Introduction to Varmalogy

A 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.

Based on where varmam is located in the body, it has gathered various names like Vasi, Puravi, Kaalam, Uyir, Mayakkam, Pranan, Kalai, Suvaasam, Saram, Yogam, Param and Sivam. This has been mentioned in the Tamil text, Vaakata Nithanam.

Based on this song, the word Varmam referred to flow of life force in relationship with breathing. In Malayalam, Varmam is known as Marmam .

History of Varmakalai
Varmakalai (the art of varmam) is considered to be very auspicious. It is believed that Lord Siva taught this art form. Indians overwhelm by saying that all rare art forms originate with roots from God. For example, epics illustrate that Tamil and Sanskrit have their origin from the sound of the 'Oodukkai' (musical instrument in the hand of Lord Siva). Bharatha Naatiyam (the traditional dance) originated from Lord Siva. Kama Sutra (the art of love and sex) originated from Lord Siva. So it is of no surprise when it is said that varmakalai, the rare art that saves humans from diseases, also originated from Lord Siva.

According to the above versus, Lord Siva taught varmam to his wife Parvathi; later Parvathi taught varmam to their son Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan then taught Siddha Agasthiyar. Agasthiyar later gave a written form that reached the masses. But the original texts (and their copies), directly written by siddhas, are not available now. Saints who have grasped the meaning of the siddhas sayings have given a poetic form, which is used in modern day learning. So far, around fifty thousand (50,000) songs are available. The narrated history has been mentioned in the 41st prose of " Kai Mathirai Thiravukol " as follows:

The above narration cannot be merely considered as a made-up story. One of the names that denote varmam is 'Siva'. Another name that denote varmam is 'Vasi', which means air. If you repeat 'vasi' continuously, you can hear 'Siva'. 'Sivam' means life. That is why Thirumoolar preached the philosophy of 'Love is Sivam' (Love is Life). One of the current available texts 'Sarasuthram' gives the criteria for teaching varmam to eligible students.

It says that a varmam teacher should teach varmam only to a 'sivayogi'. Sivayogi is the one who loves all life forms. In all the varmam texts written since Thirumoolar till ones in 18th 19th century, varmam is spoken along with sivam. The history that is said so far has been taken from epics. In reality, varmakalai might have its roots in self-defense martial arts. It is the tactics man might have learnt by observing birds and animals. In Kalari (Defense Varmalogy), practiced in southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala, various forms like Elephant Form, Tiger Form, Fox Form, Lion Form, Hanuman Form, and etc. are still in use. In cockfight, to improve the fighting spirit, the owner of the cock will massage the back of the cock. This looks similar to how now a days the teacher gives a pat on the student's shoulder to encourage him or her. From the medieval period, the ornaments worn by man in the ears, fingers, legs and foot, knowingly or unknowingly gave him health and energy. The body piercing done in the name of god also helped him to improve his life. Similar to how circumstances helped him to learn the about various parts in the body that helped him to improve the health, he also learned about the parts that caused illness. He used this knowledge to attack his enemy and create damage. On the other hand when he got hit, with spiritual thoughts, he cured himself by tuning the points that revived the good health. Though he could command victory over his enemies, he also performed rituals and took the help of 'Kalari Moorthy - Kali' god. Also to save the life of the people, who were injured by his enemy, he took the help of the god 'Kalari Moorthy - Sarabesvarar'. Hence, for the growth of varmakalai, mankind's capability, thinking process and action played a dominant role. Our ancestors invented this art to help the mankind. It is our duty to preserve this rare art.

Classifications of Varmam
Human body is divided into five areas in which varmam (varma points) are discussed. They are:

Unit

Area

Number of Points

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. One such classification is based on 12 nerves (or a meridian channel) in the nervous system. 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. Based on Indian Astrology, there are 92 varmams:

Varmam Based On (Hindu Astrological) Stars Lunar

Number of Points 27 30

Padu Varmam Total

35 92

Based on the text Naramparai, written by Kumbamuni Siddha, 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

Total

107

Books on Varmam
The main purpose of this rare ancient art of varmam is to save the precious human lives. Misuse of this ancient art has caused our masters and ancestors to conceal informative texts about varmam, which are in the form of palm-leaf manuscripts. Today, those manuscripts are in the brink of extinction. Hundreds of such rare manuscripts are scattered across many houses in South India (Tamil Nadu and Kerala). It is our duty to collect, processes, and transform these rare manuscripts into a form helpful to the Siddha Medicine. It is also our duty to safeguard these valuable texts and pass it on to the next generation. Thirumoolar Varmalogy Institute vows to do this task. By analyzing the varmam texts that are collected so far, our researchers have arrived at the following seven hypotheses of teaching varmam. 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.

Varmam School of Thoughts

On researching over the available varmam texts, it is evident that varmam has grown under three independent schools of thoughts, mainly governed by three ancient siddha's namely Akasthiyar, Bohar and RamaDevar.

A1: Same author wrote all the three books under this category A3: Same author wrote all the three books under this category A1, A2, and A3: Three different authors wrote each category of books

If we research the basic philosophies of the books in the category A1, A2 and A3, we can reach the philosophy of School A. Similarly by researching the basic philosophies of the books in other categories, we can arrive at the following three school of thoughts. 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, a separate school of thought has been created under his name. This is based on the inference from the following poem:

Varmam in Self Defense (Kalaripayattu)

To protect oneself from the enemies, man invented the art of self-defense. Each country has it's own indigenous form of martial arts. Kalaripayattu, Naatu Murai, Kuthu Varisai, and Malyutham are some amongst the vast martial arts of Indian origin.

In Indian martial art Kalaripayattu, there are not only techniques for self-dense, but there are also techniques to collapse the enemy by attacking on the varmam points. 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. You should never strike a varmam points using knife or sword. Instead, you can damage a varmam point by striking with hand or by a stick. Such techniques are numerous in the Therkan Kalaripayattu. 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, Naalettu Perrukam) Munda Varisai

Of the above 18 forms, specifically Angam 64, Perruka Murai, Siraman Varisai and Olivu Murai work in tandem with varmalogy. 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. This form is one of the toughest to master. Similarly Siramam Varisai consists of having sticks of 3/4th feet length

in both hands and using them to strike the varmam points on the opponent's body. Usually masters teach this form by combining song, music and dance movements. The varmam text named Eddu describes the distance from the varmam points should be struck. Learning this martial art will provide greater protection to women. In this modern day, this art is very important for women.

Varma Therapy
Studies about each varmam's (pressure points) characteristics like location of the varmam, depth and width of varmam, the pressure with which the varmam has to be tuned to cure diseases constitutes the mainstream study in varma therapy. 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.

The various techniques that can be applied to cure varmam related injuries are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 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. Techniques like Thadaval Murai and Thirumal Murai should be done at least for three consecutive days to give relief from varmam related injuries.

Reviving of a Fainted Individual

If an individual has fainted due to varmam attack, he or she first should be diagnosed by a Varmaani (Varmam Doctor / Varmam Master / Varmam Asan). Varmaani should start the diagnostics by observing the color of cornea and the color of the teeth of the patient. Then varmaani checks the flow in Vata, Pita, and Kapha nadis. If he is satisfied with the flows in

these nadis, varmaani should proceed to the next step in the treatment. Now, varmaani should apply the Kavzhi Adangal ( Adangal - technique in which pressure points are tuned in specific pattern) to regulate blood flow, temperature and pranic flow in the patient's body. Then varmaani should apply Puzhimuthu Adangal to stimulate the Kalai Nerves (major nerves through which pranic energy flow in the body). At this point, varmaani can notice the patient starting to regain the consciousness and tiredness being reduced. Then on applying Nasiyam in patient's nose or using blowing techniques in patient's nose or ears, the patient will completely regain consciousness. Then Thiravukozh (method to open varmam) should be applied to release the affected varmams. Once the patient has attainted stable condition, 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. Then, varmaani should apply the proper Thadavazh Murai (massaging techniques). Based on the area in the body that was affected, the varmaani should know the diseases that might arise in the future. According both internal medication and external medication should be prescribed. Such treatment should consider the varmams located in nerves, muscles and bones.

Dealing with Fractures

Varmaani should have knowledge about bone structure and joints. When a patient with bone fracture approaches him, first he should stop the wastage of blood by blocking the required nerves. He should then use the necessary pads to fix veins and arteries and should put a proper dressing using cloths. The technique in which the dressing is done varies depending up on the location on the fracture. To heal the fracture, the dressing should allow path for proper air circulation and also should have provision to administer herbal oils to cure the wounds. 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. In addition, internal medicines should also be prescribed to the patient.

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, Nose, and Throat) problems Bone joints and arthritics Gland disorders (like Diabetes, etc.) Etc.

Relation with Other Fields

Varmam has relationship with other fields like Siddha Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, Astronomy, Psychology, Tantra, Anka Sasthra and many others.

Varmam and Siddha Medicine

Siddha medicine is the one of the oldest medical systems originated from India. Varmam is one the main streams within siddha medicine. For example, if a patient is suffering from pain in some part of the body, siddha medicine will externally apply herb medicines, which after absorbed by the body, produce the cure. But based on varmam, certain pressure points are tuned to regulate the blood flow, which gives immediate relief to the pain. 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 Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is one another oldest forms of medical systems from India. Among ayurvedic text, there is no separate text for varmam. But in the text 'Astangahridayam', written by Vakpatar, he speaks about 107 varmam points in human body. Some other ayurvedic texts also contain sparse information about varmam points. Hence, we can conclude that concept of varmam exist within ayurveda also.

Varmam and Yoga

Yoga is classified into two main streams. One based on breathing; and another based on body postures. They work in tandem and culminate to form today's yoga. If yoga asanas (yoga postures) are properly practiced, it will result in good health. The basic reason for that is yoga asanas properly tunes the nerves system (along with varmam points present in the nerves system), resulting in regulated blood flow throughout the body. Every yoga asanas has its effect on certain group of varma points enabling proper health, flexibility, mobility and physique. For example, if you consider Padmasana (one yoga posture), it produces mild pressure on these varmam points: Viruthi varmam, Kanpugaichal varmam, Ullthodai varmam, and Mulaathara varmam. Because of that, Iddakala (Left) and Pingala (Right) nerves gets tuned and strengthens the vertebral column. It increases concentration, memory, serenity on one's face, and etc.

Varmam and Astronomy

Rays from all the planets and moons in the solar system reaches Earth. They are responsible for health and illness amongst the living beings. Siddhas, who developed varmalogy, studied where and when these rays act on human body and based on their studies, 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. Such studies are taught only through guru-sishya (teacher-student) heritage. Such

studies can be used to stop occurrence of heart diseases and kidney diseases. Even the diseases that are present can be systematically cured. Varmam's relation with other fields like Psychology, Tantra, Anka Sasthra, Philosophy, Kama Sastra, etc. 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. People who have mastered the art are called asaans (masters). Varma asaans are also known as varmaanis.

Qualities of Varma Asaans

Varma assans are extremely calm in nature; will involve themselves in worship of God. Even in words, they will not show their anger. They are very hesitant in revealing their knowledge; they do not boast themselves. They show their talents only to their students. If one needs to become a good varma asaan, 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, one will become humble. He / She will automatically become a loving person. It requires at least twelve years to learn these arts.

Varma Student
A varma student has to search for a proper asaan. Most of the time, he/she will end up with fake teachers. It is the duty of the student to find the right asaan. After learning for at least twelve years, a student might know one hundredth of the vast knowledge of varmam. After that, based on student's interest to learn and student's quest for search, he/she might be able to learn the remaining. To achieve that, not only that the student has to go in search of different asaans, additionally student might have to spend lot of money. A lot of time and money has to be spent in learning. May be for that reason, varmakalai is not vastly spread.

Learning Varmam
The student, who wants to learn varmam, should meet the gurukkal (priest) on a new moon day with guru thachinai and kaanikkai (fees). Gurukkal will perform pooja and rituals to either Akasthiyar or Bohar and then the kaanikkai will be offered to the gurukkal. Later varma asaan (varma teacher) will get kaanikkai. Then, asaan will teach the rituals to worship sathguru's like Akasthiyar and Bohar. At that time, starting prayer method (thozhukai murai) in kalari and the varmam point 'kumbidu kaalam' will be taught. At the end of the first day's lessons, student has to touch the feet of asaan. By doing so, he/she will get blessing of a touch known as 'Sparisa Theekshai'. When he/she gets blessings, the student will be taught about another varma point known as 'bhoomi kaalam'. Everyday, the student has to mentally feel both kumbidu kaalam and bhoomi kaalam. This is the starting stage of learning varmam. Then student will be taught kalari for three years. During that period, asaan will observe characteristics of the student and accordingly will teach him/her about varmam points. It is not easy to remember the varma points, which are not indicated to the student through touch of asaan. Asaan will not apply any pressure on those varma points. Asaan will dip a small wooden point in rice flour and touch the varma points on the student's body, just sufficient enough to make impression using rice flour. The varmam lessons taught to the student are based on asaan- student relationship. Only after seven years of study, the student will be taught about varma thiravukol (key to unlock). Only after completing twelve years of study, after taking vows, student will be secretly taught about the inner thiravukols and thiravukols that shows eternity. After that phase, 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. Even after becoming asaan by him or herself, the relationship between the asaan and student will continue forever

Website: http://www.varmam.org/