Marma-sastra and Ayurveda (study)
by C. Suresh Kumar | 1999 | 41,313 words
This essay represents a comprehensive study of Marmas with special reference to Ayurvedic and Tamil Marma Sastras in relation to its applied anatomy. The study reflects on the holistic approach of ancient Indian medicine, contrasting it with Western scientific methods, while highlighting the importance of integrating human and environmental aspects...
Padu Varmam (vital life centres)
Padu varmams are otherwise termed as vital life centres. They are of two types one based on collection (Thirattu) and other based on soothiram (Stratagem). According to Varma Sutram the Padu varmams are 12 in number but the actual number seems to be 18. Odivumurivu-15, divides the varmam into physical and sensory as regards location. The five sense organs, the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna together form the udarkalai. the passage of urine, motion, semen and tears forms the uyirkalai. The twelve seats of the uyirkalai and udarkalai forms the basis of the 12 Padu varmam. The difference between the Padu varmam and the Thodu varmam is that the Padu varmam are generally injured due to accidents while the Thodu varmam are generally injured by inflictions by others. Even though there is an unananimity in the number of Padu varmam, different texts have different descriptions regarding the details of the varmam. Out ofthe varoius available sources of 87
information some classify the Padu varmam in 12 and some classify this into 13. Under the heading Padu varma Pannirendu the Varma Sootcham describes 13 varmas. Varma Kannadi describes 108 varmam and not Padu varmam and Thodu varmam. However we will be able to identify 13 padu varmam. Varma Soottiram refers to Natchatira kalam as Meena varma. The difference in nomenclature by virtue of its meaning make us locate the site easily. This is not possible always. (Varma Cuttiram) A detailed chart regarding the list of Padu varmam are given in the appendix. these Efforts have been made to standardize varmam points with upto date scientific parameters. 1 Angula is 2.5 cms (Chidambara Thanu Pillai on Padu varma thirattu) 88
Measurement of impact Life centres 1. Thilartha Kala 2. Nakshathira Kala 3. Sevi kutri Kala Table No. X British System Metric System 31 Cms. 35Cms. 12" 13.5" 04" 10 Cms. 4. Pidari Kala 27" 70 Cms. 5. Urakka Kala 09" 23 Cms. 6. Thummi Kala 16" 41 Cms. 7. Koombu Varma 12" 31 Cms. 8. Adappa Kala 27" 70 Cms. 9. a. Valiya attisurukki Kala 27" 70 Cms. b. Seriya attisurukki Kala 27" 70 Cms. 12. Urummi Kala 27" 70 Cms. 13. Mothira Kala 13.5" 35 Cms. 14. Kallidai Kala 18" 46 Cms.