Marmas are the important points in human body which are related to energy centres. Marma is a Sanskrit word which literally means hidden or secret. Ayurveda gives several definitions of marma point. It is considered as a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. They can be seen as points where Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas come together. In simple words, marma points are where consciousness meets matter.
Human body has about 107 marma points. Their sizes vary from one to six inches in diameter. The points were mapped out in detail centuries ago in the Sushruta Samhita, a classic Ayurvedic text. Seven Chakras are the major marma points and minor marma points radiate out to along the torso. Each marma point has a name and is well described in Sushruta Samhita.
Conditioning marma points is called marma therapy and conditioning it by massaging is called marma massage therapy. The idea behind massaging the marma points is to cleanse blocked energy or prana by either arousing or calming the doshas. Prana is a form of vital energy and it flows in each and every corner of the body. Whenever there is abnormality in the body, prana gets blocked in marma or junctions and viceversa.
Marma massage involves a full body massage with warm medicated oil and stimulating or massaging the marma points on the body. According to psychosomatic constitution or disease, different oils are selected for marma massage. This massage encompasses the techniques developed in keeping the knowledge of channels and nadi location in priority. Marma massage stimulates or generates the energy resources and helps the flow of vital energy in the individual. It removes blockages form the marma points giving physical and psychological relaxation and strength.
Some of the benefits of the marma massage are that it:
- Increases in protection from vata disorders
- Nourishes the body
- Encourages good sleep
- Improves physical stability.
