The Marmas (vital points) are a
very important part of Ayurvedic anatomy and surgery. A Marma point is defined
as an anatomical site where flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints
meet up. There are 107 Marma points throughout the body. Each point has it’s own
intelligence and consciousness, which co-ordinate with the mind and body. This
ancient form of treatment dating back to between 1500 — 1200 BC involves using
the fingers to stimulate the Marma points thereby promoting physical and mental
rehabilitation. As with Acupuncture, these points correspond to internal organs
and systems of the body which react to manual stimulation.
What is
Marma?
Marma are certain vital areas of
the body. The word marma comes from Sanskrit origin mru
or marr. The Sanskrit phrase, Marayate Iti Marmani, means
there is likelihood of death or serious damage to health after infliction to
these places and hence these areas are called marma.
Marma is also thought to be a
Sanskrit word meaning hidden or secret. By definition, a marma point is a
juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles,
veins, ligaments, bones or joints.
What
are Marma Points?
There are total 107 Marma in the
body. In Tamil traditions they are 108 Marma points, and in Kalari tradition
there are 365 Marma points. The points were mapped out in detail centuries ago
in the Sushruta Samhita, a classic Ayurvedic text. Major marma points correspond
to the seven chakras, or energy centers of the body, while minor points radiate
out along the torso and limbs. The points cover both the front and back body,
including 22 on the lower extremities, 22 on the arms, 12 on the chest and
stomach, 14 on the back, and 37 on the head and neck. (The mind is considered
the 108th marma.) Each has its onw Sanskrit name given by Sushruta, one of the
founding fathers of Ayurvedic medicin
The human body, like a machine
needs servicing in order to function normally. The Hindu healthcare system uses
Marma massage as a routine part of their preventative medicine. A professional
therapist isolates the Marma points and cleans them out by increasing the blood
flow to the affected part of the neuro-muscular junction. They also aim to tone
the surrounding muscles.
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