Marma Therapy - Ayurvedic Technique

Marma Therapy is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that involves stimulating specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy and promote healing. According to Ayurveda, there are 107 marma points in the body, each with its own function and effect. Marma points are considered as vital organs or junctions where different types of tissues meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints.

Ayurvedic marma therapyMarma therapy involves stimulating these points with gentle pressure, massage, or other methods to balance the flow of prana and promote health and well-being. According to Ayurveda, marma therapy can help prevent and treat various physical and mental disorders by removing blockages, enhancing circulation, reducing pain, detoxifying the body, improving organ function, boosting immunity, and restoring harmony among the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha).

Marma therapy is based on the principle that the body and mind are interconnected and that any disturbance in one affects the other. Therefore, marma therapy not only addresses the physical symptoms but also the underlying emotional and psychological causes of disease. By working on the marma points, marma therapy can also influence the subtle energy channels (nadis) and centers (chakras) that govern the flow of consciousness and awareness. Marma therapy can thus help awaken one's innate healing potential and facilitate spiritual growth.

Types of Marma Points

There are 107 marma points in the human body, classified into different types based on their location and function. The major types are:
  • Sadyo-pranahara marma: - These are 19 points that can cause instant death or severe damage if injured. They are located in vital organs such as the heart, brain, lungs, liver, spleen, etc.
  • Kalantara-pranahara marma: These are 33 points that can cause gradual death or chronic illness if injured. They are located in areas such as the throat, chest, abdomen, pelvis, etc.
  • Vishalyaghna marma: These are 3 points that can help remove foreign objects such as arrows or splinters from the body. They are located in the ears, nose, and navel.
  • Vaikalyakara marma: These are 44 points that can cause deformity or disability if injured. They are located in joints such as the elbows, knees, ankles, etc.
  • Rujakara marma: These are 8 points that can cause pain or discomfort if injured. They are located in areas such as the eyes, mouth, genitals, etc.

Benefits of Marma Therapy

Marma therapy has numerous benefits for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Some of the benefits are:
  • - Relieves chronic or acute pain in various parts of the body
  • - Improves blood circulation and oxygenation
  • - Enhances lymphatic drainage and detoxification
  • - Stimulates hormone secretion and balances endocrine system
  • - Boosts immune system and prevents infections
  • - Regulates digestive system and alleviates constipation, gas, acidity, etc.
  • - Supports respiratory system and alleviates asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.
  • - Calms nervous system and reduces stress, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
  • - Improves cognitive function and memory
  • - Increases energy levels and vitality
  • - Promotes skin health and beauty
  • - Enhances self-awareness and consciousness
  • - Connects with one's higher self and purpose

How is Marma Therapy performed?
Marma therapy is usually performed by a trained therapist who applies gentle pressure or stimulation to the marma points using their fingers, palms, elbows or special tools. The therapist may also use oils, herbs, aromas or sounds to enhance the effect of the therapy. The duration and intensity of the therapy may vary depending on the condition and needs of the client.
Marma therapy can also be done by oneself as a form of self-care. One can learn the basic location and function of some of the common marma points and use simple techniques such as finger pressure or massage to activate them. However, it is advisable to consult a qualified therapist before doing marma therapy.

When we use these methods, that also cause subtle (sukshma) as well as physical (sthula) effects, therefore the therapist should possess a calm, balanced and positive disposition when applying the therapy.

Some examples of Marma points and their functions

  • Adhipati marma: Located at the center of the crown of the head. It stimulates the brain function and enhances mental clarity.
  • Sthapani marma: Located between the eyebrows, this is another vital marma point as it corresponds to the third eye or ajna chakra. It governs vision, intuition, intellect and wisdom. Stimulating this point can help with eye problems, headaches, sinusitis, insomnia, confusion and lack of clarity.
  • Shankha marma: Located on both sides of the temples. It relieves headaches and migraines.
  • Apanga marma: Located at the outer corner of the eyes. It relieves eye strain and improves vision.
  • Nasa marma: Located at the tip of the nose. It stimulates the nasal passages and sinuse
  • Hridaya marma: Located in the center of the chest, this is one of the most important marma points as it corresponds to the heart. It regulates blood circulation, cardiac function, emotional balance and spiritual awareness. Stimulating this point can help with heart diseases, hypertension, anxiety, depression and lack of love.
  • Nabhi marma: Located in the navel area, this is a key marma point as it corresponds to the solar plexus or manipura chakra. It controls digestion, metabolism, energy and will power. Stimulating this point can help with digestive disorders, diabetes, obesity, fatigue and low self-esteem.
  • Basti marma: Located at the lower back. It stimulates the kidney function and enhances urinary health.
  • Gulpha marma: Located at the ankles. It stimulates the foot reflexology and enhances circulation.