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This and the following charts picture the location of the Marmas as devised and developed by
the great South Indian sage Agastya and highly recommended by two ancient texts: the
The word Marma is derived from the root mrt, which means death. The vulnerability linked
to the Marmas has been utilized in Kalaripayyat, the Indian martial art dealing with the
science of striking and reviving, and in Ayurvedic massage. The Marmas respond to different
patterns of muscular use, movement and breathing. Each Marma relates to a specific Vayu or
wind, Dosha or constitutional type, Dhatus (nature of the tissue involved) and Shrotas
(vehiculing channel).
The Marmas of the Indian system should not be confused with Chinese acupuncture
points. Yet many parallels can be found within the two systems. In a similar vein to the
Nadis, the subtle energy channels to be found within the body, of the 108 marmas, 12 are said
to be of vital importance, while the remaining 96 have a supporting function in relation to the
12. The twelve vital centers are situated between the center of the perineal floor (Yonisthana)
and the crown of the head (Adhipati), and they include the seven Chakras.
We suggested that the 96 medial life centers are peripheral to the core. Thirty-two govern the
nerves and soft tissues, while sixty-four affect the blood and the many blood vessels. The
ninety-six peripheral centers are linked to the eight Nadis (channels) which move the Prana
(life force) through the peripheral areas before feeding back into the central channel. The
eight Nadis are:
When good peripheral activity is achieved, the 8 channels are clear and unobstructed and the
energy flows through them unhinged. This energy then feeds back into the central channels.
A correct activation of the Marmas will enhance all the functions performed by the Nadis
above, while an incorrect activation may harm them. As an example, the Marmas in the
wrists, ankles, and neck govern the tendons and connective tissue throughout the whole body,
and are therefore responsible for overall flexibility. A failure to correctly activate these
Marmas can easily result in injuries in other joints and tissues. The information in the
Marmasthana suggests that the appropriate use of the arms and the legs increase the
circulation, space and support for the joints. If neglected, the decrease in joint mobility can
lead to injuries, both to the joints concerned and the organs associated to those joints.
When we start reading the natural patterns of bodily activity through the lens of the system of
the Marmas, the energy pathways are easily rediscovered and the energy flow mastered
without injury. When the map of the 108 Marmas is memorized and put to work in the
practice of asanas, the practitioner will derive direct benefits to the execution of kriyas,
bandhas, pranayamas and mudras. The Marmas do not solely affect the physiological
functions, but exert great influence over the pranic forces in the thirteen Nadis. In return, the
pranic force eventually pierces through the 7 chakras (subtle inner energy centers),
neutralizing their active vortexes.
Once the Chakras are made passive, the prana is no longer dissipated and the change in
regime of the Pranic energy that ensues is termed the Shakti. As the practice of the Yogi
gradually progresses closer to meditation, the Marmas all over the body are brought under
voluntary control. When this level of control is reached, the Marmas can be closed at will,
turning the whole surface of the body into a protective armor. This furthers conserves Energy
and increases Shakti, the inner latent power.
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Hi Ed, I recently came across your website and am interested why you chose Shandor's
illustrations of the marma points. I see Jonas' comments below but there is no public answer.
Since you share Shandor's work openly I wish to see your answers in the open as well. Best,
andy
Talahridaya
Known as the point at the ‘heart of the hand’, this marma point is found at the center of the
palm, and measures ½ anguli (half a finger unit) in size.
This point is closely linked to Anahata, the heart chakra, and is thought of as an important
point in stimulating circulation throughout the whole body. It links closely to the lungs and
respiratory health, and is also a vital marma point to work with regarding communication.
Therapists who use their hands can also massage this point before a treatment to enhance the
flow of prana to the palms.
Massage this point in a strong, circular motion for roughly five minutes. Sesame or almond
oil is best used, with essential oils like eucalyptus for opening blocked sinuses or ‘energising’
the hands. You can also energise the point further by rubbing the palms together until they
feel warm.
Indrabasti
Referring to the God Indra’s arrow, this point is found at the center of the calf muscle, and
measures approximately ½ anguli (half a finger unit).
Massaging the calves is important to do daily, as they can very easily become tight, but also
because they’re one of the most important parts of the body regarding blood flow! They are
sometimes referred to as the 'second heart' pumping the venous blood back up to the heart
through the veins as they contract and release through movement and exercise. When they’re
unable to work efficiently, the heart has to work a lot harder. Another reason to get up out of
your chair as much as you can!
In Ayurvedic marma therapy, this point is said to control the digestive system and the activity
of the small intestine. Massage this point with a strong, circular motion for roughly five
minutes. Acupressure here can increase agni or ‘digestive fire’ and digestion, especially when
your massage oil is combined with essential oils like fennel, ginger, cinnamon or black
pepper.
Phana
To massage these points, use a strong and circular motion for about five minutes
simultaneously. When using the index finger for acupressure at this point, it is said to help
relieve headache symptoms and sinus congestion, and can be even more effective when
coupled with aromatic oils like peppermint, eucalyptus or camphor. Choose a massage oil
such as mustard or apricot oil if available.
Janu Pump and Marma
This posture stimulates Janu marma, toning the heart, liver, and spleen; stretches the knee and
flexes the hamstring, relieving leg fatigue; increases blood circulation in the legs, flushing
away wastes and toxins. Great for athletic people or those who spend their days standing and
need stimulation in the lower part of the body.
Instructions;
~ Remain in Open Diamond stance alongside the recipient, aligning the midline of your torso
with the recipient’s left knee.
~ Hold her left foot with your right hand and place your left fist into the back of the recipient’s
knee so that your knuckles are facing the recipient’s midline.
~ Repeat Janu Pump three times. Move with caution, as the back of the knee is a tender area.
For the basic massage, repeat the Sole Roll and Janu Pump on the right leg. For the extended
version, include Frog posture on the right side before switching sides. When you’ve completed
Frog posture on the right leg, perform the rest of the back postures bilaterally.
Benefits
Stimulates Janu marma, toning the heart, liver, and spleen; stretches the knee and flexes the
hamstring, relieving leg fatigue; increases blood circulation in the legs, flushing away wastes
and toxins.
Precautions
Do not apply pressure to Janu marma with the leg extended, as this causes excessive pressure
on the knee.
Ayurvedic tip:
The Janu marma is a major pitta point that releases tension from the heart and liver, both pitta
organs. Hold this cooling posture longest for pittas.
This marma point has a front and back location; the front point is situated at the root of the
knee and the back point is located behind the kneecap. Applying pressure to Janu marma
helps to tone the heart, liver, and spleen. It also lubricates the joints and improves leg
circulation. Janu marma is stimulated during the Janu Pump exercise.
Tags:
Posture
Three ways to Activate this Point to Relieve Soreness and Improve Digestion:
2. Add essential oils, diluted with a carrier oil to the point if you have: Loose stools (Pitta-
Fennel, Mint), Constipation (Vata-Chamomile, Lavander, Lemon Grass ) Slow stools
(Kapha-Ginger, Black Pepper)
3. Yoga poses like Downward Dog and Warrior one with back heel lifted help gently stretch
the point.
Have you noticed this yoga pressure point before? Let me know in the comments below.
Check out the upcoming Yoga and Ayurveda Events click here.
3/11/2018
2 Comments
One of the biggest contributions to the world is Ayurveda’s Marma Points. Ayurveda is a system of
health that has been around for more than three thousand years. It is the mother of all medical
systems. Acupuncture, naturopathy, homeopathy, siddha medicine, modern medicine, all have their
roots in Ayurveda.
There are 107 marma points in the body. They range in size from 1 to 6 inches in diameter.
A marma point is a juncture in the body where two or more types of tissues meet, such as
muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, or joints.
They are pranic centers where subtle energy channels (nadis) meet.
They are the collection of secret vital points of the body and mind, the seat for
consciousness and energy reservoir.
Toxins, stress, and negative emotions get blocked in the marma points for years, leading to pain,
energy blockages, swelling, and the manifestation of various diseases. Blocked mamas in Ayurveda
are healed through applying pressure, massage oils, gentle heat, internal and external use of herbs,
and meditation. You can get a full marma therapy, which energizes all 107 marma points or you can
work on specific points for a desired result.
In between eyebrows
Controls the mind nerves, sixth chakra, senses, and pituitary gland
Gentle to strong circular motion massage relieves headaches, tension and pressure
Calms mind, balances emotions, and relieves stress
Improves concentration, stimulates memory, relieves stress, insomnia
Relieves intraocular pressure, enhances memory
Beneficial in nasal polyps and deviated nasal septum
Navel
Controls small intestine
Massage oil in circular motion to relieve stress, improve digestion, and regulate menstrual
cycle
Reduces pitta with coconut oil or brahmi oil
To improve digestive fire use stimulating oils like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, or clove
Hyperacidity or GERD
Bladder
Controls kapha, muscular system and fat
Controls urinary and reproductive system
It stores sexual energy and controls the functions of sex organs
To balance Vata use valerian, nutmeg, or ashwagandha
Knowing these five main marma points, practice massaging them with a
circular motion every day. You can use stimulating oils like ginger if that’s
what you need or you can use relaxing oils such as lavender and blue
chamomile. Keep yourself healthy and vibrant by working on these points
daily.
Marma chikitsa is a holistic treatment which is the most delicate and significant approach to
therapy. It uses massage therapies with Ayurvedic herbs and oils.
In the current living conditions, our body is prone to different illness from air, water, and
food. They damage our health system and are also responsible for psychological issues. The
body needs regeneration and reactivation of damaged and abnormal effects in the body.
There are four primary aspects of Marma chikitsa. They are as follows:
Our body has a constant flow of prana or energy throughout the body. Blockage of the
pranas or energies leads to different diseases or disorders. Marma chikitsa removes the
blockage from the body.
It composes air and water elements (Vata dosha) and brings back to normal. Mainly
concentrates on Vyana Vata, the sub-dosha maintaining the autonomic nervous system.
Toxins, Vata aggravation and various disorders in the body brings rigidity both to physical
and psychological levels. Marma chikitsa act on this harshness or severity and drive our body
to flexibility in physical and mental levels.
Marma chikitsa brings exceptional and potent transformation to the body. It connects the
physical, emotional and spiritual elements of the unconscious part of the brain. Reinforcing
and deepening all the levels of human body and mind.