Marma points: ayurveda's ancient secret

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.


What are marma points?​

• 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.

The  5 most important marmas and their functions
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ADHIPATI - 1 marma point-“lord of all, supreme​"

 

• Middle of head, vertex
• Controls the 7th chakra, pineal gland, nervous system, lubrication of the brain, thinking power, positive health, energy and vitality
• Apply gentle to strong circular massage with oils; pichu (oil soaked cotton)
• Regulates prana, enhances cerebral circulation, restores consciousness
• Relieves headaches, stimulates memory, attention and concentration​
• ADHD, insomnia
• Disorientation, confusion, drowsiness, vertigo
• Seizure disorders, migraines, tension headaches, sinus headache
• Pituitary dysfunction, hormonal imbalance​

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STHAPANI - 1 marma point - “provides support”

• 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

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Hrudaya - 1 marma point - “protective”
 

• Controls the heart, circulation, plasma
• Aids flow of breast milk
• Use palm of hand for massage
• For pericarditis use brahmi, sandalwood, or rose oil
• To reduce kapha use ginger, cinnamon

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Nabhi- 1 marma point - “central part” 

• 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​

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Basti- 1 marma point
“bag, sac, pouch”
 

• 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.

Namaste!

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