12 Padu Varmam

12 Major Padu varmam Points

                                    

                                                                   Vital Life Centers

 

Name                                           Affecting the part of body                          Number

1 . Thilartha Varmam                                Brain                                                 1

2 . Natchathira    Varmam                         Eyes                                                   2

3 . Chevikutthi Varmam                            Ear                                                     2

4 . Pidari Varmam                                     Medulla                                              1

5 . Urrakka Varmam                                  Pharynx                                             1

6 . Thummi Varmam                                 Larynx                                                1

7 . Ner Varmam                                         Heart                                                   1

8 . Adappa Varmam                                   Lungs                                                  2

9 . Urumi Varmam                                    Stomach                                               1

10 . a Valia Ati surukki Varmam               Kidney                                                2

10 . b Siriya Ati surukki Varmam             Kidney                                                 2

11 . Moothira  Varmam                            Bladder                                                  1

12 . Kallidai Varmam                               Testicle/ Clitoris                                    1

The word 'Padu' have several meaning like 'to increase' 'torture', 'to destroy' etc. The Varmas increases sufferings and will destroy (death) finally so such name was given. Also these Varmam can be created by piercing with stick, strong canning, throwing some harmful things etc. this name must be given. Usually Padu varmam will affect the internal organs. These internal organs are protected by bones and muscles so only with such a force these Varmam can effect a person. Padu Varmam is a characteristic of bone. Through these varmam one one nadi (channel) is associated. By just touching on its travel path, so that also may be the same cause. Padu varmam are 12 by name and 19 by place. 

                                           "Strengthen your immune system with Varmam."     

                                           

Introduction

Siddha system gives support to mind, body, soul and stabilizes it. Varma therapy is a branch of siddha system of medicine. A vital energy called Pranan stored in each and every varma point. By manipulating these varma points the flow of energy to particular areas get regularized. Locating the correct location of the varma point is the most important. In each and every region or part of the body varma points are present in cluster. Thus this article deals with locating varma location with the help of anatomical location.

Varmam is one of the external therapies in siddha system which is practiced in Southern parts of Tamilnadu.  Varma points are bio energetic sites or life centers through which subtle vital energy flows. Though varma is a drugless therapy it plays a promising role in reviving a person from neuro muscular related diseases, degenerative diseases, instant pain management, etc.

These points are very important, because we can calculate the other varmam points by these points only. The “7 Chakras” or energy centers in our human body also plays a major role in Varmakalai. Most medical problems / situations are a result of damage to specific Varma points / chakra’s in our body and has an easy cure when the therapist treats it. The therapy involves process of Activating and bringing life to the specific Varma points, fixing the roots, cleansing of your Chakras, Soul purification, Vedic diet and some specific exercises that will help achieve the desired results. Most pain related issues / problems are cured instantly or within a few days, depending on the overall health condition of the patient.

Varmam are the vital points in the body that act as energy transformers or batteries. They form centers for boosting the vital prana or energy flow through the intricate nadi (channel) system of the body. Nature by its design has protected these vital centers by placing them deep inside the body or by covering them with tissue inaccessible to  normal attempts of breech. 

Varmam therapy is a drugless, non-invasive, simple therapy used in pain management. The therapy time is less and if given regularly it gives long lasting results. Varmam is an effective and potential therapy to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders. Manipulation of this varma points can release Endorphin and boost the level of Serotonin and Dopamine. These hormones will make us feel good, calm nerves and promotes healing and relives pain. Varma points manipulation not only helps for emotional well being but also helps for physical well being. 

Varmangal

Varmam points are the vital points which present all over the body; There are totally 108 varmam points. They are in the pathway of 10 channels dhasanaadi, 10  types of air dhasavayu, and saram. or chakras (vital energy circulation)  They pass the pranan energy (vital energy) from sole of the foot to universe through the nose. The Channels naadis present in the forehead are 7000, in both ears 3300, in both eyes 4000, in nose 3380, in pidari and shoulder region 6000. There are many classifications about varmam points such as Padu varmam, thodu varmam, Vatha varmam, Adhara varmam etc.

Padu Varmam
According to Varma sastras these are 12 in number. These points are mainly situated in the pathway of Vagus nerve, main vessels and internal organs. If a Paduvarmam point hit by humans or weapons the man will die immediately or after some time. If the mathirai level is ¾ or 1 the man will definitely die. If the mathirai level is ¼ or ½ we can save the man by proper treatment and medication.

                                                           Padu Varmam 12 with Mudras.

Adangal or bringing back to normal. A push or touch or a beating at a relevant place , applying oils,. This is possible to all Varmas.

Healing Touch of these Points

A timely touch, a slap, the use of specializes massage techniques or a single blow on a vital points can save a life of a dying.

It creates a miraculous stimulation of impulse, the magnetic power and the innate human dynamism and helps in recovery from injury or in the cure of a disease. 

Thodu Varmam

96 vital points triggered by a touch, Not deadly but will effect the victim by disabling the body, organ movements and functioning.

Padu Varmam

12 Vital Points that are fatal causing immediate severe effect upon  the victim. 

Signs Of The Life Centres If Defected

Wherever the life-centres are really defected the relevant place will be felt chill. Normally the pranavayu may stick up. There may be swelling, wounds, and pains. There may be signs and symptoms, peculiar to the defection of the particular life-centre.

MODE OF TREATMENT

To avoid such a situation we have to treat the vital life-centres of Victims under the following methods.

1. Elakkumurai (Neutralizing the damage caused)
2. Thadavu Murai (Massage the effective points)
3. Curing the defections by special methods
4. Kattumurai (Bandage - Bone fracture)
5. Maruthuvam (application of medicine)

Prana

In the human body, apart from the visible systems like musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, genitourinary et al, there is an invisible system i.e. vital energy circulation. We have 10 vital channels (naadi) carrying the vital forces. The vital forces (Vaayu) are 10 in number, one of which is praanan (remember pranayama, it can roughly be compared with oxygen) which uses oxygen from the atmosphere and converts it into energy which is utilized by the body. It is the most important factor for the formation of vital energy. The universe being the macrocosm and human body, the microcosm, the body gets energy from the universe mainly through oxygen.

The vital energy is an essential component in maintaining your physiological functions, this is the reason for life, death, diseases, maintaining health and treating your ailments. When the body stops receiving the energy from the universe, life ceases (same with oxygen). The stasis of this vital energy in certain points are called varmam points (varma pulligal).They are 108 in number.
There are various types of classification of varmam points like medical, traumatic, aetiological, regional, on the basis of naadi, on the basis of chakras, thiridhosha system ,on the basis of five elements, prognostic, qualitative, structural, metrical, single- multiple, on the basis of body plane, sexual(M/F) classification.

There are two branches in varmam :
1.Therapeutic manipulation:
The partial or complete obstruction in the flow of vital energy causes diseases (except infectious diseases). Stimulating the right varmam point for that disease will alleviate it. It is practiced by some Siddha doctors, Varmalogists for treating many diseases. There are cases where varmam is used in coma patients and doctors have successfully made patients gain consciousness.
2.Defense manipulation

It is mainly employed in martial arts such as Silambam, Kalari, surul  adi, malyutham and also to a certain extent in boxing and other arts. It is more of pressure point striking, for defense, to paralyze or bring about an injury. Some are fatal, some can be treated by varmam therapy.

So how does it work?

Let us compare our body to a closed electric circuit. (It has been proved that our body works as a biologically closed electric circuit by 

When we switch on a light, it glows due to the conduction of electricity, similarly, when a person strikes/stimulates a varma point, the cells are stimulated, there is a change in the electric potential at that point which also alters the electric potential in the vicinity. If there is a problem with the transformer, then there are issues in a proper supply of electricity to the nearby houses, the same happens with varma points. Each varma point is a like a transformer, it supplies the vital energy. When there is obstruction in its flow the functions in that region and the nearby regions are affected.

This comparison of varmam with electric energy is only for an illustrative purpose. Varmam and circulation of vital energy are more advanced and complex. It combines massage, alternative medicine, traditional yoga and martial arts. in which the body's pressure points (varmam) are manipulated to heal or cause harm.

 

Varmam have been classified based on the type of pressure or the nature of source by which injury is caused.

• Padu varmam (varmam due to injury)
• Thodu varmam (by touch) 
• Thattu varmam (by blows)
• Thaduvu varmam (by massage)
• Nakku varmam (by lick)
• Nokku varmam (by stare)

The widely used ones are the 12 Paduvarmams and 96 Thoduvarmams.

Among the 108, 12 are major points which control the functions of the vital organs of the body.

Thokkanam

Massage

 

The term Thokkanam is a combination of two words 'Thokku', meaning skin and 'anam' meaning support or tone or heat. Thokkanam is one of the 32 external remedies in Siddha system. It is a structured massage technique mainly used in treatment of chronic rheumatic (vaatham) ailments.      

Thokkanam focuses on treating diseases caused by aggravation of vatham. According to humoral theory of Siddha, Vatham is the active force responsible for the physiological functioning of Neuro muscular as well as musculo skeletal systems. In Neuro muscular disorders Vaayu or vatham is affected leading to wasting of muscles. So by rejuvenating the depleted Vaayus through Thokkanam it is easier to treat the patient and prevent disability if intervened earlier.

Benefits of thokkanam

•     Tones skin, muscles and nerves
•     Disseminates air (Vaayu) and eliminates it if it is in excess
•     Improves nutrition of muscles
•     Relaxes and increases sleep
•     Rejuvenates and increases sexual power
•     Removes body pain

 

This therapy which is done on the basis of nine methods given in literature gives excellent results even without any internal drug administration. There are some special therapies which are unique to Siddha system of medicine. Varmam, Thokkanam and kayakarpam (to make body as strong as stone) are the most significant.

In India, there are two different systems of Pressure Point Systems. They are:
01. Siddha  Varma Kalai (Tradition of Tamil Siddhars, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka)
02. Ayurvedic Marma art (Tradition of Ayurveda from North India and Kerala).

Padu Varmam: They are vital and fatal too, once affected it would generate the symptoms immediately. There is a time limit to retrieve the victim for these varmam, they are basically some hours. 

Duration of pressure

1/2.1, 2,or 3 minutes.

Disorders commonly treated

• Lumbar Spondylosis
• Cervical Spondylosis 
• Osteoarthritis  
• Adhesive Capsulitis  / Frozen Shoulder
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s Disease 
• Constipation  
• Epilepsy  
• Diabetes 
• Hypertension 
• Migraine headache
• Sinusitis

Thilartha Varmam                                Brain                                                 1

2 . Natchathira    Varmam                         Eyes                                                   2

3 . Chevikutthi Varmam                            Ear                                                     2

4 . Pidari Varmam                                     Medulla                                              1

5 . Urrakka Varmam                                  Pharynx                                             1

6 . Thummi Varmam                                 Larynx                                                1

7 . Ner Varmam                                         Heart                                                   1

8 . Adappa Varmam                                   Lungs                                                  2

9 . Urumi Varmam                                    Stomach                                               1

10 . a Valia Ati surukki Varmam               Kidney                                                2

10 . b Siriya Ati surukki Varmam             Kidney                                                 2

11 . Moothira  Varmam                            Bladder                                                  1

12 . Kallidai Varmam                               Testicle/ Clitoris                                    1

1 . Thilartha Kaalam 

Center of the eye brow

Location : In the dip in the junction of the eyebrows.

Location. : Helpful in Disease of the body mind, relieves headaches, eye diseases due to deficiencies, in secretions of the ductless and the pituitary glands. 

Stimulation : Keeping a Bindi, vermilion, sacred ash ( Vibhuti) or black Kajal dot.

Massage upward direction with thumb

External nasal nerve located at the center in  between of both eye brows at curve of nose. Massage upward direction with thumb.

1. Uchi Padhappam 

In the vertex of the skull

Head Top Center of the head

Pressure intensity : Tip of the middle three fingers 1/4th Mathirai

For Depression : Give a pressure over varma point for about 30-60 seconds.

Benefit

Nasal Block and Rhinorrhea, Sciatica and Foot drop for first two days Porchai kalam than

Pidari Varmam

Pidari varmam 4 finger breadth below seerungollivarmam 7 finger breadth above 

kilimegavarmam Situated at the nape of the neck, in the depression directly below the occipital protuberance.

2 . Thilartha Kaalam (1)

Center of the eye brow

Location : In the dip in the junction of the eyebrows.

Location. : Helpful in Disease of the body mind, relieves headaches, eye diseases due to deficiencies, in secretions of the ductless and the pituitary glands. Wards off evil eyes.

Stimulation : Keeping a Bindi, vermilion, sacred ash ( Vibhuti) or black Kajal dot.

External nasal nerve located at the center in  between of both eye brows at curve of nose. Massage upward direction with thumb.

3 . Natchathira Kaalam

Near the lateral end of the orbit of the eye

Outer canthus of the eye

Varmam treatment is given for non infective eye diseases in preventive and therapeutic aspect...

4 . Kannadi Kalam

 In the center of the nose 

At both sides of nose (Middle of the upper third of the nasal bridge)

Kannadi Kaalam  Between supratrochlear nerve(near eyes) between intertrochlear nerve (near nose) which come from Naso ciliary nerve- inline with both eyes, at both sides of nose.

It lies 1 finger breadth below the junction between the eye brows and nose

Inner line with both eyes, at both sides of Nose.

Between supra trochlear nerves ( near eyes) and Infra trochlear nerve near nose, which come from naso- cilliary nerve - inline with both eyes  at both sides of nose.

Strengthen the joint

Pressure intensity :Tip of the thumb and middle finger 1/4th Mathirai

For Treatment of Osteo Arthritis

Headache and nasal block.

5 . Chevi Kuthi Kaalam / Varmam  

Back of the ear lobule (on the stylo mastoid foramen)

Location: Fossa behind the ear lobe 

Technique: Fix the central part of the middle finger; apply gentle upward pressure to the point (simultaneously on both sides.

Chevi kuthi kaalam – back of the ear lobule (on the stylo mastoid foramen

Face

Behind  the ear lobe

Emergency condition : Seizure

Vidhur Marma

There are two locations for the Vidhur marma, both behind and below both ears. Measuring 1/2 anguli, these pressure points are said to control the senses, in particular the ears and hearing, whilst relieving stress and tension in the head. 

6 . Thummi Kaalam

Inter Clavicular Notch

It lies on the pit of the neck (Suprasternal notch)

Pressure intensity : Tip of the middle finger.

Benefit :  Cough

7 . Koombo  Kalam

At the bottom of the sternum

8 . Adappa Kaalam

Below armpit (Sides of Ribs)

9 . Urumi Kaalam

4 Fingers above the umbilicus

10 . Athi Churukki Kaalam

Just above the hip near the Anterior superior iliac spine

11 . Kallidai Kaalam

Centre of the testis for men, Centre of clitoris for women

12 .  Mooladhara Varmam

In coccyx one

Path of Vagus Nerve : Wondering Nerve

The Vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve (CN X). It is a functionally diverse nerve, offering many different modalities of innervation. It is associated with the derivatives of the fourth and sixth pharyngeal arches. 

Overview  

Sensory: Innervates the skin of the external acoustic meatus and the internal surfaces of the laryngopharynx and larynx. Provides visceral sensation to the heart and abdominal viscera. 

Special Sensory: Provides taste sensation to the epiglottis and root of the tongue.

Motor: Provides motor innervation to the majority of the muscles of the pharynx, soft palate and larynx.

Parasympathetic: Innervates the smooth muscle of the trachea, bronchi and gastro-intestinal tract and regulates heart rhythm. 

Anatomical Course 

The Vagus nerve has the longest course of all the cranial nerves, extending from the head to the abdomen. Its name is derived from the Latin ‘vagary’ – meaning wandering. It is sometimes referred to as the wandering nerve.

In the Head

The Vagus nerve originates from the medulla of the brainstem. It exits the cranium via the jugular foramen, with the glossopharyngeal and accessory nerves (CN IX and XI respectively).
Within the cranium, the auricular branch arises. This supplies sensation to the posterior part of the external auditory canal and external ear.

In the Neck 

In the neck, the Vagus nerve passes into the carotid sheath, travelling inferiorly with the internal jugular vein and common carotid artery. At the base of the neck, the right and left nerves have differing pathways:

The right Vagus nerve passes anterior to the subclavian artery and posterior to the sternoclavicular joint, entering the thorax

The left Vagus nerve passes inferiorly between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries, posterior to the sternoclavicular j, entering the thorax.

Several branches arise in the neck while entering the thorax.                             

Pharyngeal branches – Provides motor innervation to the majority of the muscles of the pharynx and soft palate.

Superior laryngeal nerve – Splits into internal and external branches. The external laryngeal nerve innervates the cricothyroid muscle of the larynx. The internal laryngeal provides sensory innervation to the laryngopharynx and superior part of the larynx.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (right side only) – Hooks underneath the right subclavian artery, then ascends towards to the larynx. It innervates the majority of the intrinsic muscles of larynx.

In The Thorax  

In the thorax, the right Vagus nerve forms the posterior vagal trunk, and the left forms the anterior vagal trunk. 

Oesophagus (Food Pipe)

Branches from the vagal trunks contribute to the formation of the esophageal plexus, which innervates the smooth muscle of the oesophagus.

Larynx (Wind Pipe)

Two other branches arise in the thorax: 

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve – it hooks under the arch of the aorta, ascending to innervate the majority of the intrinsic muscles of larynx.

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•  Heart 
• Cardiac branches – these innervate regulate heart rate and provide visceral sensation to the organ.

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• The vagal trunks enter the abdomen via the oesophageal hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm.

In The Abdomen 

In the abdomen, the vagal trunks terminate by dividing into branches that supply the oesophagus, stomach and the small and large bowel (up to the splenic flexure).

Origin of recurrent Laryngeal Nerve

Sensory Functions 

There are somatic and visceral components to the sensory function of the Vagus nerve.

Somatic refers to sensation from the skin and muscles. This is provided by the auricular nerve, which innervates the skin of the posterior part of the external auditory canal and external ear.

Viscera sensation is that from the organs of the body. The Vagus nerve innervates:

• Laryngopharynx – via the internal laryngeal nerve.
• Superior aspect of larynx (above vocal folds) – via the internal laryngeal nerve.
• Heart – via cardiac branches of the Vagus nerve.
• Gastro-intestinal tract (up to the splenic flexure) – via the terminal branches of the Vagus nerve.

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Three Parts of Pharynx and their borders. The laryngopharynx is innervated by the Vagus nerve. 
• Special Sensory Functions
• The Vagus nerve has a minor role in taste sensation. It carries afferent fibres from the root of the tongue and epiglottis.
• Motor Functions
• The Vagus nerve innervates the majority of the muscles associated with the pharynx and larynx. These muscles are responsible for the initiation of swallowing and phonation.
• Pharynx
• Most of the muscles of the pharynx are innervated by the pharyngeal branches of the Vagus nerve:
• Superior, middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles
• Palatopharyngeus
• Salpingopharyngeus
• An additional muscle of the pharynx, the stylopharyngeus, is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
• (This is not to be confused with the special sensation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, which provides taste sensation for the posterior 1/3 of the tongue).
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  Lateral view of the deep structures of the pharynx. Visible are the circular muscles of the pharynx, and the stylopharyngeus. 
• Larynx 
• Innervation to the intrinsic muscles of the larynx is achieved via the recurrent laryngeal nerve and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

  Recurrent laryngeal nerve:

  • Thyro-arytenoid
  • Posterior crico-arytenoid
  • Lateral crico -arytenoid
  • Transverse and oblique arytenoids
  • Vocalis
  • Cricothyroid

  External laryngeal nerve:

• Other Muscles 

• Tongue & Soft Palate
• In addition to the pharynx and larynx, the Vagus nerve also innervates the palatoglossus of the tongue, and the majority of the muscles of the soft palate. 
• Parasympathetic Functions 
  
  

• In the thorax and abdomen, the Vagus nerve is the main parasympathetic outflow to the heart and gastro-intestinal organs. 

  The Heart
• Cardiac branches arise in the thorax, conveying parasympathetic innervation to the sino-atrial and atrio-ventricular nodes of the heart.
  These branches stimulate a reduction in the resting heart rate. They are constantly active, producing a rhythm of 60 – 80 beats per minute. If the Vagus nerve was lesioned, the resting heart rate would be around 100 beats per minute. 
• Gastro-Intestinal System
  The Vagus nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the majority of the abdominal organs. It sends branches to the oesophagus, stomach and most of the intestinal tract – up to the splenic flexure of the large colon.
  The function of the Vagus nerve is to stimulate smooth muscle contraction and glandular secretions in these organs. For example, in the stomach, the Vagus nerve increases the rate of gastric emptying, and stimulates acid production. 
• Clinical Relevance: Disorders of the Vagus Nerve 
• Cardiovascular 
• Many pharmacological agents can be used to potentiate vagal tone on the heart therefore slowing the heart rate. Beta-blockers, muscarinic agonists and cardiac glycosides such as Digoxin are just a few that can be used.
• Vasovagal syncope can ensue during a period of emotional stress for example causing a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Further to this  a carotid massage can  compress the carotid sinus leading to the perception of a high blood pressure. This will cause cranial nerve X to increase its firing leading to a decrease its activity of SA node and AV node. Overall a decrease rate and strength of contraction will ensure and the person will experience syncope.
• Many congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus can irritate the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to dysphonia hoarse voice.
• Gastro-intestinal
• Leision of cranial nerve  CN X are rare. A  lesion to the phalangeal branches can lead to dysphagia (difficulty in swollowing), due to the involvement with the muscles of pharynx. As CN X innervates the Palatopharyngeal and Salpingopharyngeus muscles a lesion here will cause the Palatoglossal arch to drop leading to Uvula deviation away from the affected side. The CN IX is sensory to the oropharynx and laryngopharynx with CN X being the motor efferents involved in the Gag reflex therefore a lesion in this area will cause a loss of the Gag reflex. 
• Once upon a time a vagotomy could be done to reduce excess stomach acid production. However with advancements in pharmacological therapy this is no longer necessary. 
• Others As stated above a lesion to one of the RLN’s will cause dysphonia. A lesion to both RLN’s will cause aphonia (loss of voice) and a stridor (inspiratory wheeze). Paralysis of the RLN’s usually occur due to cancer of the larynx or thyroid gland or due to surgical complications.
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