How is Kalari & Marma Chikitsa related?

  #Kalari 102

(M.S.Divyasri)

How is Kalari & Marma Chikitsa related?

The Indian martial art Kalaripayattu also teaches how to use oil massage as a kind of healing. It has been transmitted through both Atharvaveda and uzhichil. It's a martial art with applications in both combat and medicine.

Kalaripayattu is also known as the “Mother of all Martial Arts" as the saying goes. Chinese Kenpo was the name given to this technique when it was transported to China, and Karate was the name given to it when it arrived in Okinawa, Japan. Many people agree that it is the earliest martial art to have ever existed.

Marmashastra, often known as the science of Marmas, is an ayurvedic therapy for healing and rejuvenation, is a subset of Shalyatantra, one of the eight divisions of Ayurveda. The Marmashastra has been extensively written about by ancient masters like Sushruta and Sage Agastya. 

After pupils have received adequate instruction in Angathari, or armed combat, this science, which is highly important to Kalaripayattu training, is taught alongside Verumkai prayogam, or unarmed combat. The learner is introduced to the motions and stances of unarmed combat only after receiving training in fighting with all types of weapons. The asan maintains that Marmavidya, or knowledge of the marmas, should only be employed as a last resort to beat an adversary.

Body marma’s also vary within traditions. According to the southern tradition the human body has 108 marmas whereas in northern tradition the human body has 107 marmas. The body's marmas are not visible from the outside. 

The great masters have authored multiple volumes that describe the effects of any injury to each of the marmas in great detail. All the marmas have been given unique names.

During training, injuries to the students—whether brought on by hands, legs, or weapons—are not uncommon. Treatment that is prompt and appropriate is crucial in these circumstances. As a result, learning Marmachikitsa is just as crucial as learning all other combat stances and moves. These include Uzhichil, Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Kadivasti, Urovasti, and other similar methods.