Marma therapy is an Ayurvedic technique that works on vital energy points (marmas) in the body to restore balance. There are 107 marmas located along veins, muscles, bones and joints. Stimulating these points can help reduce pain, boost immunity, and improve overall well-being. The document outlines the history, classification, procedures and effects of marma therapy as well as its potential applications for various medical conditions.

1. Exploring Hidden Secrets & Techniques of
Marma therapy
Dr. Ajai Kr. Pandey
Department of Kayachikitsa, Faculty of Ayurveda
Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi

2. *In Ayurveda the observer, the process of observation and the observed are
interdependent and in-separable.
 Marmas are an important seat of psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunological
energy points that regulates the physical, mental and spiritual functions of
the body and mind.
 These vital points have basic source of life process i.e. Oja, Teja and Prana at
energy level (as described in Yoga and Vedanta).
 And the same idea is conceived by Acharya Sushruta in terms of Kahpha,
Pitta and Vata.

3.  Restore the normal functioning of Oja, Teja and Prana at energy
level.
 Restore the normal functioning of Kapha, Pitta and Vata at internal
level.
 Eradicates disorders of body and mind.
 Enhanced immune mechanism of the body.
 Boosts internal pain killing mechanism.
 Suppressed progression of disease.
 Improve overall wellbeing.
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Possible Clinical Effects of Marma Therapy

4.  The term is derived from the “Mri Dhatu” -causes death or disability.
 Marma is a Sanskrit word meaning hidden, or secret.
 The word Marma has the meaning of essence, vital part, life spot and
conjugation point.
 In this regards Sushruta has mentioned that a Vaidya, who attains
thorough knowledge of the human body is know has Visharada.
Etymological Aspect of Marma

5.  It is an untouched and clinically unopened area of Ayurvedic therapeutics.
 It is the oldest treasure of Ayurvedic medicine/ surgery since Vedic period.
 Rig Veda speaks of using protective coverings to protect these Marmas.
 The term Marma first time came in Atharvaveda.
 Mahabharata contains many references of Marma therapy.
 In that days it is an important tools for Kings and soldiers.
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Etymological Aspect of Marma

6.  Its therapeutic approach was strictly prohibited to the general
public due to its acute effectiveness and due to misuses.
 Acharya Agastya is the first who codifying the 108 nerve centers or
Marma points in South India.
 These 108 vital points are used in Indian acupuncture, acupressure
and martial art in the tradition of Kerala.

7.  In Buddha period, the science of Marma was transformed in the
form of different Martial art.
 Siddha System: The Marma therapy is a form of treatment of Prana
by connecting life forces like- Shiva and Shakti.
 Prana at rest is Shiva (sat) and in motion is Parvati (chit).
 Sushruta was the first person who provides conceptual frame work
to the practice of the surgery and Marma.

8.  This therapy is very popular in at many places as a traditional skill.
 A number of bone setter and Nadi Vaidyas do their practice as a
Marma specialist.
 But still this science is obscure.
 Now a day’s, Yoga is a therapy for the health promotion and
disease cure in mass.
 In the same way the implementation of Marma chikitsa may help
in different medical and surgical illness in many ways.

9. The Marmas are 107 in number as per Sushruta.
They are composed of all five basic anatomical components.
•Sira Marma- 41 in number
•Mamsa Marma- 11 in number
•Snayu marma- 27 in number
•Asthi marma – 08 in number
•Sandhi marma – 20 in number
Anatomical basis of Marma
सन्निपातः ससरास्िायु संधि मांसान्स्ि सम्भवः ।
ममााणि तेषु ततष्ठन्नत प्रािाः खलु ववषेषतः ।। (सु0)

10.  Marma points are the seat of Soma, Vayu, Teja, Sattva, Raja,
Tama and Jeevatma. It is also known as Jeevasthana and
Pranayatana.
 Any injury to these vital parts may leads to death, loss of function,
intense pain and loss of sensation.
 This concept of Marma, is conceived in martial arts, acupuncture
and acupressure.
 According to Sushruta, due to injury of Mamsa marma, there is
loss of sensation of touch. Hence local anesthesia can be
produced by irritating the Mamsa marma .
Physiological Basis of Marma

11. On the basis of qualities, Marmas are of three types-
1. Agneya 2. Soumya 3. Vayavya
On the basis of surgical importance, it is of five types-
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Classification of Marma
 Sadhyah pranahara marma- 19 in number and Agneya.
Fatal period within 7 days
 Kalantarapranahara marma- 33 in number and Saumya.
Fatal period- 15 days to 1 month
 Rujakara marma- 08 in number and Agneya Vayavya.
 Create intense pain.
 Vishlyaghna marma - 03 in number and Vayavya.
 Fatality depends on specific trauma.
 Vaikalya kara marma - 44 in number and Saumya.

12.  In Traumatic nerve damage, Monoplegia. Paraplegia, hemiplagia.
 In diseases of Nerves and Brain: Mono-neuropathy, Polyneuropathy, Brain
atrophy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, Fall
syndrome.
 In Orthopedic disorders- Vertebral disc prolapse, Spondylosis, Sciatica,
Scoliosis, Lordosis, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis.
 To reduce pain of nerves, muscle, bones & joints.
 To produce anesthesia during surgical interventions.
 To improve the function of body by achieving the homeostasis of body
humors.
 To improve deformed parts of the body into healthy state.
Scope and Indication

13. Preparatory measures
The eligible person first go for oleation and fomentation (anti Vata regimens)
therapy.
 It impart relaxation of body and mind as well as increase muscle
tone and promotes blood circulation.
 Massage is performed in circular form over the abdomen and joints.
 Time and duration of massage and fomentation should be around
30 – 45 minutes.
 Direct heat should not be applied over the head, heart, genital and
eyes.
Procedure of Marma Therapy

14.  Promote transfer of heat, vital energy & health.
 Accelerates the blood circulation and oxygen to the entire body.
 Accelerates the lymphatic circulation.
 Relieves local pain, inflammation and brings about systemic purification.
 Promotes functional ability of nerves, muscles and tendons.
 Prevents stiffness and sclerosis of blood vessels.
 Opens the body's energy pathways.
Effects of Massage & Fomentation

15.  Screen the patient eligible for Marma therapy.
 Life saving drug should be collected.
 Light diet should be taken before procedure.
 It is performed with the help of fingertip by squeezing, direct
pressure or vibrating the Marma points on bi-lateral body
parts by Marma experts.
 The time required for full course 20-30 minutes. It should be
performed twice in day.
 Open mouth deep breathing should be advocated.
Principal Procedure and Stages

16. Post therapeutic regimens
1. Take rest for 10- 20 minutes.
2. Take light diet after Marma procedure.
3. Contraindication after Marma therapy, followings activities should be avoided.
 Loud speaking
 Over eating
 Prolong sitting
 Too much walking
 Excess anger & Cold bath
 Too much use of vehicles
 Excessive coitus
 Retention of natural urges.

17.  Thus we can say that Marmas are the channels that regulate the flow of
information, energy, nutrients, and toxins throughout the human body.
Marma therapy is based on the fact that the "Marma system” becomes
damaged through stressors and improper nutrition. This can revitalize through
Marma therapy and restores the normal one.
 It is the duty of Ayurvedic scholars to come forward and relight its concept in
the era of conventional system of medicine for the betterment of Society.
 The results of Marma therapy is quiet promising and perhaps it open newer
vistas in the management of variety of neuro-muscular, degenerative,
traumatic, and orthopedic disorders in near future.
Conclusion