A subject of discussion, skimmed at the surface during a 200-hour Teachers Training program; Marma is an Ayurvedic subject that is both intriguing and very essential for your self-care and well-being.
Even an elementary understanding of Marma will help you navigate and understand your body & mind better.
This blog serves to illustrate the essence of Marma, encouraging you to further explore the significance of Marma & how it is connected to your physical and emotional well-being.
The history of Marma dates back to 1500 BC and is believed to have its origins in Southern India.
Mythology
According to Ancient folklore, Lord Shiva shared the knowledge of Marma with his wife Parvati, who taught the Marma system to her son Murugan.
This knowledge was further passed on to the Tamil sage Agastya who taught his students.
Etymology
Marma as you may already know, is a Sanskrit word which means hidden or secret. It is derived from the Sanskrit phrase “mriyatae asmin iti marma” which indicates a probability of serious damage to health or death when the Marma points are affected.
Marma Points
According to the teachings of Ayurveda, at a physical level, Marma is the meeting point of the five elements of the body namely Mamsa (flesh), Sira (blood vessels, arteries and veins), Snayu (ligaments, tendons & nerves), Asthi (bones) & Sandhi (joints).
Marma Points are certain anatomical positions in the body through which the energy of the 5 elements (Panchamahabhutas), namely Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire(Agni), Wind (Vayu) & Space (Akasha), is believed to flow.
At various Marma points in the body, a concentration of life energy or Prana exists.
Marma points are said to contain the three doshas:
Vata (air and space)
Kapha (earth and water)
Pitta (fire and water)
There are 107 Marma points located around the body. Each of these 107 points is a ‘doorway’ into the body and consciousness.
The 108th Marma point is said to be the ‘Mind’. Stimulation of these points affects everything from organ to hormone health.
Major Marma Points correspond to the 7 Chakras or Energy Centers, and The 107 Marma Points cover the front and back of the body, including –
22 on the arms
12 on the chest & stomach
37 on the head and neck
14 on the back
22 on the lower extremities
Good health exists when Prana or life force flows freely from the Nadis (Energy Channels) into the Marma points.
On the contrary, any blockage can stagnate or disrupt the energy flow, which disturbs the flow of Prana through the Marma Points affecting health & immunity.
Marma Points can be affected by poor lifestyle and food choices, stress and lack of sleep & are associated with symptoms of sickness, pain and associated ailments.
Addressing these Marma Points or energy points in the body through Marma therapy can eventually lead to healing and recovery.
Marma therapy improves blood & energy flow. It also restores the condition of the organs, nervous systems, joints, bones and muscles by identifying the vital point related to the particular ailment.
Now that you have an outline of Marma and Marma Points, you can explore the benefits of Marma Therapy to support you on the path of wellness.
The core purpose of Marma therapy is to unblock stagnant energies, boost emotional upliftment and spiritual awakening and improve overall physical well-being.
Benefits of Marma
Marma creates a positive connection to the subconscious mind that ignites emotional bliss. Fears, toxicity and inhibitions are removed, giving way to healing, self-care and new experiences that are ingredients for a full & gratifying existence.
I hope you discover your best and most joyful self as you explore the benefits of Marma to its fullest.