Introduction to VarmalogyA comprehensive article which will introduce you to the institute and to the ancient art of varmalogy. Introduction to Varmam History of Varmakalai Classifications of Varmam Books on Varmam Varmam School of Thoughts Varmam in Self Defense (Kalaripayattu) Varma Therapy Varmam's Relation with Other fields Learning and Teaching Varmam Thirumoolar is one of the most notable siddhas of all Tamil siddha heritages. He has authored various Tamil texts like: Thirumanthiram 3000 Thirumanthiram 300 Thirumanthiram 30 Thirumanthiram 3000 dates back to 5 A.D. Hence it can be interpreted that Thirumoolar lived in 5 A.D. in the Tamil world. Thirumanthiram is the only Tamil text, which teaches all four stages in the life namely: Bhakti Gyanan Kriya Yoga Thirumoolar taught the philosophy of " Healthy mind in a healthy body " to the world. Thirumoolar directly and indirectly quotes about varmam points in relevance with chakras and breathing cycle, using various concepts based on Aayul Pareetchai, Aathaaram, Kalai Nilai, Sara Nilai, and Vaara Soolam etc. He also mentions the effect of planetary radiation on human life. He lists down the protection mechanisms one should follow to safeguard him or her from the natural forces in the earth. Of all available Tamil texts, Thirumoolar's Thirumanthiram is the oldest text that discusses about varmam Introduction to Varmam The points where life force resides and flows in the human body are known as varmam. Varmam also means where breathing enery resides in the body (Vaakata Nithanam : Verse 31). Varmam are scattered over various parts of body like in nerves, nerve joints, bones, muscles, ligaments and inner organs. But the original texts (and their copies).Based on where varmam is located in the body. the word Varmam referred to flow of life force in relationship with breathing. Puravi. Uyir. Yogam. History of Varmakalai Varmakalai (the art of varmam) is considered to be very auspicious. Indians overwhelm by saying that all rare art forms originate with roots from God. Lord Siva taught varmam to his wife Parvathi. directly written by siddhas. So far. Saram. the rare art that saves humans from diseases. Mayakkam. It is believed that Lord Siva taught this art form. This has been mentioned in the Tamil text. In Malayalam. Agasthiyar later gave a written form that reached the masses. Suvaasam. Varmam is known as Marmam . Saints who have grasped the meaning of the siddhas sayings have given a poetic form. Bharatha Naatiyam (the traditional dance) originated from Lord Siva. Lord Murugan then taught Siddha Agasthiyar. According to the above versus. The narrated history has been mentioned in the 41st prose of " Kai Mathirai Thiravukol " as follows: . Kama Sutra (the art of love and sex) originated from Lord Siva. also originated from Lord Siva. Kalai. which is used in modern day learning. are not available now. epics illustrate that Tamil and Sanskrit have their origin from the sound of the 'Oodukkai' (musical instrument in the hand of Lord Siva). later Parvathi taught varmam to their son Lord Murugan. it has gathered various names like Vasi.000) songs are available. Based on this song. For example. Pranan. So it is of no surprise when it is said that varmakalai. Param and Sivam. Vaakata Nithanam. Kaalam. around fifty thousand (50. It says that a varmam teacher should teach varmam only to a 'sivayogi'. Another name that denote varmam is 'Vasi'. he also learned about the parts that caused illness. Tiger Form. legs and foot. Also to save the life of the people. This looks similar to how now a days the teacher gives a pat on the student's shoulder to encourage him or her. he took the help of the god 'Kalari Moorthy . the owner of the cock will massage the back of the cock. Hanuman Form. It is our duty to preserve this rare art. The body piercing done in the name of god also helped him to improve his life. thinking process and action played a dominant role. fingers. the ornaments worn by man in the ears. On the other hand when he got hit.The above narration cannot be merely considered as a made-up story. Fox Form. mankind's capability. Hence. with spiritual thoughts. It is the tactics man might have learnt by observing birds and animals. Classifications of Varmam Human body is divided into five areas in which varmam (varma points) are discussed. In all the varmam texts written since Thirumoolar till ones in 18th 19th century. which means air. to improve the fighting spirit. and etc.Sarabesvarar'. varmakalai might have its roots in self-defense martial arts. are still in use. 'Sivam' means life. They are: Unit Area Number of Points . who were injured by his enemy. One of the current available texts 'Sarasuthram' gives the criteria for teaching varmam to eligible students. he also performed rituals and took the help of 'Kalari Moorthy . Though he could command victory over his enemies. Similar to how circumstances helped him to learn the about various parts in the body that helped him to improve the health. knowingly or unknowingly gave him health and energy. Lion Form. The history that is said so far has been taken from epics. In cockfight. for the growth of varmakalai. Our ancestors invented this art to help the mankind. One of the names that denote varmam is 'Siva'. he cured himself by tuning the points that revived the good health. varmam is spoken along with sivam. you can hear 'Siva'. He used this knowledge to attack his enemy and create damage. That is why Thirumoolar preached the philosophy of 'Love is Sivam' (Love is Life). If you repeat 'vasi' continuously. In reality. various forms like Elephant Form. From the medieval period. practiced in southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala.Kali' god. Sivayogi is the one who loves all life forms. In Kalari (Defense Varmalogy). Each meridian channel consists of one Padu varmam and eight Thodu varmam. Varmam Type Number of Points Thodu Varmam Padu Varmam Total 96 12 108 The number of varmams (108) various between various schools of varmam.I II III IV V Total From Top of the Head till Neck From Neck till Naval Point From Naval Point till Anus Both Hands Both Legs 25 45 9 14 15 108 The same 108 varmams are classified under different categories. there are 92 varmams: Varmam Based On (Hindu Astrological) Stars Lunar Number of Points 27 30 . One such classification is based on 12 nerves (or a meridian channel) in the nervous system. Based on Indian Astrology. written by Kumbamuni Siddha.Padu Varmam Total 35 92 Based on the text Naramparai. there are 253 varmams: Classification Padu Varman Thodu Varmam Pakka Varmam Narambu Elumbu Varmam Maru Varmam Total Number of Points 18 96 8 86 45 253 Based on yet another classification. there are 107 points: Classification Vata Varmam (Air) Pitta Varmam (Heat) Kapha Varmam (Cool) Concealed Varmam Number of Points 65 24 6 12 . which are in the form of palm-leaf manuscripts. Varmam School of Thoughts . They are: Teaching Teaching Teaching Teaching Teaching Teaching Teaching varmam points in relationship with self-defense varmam points and their characteristics varmam points in relationship with nervous system varmam points in relationship with skeletal system reviving methods to cure diseases caused by varmam medicines to cure diseases caused by varmam spells (mantras) to cure diseases caused by varmam Names of the few known text are as follows: Varma Suthram Varma Beerangi Naalu Maathirai Naramparai Narambu Suthram 100 Narambu Suthram 400 Varma Odivu Murivu Sara Suthram 1500 Panchakarnapinnal Alavunool Piramaanam Varma Odivu Murivu Kandasaari 300 Varma Thoondamani Aksakkural Venba 300 Hundreds of similar such texts are never published and the world has no clue about them. It is also our duty to safeguard these valuable texts and pass it on to the next generation. Hundreds of such rare manuscripts are scattered across many houses in South India (Tamil Nadu and Kerala). and transform these rare manuscripts into a form helpful to the Siddha Medicine. our researchers have arrived at the following seven hypotheses of teaching varmam. Thirumoolar Varmalogy Institute vows to do this task. Misuse of this ancient art has caused our masters and ancestors to conceal informative texts about varmam. By analyzing the varmam texts that are collected so far. processes. those manuscripts are in the brink of extinction.Total 107 Books on Varmam The main purpose of this rare ancient art of varmam is to save the precious human lives. It is our duty to collect. Today. Bohar and RamaDevar. This is based on the inference from the following poem: Varmam in Self Defense (Kalaripayattu) To protect oneself from the enemies. A2 and A3. Kalaripayattu. we can arrive at the following three school of thoughts. Kuthu Varisai. a separate school of thought has been created under his name. A1: Same author wrote all the three books under this category A3: Same author wrote all the three books under this category A1. man invented the art of self-defense. Each country has it's own indigenous form of martial arts.On researching over the available varmam texts. . mainly governed by three ancient siddha's namely Akasthiyar. and A3: Three different authors wrote each category of books If we research the basic philosophies of the books in the category A1. Naatu Murai. Similarly by researching the basic philosophies of the books in other categories. Akasthiar School of Thought Bohar School of Thought Rama Devar School of Thought Please note that though we haven't come across any books written by Rama Devar. it is evident that varmam has grown under three independent schools of thoughts. we can reach the philosophy of School A. A2. and Malyutham are some amongst the vast martial arts of Indian origin. specifically Angam 64. you can damage a varmam point by striking with hand or by a stick. there are not only techniques for self-dense. Perruka Murai. Naalettu Perrukam) Munda Varisai Of the above 18 forms. but there are also techniques to collapse the enemy by attacking on the varmam points. Such techniques are numerous in the Therkan Kalaripayattu. Instead. The following are various forms available in Therkan Kalaripayattu: Nilaiyangam (technique of blocking the attacks without moving from where you stand) Piriyangam Mariyangam China Suvadu China Silath Ethiradavu Jodi Murai Kurunthadi (Short stick) Nedunthadi (Long stick) Sirama Varisai Ayutha Varisai Suvadu Nilai (Angam 64) Kattu Varisai Nadasari Murai (Savittu Murai) Poottum Pirivum Olivu Murai Perruka Murai (Anchettu Perrukam. This form is one of the toughest to master. You should never strike a varmam points using knife or sword. Siraman Varisai and Olivu Murai work in tandem with varmalogy. Kalaripayattu is divided into two schools namely: Therkan Kalaripayattu (Southern Kalaripayattu) Vadakkan Kalaripayattu (Northern Kalaripayattu) Vadakkan Kalaripayattu gives importance to weapons training where as Therkan Kalaripayattu gives importance to hand to hand combat techniques. Similarly Siramam Varisai consists of having sticks of 3/4th feet length .In Indian martial art Kalaripayattu. The Angam 64 form is about making steps within 8 feet circumference and attacking 64 varmam points on the opponent's body and make him immobile. 2. Varmaani should start the diagnostics by observing the color of cornea and the color of the teeth of the patient. In this modern day. Techniques like Thadaval Murai and Thirumal Murai should be done at least for three consecutive days to give relief from varmam related injuries. 4. Learning this martial art will provide greater protection to women. depth and width of varmam. We could develop varmam related injuries due to the following reasons: Lifting heavy loads Excessive pleasure Excessive sorrow Excessive sleep Accidents Engaging in fights Giving birth to a child Etc. Then varmaani checks the flow in Vata. 6. Usually masters teach this form by combining song. 8. Varma Therapy Studies about each varmam's (pressure points) characteristics like location of the varmam. and Kapha nadis. music and dance movements. Reviving of a Fainted Individual If an individual has fainted due to varmam attack. Pita. 3. 7. the pressure with which the varmam has to be tuned to cure diseases constitutes the mainstream study in varma therapy. Marukaalam Thirumal Murai Adangal Murai Thiravukol Murai Thadaval Murai [Applying massage techniques] Marunthu Murai [Applying medicines] Vayu Nilai Amarthal Kattu Murai Techniques like Marukaalam and Thiravukol Murai are used for instant relief. 5. this art is very important for women. The various techniques that can be applied to cure varmam related injuries are: 1.in both hands and using them to strike the varmam points on the opponent's body. If he is satisfied with the flows in . he or she first should be diagnosed by a Varmaani (Varmam Doctor / Varmam Master / Varmam Asan). The varmam text named Eddu describes the distance from the varmam points should be struck. Nose. first he should stop the wastage of blood by blocking the required nerves. Other Disorders Various other disorders that can be cured with the help of varma therapy are: Nerves weakness Body shivering Disk prolapse Dehydration Cervical spondylosis Head ache Sciatic Problems Eye problems ENT (Ear. Then.) Etc. Then Thiravukozh (method to open varmam) should be applied to release the affected varmams. etc. and Throat) problems Bone joints and arthritics Gland disorders (like Diabetes. The dressing should be removed and redone for seven times and each time the dressing should be done based on the current condition of the bones. the dressing should allow path for proper air circulation and also should have provision to administer herbal oils to cure the wounds. According both internal medication and external medication should be prescribed. varmaani should apply the Kavzhi Adangal ( Adangal . the varmaani should know the diseases that might arise in the future. varmaani can notice the patient starting to regain the consciousness and tiredness being reduced. At this point. Such treatment should consider the varmams located in nerves. varmaani should either enquire the patient about the accident to know the area in which patient was hit or should analyze the flow of nadis to locate the affected region. the patient will completely regain consciousness.technique in which pressure points are tuned in specific pattern) to regulate blood flow. Now. Then varmaani should apply Puzhimuthu Adangal to stimulate the Kalai Nerves (major nerves through which pranic energy flow in the body). Based on the area in the body that was affected.these nadis. In addition. muscles and bones. internal medicines should also be prescribed to the patient. Then on applying Nasiyam in patient's nose or using blowing techniques in patient's nose or ears. When a patient with bone fracture approaches him. temperature and pranic flow in the patient's body. varmaani should apply the proper Thadavazh Murai (massaging techniques). The technique in which the dressing is done varies depending up on the location on the fracture. Dealing with Fractures Varmaani should have knowledge about bone structure and joints. He should then use the necessary pads to fix veins and arteries and should put a proper dressing using cloths. . To heal the fracture. varmaani should proceed to the next step in the treatment. Once the patient has attainted stable condition. Siddha doctors in South India (notably in Kanyakumari District of TamilNadu) use this technique of combined medication to give faster and better relief to the patients. Varmam and Siddha Medicine Siddha medicine is the one of the oldest medical systems originated from India. serenity on one's face. written by Vakpatar. The basic reason for that is yoga asanas properly tunes the nerves system (along with varmam points present in the nerves system). studied where and when these rays act on human body and based on their studies. Among ayurvedic text. it will result in good health. Astronomy. Hence. Such studies are taught only through guru-sishya (teacher-student) heritage. Siddhas. which after absorbed by the body. Varmam and Yoga Yoga is classified into two main streams. which gives immediate relief to the pain. Psychology. Yoga. Anka Sasthra and many others. But based on varmam. mobility and physique. we can conclude that concept of varmam exist within ayurveda also. One based on breathing. if a patient is suffering from pain in some part of the body. siddha medicine will externally apply herb medicines. Varmam is one the main streams within siddha medicine. For example. Iddakala (Left) and Pingala (Right) nerves gets tuned and strengthens the vertebral column. If yoga asanas (yoga postures) are properly practiced. flexibility. Such . Varmam and Astronomy Rays from all the planets and moons in the solar system reaches Earth. Some other ayurvedic texts also contain sparse information about varmam points. memory. he speaks about 107 varmam points in human body. Tantra. Varmam and Ayurveda.Relation with Other Fields Varmam has relationship with other fields like Siddha Medicine. and another based on body postures. and Mulaathara varmam. resulting in regulated blood flow throughout the body. they have created various varmam texts which studies varmam points in relationship with the rays from the planets and moons and their consequence on human body. Ayurveda. Ullthodai varmam. and etc. Kanpugaichal varmam. Every yoga asanas has its effect on certain group of varma points enabling proper health. certain pressure points are tuned to regulate the blood flow. They work in tandem and culminate to form today's yoga. They are responsible for health and illness amongst the living beings. But in the text 'Astangahridayam'. there is no separate text for varmam. who developed varmalogy. Because of that. For example. it produces mild pressure on these varmam points: Viruthi varmam. Ayurveda is one another oldest forms of medical systems from India. if you consider Padmasana (one yoga posture). It increases concentration. produce the cure. He / She will automatically become a loving person. one will become humble. Qualities of Varma Asaans Varma assans are extremely calm in nature. he/she should have at least minimal knowledge of these arts: Kalari / Kalaripayattu (Martial Arts) Siddha Medicine Knowledge of Herbs Knowledge of Chanting Mantras Knowledge of Tantric practices Knowledge of Astrology Knowledge of Anga Sasthra Knowledge of Boomi Sasthra Knowledge of Vaastu Sasthra (study of building architecture. similar to Chinese Feng Shui) Knowledge of Horai Knowledge of Nimitha Sasthra Knowledge of Thoni Sasthra Knowledge of Dharga Sasthra Knowledge of Kama Sasthra (sexuality) Knwoledge of Navaratna (precious stones) Knowledge of Saranool (breathing) Knowledge of Soola Nilai Psychology Knowledge of Yoga After learning these arts. Varma asaans are also known as varmaanis. Kama Sastra.studies can be used to stop occurrence of heart diseases and kidney diseases. Even in words. It requires at least twelve years to learn these arts. they do not boast themselves. Even the diseases that are present can be systematically cured. Anka Sasthra. . People who have mastered the art are called asaans (masters). Philosophy. They are very hesitant in revealing their knowledge. Tantra. If one needs to become a good varma asaan. They show their talents only to their students. Varmam's relation with other fields like Psychology. etc. will involve themselves in worship of God. they will not show their anger. will be discussed in our web site in due course of time. Learning and Teaching Varmam Knowledge of varmakalai (the art of varmam) is passed through generation after generation. To achieve that. he/she might be able to learn the remaining. after taking vows. Asaan will not apply any pressure on those varma points.student relationship. who wants to learn varmam.Varma Student A varma student has to search for a proper asaan. Later varma asaan (varma teacher) will get kaanikkai. Even after becoming asaan by him or herself. By doing so. Most of the time. based on student's interest to learn and student's quest for search. not only that the student has to go in search of different asaans. Only after seven years of study. the student will be taught about another varma point known as 'bhoomi kaalam'. After that.org/ . At that time. Learning Varmam The student. starting prayer method (thozhukai murai) in kalari and the varmam point 'kumbidu kaalam' will be taught. It is not easy to remember the varma points. asaan will observe characteristics of the student and accordingly will teach him/her about varmam points. After learning for at least twelve years. Gurukkal will perform pooja and rituals to either Akasthiyar or Bohar and then the kaanikkai will be offered to the gurukkal. Then student will be taught kalari for three years. At the end of the first day's lessons. When he/she gets blessings. After that phase. Everyday. asaan will teach the rituals to worship sathguru's like Akasthiyar and Bohar. should meet the gurukkal (priest) on a new moon day with guru thachinai and kaanikkai (fees). additionally student might have to spend lot of money. A lot of time and money has to be spent in learning. During that period. the student has to mentally feel both kumbidu kaalam and bhoomi kaalam. This is the starting stage of learning varmam. he/she will end up with fake teachers. he/she will get blessing of a touch known as 'Sparisa Theekshai'.varmam. the relationship between the asaan and student will continue forever Website: http://www. varmakalai is not vastly spread. May be for that reason. he will be given 'guru nilai theekshai' (blessings to be teacher) and he/she will be announced as a varma asaan to the society by his/her assan. the student will be taught about varma thiravukol (key to unlock). student has to touch the feet of asaan. Then. Asaan will dip a small wooden point in rice flour and touch the varma points on the student's body. a student might know one hundredth of the vast knowledge of varmam. It is the duty of the student to find the right asaan. The varmam lessons taught to the student are based on asaan. Only after completing twelve years of study. just sufficient enough to make impression using rice flour. student will be secretly taught about the inner thiravukols and thiravukols that shows eternity. which are not indicated to the student through touch of asaan.