YOGA, AYURVEDA, ASTROLOGY
What are marma points?
“mriyatae asmin iti marma” means ‘there is likelihood of death or serious damage to health when these points are inflicted. Hence, these areas are called marma. Marma in Sanskrit also means hidden or secret.
What are these points with the power to heal?
Marma points are often referred to as the junction points of consciousness and matter. According to Vedic wisdom, there are 72,000 channels of circulating life force, known as nadis, which flow into the physical body. The points at which prana exits the nadis and enters the physical body are known as marma points. Thus, marma points connect the intangible energetic body to the tangible physical body.
Jacob Miller was shot in the head at the Battle of Chickamagua on19 September 1863. Never heard of it? The most significant Union defeat in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, the battle resulted in the second-highest number of casualties after the Battle of Gettysburg. Everyone in Miller's unit assumed he was one of them
He survived around 54 years with a bullet in his face an example of Vishalayaghna Marma.
Marma points are measured in anguli or ‘finger units’. For instance; the marma point Hridaya (meaning ‘heart’) is found at the sternum, and measures four anguli in size.
Location of marma points
Understanding Marma: Vital Energy Points in Ayurveda In Ayurveda, Marma are the vital energy points where the physical and subtle energies of the body converge. These points are not only anatomical landmarks but also powerful centers of prana (life force). The three most important Maha Marma (great vital points) are: Hridaya (Heart) Shira (Head) Basti (Pelvic Region) In his classical text, Acharya Sushruta identifies 107 Marma points in the human body. These are not merely structural entities but dynamic junctions of muscles, bones, ligaments, vessels, and joints charged with vital energy. Classification of Marma Based on Trauma Response Acharya Sushruta categorizes the 107 Marma points into five types based on the consequences of injury: Sadhya Pranhar Marma (Immediately Fatal) Injury to these marmas can result in instant death or death within seven days. Example: Hridaya (heart), Basti (bladder/pelvis) Kalantar Pranhar Marma (Delayed Fatal) Injury may lead to death within 15 days, not immediately. Indicates slow deterioration post-trauma. Vishalyaghna Marma (Fatal on Removal of Foreign Object) The individual may survive while a foreign object remains embedded in the marma. Death occurs upon removal of the object. Vaikalyakar Marma (Deforming or Disabling) Injury does not cause death but may result in permanent disability or loss of function of the affected organ or limb. Rujakar Marma (Pain Inducing) Injury results in severe pain but no fatal or disabling consequences. Marma Classification Based on Anatomical Structures The 107 Marma points are also classified according to the tissue predominance at each location:
common practices that can disturb the natural flow of prana through the marma points:
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Consumption of devitalized food
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Poor sleep habits
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Emotional stress
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Overexposure to sun
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Lack of exercise
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Pollution
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Unnatural lighting
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Insufficient connection to nature
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Result from injury, activity and some medical conditions.
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Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons.
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As people get older, the Chance of developing lower back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation ant degenerative disk disease.
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Strained muscles or ligaments
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A muscle spasm
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Muscle tension
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Activities that can lead to strain
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Lifting something improperly
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Lifting something that is too heavy
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Making an abrupt and awkward movement
Benefits of Marma Point Therapy
Because marma points are essentially “gates” through which the healing, sustaining, and vitalizing life force enters one’s body, their potential for harmonizing all aspects of the physical and mental systems is tremendous. marma point therapy may offer the following benefits: Enhances immunity Clears emotional blockages Increases energy level Provides pain relief Improves digestion, assimilation, and elimination Encourages deep, revitalizing sleep Increases circulation to the skin Amplifies creativity Releases trauma Expands intuition Facilitates the experience of deep peace Strengthens internal organs Balances doshas Slows the aging process
Here are a few reasons why Marma points require Ayurvedic expertise:
1.Knowledge of the body: Ayurveda has a comprehensive understanding of the human body, including its anatomical structures, energy channels, and the interplay of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Ayurvedic experts have a deep understanding of how Marma points relate to specific organs, tissues, and physiological functions. They can effectively identify which Marma points are relevant to address specific imbalances or health concerns.
2.Individualized approach: Ayurveda recognizes that each person is unique, and the treatment approach should be tailored to their specific needs. An Ayurvedic practitioner considers an individual's constitution, current imbalances, and overall health status before recommending Marma therapy. They take into account factors such as dosha imbalances, age, strength, and other individual characteristics to determine the appropriate use of Marma points.
3.Safety considerations: While Marma points can be beneficial, they need to be approached with care and precision. Improper manipulation or stimulation of Marma points can potentially cause harm or discomfort. Ayurvedic experts are trained to apply the right amount of pressure and employ suitable techniques for each Marma point, considering factors such as sensitivity, strength, and the individual's condition. They ensure the therapy is safe and effective.
4.Integration with other Ayurvedic modalities: Ayurveda encompasses a range of healing modalities, including diet, herbs, lifestyle recommendations, and other therapies. Ayurvedic practitioners can integrate Marma therapy with other Ayurvedic treatments to create a comprehensive healing plan. They understand how Marma therapy can synergize with other practices to optimize its effects and support overall wellness.
Indra Basti
Talahridaya (heart of palm or sole)
It is best massaged in a broad and gentle way with the palm of the hand with sesame oil in order to calm the energy of the heart. Mustard oil can be used to enhance circulation, and acupressure at this point can help relieve stress and negative emotions. Try it for yourself – even just placing your hand here can have a calming effect.
What Can You Expect During a Marma Point Treatment?
There are several methods by which marma points can be stimulated. A trained Ayurvedic therapist will be able to recommend which method will meet your specific needs. Typically, a practice begins with a srota or ahyangha massage to relax the body, apply herb-infused oils to draw out ama (toxicity), and work on specific marma points with circular movements. The direction of the circles—as well as the order the marma points are stimulated—will depend upon one’s dosha and/or intention for treatment. Clockwise circles are used to stimulate energy flow while counter-clockwise movements are used to calm and pacify energy. For general relaxation, counter-clockwise circles are generally suggested. Depending upon individual needs the following components may also be incorporated into a marma massage.
Essential Oils
Essential oils contain energy and information from nature. This intelligence communicates with the energy and informational content of each marma point to invoke a specific response. For example, sandalwood oil may be used on the Sthapani marma (the point between the eyebrows) to calm the mind and awaken intuition. Eucalyptus oil may be used on the Kshipra marma (point on the palm between thumb and pointer finger) to help clear respiratory disorders.
Crystals and Gemstones
Crystals are energy conductors which amplify prana as it enters the marma point. Placing energy specific crystals on select marma points can help to increase prana for healing purposes and healing modalities. This is especially beneficial when guiding life current into the Adhipathi (crown) marma or directing it, via intention, to a specific part of the body that needs healing.
Light Therapy
Colored lights may be used over marma points to direct incoming prana into a particular function. This can be useful when working to heal localized pain and disease. Energy is a powerful healer. In fact, Ayurveda suggests that it is the only healer. By accessing and working with prana directly, rather than simply modifying its effects in the body, you can experience new levels of health, vitality, and peace of mind. Once your intentions have been clarified, a marma point treatment can open the floodgates of life force and healing energy to support your whole being in the transformation process!