Marma is an ancient Indian practice that connects 107 vital energy points in the body. These points manipulate the subtle energy (prana) and access the body's inner pharmacy, supporting the healing process at all levels of awareness, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
The practice of Marma originated in the South of India around 1500BC, and its name comes from the Sanskrit word "mri," which means death. In ancient Vedic times, the marma points were called Bindu (a dot or mystic point). They used hand-to-hand combat in martial arts to disable, confuse, incapacitate, paralyze, or kill opponents. Subsequently, Marma masters (Marmani) would get wounded, and they had the experience of how to cause injury and how to use education and awareness for healing.
Marma points are accessed on the skin's surface, connecting through the body's channels (Nadis) to the energy points where the flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones, and joints meet. Their energy produces hormones and neurochemicals that unfold changes to one's makeup, healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Vaidya Sushruta, who recorded the locations of the marma points, documented Marma in the sixth century BC and how they influenced prana. He describes 108 Major marma points in the body that correspond to the body's seven chakras (energy centers) and where minor points radiate along the trunk and limbs. These points cover both the front and back of the body, including 22 on the lower extremities, 22 on the arms, 12 on the chest and stomach, 14 on the back, and 37 on the head and neck. The mind is considered the 108th.
Each Marma point has its name based on its anatomical position, measured by finger (angula) lengths, which determine their correct locations; one "angula" is the width of one finger. Marmas also can vary in size from 1-4 finger lengths or the hand's width.
There is some connection between acupuncture and marma therapy by location and healing modalities. Still, acupuncture connects through the Chinese meridian system, and Marmas connect to the chakra system (energy wheels) through the Nadis (prana channels) and the Srotas (physical channels). Furthermore, marma points connect the junctions where the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) meet and where the three subtle energies (Sattva-Purity, Rajas-Energy, and Tamas-Dullness) also meet.
Marma is practiced according to the individual's needs and begins with touch but energetically goes much deeper, connecting thoughts, perceptions, feelings, and emotions to the entire fabric of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual realms.
Marma therapy alleviates many everyday ailments, including headaches, body joint and muscle pain, spinal alignment, respiratory conditions, and digestive and elimination disorders, and low energy, anxiety, depression, stress, mental focus.
Another vital tool when administering marma therapy is using medicated and essential oils. Applying these oils directly to specific marma points therapeutically increases energy, reduces toxins, creates flexibility, and facilitates changes that facilitate awareness and healing.
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