Review Article

Dasa Vayu Pinnal technique: a unique Siddha Varmam

technique—revisited
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Senthilnathan Subramanian, Sumanth Amperayani

Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital (KKCTH) and The CHILDS Trust Medical Research Foundation (CTMRF), Nungambakkam, Chennai
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Abstract Varmam, an ancient Siddha science, describes vital points working in conjuncture with 10 vayus, which are vital
for physiological functioning. The imbalance of these vayus leads to various pathological processes. Siddhas
practice a unique Varma manipulation in the earlier stages of the disease in regulating these vayus to avoid further
progression of the disease. That is called “Thiruvadi Dasa Vayu Pinnal” technique. Dasa Vayu Pinnal is a traditional
Varmam maneuver performed in and around umbilicus and finally draining the lymphatic system toward the lower
limb. Arranging these deranged vayus in appropriate direction will curb the disease progression.

Keywords: Dasa Vayu Pinnal, Siddha, south India, Varmam

Address for correspondence: Dr. Senthilnathan Subramanian, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital (KKCTH) and The CHILDS Trust Medical Research
Foundation (CTMRF), 12-A, Nageswara Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034, India.
E-mail: [email protected]
Submitted: 29-Jun-2022, Accepted in Revised Form: 09-Nov-2022, Published: 23-Jan-2023

INTRODUCTION injury to these Varma points leads to disease. Dasa vayus (10
vital forces—Pranan, Abanan, Viyanan, Samanan, Udhanan,
Varmam, an ancient Siddha medical scientific technique, is Naagan, Koorman, Kirugaran, Devathathan, Thanajeyan) and
widely practiced in South India,[1] especially in Tamil Nadu. Dasa Naadis (10 energy channels—Edakalai, Pinkalai,
Varmam defined as important energy storage spots in the Chulumunai, Singuvai, Puruden, Kanthari, Athi, Alampudai,
body, via which vital energy is transported to various regions Changini, Gugu) play major in carrying the vital energy
of the body and all bodily activities are regulated. The through our the body. The imbalance in the connectivity
interaction between vital points all over the body and the may lead to ailments.[2]
respective physical and ethereal bodies is taken into account
and corrected by a scientific technique performed.[2] It helps The “Fundamentals of Varma Medicine,” with around 160
in restoring the imbalance in physiological functions, thus classical texts, describes the science of Varmam in Tamil
fixing the course of the life force through “naadis” (energy language.[2] Siddha Varmam science is practiced and taught
channels). strictly with the Guru–Sishya manner (master and disciple).
Varma teachers are called “Varma Asan.” Varma Asan
Vital energy (Saram) flows throughout the body, through Palpandiyan Ayya describes Siddha Varmam science and the
energy channels (Naadis), and densely concentrate in three vital principles.[3]
specific critical points (Varma pulli). Any disruption or

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DOI: How to cite this article: Subramanian S, Amperayani S. Dasa Vayu Pinnal
10.4103/jrsm.jrsm_16_22 technique: a unique Siddha Varmam technique—revisited. J Res Siddha
Med 2021;4:54-8.

54 © 2022 Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine | Published by Wolters Kluwer ‑ Medknow

Subramanian and Amperayani: Dasa Vayu Pinnal technique of Siddha Varmam—revisited

The first principle—Prana This procedure can be performed to an individual from the
The focus of Prana states that everything in this universe age of 1 year and should be carried out in empty stomach
is in constant motion and dynamic and nothing is static. condition. In the “Thiruvadi Dasa Vayu Pinnal” technique,
The human body too is in continuous interaction with the Thiruvadi signifies the lineage of teachers who have
universe. This continuous interaction results in forming a expounded and promulgated this technique. DVP Varma
life force called “prana” being consumed and exchanged technique has been kept in vogue, since time immemorial
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within the body. by Thiruvadi lineage Asans (masters) and their spiritual and
ideological descendants.[4] DVP will be performed initially
The second principle—Amirtham once a day, and depends on the severity and chronicity of
The principle of Amirtham (Ambrosia or nectar of life) is the disease, schedule may differ accordingly. Any trauma
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the primary chemical principle that makes life ongoing. on abdominal surgical operation and pregnancy within
According to the Siddha principle, this ascends through 6 months is a relative contraindication. This technique helps
the Varma points situated on the left half of the body after in all chronic diseases from diabetes to acute conditions of
the new moon (Amarapaksham) and descends through the abdomen. Arranging these deranged vayus of inappropriate
right half of the body after the full moon (Poorvapaksham). direction will curb the disease progress. Although the actual
procedure per se would take only 10 min, the complete
The third principle—Thathuvam assessment of the patient, briefing to the patient, getting
The principle or the Thathuvams state that all this “pranic” consent, and further processing to finish the procedure
life force and Amirtham, mentioned above, interact through might take 30 min. In this system, no immediate or
different channels in the body called “Thathuvams.” There chronic complications have neither been documented nor
are 96 such Thathuvams or fundamental life principles in experienced till now [Figure 1].
the human body. With this brief introduction, this review
DISCUSSION
plunges into the proper technique, its description, and then
discusses it in detail.
Varmam is a unique manipulation technique, which is
The objective of this short communication is to disseminate a part of the Siddha system of medicine. The human
the three principles in this Varmam technique and its practice. body is an inherent part (microcosm) of the larger
universe (macrocosm). It signifies the human body as a
METHODS/PROCEDURE
mini-universe, a microcosm that exists and interacts with
the more prominent material universe.[3] What exists in
Dasa Vayu Pinnal (DVP) technique involves soft touching
in and around the umbilicus in clockwise and anticlock Table 1: The 96 fundamental principles or 96 Thathuvams
quoted in the text
patterns and finally draining the lymphatic system toward
the lower limb. S. no Components Description Number
1 Panchabootham Five elements 5
2 Pori Sense organs 5
The patient is advised to lie in bed in the anatomical 3 Pulan Five senses 5
position and take a deep breath to put the nervous system 4 Kanmenthiriyam Motor organs 5
at ease. Varmanian (Varmam expert) will be standing or 5 Gnanendiriyam Function of motor organs 5
6 Karanam Intellect 4
sitting comfortably beside the patient’s abdomen. After 7 Self-realization 1
Arivu
explaining the maneuver to the patient, with Varmanian’ 8 Naadi Channels of life force 10
s flexed elbow joint tip, clock and anticlock rotations will 9 Vaayu Vital force 10
be performed around the patient’s umbilical region and an 10 Aasayam Metabolic sheaths 5
11 Kosam Five sheaths 5
outward, gentle rub with the palm thenar region from the 12 Aathaaram Nerve plexus 6
umbilical region in four directions (up, down, right, and 13 Mandalam Sheaths of humors 3
left) for three times, a gentle outward rub with the thumb 14 Malam Impurities related to soul 3
15 Thodam Humors 3
in six directions three times (up, down, right, left, along 16 Edanai Attachments, desires 3
with four quadrants), and with moderate pressure with the related to the soul
hand, the medial part of both lower limbs will be rubbed 17 Gunam Qualities of mind 3
18 Vinai Good and bad acts 2
simultaneously up to the ankle joint three times, and the 19 Raagam Emotional status of mind 8
patient is advised to lie in the same position for 2 min after 20 Avasthai State of consciousness 5
completing the procedure. Total 96

Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine | Volume 4 | Issue 2 | July-December 2021 55

Subramanian and Amperayani: Dasa Vayu Pinnal technique of Siddha Varmam—revisited

the universe exists in the human body, and vice versa. Table 2: The 10 vayus (Dasa vayus) and their life functions
The human body is a part of the universe, which is S. no Name Functions
composed of five primordial elements, or Panchabootham, 1 Pranan Controls central nervous system,
viz. earth, water, fire, air, and space. The Panchikaranam sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous
theory (theory of five-fold combination) of Siddha systems
2 Abanan Acts in the elimination of vital fluids,
science explains the origin and formation of these namely urine, stool, menstrual fluid, and
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essential elements and the role of these five elements semen

in the construction of every substance in the universe, 3 Samanan Helps in assimilation, discerning inner
absorption, and overall control of all vayus
including human beings.[5] This theory proposes that 4 Udanan Controls the expression of self and
96 fundamental life principles (Thathuvams) exist in the refreshment of cellular energy
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human body [Table 1].[6] These basic principles include 5 Vyanan Controls the blood circulation
6 Naagan Responsible for learning and knowledge
the physical, physiological, mental, and intellectual and controls yawning
components of a human being. They are nothing but 7 Koorman Provides vision to eye and lacrimation
the manifestations of the five primordial elements 8 Kirugaran Responsible for taste, appetite, coughing,
and sneezing
(Panchabhoothams). According to the Varma text “Odi 9 Devathathan Responsible for emotions and controls
Murivu Sari Nool,” there are 108 Varma points in our body fatigue and makes body to want rest
that regulate the flow through 72,000 nadis.[7] 10 Thananjeyan It is dormant in the body and goes out of
the body after death

Classification of 108 Varma in Siddha literature

(vital forces), 10 naadis (energy channels), and six chakras
• Padu Varmam: 12 (Padu—interaction) (subtle energy plexuses—Mooladharam, Swadhistanam,
• Thodu Varmam: 96 (Thodu—touch) Manipoorakam, Anahatam, Visuddhi, and Agnai) are the major
These Varma points are interrelated with the subtle body, components of this scientific technique of Varmam.
and an in-depth understanding and experience play a critical
role of a Varma therapist in treating a disease.[8] Ten vital forces and 10 vital energy channels are combined
and thus conduct the physiological functions of the human
Uyir thathukkal (three humors) body. Among the 10 essential channels, Idakalai, Pingalai,
The determination of the physical body and Uyir (pranic and Suzhumunai are the significant channels that carry vital
force) connectivity is through the three “uyir thathukkals,” energy “saram” throughout the body and communicate
meaning life forces, “Vaatham, Pitham, and Kabham.”[9] with the 10 vital forces in the body’s normal physiological
functions. The initial components in the body that gets
In Siddha, Vaatham, Pitham, and Kabham are the three disturbed are the five major vital forces (vayus), followed
humors responsible for creating, preserving, and destroying by five important minor forces (vayus), and these make up
the human body and health. When they are in the state the Dasa vayus in the technique of DVP. The physiological
of equilibrium (4:2:1—the ratio in which they exist), the functions of the 10 vayus and their limitations are explained
body remains in a healthy condition. At the same time, any clearly in Table 2.[10]
disturbance in the balance leads to a diseased state or death.
“Thiruvadi” Dasa Vayu Pinnal
Vaatham represents the elements’ “air” and “space.” It is “Thiruvadi” is the ancient Guru Sishya lineage; at present,
responsible for all the mind and body movements. Motor Varma Asan Palpandiyan Ayya, who came under this
and sensory activities are said to be governed by Vaatham. sacred lineage, teaches Varmam to his students. DVP Varma
technique has been kept in vogue, since time immemorial
Pitham represents the element “fire” in our body and is by Thiruvadi lineage Asans (masters) and their spiritual and
responsible for preserving health. It maintains the body’s ideological descendants. His disciples, who got trained
heat for normal physiology and dominates the chest and under Asan, practice this DVP technique in India and in
abdominal areas. European countries.

Kabham is the combination of earth and water elements DVP is the primary and unique Varma technique to keep
responsible for strength, joint movements, body building, Samanan and other vayus intact, facilitating a disease-free
and endurance. It dominates the head and neck regions. body and mind and controlling chronic disorders. Among
the 10 vayus, Pranan, Udanan, Samanan, Abanan, and Viyanan
Among the 96 Thathuvams, three humors (Vaatham, Pitham, are the five main vayus that hold a vital role in physiological
Kabham), five primordial elements (Panchabootham), 10 vayus functioning such as breathing, cardiac functioning,
56 Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine | Volume 4 | Issue 2 | July-December 2021
Subramanian and Amperayani: Dasa Vayu Pinnal technique of Siddha Varmam—revisited

Siddhas practice a unique Varma manipulation in the early

stages of the disease, regulating these vayus to avoid further
disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS
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With the principles and practice of Prana, Amirtham, and

Thathuvam, the DVP helps heal chronic diseases like diabetes
and acute conditions like the acute abdomen. Arranging
this disarrayed vayus in the appropriate direction will curtail
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the disease’s progress. Samanan vayu is the critical vayu in

coordinating and controlling the other vayus. If they are
reorganized, the vayus in their respective functional areas will
reboot the physiological processes, and the body will heal itself.
DVP will be the initial technique that leads to approaching
the other Varma points for better performance results on a
patient. Because this is a preliminary observation of DVP
reported by the practicing physicians, further in-depth analysis
is recommended, which we plan to execute in the future.

Acknowledgement
I am thankful to my Honorable Guru from the Thiruvadi
lineage, who taught and train me this technique and allowed
me to write and explore.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest
Figure 1: Dasa Vayu Pinnal illustration. This demonstrates the actual There are no conflicts of interest.
technique of Dasa Vayu Pinnal. With Varmanian’ s flexed elbow joint
tip, clock and anticlock rotations will be performed around the patient’s
umbilical region and finally gentle downward rub on the medial aspect
Authors’ contributions
of the both lower limbs SS performed the technique and documented it, did
literature search, and prepared the article. SA assisted in
digestion, thought process, expression, etc. Samanan preparing the article.
vayu controls every vayu and runs between the umbilicus
(nabhi) and the lower limbs, facilitating proper digestion Written and informed consent
and cellular level assimilation throughout the body.[2] Written and informed consent of the next of kin for
DVP is currently practiced by the Siddha physicians publication has been obtained and the same is being
who trained under Asan Palpandiyan, and the outcome affirmed.
from patient feedback gives lead for new indications. It
depends on the application of DVP on a regular basis, and REFERENCES
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हिदं ी सारांश

दासा वायु पिनल तकनीक: एक अनोखी सिद्ध वर्म म तकनीक

वर्मम एक प्राचीन सिद्ध विज्ञान, 10 वायुओ ं के साथ सं योजन में काम करने वाले महत्वपूर्ण बिदं ओ
ु ं का वर्णन करता है, जो शारीरिक कार्यप्रणाली के लिए महत्वपूर्ण हैं। इन वायुओ ं
के असं तुलन से विभिन्न रोग प्रक्रियाएं होती हैं। । सिद्ध रोग की आगे की प्रगति से बचने के लिए इन वायुओ ं को विनियमित करते हुए रोग के पहले चरणों में एक अद्वितीय वर्मा
हेरफे र का अभ्यास करते हैं। इसे तिरुवडी दासा वायु पिनल तकनीक कहा जाता है। दासा वायु पिनल एक पारंपरिक वर्मम पैंतरेबाज़ी है जो नाभि में और उसके आसपास की
जाती है और अंत में निचले अंग की ओर लसीका प्रणाली को बाहर निकालती है। इन विकृ त वायुओ ं को उचित दिशा में व्यवस्थित करने से रोग की प्रगति पर अंकुश लगेगा।

58 Journal of Research in Siddha Medicine | Volume 4 | Issue 2 | July-December 2021