stick. marma shastra believes there are 26 meridians in all. important to study the patient first. While acupressure. wood. What makes marma adi even more difficult to practice. The positive meridians begin at the head and go down. the flow of prana is disturbed and can be treated either by marma itself or acupressure. if lohit. in essence. The technique. As a healing technique.00 a. sciatic and rheumatic problems can also be treated with marma. Marma adi. with a gradual increase in the strain. one of the most revered traditions of Indian healing systems. supposed to be located on these meridians. vaikalyakara (earth) and rujakara (space).SEVANTI WELLNESS According to marma adi. You can hardly pull out the shoes of an assailant to hit at his soles.m. nervous disorders. Those who have watched the Tamil hit movie Indian. marma vipat near the groin. Each item works as well. unlike some other martial art forms. however. wall or even a bucketful of sand. boost the prana each time it flows through. The natural weapons include various hand and finger strikes including snake strike. ida). dart strike. marma adi is potent. cannot be learnt in regular schools.00 a. When the flow of prana is disturbed. Paralysis can be treated in three months. marma treatment is available only in Kerala. Or trace the exact marma point up his spine. but is integrated in the descriptive anatomy of the classical medical treatises. in the vedic period knew the importance of the vital spots called marma. They are more often searching for miracle cures and are goaded by sensational reports of successful healings. It also shows us how to get the body and mind in balance. produce many side effects. The concept of marma is rudimentary in the vedas and epics. it has retained its exclusivity through a strong guru-disciple tradition. Our finger tips which are used to point the way. Marma is not only a technique but a way of life. which result in death if they are traumatized. without eradicating the disease. discharge a great deal of energy. There are many miracles related to the sensation of touching. The earliest reference to marma is traced to the Rigveda when Lord Indra defeated the demon Vrtra.SEVANTI WELLNESS and works as an apprentice with his guru for two to three years. Suite 207 Santa Monica. These points are known as Marma points. by using his vajra weapon against ma r m a. vital points in the body. our guru being the foremost. which is as follows SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Maha Rishi Agasthya described 108 energy amplification points in the human body which are directly connected to the chakra system to facilitate the circulation of vital force energy all over the body. Many modern drugs while easing the symptoms. response to the injury and anatomical positions etc. These points direct and control Prana to the functional level of the body. Many people come to the Marmaki Center after modern medicine has 'given up' on them. In Marma Shastra. CA 90403! 3 . especially the one attributed to Acharya Sushruta. Says Sunil Kumar: "The first thing we are taught is to respect our elders." Marma are the sensitive. finger tips are used to channel energy from the chakra system through the Marma points. The patient already crippled with induced chronic side effects can turn to Marmaki for relief. Marma Shastra shows us how to balance this energy in Chakras and the circulatory system via the Marma points. Many other similar references in the vedas and epics reveal that the masters of war. Though this ancient art is gradually finding its way into the mainstream of life. He identified one hundred and seven marma points and cautions that direct injury to these vital spots can be fatal and classifies them from different view points of nature. of structures underlying. and the transference of energy through the fingertips from one man to another. Any disease can be cured accurately by knowing the affected Marma Points. Marma Shastra Marma Shastra is an ancient art of healing before Ayurvedic time. SEVANTI WELLNESS Arrangement in body tissues Region Number 11 41 27 8 20 Muscular (the soft parts) The blood vessels Ligament (the tendons and ligaments) Bones Joints Effect of injury (Prognostic evaluation) Region Number 19 33 44 14 3 Immediately (Sadhya Pranahar marma) fatal Belatedly fatal (Kalantar Pranahar marma) The post-extraction fatal (Vishalyaghan marma) The debilitating (Vaiakalyakar marma) The painful (Rujakar marma) Location Region Number 22 22 9 3 14 37 Upper extremities Lower extremities Thorax Abdominal In back of the trunk Head and Neck SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. CA 90403! 4 . Suite 207 Santa Monica. SEVANTI WELLNESS Upper and Lower Extremity Marmas Note: Angula is the measurement from the tip of thumb's joint to the tip of the thumb. Number: 4 Location: Between thumb and index finger and big toe and first toe. • Effect of injury: Pain (rujakar marrita). Lower extremity: Ligaments of the tarso-metatarsal and intertarsal joints. Lower extremity. Structure: Tendon Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal (kalantarpranahar marma). Special reference to location: Upper extremity: Ligaments of the carpo-metacarpal and intercampus joints. Effect of Injury: Early death (sadhyapranahar marma). Kshipra • • • • • • • • Measure: 1/2 angula. Number: 4 Location: 2 angula above Kshipra base of thumb and toes. vessels and snivel sheaths. • Number: 4 • Location: At the end of the palm just above the wrist and at the end of the sole just below the ankle.First interposes space of the foot with its contents. Special reference to location: Upper extremity-First interposes space of the hand with its contents. CA 90403! 5 . • SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Lower extremity: • Side or lateral ligaments of the ankle joints. Number: 4 Location: Center of palm and sole of feet. Structure: Tendon Effect of injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma) Kurchashira Measure: 1 angula. Structure: Muscular. • Structure: Tendon. vessels and snivel sheaths. Talahridya • • • • • • • • Measure: 1/2 angula. Kurcha • • • • • • • • Measure: 4 angula. Special reference to location: Upper extremity: Palm with its nerves. Special reference to • location: Upper extremity: Side or lateral ligaments of the wrist. Suite 207 Santa Monica. Lower extremity: Sole with its nerves. Structure: Muscle • Effect of injury: Belatedly fatal (kalantarprana har niarma). Number: 2. Structure:Tendon. Lower extremityQuadriceps tendon and suprapatellar bursa. Lower extremity. Number: 4. Structure: joint. Location: Elbow joint (both arms). Suite 207 Santa Monica. Structure:joint Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma) Janu • • • • • Measure: 1 angula. Ani • • • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 i Number: 4 Location: Three inches above kurpara and three inches above janu. Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Number: 2. Location: Ankle joints [both legs]. Number: 2. • Structure: Joint. • Effect of Injury: Pain (riijakar marma). • Gulpha • • • • • Measure: 2 angula. Location: Middle of the forearm and middle of the lower leg. SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue.Triceps tendon and articular capsule.SEVANTI WELLNESS Manibandha • Measure :2 angula. Structure: Tendon. Indravasti • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Special reference to location: Upper extremity-Arteries and nerves of the apex of the cubital fossa. Number: 2. Effect of Injury: Pain (rujakar marma). Location: On the knee joint (both legs). • Kitrpara • • • • Measure: 3 angula. CA 90403! 6 . • Location: Both hands [wrist joints]. Special reference to location: Upper extreinity.Arteries and nerves of the middle of the calf. Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Lower extrenmity. Structure: Blood vessel. Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). 7 . Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Kakshadhara • • • • • Measure: 1 angula. Effect of Injury: Fatal (sadhyapranahar marma). Lohitaksha • • • • • • • • Measure: 1/2 angula. Structure: Muscle. Structure: blood vessel. Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Structure: Tendon.Femoral and profound vessels in the middle of the thigh. [both knee sockets and both sides above the armpits]. Special reference to location: Rectum. Vitapa • • • • • • Measure :1 angula. Number: 2 Location: 2 angula below lohitaksha of the groin [in the middle of both legs]. CA 90403! Measure: 4 angula. Number: 2 Location: 2 angula above lohitaksha of the armpit. Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Special reference to location: Upper extremity. Location: In the thigh socket and above the armpit. Abdominal Marmas Guda • • • • • • SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Location: Around the anus. with branches of the brachial plexus. Lower Extremity. Suite 207 Santa Monica.SEVANTI WELLNESS Urzi • • • • • • • • Measure: 1 angula.Brachial vessels and its branches in the middle of the arm. Structure: Blood vessels.Femoral triangle and its contents. Number: 4.First and second part o the maxillary vessels and Brachial plexus.Third part of the maxillary and upper portion of the brachial vessels. Special reference to location: Upper extremity. Special reference to location . Special reference to location: Medial portion of the groin where spermatic cord descends. Number: 4 Location: Middle of upper arm and middle of thigh. Number: 1. Apasthambha Measure :1 /2 angula. Structure: Blood vessels. • Location: Centre point between nipples and collar bone. Special reference to location :Urinary bladder. Effect of Injury: Fatal (sadhyapranahar marma). • SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. } Thorax Marmas Hridya • • • • • • Measure: 4 angula. Effect of Injury: Fatal [sadhyapranahar marmal. CA 90403! 8 . Number: 2. Effect of Injury: Fatal [sadhyapranahar marmal. Suite 207 Santa Monica. Location: 2 angula above Stanamula marma.SEVANTI WELLNESS Basti • • • • • • Measure: 4 angula. Location: Around navel. Number: 1 Location: Centre of the breast bone [diaphragm] Special reference to location: Heart Structure: Blood vessel. Stanarohita • • • • • • Measure :1/2 angula. Number: 2. Structure: Ligament. • Number: 2. Location: Below nipples [2 inches below each breast]. Special reference to location: Deep vital structures corresponding to the umbilical region. Structure: Muscle. Structure: Ligament. Number: 1 Location: Between pubic bone and the navel. Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal (kalantarpranahar marma). Special reference to locator Part of the pleural sac or of the lung below the nipple. Effect of Injury: Premature death (kalantarpranahar niarnia). Stanamula • • • • • Measure: 2 angula. Number: 1. Nabhi • • • • • • Measure :4 angula. Special reference to location: Part of the pleural sac or of the lung below the nipple. Special reference to location: Ala of the ileums (portion just above and in front of the sciatic notch. Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal (kalantarpranahar marma). Parswasandhi • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Effect of Injury : Belatedly fatal (kalantarpranahar marma). Number: 2. Nitamba • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal [kalantarpranahar marmal. • Structure: Blood vessels. • Apalapa • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Back of the Trunk Marmas Katikataruna • • • • • • Measure: 1/2 angula. Location: 2 angula above Nitamba marma. Structure: joint. Number: 2. Location: Both sides of the coccyx. Structure: Bone. Number: 2. Location: On both sides of the spine near the hips [lions].) Structure: Bone. Special reference to location: Upper part of the lung and pleural sac. Number: 2. Suite 207 Santa Monica. SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Location: On both side of the stemuin.SEVANTI WELLNESS Special reference to location: Bronchus. Special reference to location: Ischium of the hip bone. Location: 4 angula above and lateral to Kukundara. Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal (kalantarpranahar marma) Kukundara • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Special reference to location: Sacro iliac joint (common internal and external iliac vessels lie in front of the joint. • Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal (kalantarpranahar marma).) Structure: Blood vessels. Special reference to location: Greater sciatic notch and dorsum ischii with sciatic nerve in relation to them. Number: 2. Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalaykar marma). CA 90403! 9 . Special reference to location: Anastomosis around the scapula. Number: 2.SEVANTI WELLNESS Brihati • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Number: 2. Number: 2. Location: Shoulder blade. Location: Both sides of the throat. Special reference to location: Portion of the brachial plexus in relation to the scapula. Effect of Injury: Disability [vaikalyakar marmal. Special reference to location: Hypoglossal nerve. Matruka Measure :4 angula. Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal [kalantarpranahar marma]. Special reference to location: Cora co armorial arch. Number: 2.. Sturcture: Blood vessels. Suite 207 Santa Monica. Neck Marmas Manya • • • • • • Measure :4 angula. Number: 2. • SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Special reference to location: Lingual nerve. Location: 4 angula above ansaphlaka marma. Effect of Injury: Disability Ivaikalyakar marmal. Structure: Blood vessels. CA 90403! 10 . • Location: 4. Effect of Injury: Disability [vaikalyakar marmal. on both sides of the tubular vessels of the throat and 4. around the vessels of the tongue and nose. Acromio clavicular joint and sub acromial bursa. Location: Between each breast and the spine. Location: Near the manya marma on the inner side of the jaw. Structure: Ligament. • Number: 8. Structure: Bone Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Nila • • • • • Measure: 4 angula. Structure: Blood vessels. Amsa • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Ansaphalaka • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Apanga • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. • Effect of Injury: Fatal (sadhyapranahat marma). Effect of injury: Disability (va4kalyakar marma). (Macewan's triangle). Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Avarta • • • • • • Measure: 1/2 angula. Special reference to Location: Paterson. Structure: Blood vessels. Special reference to Location : Sterna mastoid muscle (upper portion with accessory nerve).(3) Internal carotid artery. Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Structure: joint Effect of Injury: Disability (vaikalyakar marma). Structure: Tendon. (4) Internal • jugular vein. • Krikatika • • • • • • Measure: 1/2 angula. Loss of hearing. Number: 2. Number: 2 Location: Little above at the end of the eyebrows centre. Number: 2. Loss of sense of smell. Suite 207 Santa Monica. Location : On both sides of the joint of the head and the neck. Special reference to Location: Nasal conchae. Loss of the sight. Special reference to Location : Area near the outer can this or frontozygomatic suture. Special reference to Location : Mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Number: 2. Loss of the sight. Location: Both sides of the nose [on both nostrils near the eyes). Head Marmas Vidhura • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Location: Below both the ears. Structure: Blood vessels. Structure: Bone Effect of Injury: Disability a[vaikalyakar marma]. Number: 2. Location: Comer of both the eyes (a little below the eye brows). CA 90403! 11 . (2) External carotid artery. Structure: Blood vessels. SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Phana • • • • • • Measure: 1/2 angula.SEVANTI WELLNESS Special reference to location: (1)Common carotid artery. tongue and ears are related to this area). Suite 207 Santa Monica. • Structure: joint Effect of Injury: Belatedly fatal (kalantar pranahar marma) • SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Number: 2. Number: 2 Location: Above shankha marma near the hairline. (2) Sagittal suture. Utkshepa • • • • • • Measure:1/2 angula. Special reference to Location: Temple. Effect of Injury: The post extraction fatal (vishalyaghan marma). Structure: Blood vessels. Location: Between each ear and the end of the eyebrows of each side. Number: 1. Location: Centre of the Skull. Special reference to Location (1) Coronal suture. CA 90403! 12 . Sthapani • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Effect of Injury: Fatal (sadhyapranahar marma). the parts of the floors of anterior and middle cranial fossae. • Effect of Injury: Fatal (sadhyapranahar marma). Structure: Blood vessels. and (5) Right parietosquamous suture. Special reference to Location: Glabella. with petrous portions of the temporal bones and with. Structure: Ligament Effect of Injury: The post extracfion fatal (vishalyaghan niarma). Location: Between both the eyes (at the root of the nose). eye. (4 )Left parietosquamous suture. Special reference to Location: Median portion of the floor of the middle cranial fossa. Number: 5.SEVANTI WELLNESS Shankha • • • • • • Measure :1 /2 angula. Special reference to Location: Parietal eminence. Shringataka • • • • Measure: 4 angula.tlmportant vessels and nerves of the nose. Location: Palate. • Simanta • • • • Measure :1 angula. formed by the both wings of the sphenoid. Number: 4. (3)Lambdoid suture. Structure: Bone. Angula is the measurement from the tip of thumb's joint to the tip of the thumb. and Urumi (a long flexible Sword). Special reference to Location: Conflueus sinum. The training follows strict rituals and guidelines. The golden age of Kalaripayat was from the 13th century to the 18th century. Number: 1 Location: Centre of the back side of the head. Hasthangastham and Srakraneeti) say that a legendary warrior named Parasuram was the first Guru (Master). Natyasastra. leaps and poses. Gadba (Mace) . strength of mind is the driving power. The aim of Kalari is not only self defense and offense. * Ankathari (complete fighting) This is combat training with weapons like the Kadaras (dagger). the Buddhist monk from South India (a prince from Tamil Nadu) introduced Kalari to China and Japan after incorporating changes. These 21 warriors established 21 Kalari's to protect the land and maintain peace. These are the vital points where pranas (vital force) reside. Agnipuranam. It is believed that he and his warriors taught their secrets to four of the most aristocratic Brahmins. according to the great Indian surgeon Acharya Sushruta and hence the knowledge of these marma could be utilized during the processes of external massage and sudation to eliminate the disease of the specific areas or parts of the body. applying incisions. He guides his students in such a way that they are ready to face anything on earth. Suite 207 Santa Monica. These in turn trained others and picked 21 experts from among those trained warriors. In the 19th century. Effect of Injury: Fatal (sadhyapranahar marma). It is the final phase of training SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Kalari became an integral part of the socio-political system of medieval Kerala. The ‘Gurukkal’ (or 'master') gives physical as well as moral training to the students. the principles of movement in space and to understand the continuous flow of energy in the body. It is believed that Bodhidharma. Udaval and Paricha (Sword and Shield). Medieval Principalities and chieftain families maintained a military group of their own. This enables oneself to stand up to the challenges in life and discipline mind and body. CA 90403! 13 .SEVANTI WELLNESS Adhipati • • • • • Measure :1 /2 anguIa. Structure: joint. mental and spiritual practices. * Kolthari (physical coordination) It involves training with wooden weapons. Practice enables the student to gain control. cauterization. The strength of mind is the strength of body. Kuntham (Spear). There Kalari evolved into modern day Karate and Kung Fu. The concept of Kalari develops from 3 levels : * Meythari (physical exercise) Sequences of exercise including twists and turns of the body. but also strength of mind through physical exercises. Kalaripayat and Kalarichikilsa Classical literary works (like Dhanurveda. In physical culture. Kalaripayat is a unique blend of physical. He can overpower even a heavily armed adversary. The development of physical culture is an important task of every community. The knowledge of Marma is very beneficial if kept in mind during massages. the British Colonialists outlawed the its practice and teaching and it gradually became extinct. Mazhu(Axe). Even a small wooden object can become an efficient instrument in the hands of practitioner. They enable the student to master balance and co-ordination. operations etc. To train the student's character a series of symbolic rituals are practiced every day. Here an unarmed combatant fights with an armed enemy and puts him down through various techniques like Ozhivukal (skipping). The place of practice and training is called a ‘Kalari’. It is not until the disciple has been sufficiently cleared of the samskaras. 4. the disciple (once enough of the samskaras are transformed and transpersonal Love. gather your energy there. release it. release it. Move your attention to the middle of your calves. gymnasium and temple. The martial arts aspect of this ancient knowledge. On inhalation. when energized on the Tantric and non-dual paths. gather your energy there. Below we have presented a form of meditation and Pratyahara using marma points according to this yogic teaching. release it. Move your energy to the middle of your thighs. healed and relaxed. much like flexing and relaxing of the muscles. Thada (blocking) Pidutham (catching) and marmam (blows and hitting at the vital points) of the body. 1. emotional and mental poise with a more sonorous voice. This operates analogously to digital information. healed and relaxed. On inhalation. release it. On exhalation. Visualize (intend or feel) this region of your body energized. gather your energy there. healed and relaxed.” To do this practice the following method carefully. Move your attention to your ankles. healed and relaxed. Direct your attention to your toes. Ashramically. On exhalation. the marmas can act much like the mitochondria of the cells and that they are focal points of power. From the unarmed kicks and punches. On inhalation. On inhalation. and enough time in consecrated service that the hierarchical functioning begins to impact the life.SEVANTI WELLNESS Learning requires ritual stretching and flexing exercises to achieve balance and concentration. On exhalation. Visualize this region of your body energized. What is known is that the cleansing and energizing of the marmas results in more physical. release it. gather your energy there. healed and relaxed. Verum Kaythari (Unarmed combat) is a postgraduate course in Kalaripayat. 'Kalarichikilsa' is based on identifying 'vital spots' ('marmas') which are treated with massages and Ayurvedic oils and herbs. It is important to prepare by following the breath foce. Visualize this region of your body energized. and doing the following through any awareness practice through the sense of presence. lrrakkam (stepping back). using inhalation and exhalation at each marma region. 6. The energies can be both outgoing and ingoing. SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. Thus the entire body becomes a weapon. On inhalation. 3. release it. On exhalation. On inhalation. spears and daggers and study the ‘marmas’ (the 107 vital spots on the human body where a blow can kill). Move your attention to the middle of your knees. On exhalation. On exhalation. swords. “One should practice concentration by drawing one’s Prana by the power of attention from each of these marma regions. gather your energy there. Kayattam (stepping forward). Traditionally. It has the elements of a school. Marma Shastra Meditation Marma knowledge is the mother of all Chi/Prana information. going back to the beginning of the fifth root race. there are 107 marma points in the body with the 108th being at region of the brahmarandra. Visualize this region of your body energized. as Vasishta Samhita states. healed and relaxed. Kalaripayat warriors graduate to use sticks. 5. There is a way of applying healing to another via their marma points. in other words. Move your attention to the base of your knees. 2. CA 90403! 14 . Suite 207 Santa Monica. the inbreathing of energies through the marmas can provide very accurate information to the ashram. The marma points can be energized for purposes of healing. Esoterically. Visualize this region of your body energized. Visualize this region of your body energized. gather your energy there. the soul Love of presence) can receive real help and direction in service. has been said to be more lethal than far eastern martial arts. On exhalation. Visualize this region of your body energized. On exhalation. Move your energy to your navel. gather your energy there. On inhalation. 10. Visualize this region of your body energized. 18. Visualize this region of your body energized. release it. SEVANTI WELLNESS 1502 Montana Avenue. On exhalation. healed and relaxed. Move your attention to the top of the head. Move your attention to your eyes. On inhalation. Visualize this region of your body energized. Visualize this region of your body energized. On inhalation. gather your energy there. you can also direct your breath and attention to any of these marma sites to heal that area or for specific therapeutic purposes. On exhalation. Visualize this region of your body energized. 12. CA 90403! 15 . On inhalation. healed and relaxed. On inhalation. On inhalation. Visualize this region of your body energized. On exhalation. Visualize this region of your body energized. healed and relaxed. healed and relaxed. On exhalation. gather your energy there. Move your attention to the root of your nose. Move your energy to the middle of your hips. Visualize this region of your body energized. Move your energy to your heart.SEVANTI WELLNESS 7. gather your energy there. Move your energy to the root of your throat. 11. On exhalation. Visualize this region of your body energized. healed and relaxed. gather your energy there. 14. release it. On inhalation. On inhalation. healed and relaxed. On inhalation. In this practice one concentrates both mind and Prana in each of these regions starting with the feet. On inhalation. On inhalation. 9. Move your energy to the root of your urethra. healed and relaxed. 8. gather your energy there. release it. gather your energy there. release it. On exhalation. release it. Gather your attention from one marma region to another like climbing a series of steps from the bottom of the body to the top of the body. 15. 17. Visualize this region of your body energized. release it. gather your energy there. 16. gather your energy there. Move your attention to the root of your tongue. healed and relaxed. gather your energy there. On exhalation. Move your energy to the root of your anus. healed and relaxed. release it. healed and relaxed. Finally. release it. 13. Visualize this region of your body energized. Move your attention to the middle of your forehead. Suite 207 Santa Monica. release it. However. release it. you can hold your awareness at the top of the head in the space of the Supreme Self beyond birth and death and all suffering. gather your energy there. On inhalation. Move your attention to the point between your brows. On exhalation. release it. release it. On exhalation. On exhalation. healed and relaxed. healed and relaxed. gather your energy there.