Marmam
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Marmam are pressure points of the human body in Indian martial arts in general and Dravidian martial arts in particular. It is claimed that experienced practitioners can disable or kill their opponents by a mere touch in a Marmam.
Practitioners of Kalarippayattu, an Indian martial art in Kerala, learn about Marmam, which are also used for marma treatment. It is said to be as sophisticated as the uzhichil treatment of Ayurveda. This system of marma treatment is part of Sidha Vaidhyam, whose origin is attributed to Sage Agasthya and his disciples.[1]
The earliest evidence of the concept of vital pressure points dates back to the Rig Veda, where Indra is recorded as having defeated Vritra by attacking his vital pressure points (marman) with his vajra.[2] References are also found in the Atharva Veda.[3] With numerous other scattered references to vital points in Vedic and epic sources, it is certain that India's early martial practitioners knew and practised attacking or defending vital points.[4] Sushruta (c. 6th century BC) identified and defined 107 vital points of the human body in his Sushruta Samhita.[5] Of these 107 points, 64 were classified as being lethal if properly struck with a fist or stick.[6] 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 Kalari and Marma Adi.[6]
[edit] Six Categories of Marama Points
- Asthi Marma (at bones)
- Snayu Marma (at the nerves)
- Dhamani Marma (at arteries)
- Sandhi Marma (at the joints)
- Shira Marma (at the veins)
[edit] Notes
- ^ Luijendijk, D.H. (2005) Kalarippayat: India's Ancient Martial Art, Paladin Press
- ^ Mariana Fedorova (1990). Die Marmantheorie in der klassischen indischen Medizin.
- ^ Subhash Ranade (1993). Natural Healing Through Ayurveda (p. 161). Passage Press. Utah USA.
- ^ Zarrilli, Phillip B. A South Indian Martial Art and the Yoga and Ayurvedic Paradigms. University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- ^ G. D. Singhal, L. V. Guru (1973). Anatomical and Obstetrical Considerations in Ancient Indian Surgery Based on Sarira-Sthana of Susruta Samhita.
- ^ a b J. R. Svinth (2002). A Chronological History of the Martial Arts and Combative Sports. Electronic Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences.
[edit] See also
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