Exploring the Science of Marma-An Ancient Healing Technique: Its mention in Ancient Indian Scriptures

The complex science of Marma holds an extremely important place in Ayurveda. The Marmas are specific anatomical locations in body through which vital life/bio energies of the human body flows. To be more specific, a Marma point is defined as an anatomical site where muscles, veins, ligaments, bones and joints meet together. These are very important places, serving as the ‘seats of life’ (Prana the vital life force). Any injury to these parts may lead to severe pain, disability, loss of function, loss of sensation and death. Therefore, it has been stated in the scriptures that these vital points should not be injured, and should be kept intact even while performing surgeries. Recent research indicate that if any Marma point is inflamed or painful, then stimulating its nearby Marma points can help in alleviating this pain. Several studies and texts have reported the therapeutic benefits of Marma Therapy in treating various physical and mental disorders. Looking at the importance of Marma Science with regards to surgeries, as well as their recent use and future possibilities as an effective therapeutic procedure, the present study was undertaken for an in-depth study of the Science of Marma. The present article, which is Part-1 of this study, gives an account of various ancient / classical Indian scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Epics, Samhitas, etc., that mention different aspects of the Science of Marma. Both the spiritual aspects and complete anatomical description of Marmas are available in these scriptures. It is observed that the knowledge of Marmas was being extensively used for various purposes like warfare, self-defense, surgery, etc., ever since the Vedic age.


Introduction
Marma is an extremely important topic discussed in Ayurveda. Marma point is defined as anatomical site where muscles, veins, ligaments, bones and joints meet together (Sushruta Samhita ShariraSthana 6/16) (1). According to Acharya Sushruta there are 107 marmas in human body (Sushruta Samhita ShariraSthana 6/3) (1). These are very important vital places, that are the 'seats of life' (Prana -the vital life force) (Ashtanga HridayaShariraSthana 4/2) (2). Any injury to these parts may lead to severe pain, disability, loss of function, loss of sensation and death (3). It plays an important role in surgery; therefore, it is called 'Shalya Vishayardha' (fifty percent of the entire science of surgery) (Sushruta Samhita ShariraSthana 6/35) (1). Acharya Sushruta states that Marmasthana, a very vital point, should not be injured and should be kept intact even while doing surgeries (Sushruta Samhita ShariraSthana 6/21) (1).
However, recent researches indicate that if any Marma point is inflamed or painful, then stimulating its nearby Marma points can help in alleviating this pain (4). Several studies and texts have reported the therapeutic benefits of Marma Therapy in treating various physical and mental disorders .
Looking at the importance of the Marma Science with regards to surgeries, as well as their recent use and future possibilities as an effective therapeutic procedure, the present study has been undertaken for an in-depth study of the Science of Marma.

Marma in Vedas Rigveda
Rigveda mentions the use of varma or protective covering for providing protection to the marmas (7). It also states that the best form of protection (varma) for the marmas is prayer or mantra, which is indicative of the spiritual aspects of this ancient science (7

Marma in Upanishadas
Several Upanishadas like Shandilyopanishada, Garbhopanishada, Kshurikopanishada, etc. provide information about to the conceptual and anatomical aspects of marma points.

Shandilyopanishada
अवादीसु ममर सथाने षु कमामारित प्यामार: ।  (43) Meaning -Contemplate upon the name and form of the marma locations of the legs. By daily taking help of yoga, and with a sharp mind, pierce the area named 'Indravajra' which is located next to the thighs. There, in between the urus (thighs), establish the prana (that specifies the location of the marmas) with the combined effort of dhyanbal (meditation power) and dharana, by yoga become doubtless of the sharp dharana of the mind, and pierce the four marma locations (from the root plexus to the heart).  (44) Kurma Purana mentions that the touching of marma points is prohibited (44).

Marma in Brahmanas
Brahmana Gratha like Shatapatha Brahmana describe the important marma locations, i.e. the navel, head and heart, as well as various Pranas, Dhatus and body organs (7).

Marma in Epics
In the great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, many references of Marma or Varman are found. It mentions the use of protective coverings for the marmas of both the soldiers, and the animals used in warfare like the elephants and horses (7). Warriors were capable of using their Prana and Mantras for empowering the fighting instruments (like arrows) with the natural forces like fire (7). There were several great warriors who could only be defeated if their marma points were destroyed (7).

Marma in Samhitas
The description about the number of marmas, their location, structures involved, along with the detailed explanation of marmaghata or viddhalakshanas and diseases is given in almost all the classical texts written during Samhita kala. All the Acharyas accepted that the total number of marmas is 107.
तयो रोतमातार इ्त -ीाखा, ममार ्सथसनधय:, को�� । -Charaka Sutra 11/48 (50) Acharya Charaka has given the importance of Trimarmas in Siddhi Sthana 9 (9/5). He stated that if any of the three marmas is broken, it leads to the rapid breaking of the entire body; this is because if the substratum is destroyed, then its dependent is also destroyed; their affliction leads to the appearance of severe disorders (50 (56,57).

Conclusion
Marma is an important topic discussed in Ayurveda, having extreme significance with regards to surgeries, and is also the basis for Marma Therapy, an effective therapeutic procedure. With a view to explore the foundational elements of the Science of Marma, the present article gives an account of various ancient / classical Indian scriptures that mention different aspects of this Science. It is observed that the knowledge of Marmas existed ever since the Vedic age, and this knowledge was being extensively used for various purposes like warfare, selfdefense, surgery, etc. Both the spiritual aspects and complete anatomical description of Marmas are available in these scriptures.
The description about the number of marmas, their location, structures involved, correlation with Panchamahabhutas, classification, along with the detailed explanation of marmaghata or viddhalakshanas (effect of trauma) is given in classical texts written during Samhita kala. These will be covered in detail in Part-2 of the exploration of the Science of Marma.