The varmankal correspond to points vital on the body, points where pranic energy is condensed.
Knowledge of these points called varmakkalai serves two diametrically opposed objectives: to cure a
patient affected by one or several injured varmankal, to neutralize or kill an enemy by injuring his vital
centres which are more and less fundamental. There are two types of varmankal: patuvarmankal (12), which,
when they are injured, provoke death, and totuvarmankal, 96 or more according to practitioners, that cause
diseases and disorders.
The fact that varmankal are associated to life and death implies that acankal, who have the knowledge of this art, are very careful about the qualities of disciples who approach them to learn. There are manuscripts on this art that would have been written by some cittarkal such as Agattiyar, cittar which has in his name numerous texts, and also Pulipani. However, one notices nowadays a strong enthusiasm for varmakkalai which is reflected by the number of books written by varma practitioners and varma courses organized by some of them. This therapy, included in the curriculum of siddha college, is rarely taught and practised in government siddha hospitals. As a result, students as well as siddha doctors interested in this art, attend the varma course or visit varma practitioners.
Varma points (acupressure) practised on the head of an old man, extremely weak, carried to the hospital in a state of semi-consciousness. Some varma points help revive unconscious patients.
Varmakkalai practised on a patient victim of hemiplegia. Undernutrition and alcoholism are frequent causes of hemiplegia in these rural areas.
Some varma points
Cilampam is a martial art based on the knowledge of varmankal. This art is practiced with hands and also with sticks and various instruments. Every cilampam session begins by a puja in order to get the protection of gods.