Where Kalari Martial Art Meets Healing in Ayurveda & Siddha

Jan 31, 2024

Kalaripayattu: Kalari or kalarippayattu is an ancient Indian martial art origin in Kerala (Southern India-Sabrimala region).

Kalari (Training ground of battleground) and Payattu (Training of martial arts – Fighting techniques with two combatants having the same weapons including sparring with long stick, sword, etc.). Parashuram (Sixth Avatar of Vishnu) learned the art from Shiva. Parashuram created 108 Gurukulam in Kerala taught by 21 Kalarippayattu gurus in Kerala for the destruction of enemies. According to another legend, Ayyappa (The Hindu Deity of truth and righteousness), Cheerappanchira is an ancient noble Ezhava family renowned for its Kalari in muhumma, lappuzha district. According to legend, Lor Ayyappan came here to learn Kalarippayattu. Cheerappanchira family originates from Kadathanadu, known for their proficiency in kalarippayattu. Maalikapurathamma (Lalithambika & Pongodi) was the daughter of Cheerappanchira Panikkar, who taught kalarippayattu to lord Ayyappa.

The first authoritative text and primer on Kalaripayattu, called Kalarippayattu – A Complete Guide to Kerala’s Ancient Martial Art. The text, alongside a compilation of Sreedharan Nair's teaching notes, was translated into English by his sons S. R. A. Das and S. R. D. Prasad and then published by Westland Books. The book contains over 1,700 action photographs as well as explanations behind all of the exercises. It continues to be the most authentic reference material on Kalaripayattu to this day.

In January 2021, the Government of Kerala announced the opening of The Kalaripayattu Academy in Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram, under the management of the Kerala Department of Tourism.

Marmashastram/ Marmam (Striking vital points) Similar to Kalarippayattu, a Vermakalai also known as Marma vidya is a Tamil traditional area of the vital point. It combines massage, Alternative medicine, Traditional yoga and martial arts. In which the body’s pressure points (Vermam) are manipulated to heal or cause harm. The healing application called Vaidhiya Murai is part of Siddha Medicine (Siddha Vaidyam). It is claimed that experienced Kalari warriors could disable or kill their opponents by merely striking the correct Marmam (vital point) on their opponent's body. This technique is taught only to the most promising and level-headed students to discourage misuse of the technique. Marmashastram stresses the knowledge of Marmam and is also used for Marma treatment (Marma Chikitsa). This system of marma originated from Ayurveda, as well as Siddha medicine (One of the oldest systems of medicine). Sushruta (c. 6th century BC) identified and defined 107 vital points of the human body in his Sushruta Samhita. Of these 107 points, 64 were classified as being lethal if properly struck with a fist or stick. Sushruta's work formed the basis of the medical discipline Ayurveda, which was taught alongside various Indian martial arts that had an emphasis on vital points, such as Varma Kalai and Marma Adi. The Kalari tradition acknowledges the identification of Marmas as found in Sushruta Samhita. Position of Marma point at location Muscular (Mamsa Marma) 11 Points, Vascular (Sira Marma) 41 Points, Ligamenta (Snayu Marma) 27 Points, Ligamental (Snayu Marma) 27 Points, Bone Related (Asthi Marma) 08 Points, Joint Related (Sandhi Marma) 20 Points. The Northern Kalari tradition follows the Marma based on Sushruta and Vagbhatta. The Kalari tradition identifies 64 Marma points called abhyasa Marma, of which 32 points can be aimed at during combat and the other 32 points can be aimed at when the opponent is immobilised and these points are aimed at unexpectedly. Again, 12 points aimed at by vadi or katti result in death and the other 6 points aimed at by hand lead to immediate death.

The student learns the consequences of damaged Marmas and the first aid to treat the same without the use of medicine. This is called Adangal or Marukkai. There are thirteen Adangal Like melthara adangal, korivari adangal, uyirnila adangal, pingala adangal, sarvang adangal. Marma Chikitsa is the knowledge of their consequences but also includes the science of healing the damaged Marmas. This is unique to the Kalari tradition. Kalari Marma Chikitsa or treatment focuses on the ailments related to nerves, muscles, bones and Marmas. The holistic system of Uzhichil or oil massage becomes an integral part of the Kalari tradition. This system of Uzhichil induces blood circulation, energises glands, activates prana etc. and on the whole the biological function is vitalized and it refreshes the mind. Another important feature is called svedakriya or kizhi. It is the application of poultice to the affected areas with a cloth that is well tied with herbal powders which is dipped into the hot medicated oil. There are different kind of kizhi like marma kizhi, Navara kizhi, ela kizhi, etc. The kalaru Uzhichil is meant as a tool for both prevention and cure. The benefits of Svedakriya are said to bring about brilliance, softness, and healthy skin, remove tiredness and oversleeping, rectifies dislocation joints.

The 11 Marma points present in the muscle tissue, also known as Mamsa Marma, are as follows: each Marma point is said to have a specific function, and injuring a Marmas point can cause a variety of effects, from pain and disability to death.

Talahridaya (4 points): Located at the middle of the palm and the sole.

Indra Basti (4 points): Located at the middle of the forearm on the front side and the middle of the leg in line with the medial.

Guda (1 point): Located in the region of the anus.

Stanarohita (2 points): Located above the nipples on both sides of the chest.

The function of Marma points: In Ayurveda, Marma points in Kalaripayattu are also used for healing and self-development.

According to the kalarippayattu Pattu, the function of Marma points include:

Controlling the flow of prana (Vital life force): Prana is the vital life force that is said to flow throughout the body. Marma points are said to be like valves that can control the flow of prana (Vital life force) and energy Nadi (channels).

Affecting the mind and emotions: Some Marma points are said to be connected to the mind and emotions. Injuring these points can cause changes in mood, consciousness, and behaviour.

Causing pain and disability: Injuring a Marma point can cause pain, numbness, paralysis, and even death. Marmas of soft tissue, large muscles, connective tissue, ligaments, tendons and sinews: These are points located in the muscles

AMSA (Control 5th chakra- “Vishuddha” control Udanvayu, activity of Brain), Stanrohita (Kapha, Pitta Arm Muscles), ANI (Vayu, Muscle Tension), Indravasti (Jataragni, Digestion, Small Intestines), Kurchashira (Muscle Spasm), Kurcha (Vision), Kshipra (Heart, Lungs), Talhrdayam (Lungs), Vatish (Urinary, Kapha), Vitapam (Belly Muscle Tension, Impotence, Semen, Ovam), Kakshadhara (Muscle Tension)

Snayu Marma: Glandular and circulatory systems - lymph and secretions – These are points located in the tendons and ligaments

Neel Dhamni (Transfer point), Apastambha (blood, Lungs, Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems), Stanmula (Kapha, Pitta, Blood Circulation), Urvi (Udakavaha Srota, fluid movement), Hridayam (Main Pitta Marma, Vyana Vayu), Nabhi (Seat of all veins transfer points, small intestines), Manibandha (Relieve stiffness), Lohitaksha (Fluid movement leg blood supply), Urvi (Udakavaha srota, fluid movement).

Asthi Marmas: Bones, joints, sutures and nerves – these are points located in the bones

Kurpara (Heart, Liver, Lungs), Janu (Heart, Liver, Spleen), Ansa Phalak (Vayu, Touch/ Sensation, atrophy, 4th chakra- Anahata), Katikatarunam (Fat, Constipation, Vayu), Nitamba (Vayu, Pitta, Digestion, Vitality), Kukundaraya (Reproduction, elimination, Leg mobility, Control 2nd chakra – Swadhisthana).

Kalari Marmas abhyanga (massage) is the ancient and traditional system of massage that dates back to southern India in 1500 BC. Perform by an expert of Kalari - for stimulating vital points belonging to Kerala ayurvedic massage by using herb-infused herbal ayurvedic oils using the hand and feet, in Marma abhyanga covers all specific points of Marma vital points/ parts of the body. Marma abhyanga relieves back pain, stiffness and sports injuries but also stimulates various bodily organs and systems. The benefits of Marma massage are to increase protection from Vata disorders and nourishment of the body, Marma massage encourages good sleep and improves physical stability.

Here we are elaborating on deeper Mukha (Face) Marma points for self-healing: Urdhva Ganda (Sinus, Headache, Tear Duct Drainage, Kapala (Frontal headache, eyes, relieves emotional stress, Ajna or sthapani (control pineal and pituitary, awakens kundalini unfold insight), Adhah Ganda (Sinus congestion, Pulmonary congestion, Bronchodilatation), Nasa Mula (Headache, congestion, stress), Nasa Puta (Lungs, Asthama, Ovaries, Sinus congestion), Nasa Madhya (Deviated nasal septum, Allergies, Snoring, sleep aponia), Kapola Nasa (Allergies, Bronchial Tubes, Lungs), Nasa Agra (Syncope, Regulates prana and Apana Vayu Epistaxis), Chibuka (Excess salivation, low agni), Hanu (Testicular Pain, Cervical pain, facial paralysis, Emotional disturbance), Oshtha (Cerebral circulation, convulsions, stabilizes prana, ADHD) for more details can see ancient text.

There are some types of Kalari trend in various branches; The ceru kalari, used for (medical) treatment (kalari chikitsa), The kodum kalari: A Kalari where practitioners use to meditate, The kuzhi (pit) kalari, used for daily practice, The kurum Kalari was used for guerilla training, The ankam Kalari where duels were fought, The totum kalari was used for teaching the location of and the attack on Marmas (vital points) of the body, Currently, Only the kuzhi and ceru Kalari practice is taught and practice.

Kalari Massage: The Kalari martial arts expert has a lot of knowledge about combat-related injuries; and many gurukkals treat fractures, dislocations, bruises, and swellings. But he is also often successful in healing or softening numbness, paralysis, general fatigue, and other nerve-related problems. Usually, both internal and external treatments are given at the same time. Just like an Ayurvedic physician who prescribes the standard Ayurvedic medicines for internal use and simultaneously due to knowledge of Marmas and Nadis. He uses this expertise to give a special kind of “the Kalari massage” also known as “uliccil”.

Medicated oils are always used during the Kalari massage, The idea behind the use of such oils is to impregnate the medicines into the blood or energy streams of the body through the pores of the skin. To maximize this absorption, the pores are opened up by adding heat. Heat can be added in several ways. One way is that he opens the pores by applying heat produced by the flow of his prana. the tapas (of the Gurukkal stimulate the pranic flow of his patient, when he concentrates on this energy stream, he can heat his body. This specific heat is called tapas). During a hand massage, he increases the intensity of the energy flow into his hands. many of the Kalari massage treatments are based on balancing the life energy via the pranic system.

This can be done in different ways:

1. Massage along the Nadis or energy channels of the body. In this way, any blocks inside the Nadis are removed.

2. Massaging and pressing the Marmas. Since Marmas can be understood as ‘taps’, or as openings to the Nadi channels and the entire pranic system, they can be used to add energy, stimulate the energy stream, and lift blocks inside the Nadis.

3. Adding life energy to the body of the patient using the internal heat (tapas) of the Gurukkal himself.

4. Sometimes the Gurukkal gives some specific exercises to a patient. These exercises correct the alignment of muscles and bones and free the blood vessels and energy channels. Moreover, such exercises are believed to stimulate the ‘inner heat’ of the patient.

Each Marma pressed has its effect on the body. Therefore, different Marmas must be stimulated for each particular problem. When a certain massage is applied the Gurukkal knows where and when to press. Though the effect of these treatments may be questionable in the eyes of modern medicine

Varmakalai: A Tamil traditional martial art and healing system that focuses on the manipulation of the body's pressure points, known as varmam. It is believed that these points can be used to heal injuries, alleviate pain, and even disable an opponent. Varmakalai is closely related to Siddha medicine, one of the traditional systems of medicine in India.

Varmakalai: Indian martial art known for the art of healing system, Uyir Nadi (Govern - Uyir Shakti – Life Energy) in the human body is termed as Vermakalai. Vermakalai is an art that can give sound knowledge of our human body system. Varmam (Vital Points). Varmakalai philosophies also focus on Gnaana Kaviyam- which focuses on yoga postures and breathing exercises, Vedha kvaiyam – deals with minerals, metals, and herbal remedies, & explores the human body’s energy channels (Uyir Naddi) and vital points (Varmam).

Marmas Point and use: Only experts are advised to use the points.

Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Talahridaya (UE)	Nervousness and restlessness, exhaustion, grief, sorrow, indigestion, pain or stiffness in hand, nervous heart complaints, circulatory disturbances, regulate blood pressure
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Talahridaya (LE)	Nervousness and restlessness, exhaustion, grief, sorrow, sleeping disorders, digestive weakness, pain or tension in foot, nervous heart complaints, circulatory disorders, kidney disease
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Kshipra (UE)	Dissolving cramps, bronchial spasms in asthma, excitability with cramps, stimulation of lymphatic flow, colds, sore throat, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, neck tension, arm/shoulder pain, constipation, thyroid disorders, Vata disorders, nervous exhaustion, depression from exhaustion, pain in general
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Kshipra (LE)	Relieving cramps (foot and leg cramps), stimulation of lymphatic flow, pain in big toe, liver and gall bladder diseases, headache, toothache, urinary retention, cold and respiratory problems, sleep disorders, back pain, nervous heart complaints
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Kurcha	Diseases of tendons and aponeurosis of hand and forearm, eye diseases
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Kurcha Shira	De quervain disease, weakness of hand musculature, numbness, eye problems
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Manibadha	Vata disorders, tension in the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome, stress induced bowel dysfunction, nervousness, weak concentration, mental fatigue, insomnia, tinnitus, neck and back pain
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Gulpha	Anxiety, mental and physical insecurity, mental restlessness, sleeping disorders, lack of coordination in walking, disease of pelvic organs, sexual disorders, tinnitus, eye strain, restless leg syndrome, lumbosacral spasm, prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD), Sciatica, Lumber sprain, Reducopathis and neuropathies
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Indravasti (UE)	Indigestion, Constipation, abdominal cramping, circulatory weakness, mental fatigue, sexual weakness, bladder weakness, arm pain
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Indravasti (LE)	Back Pain, Sciatica, tired legs, calf pain and tightness after over-exertion, leg cramps, sexual disorders, gynaecological problems, prostate problems, haemorrhoids, mental dullness, tired eyes, lymphedema in legs, diabetic neuropathy, PIVD, peripheral vascular disease, osteoarthritis of knee joint
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Janu	Osteoarthritis of the knee, Knee-cap Pain (Chondropthia patellae), knee injury, arthrosis/ arthritis, anxiety, inner restlessness, Sleep disorders, Liver and bile problems, biliary pain and spleen and pancreatic disorder (L)
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Ani(UE)	Frozen Shoulder, Post-traumatic stiffness of elbow joint, restricted movement of forearm, cardiovascular / respiratory / circulatory problems
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Ani(LE)	Muscular pains, tendinitis, fatigue of thighs, osteoarthritis of knee and hip joint, improving muscle strength - especially quardriceps
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Urvi (UE)	Pulmonary disorders, stiff shoulder, poor blood or lymphatic circulation, improve lung function
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Urvi (LE)	Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Vericose veins, diabetics neuro-angiopathy, lymphetic obstructions, periferal vascular diseases, burger's diseases, increases the oxygenation of tissue of lower limbs
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Lohitaksha (UE)	Vascular obstructive diseases, neuromuscular disorders, numbness, paresis and paralysis of upper limbs
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Lohitaksha (LE)	Peripheral arterial disease, thrombo angitis, neuro-angiopathies, Neuro-angiopathies, artherosclerosis, numbness, paresis and paralysis of lower limbs
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Kakshadhara	Muscular Atrophy/ Dystrophy of upper limb, Improves sensation and movement of upper limb
Marmas of Limbs UE & LE	Vitapa	Sexual and reproductive problems like importance, Erectile dysfunction, Oligospermia, decreased lipido, Gynecological diseases like ovulatory problems, dysmenorrhoea, decreased motility of fallopian tubes
Marmas of Back	Amsa	Cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, neck spasm, reduces stress, pain and tiredness in upper limbs, anxiety, headache, originated from the back of the neck
Marmas of Back	Amsaphalaka	Shoulder and arm pain, pain in the upper back, paralysis and numbness in the arm, improve shoulder movement and reduces stiffness and pain
Marmas of Back	Vrihati	Organic and psychological heart disease, heart failure, lung and bronchial disease, cough, back pain and muscle spasm, sorrow, lack of confidence, discouragement, inner tension
Marmas of Back	Parshvasandhi	Renal and adrenal gland diseases, reproductive and menstrula disorders, increase immunity, reduces spasm of iliopsoas muscle, back pain
Marmas of Back	Nitamba	Good for skeletal system, lymphatic system, plasma and body fat, kaphaj diseases
Marmas of Back	Kukundara	Neuro-Vascular disease of lower back and lowe limb, low backache, sciatica, painful condition of lower limbs
Marmas of Back	Katikataruna	Reproductive and menstrual disorder, painful condition of pelvic girdle, hip joint problems, avacular necrosis (AVN) of hip joint
Marmasa of Guda	Guda	Sexual disorders, menstrual disorders, ano-rectal disorders, prostate disease, haemorrhoids, elimination disorders of the urinary tract and colon, constipation, nervous weakness, fear of failure, existential fear
Marmasa of Guda	Vasti	Bladder disease, irritable bladder, menstrual disorders, sexual disorders, gynecological problems, prostate disease, flatulance, colon problems, back pain, hip pain, exhaustion and nervous disorders\
Marmasa of Guda	Nabhi	Indigestion, Abdominal cramps, intestinal inflammation, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, flatulence, restlessness, anxiety, and loss of balance in life.
Marmas of Thorax	Hridaya	Nervous heart complaints, supportive treatment for organic and vegetative heart disorders, circulatory disorders, stress related high blood pressure, conducting abonormalities of heart, spinal weakness, diseases of lungs and brochial infections, sorrow, strengthening of self confidence
Marmas of Thorax	Stanamula	Kaphaja Disorders, obstructive respiratory problems like COPD, Asthama, keeps lungs healthy
Marmas of Thorax	Stanarohita	Kaphaja disorders, respiratory problems
Marmas of Thorax	Apalapa	Disorders of respiratory system
Marmas of Thorax	Apasthambha	asthama, bronchitis, improves functioning of bronchial tree
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Nila	Throid disease, speech problem, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sorrow or anger that cannot be expressed
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Manya	Heavy tongue, excess flow of saliva or dry mouth, indigestion, upper respiratory tract infection
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Matrika	Autonomic dysfunction in the neck and circulatory disorders of the head, speech disorders, throat problems, thyroid disorders
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Krikatika	Neck tension, neck pain, stiff neck, blockage of the 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae, pain in back of the head, tremors in head and neck (as in parkinsonism), anxiety, shoulder pain, migraine
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Vidhura	Deafness, tinnitus, neck pain, ear pain, anxiety
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Phana	Anosmia, allergic rhinitis, sneezing, wheezing, bronchial asthma, recurrent cold and flu
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Apanga	Eye strain, defective vision, headache resulting from strained eyes, blocked nose, glaucoma
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Avarta	Same as of Apanga, frontal sinusitis, ptosis
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Utkshepa	Headache (especially at temples), dizziness, nausea, mental overexertion, teeth grinding, sleep disorder due to anger or strain, nasal congestion, rhinitis, strained eyes, gall bladder ailments
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Shankha	ame as of Utkshepa
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Sthapani	Nervousness, insomnia, hormonal disorders, headache (especially at forehead region), overstrained eyes, visual impairment, worry, grief, anxiety, narrow mindedness, nervous heart complaints, for strengthening of self confidence, improving memory and perception power
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Shringataka	Nervous weakness, taste disorders, disorders of salivary glands, disturbance of vision, hearing and smell, sinusitis, recurrent cold, improve peace of mind
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Simanta	Nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, headache, neck tension, circulatory insufficiency, opens up various channels (srotansi), induces calmness
Marmas of Supra-clavical region	Adhipati	Nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, confused thinking, headache, increasing vital energy and perceptive powers

References: Studies on marma therapy:

1. A Case study of kurpura marma with Dashamool ghan vati 2 TDS after a meal with warm water is advised and showed the efficacy of marma therapy in the management of cervical spondylosis.

2. On basket player, effective therapy of Gulpha Marma with Snehan and Swedan with Mahamasha tail with Gulpha Marma for 30 days and has shown remarkable changes.

3. Study of marma and acupuncture points, a study was effective over janu marma for the management of janu sandhi gata vata.

4. Rujakara marma and management of viddha laxanas (Symptoms upon injury) study found effective from pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

5. Another case study was done on janu basti in the management of janu sandhigata vata (osteoarthritis of knee) the management of the symptoms of Janu Sandhigata Vata, Significant improvement was observed in the subjective parameters (Sandhi Shoola, Sandhi Shotha, Sandhi Stabdhata, and Sandhi Atopa). These observations indicated the specific efficacy of Marma Therapy in the long-term self-management of Janu Sandhigata Vata.

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