Sometime back, I started reading about the art of varma for my novel cherari kottai which is in progress. This was one of the many famous forms of combat warfare during the early periods.
The root word of 'varmam' was thought to be 'marmam' or vital spots, but according to a scholar, the root word is 'vanmam' - which is used even in present day tamil.
In kambaramayana, Yuddha kanda, a vanara general by name Neelan kills a commander of Ravana by hitting on his vanmam or vital spot
Varma has two flavors - one as a combat warfare technique and another as a remedial measure against many popular diseases, strokes etc
Last week there was a conference 'Varmology - 2008' in which both allopathic doctors and Varma experts stressed the need for popularizing this ancient art which is gaining traction and acceptance.
The only hope for revival is in Kerala wherein this technique is still in practice in the famous kalaris.
The fundamental concept of varma is the blockage of 'prana' & its release - a vital force that is responsible for many of our physical and mental actions. In comparison, this is strikingly similar to the blockage of 'chi' & its release - in chinese medication.
Valmiki Ramayana has many references to 'marma' especially hitting on 'marma' spots. General understanding of that is sensitive body spots which can cause individual to collapse. May be related to acu pressure points also.