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

Abstract

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.