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Varma Kalai (Tamil: varmakkalai, Malayalam and Sanskrit: marma-vidya/marmam) is an Indian traditional art of pressure points. It combines massage, alternative medicine, traditional yoga and martial arts[1] in which the body's pressure points (varmam) are manipulated to heal or cause harm. The healing application called Vaidhiya Murai is part of Siddha medicine (siddha vaidyam).[2]
Its combat application is known as Adimurai (it includes a component called Varma Adi, meaning "pressure-point striking") can be done either empty-handed or with a blunt weapon such as a stick or staff. Varma Kalai is usually taught in the advanced stage of Adimurai,[3] Kalaripayattu, and Silambam in Kerala and Tamil Nadu;[4][5] strikes are often targeted at the nerves and soft tissues.
- ^ "Tamilnadu - Varma Kalai". Tamilnadu.com. 26 December 2012. Archived from the original on 3 March 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
- ^ Guruji Murugan Chillayah (20 October 2012). "Silambam and Varma Kalai Art". Silambam. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
- ^ "Adi Murai - The science of combat".
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Luijendijk2005was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Stevens, B; From Lee to Li, HarperCollins 2009 ISBN 9780007347414