It is claimed that learned warriors could disable or kill their opponents by merely striking the correct marmam (vital point). This is taught only to the most promising and level-headed persons to discourage misuse of the technique. Marmashastram stresses on the knowledge of marmam and is also used for marma treatment (marmachikitsa). This system of marma treatment comes under Siddha vaidhyam, attributed to the sage Agastya and his disciples.
