Kalaripayyattu and the ancient medical texts in the Dravidian and Sanskrit traditions share the concept of the ‘vital spots’ in the human body, which is made up of the Pancha Bhootas (five basic elements), Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Prana (life energy) flows through the body channeled through marmas or vital points.

Attacking the vital spots caused the opponent to be stunned, disarmed or even killed and is essential to the highest stage of training given by Gurukkal to their most accomplished students in the Kalari.

Kalarichikilsa, the body of knowledge with which Gurukkal treat and heal combat injuries by manipulating these vital points, is based on marma chikilsa with its roots in the oldest medical practice in the world known as Siddha medicine, which is embodied in ancient Dravidian texts attributed to the sage Agastya who occupies the same position as Hippocrates in modern medicine.

Agastya identifies 108 vital points in the body and this knowledge is gained by the most exceptional students by dedicated study under their Masters for anywhere between 12 to 18 years by demonstrating great yogic ability and control of mind to avoid the remotest possibility of any misuse of such great powers.

This form of therapy is used to give the flexibility, agility and suppleness to Kalari students, to correct and cure orthopedic deformities and injuries and rheumatoid disorders.

Marma chikilsa is also a complete naturalistic healing system to rejuvenate the body by eliminating toxic imbalances to restore resistance and good health in the highly stressful environment of modern times.