Yes, it is (according to most martial art experts) possible - - but only IF you have been properly trained. Dim mak is an ancient and *extremely* dangerous martial art, that consists of striking certain points (usually called dim mak, vital, or pressure points) on the body. The majority of these points correspond to the same locations as acupuncture points. Dim mak can cause a great deal of damage to the human body. The effects of attacking the dim mak points include knockout, death, and a delayed death. According to the ancient theories of acupuncture, the body has a circulating life force (chi or ki) that travels through invisible channels called meridians. According to this theory, all diseases are the result of disruptions in the flow of one's life force or chi. Acupuncture points are located on the meridians and represent areas where the flow of energy can be altered. There are multiple methods of manipulating the acupuncture points including finger pressure, burning herbs, and inserting needles. The acupuncturist inserts needles into different points depending on the illness or complaint. Dim mak evolved from this theory and different points are attacked to cause different effects. According to the ancient theory behind dim mak, attacking the points disrupts the flow of energy, which results in illness or death. There are many who question the ancient explanation of dim mak's effects. Although the previously mentioned theory has been in existence for centuries, modern medical science can provide a new scientific explanation for dim mak's effects. Almost all of the points are located in areas where the one can attack a vulnerable portion of a nerve. In fact, many of the points can be linked neurologically to the internal organs that they are believed to affect. Consequently, attacking the nervous system can disrupt many of the body's functions resulting in illness or death. In most instances, dim mak is explained and taught using ancient theories based on acupuncture. Although this has been the tradition for many years, it has led to a great deal of skepticism and confusion. Because of this, many have disregarded the warnings about dim mak and started to experiment with the points. This practice could have tragic consequences. In the past, dim mak was only taught to the most advanced and trusted students. As the martial arts spread around the world, the knowledge of dim mak remained in seclusion. Recently this tradition of secrecy has been broken and there are martial arts masters who teach the methods of attacking the points to the public. This information is now available at seminars, in books, and on videotapes. Although this has had a positive effect on the martial arts, it does raise the issue of safety. [sources: http://www.dimmak.net/ http://www.dimmak.net/ancient_theories.htm] Photos of the dim mak points can be found here: http://www.dimmak.net/points.htm ~These photos are for educational purposes only.~ Anyone wishing to take up the practice of dim mak should consult with and be trained by a qualified instructor. The techniques taught are very dangerous and have the potential to be fatal. Proceed with caution.

It is quite possible to "disable" another person's energy flow by meridians - as most would refer - however, it is also quite possible to send vital/vibrational energy from the person on defense to be disruptive to an attacker by everything from a powerful strike to the smallest touch, and with any part of the body of the person attacking from the defensive position. The truly adept can even disrupt another person's energy from a distance making an atacker slugish, imbalanced, unfocused..etc. Please make sure you are understanding my 1st part before we continue. I am not here to argue, nor shall I engage in debate, on this subject, however, I have reluctantly taken students over the past 10 years into this realm of "vibrational only fighting" and our results have always been amazing, wonderful, thought-provoking, insightful, even scary (when the energy isn't controlled or used foolishly). I have several students who have various levels of this teaching as it manifests differently in each, but in particular there is "Jason" who is learning to be on with the vibration within himself to such extent that he finds "fighting" a waste of time and beneath him. "Jason" has learned to "dance", where there is no thought, no speed, no time, no power..just result. Me?..I have kicked a student "accidently" feeling the energy leave me and give the student a seizure-like episode - all by kicking them in the hip without too much force, but with the concentration of technique which gathers up, focuses, and releases this vital/vibrational energy through the limb touching the opposing person. Immediately felt the release, grabbed the student with concern, and watched him fall down a minute later. (I then cleansed his disrupted energy by flowing it through/from me like water flowing over rocks trapping debris, and let it leave me in my breath). I have learned that in between what we refer to as "time" there IS a space that is not subject to how fast one is, how quick or any of those type of factors. I am NOT - repeat N-O-T - a physical martial artist. I am a dedicated spiritual martial artist. The concept of vital/vibrational energy is difficult for the average person to grasp because it doesn't NOT operate under the same "visible" rules of logic, systematic points, and rules of understanding that we naturally use to decipher our world, and its' peices of data/information. How can you impress upon someone, even some of my most experienced martial arts students, that they must forget what they think, calculate, or expect, in exchange for trusting their feelings and spirit to tell the body "which way to go"? "...what to do?" etc. "What art do I do?" is a question I know will arise. Under a father & son set of instructors (Elder Guardian and Master/Instructor, respectively) I started with Muai Thai/Krabi-Krabong and W. Kickboxing over 30 years ago, and was introduced to base Silat and Sillum Gun Fu over a 10 year period as principles incorporated into my Muai Thai/W. Kickboxing format. When I look back I still am in wonderment due to the fact that our teacher taught us techniques that are "advanced" by today's present consensus, yet basic as a part of our training. 1st there was integrating physical understanding of movements, techniques, strikes, etc. into our heads and "body-muscle memory", then it was demonstrations of "trusting vital/vibrational energy" and our (then) admonishment for not doing so as we were learning to see. We learned physical strike zones and angles, and force that was focused more and more to a pin-point then it was done again but by diminishing the force impact until it was just a touch. A lot of trial & errors, expectations' frustrations and disappointments, is what I experienced, then all of a sudden I would experience vital/vibrational energy enough to keep me curious, focused and dedicated. My formal martial arts training lasted from 11 to 21/22 years old. I am 47 now this year, and was initiated in vital/vibrational practice since 16. I am a priest (1988) living the life of normal living. What exactly is the "want" to know "death touch"? Any true system of martial arts has a level where all that is possible, whether by direct-physical,indirect-physical (meridian work) or vibrational-only (aura defense & offense through martial technique). But there is an unhealthy fascination with such in the Western World who want such knowledge over-night..........it does not come like that. It NEVER has since thousands of years ago to now, and it never will be so cut & dry. What take one person 5 - 7 years to acheive "vitally/vibrationally", may take another 10 - 20 years, and another never. It is not about the "possessing", its' about the journey. "Martial Arts" (as originated by the priests/monks/etc) was/is never about fighting OUTSIDE of yourself..its' about fighting INSIDE yourself to create internal energy to the point of combustion (Your actual release, e.i. fist, foot, head, knee, destructive and healing, of the energy you have built up by "waging war" INTERNALLY). Study all paths and learn about yourself. I am on my path alone. I am not here to teach, nor preach. I am here to share only food for thought. For the sake of earnest questors, I am your Bro. "Absolute2Absolute". Peace, Absolute2Absolute

Dim Mak or Kyusho are effective, though it's not just a touch and someone falls down. There are places on all of our bodies where the nerves are closer to the skin or where being struck a certain way produces what we might think is an unexpected reaction. The easiest example of this is hitting your "funny bone." You usually feel a tingle and pain down your arm and into your fingers for a little while after a seemingly harmless bump to the right nerve cluster near your elbow. There are several places on the body like this, where strikes, pressure or rubbing can aggravate the nerves in that are and cause a person to experience pain, tingling, or loss of feeling. Aikido's 4th Control "Yonkyo" or "Yonkajjo" depends on pressure applied to the radial nerve in the forearm to take control of an opponent or training partner. You've had the doctor whack your knee with a rubber mallet to "test your reflexes" before. There's a few places on your body that have similar reactions. Parts of your hand that cause your fingers to open, etc. Your body also has balance points. Because your entire balance system is dependent on the inner ear and the signals it receives from your body, if certain areas of your body are moved a certain way with speed and effectiveness, your body can believe it is off balance and fall over. Much of Aikido is dependent on this understanding of balance points and positions. Acupuncture/pressure has proven that there are nerve centers in the body that are receptive to stimulation that can alleviate headaches or nausea. And those same centers can be used to inflict headaches and nausea. So there's the great dark secret of Dim Mak/ Kyusho. Personally, I don't know that I agree with it being taught as a separate martial art. Using pressure points to compensate for bad technique will always catchup to you in the end. People's nerve centers can be in different places, not everyone responds to the stimulation as provided, etc. I think maybe some degree of understanding of them is a good thing, and using them judiciously and responsibly to enhance already good technique is beneficial. But as a seperate school for learning a Martial Art, I think it just falls way short of the things I personally look for. Toronto, Ontario has a wealth of martial arts training available, including a school of Kyusho.

Finally! Someone who has the right concept; It is about the journey. Not about how much external possession you can attain. I have read numerous books, attended seminars and chat rooms that deal with these hidden mysteries. I found myself being wowed and caught up in the excitement of attaining this knowledge. It was not until most recently I discovered the error of this path. There is a reason the old Masters and students went through years and lifetimes of training. It takes forever to control and understand the very nature of what you are and what you are capable of. Society today is so short on Integrity, Honor, Love and Care for their fellow man/woman. I too have studied many different styles for many long years. At times becoming frustrated with wanting to learn more and faster. Always being told to be patient. As I said, recently I learned why! I live in a medium sized City and participate with a group of Martial Artists from diverse background. We get together to workout and learn from each other. Most are quite advanced, but a few are not. One of the "are not's", Dan, he is very talented and amazingly collected, considering what he has experienced. This individual, despite his abilities to do damage has shown ultimate self control and restraint. One such experience involved the murder of his father by an aggressive attacker who then turned on him. Dan suggested a moment of clear thought and decisive action fell on him. He had never even contemplated killing the aggressor. He just reacted! His thoughts where immediately on his Father and helping him. The aggressor was just someone or something in the way. He moved through him quickly and decisively. As Dan explained, he rolled once to the right and once more towards the aggressor, relieved him of the gun and disabled the attacker. Dan immediately proceeded to assist his father, who unfortunately died in his arms. After the story, I sat quietly in awe. Dan was very calm and collected and proceeded into his next story. He openly shared with me some details and names I will not publish. They are extremely personal and private. The point here is the message. Dan told me a story about a family member who sought out the quick and easy learn path. This family member had a need, like most, to be extra special. There are many out there who will offer these paths to special knowledge using short cut methods. In this case it was an individual from Australia who spreads his self acclaimed knowledge through the web, his many publishings and seminars. This message is of a so called energy manipulation and/or out of body abilities. Keeping with the tone, I would relay that the so called short cut and self proclaimed expert hurt a many people. It ripped Dan's family apart. The so called expert became involved in the family matters causing shear disaster. Even when this so called master was asked for help, this man stepped up his involvement. It was absolutely self serving. One moral here is to beware! Beware, of false prophets who are only after profits. This so called master may have some abilities but obviously has neither the experience or self journey to handle the information. It is yet another example of the damage and heartbreak that can result from this "Betty Crocker" approach to hidden and ancient secrets. I cannot reiterate enough, it is all about the journey. I believe the ancient masters knew the path and how the pieces where to fit together to complete the path correctly. Trying to short circuit the path only results in pain, hurt and suffering. Anyhow, Dan is getting things together. He is extremely focused and he has a good grasp on the above concept. My hat off to Dan!!!! Martial Man

Yes, But its probably not so wise to teach such things without also teaching how to medically revive someone.

any pressure point learn them its really useful in an emergency!

I am just weighing in to extend my compliments to all participants on the excellent discussion and information provided on this topic!

Yes ... there are 713 pressure points on the human body ... Any of the points that are also enriched nerosights will cause a nerve overload and whole body shut down by just deep jab poking a finger or thumb into that point ... the axillary nerve point is in the armpit area and is just one point that works well with a firm thumb jab ... ... the danger is in a sloppy person hitting the wrong points and causing a different type of harm ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo2q6_LNidk .

Well Mr. Spock could do it :) Seriously though, it's not simply a matter of touching a point, but there are areas where a strike would cause incapacitating pain. The best known is hitting a man's genitalia. The kind of thing you see on martial arts films however is fictional.

Yes, with a Taser. Any point will do.

Pressure points certainly exist, but it's not terribly useful in a fight. Some people are completely immune to that as well (I know two, offhand).