Exploring the Science of Marma - An Ancient Healing Technique: Definition and Properties of Marma
Download PDF

Keywords

Ayurveda
Marma Science
Marma Therapy
Marma Classification
Marmaghata

Categories

How to Cite

Mishra, A., & Shrivastava, V. (2021). Exploring the Science of Marma - An Ancient Healing Technique: Definition and Properties of Marma. Dev Sanskriti Interdisciplinary International Journal, 18, 46–63. https://doi.org/10.36018/dsiij.v18i.155

Abstract

In the vast sea of the knowledge of Ayurveda, Marma is one of the extremely important topics. Marma points have been unanimously accepted as the ‘seats of life’ (Prana - the vital life force). If these locations are injured, then it may lead to severe pain, disability, loss of function, loss of sensation, or death. Therefore, the ancient scriptures have strictly directed that these vital locations should not be injured, and due care should be taken in this regard even while doing surgeries. However, recent researches indicate that if there is inflammation or pain at any Marma point, then stimulating its nearby Marma points can help in alleviating this pain. This Marma Therapy has been used in treating various physical and mental disorders, with encouraging results.

In view of the importance of Marma Science mentioned in scriptures and with regards to surgeries, as well as the encouraging outcomes of Marma Therapy in recent times, the present study was undertaken for an in-depth study of the Science of Marma. Part-1 of this study gave an account of various ancient / classical Indian scriptures that mention different aspects of the Science of Marma. The present article, which is Part-2 of this study, gives a detailed description of the number of marmas, their location, structures involved, correlation with Panchamahabhutas, classification, as well as a detailed explanation of marmaghata or viddha lakshanas (effect of trauma), as given in classical texts written during Samhita kala. The anatomical correlation with modern science is also presented.

https://doi.org/10.36018/dsiij.v18i.155
Download PDF

References

Murthy KRS. Susruta samhita. volume I, II, III. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2008.

Gupta KA. Ashtanga hrdyam of vagbhata - vidyotini hindi commentary. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2005.

Joshi SK. Marma science and principles of marma therapy. 1st ed. Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India: Vani Publications; 2010.

Joshi SK. Marma chikitsa vigyan (Hindi). Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India: Mrityunjay Mission; 2012.

Joshi SK. Marma vigyan evam chikitsa - vaidik chikitsa vigyan (Hindi). Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India: Mrityunjay Mission; 2011.

Joshi SK. Marma vigyan evam aushadhopachar dwara chikitsa (Hindi). Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India: Mrityunjay Mission; 2013.

Frawley D, Ranade S, Lele A. Ayurveda and marma therapy. Delhi, India: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2015.

Lad V, Durve A. Marma points of ayurveda. Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA: The Ayurvedic Press; 2015.

Schrott E, Raju JR, Schrott S. Marma therapy. (Translated by) Lorys M. London, UK: Singing Dragon; 2016.

Phull G, Phull R. Clinical approach to marma chikitsa. New Delhi, India: IP Innovative Publication Pvt. Ltd.; 2019.

Phull G, Phull R. Marma vigyana ka chikitsiya upayoga (Hindi). New Delhi, India: IP Innovative Publication Pvt. Ltd.; 2019.

Denaud P. Kalaripayat - the martial arts tradition of India. (Translated by) Cain J. Vermont, USA: Destiny Books; 2009.

Fox M, Dickens A, Greaves C, Dixon M, James M. Marma therapy for stroke rehabilitation - a pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2006;38(4):268-271. https://doi.org/10.1080/16501970600630820

Kotelevskiy VI. Integrative technology of massage manipulations in physical rehabilitation of students with backbone pathology. Pedagogics, Psychology, Medical-Biological Problems of Physical Training and Sports. 2016;20(3):31-40. https://doi.org/10.15561/18189172.2016.0305

Murota M, Iwawaki Y, Uebaba K, Yamamoto Y, Takishita Y, Harada K, Shibata A, Narumoto J, Fukui K. Physical and psychological effects of head treatment in the supine position using specialized ayurveda-based techniques. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2016;22(7):526-532. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0388

Sieler R. Kalari and vaittiyacalai: medicine and martial arts intertwined. Asian Medicine. 2012; 7(1): 164-195. https://doi.org/10.1163/15734218-12341247

Pathak AK. A study on anatomical concept of kurpara marma and its therapeutic application in grivavata (cervical spondylosis). Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Rachana Sharir. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Banaras Hindu University; 2015. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/267960

Dharmesh K. Optimization of individual performance in football by augmenting classical Indian marma therapy, kinesiology-taping and related physical excercises through supportive bio-mechanical parameter. Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physical Education. Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India: Bharathidasan University; 2017. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/220290)

Bedekar SS. A critical study of gulpha marma in basket ball players with special reference to the role of mash tail along with snehan and swedan as preventive measure. Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ayurved. Pune, Maharashtra, India: Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth; 2007. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/34851)

Rajeshwari PN. A study on rujakara marma and management of viddha laxanas - a clinical study. Dissertation for the degree of Ayurveda Dhanwanthari (M.S.-Shalya Tantra). Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2010. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/6831)

Vivek J. A comprehensive study on marma & acupuncture points and evaluation of their therapeutic importance. Dissertation for the degree of Master of Surgery (Ayurveda Dhanvantari) in Shalya Tantra. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2011. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4737

Lele A, Ranade S, Frawley D. Secrets of marma - the lost secrets of ayurveda. Delhi, India: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2005.

Srivastava VK, Srivastava A. Hand book on marma and panchakarma therapy. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2019.

Pathak AK. Anatomy of marma. (Editor) Awasthi HH. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014.

Mishra JN. Marma and its management. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2016.

Govindan SV. Massage therapy for diseases of vital areas (marma treatment). New Delhi, India: Abhinav Publications; 2005.

Banjare H. Marma - eka adhyayana, acupressure chikitsa paddhati ke vishesha shandarbha me. Dissertation for the degree of Ayurveda Vachaspati (M.D. - Ayurveda) in Rachana Sharira. Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India: Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University; 2009. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/41426

Ismail SMB. Marmas in ayurveda and their explanation according to modern anatomy. Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ayurveda. Pune, Maharashtra, India: Savitribai Phule Pune University; 1984. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/145863)

Kumar CS. A comprehensive study of marmas with special reference to Ayurvedic and Tamil marma sastras in relation to its applied anatomy. Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ayurveda. Kalady, Kerala, India: Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit; 1999. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/136019)

Muley SK. Ayurvediya sanhitokta marma vichara, vaikalyakara marmanche mahatva evam janumarmachya vaikalyakaratvachi uparugna paddhatine punarpadatalani eka abhyasa (Marathi). Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. - Ayurveda) in Sharira Rachana. Nanded, Maharashtra, India: Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University; 2007. https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/240135

Parameswaran S. A comprehensive study on sandhi marma shareera w.s.r. to manibandha marma and its injuries (trauma). Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D. - Ayurveda) in Shareera Rachana. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2012. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/7127

Vijayanath V. A comprehensive study of marmas in the hasta (hand) w.s.r. to the surface and regional anatomy (cadaver dissection). Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D. - Ayurveda) in Shareera Rachana. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2011. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4578

Vipin PC. A comprehensive study on gulpha sandhi shareera w.s.r. to sports injuries. Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Medicine (Ayurveda) in Shareera Rachana. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2011. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4579

Thatte DG. Acupuncture, marma and other asian therapeutic techniques. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2015.

Fedorova M. Die Marmantheorie in der klassischen indischen Medizin (German) (English translation of the title - the marma theory in classical Indian medicine). Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Munich, Bavaria, Germany: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; 1990. https://archive.org/details/DieMarmantheorieInDerKlassischenIndischenMedizinFedorova1990/page/n12/mode/2up

Mishra A, Shrivastava V. Exploring the science of marma - an ancient healing technique - part 1: its mention in ancient Indian scriptures. Submitted to the Dev Sanskriti Interdisciplinary International Journa. February 2020.

https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/e6mhy

Sastri H. Amarakosa. 3rd ed. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 1997. https://archive.org/details/AmaraKoshaWithBhanuDIkshitSanskritTikaAndHarGovindShastriHindiTikaChowkhamba_201702/mode/2up

Deva RRK. Shabda-kalpadrum - part 1. 3rd ed. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: The Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 1967. (https://archive.org/details/ShabdaKalpaDrumCompleteIn5VolumnesVidyaVilasPress/mode/2up)

Sankhyadhar SC. Raj nighantu - sri narhari pandit (English translation with critical commentary). Sankhyadhar D (compiled). Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2017.

Brahmavarchas. Pranashakti : ek divya vibhuti (Hindi). Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya samagra vangamaya. volume 17. 2nd ed. Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India: Akhand Jyoti Sansthan; 1998.

Sharma, S. Kaya me samaya, pranagni ka jakhira (Hindi). Gayatri Tapobhumi, Matura, Uttar Pradesh, India: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust; 2010. http://literature.awgp.org/book/kaya_men_samaya_pranagni_ka_jakheera/v1.1

Sharma, S. Kaya urja evam usaki chamatkari samarthya (Hindi). Gayatri Tapobhumi, Matura, Uttar Pradesh, India: Yug Nirman Yojana Vistar Trust; 2010. http://literature.awgp.org/book/astonishing_power_of_physical_subtle_energy_of_human/v2.2

Sharma, S. The astonishing power of the bio-physical and subtle energies of the human body. Haridwar, India: Shantikunj; 1996. http://literature.awgp.org/book/astonishing_power_of_physical_subtle_energy_of_human/v1.1

Gupta KA. Astanga samgraha (with Hindi commentary) (Hindi). part 1, 2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2016.

Murthy KRS. Astanga samgraha of Vagbhata (text, English translation, notes, indices, etc.). volume II - sarira, nidana, cikitsita and kalpa sthana. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2018b.

Kushwaha HCS. Caraka samhita - Chakrapani tika - second part (Hindi). Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2012.

Kunte AM, Navre KRS. Astangahridaya - composed by Vagbhata - with the commentaries (sarvangasundara) of arunadatta and ayurvedarasayana of hemadri. Paradkar H (editor). 6th edition. Bombay, India; Pandurang Jawaji; 1939. https://archive.org/details/ashtangahrdaya/mode/2up

Misra B, Vaisya R. Bhavaprakasa of sribhava misra (including bhavaprakasa nighantu portion) - edited with the 'vidyotini' Hindi commentary, notes and appendix - first part. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Bhawan; 2013.

Murthy KRS. Bhavaprakasa of bhavamisra. volume 1 - including nighantu portion. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2016.

Sushruta samhita - shridalhanacharyavirachitaya nibandhasandrahakhyavyakhyaya nidanasthanasya shrigayadasacharyavirachitaya nyayachandrikakhyapanjikavyakhyaya cha samullasita (श्रीडल्हणाचार्यविरचितया निबन्धसङ्ग्रहाख्यव्याख्यया निदानस्थानस्य श्रीगयदासाचार्यविरचितया न्यायचन्द्रिकाख्यपञ्जिकाव्याख्यया च समुल्लसिता) (Sanskrit). Hyderabad, Telangana, India; National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha - CCRAS). http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read

Sharma PV. Charaka-samhita (text with English translation). volume I, II. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2008.

Srivastava S. Sharngadhar samhita (jiwanprada Hindi commentary). 3rd ed. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2003.

Cyranski C. Purifying purges and rejuvenating massages ayurvedic health tourism in South India. Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. Phil.) in Anthropology. Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany: Heidelberg University; 2016. https://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/volltextserver/22342/1/Dissertation_Cyranski_2016.pdf

Kamboj M. Concept of marma and its importance: a review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy. 2018; 9(6): 1-3. https://doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.096161

Pai DS. A Study on balya-rasayana and its applicability in sports medicine. Dissertation for the degree of Ayurveda Vachaspati (M.D.) in Ayurveda Siddhanta. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2010. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4431

Upendran B. A comprehensive study of siravyadha w.s.r. to anatomical & marma relevance of the lower extremity. Dissertation for the degree of Ayurveda Vachaspati (M.D.) in Rachana Shareera. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2010. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4507

Wujastyk D. Interpreting the image of the human body in premodern India. International Journal of Hindu Studies. 2009; 13(Article number 2), 189-228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11407-009-9077-0

Das B, Ganesh RM, Mishra PK, Bhuyan G. A study on apabahuka (frozen shoulder) and its management by laghumasha taila nasya. Ayu. 2010; 31(4): 488-494. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.82048

Narayanan CR, Korotkov K, Srinivasan TM. Bioenergy and its implication for yoga therapy. International Journal of Yoga. 2018; 11(2): 157-165. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_54_17

Santwani K, Shukla VD, Santwani MA, Thaker G. An assessment of Manasika Bhavas in menopausal syndrome and its management. Ayu. 2010; 31(3): 311-318. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.77156

Mulay SK, Paranjape MH, Bhingare SD. Study of janu marma in relation to its vaikalyakara effects when injured. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy. 2011; 2(3): 715-722. https://ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/491_pdf.pdf

Muley SK, Ingale NN, Bhingare SD. Study of vaikalyakara marma with special reference to kurpara marma. Ayu. 2011; 32(4): 472-477. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.96118

Zate MP, Sadgir MA, Khandare PB. A review on anatomical structures present at sthapani marma with special reference to ayurvedic & modern view point. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy. 2017; 8(6): 48-50. https://doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.086290

Jyothi V. Comprehensive study on gulphasandhi shaareera w.s.r. to its structural changes in amavata. Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D. - Ayurveda) in Shareera Rachana. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2012. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/7129

Jyothis G. A comprehensive study on charakokta tri vidha marma w.s.r. to 'hridaya'. Dissertation for the degree of Ayurveda Vachaspati (M.D.) in Rachana Shareera. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2011. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4669

Kumar ST. A comprehensive study on paada marma w.s.r. to the surface and regional anatomy (cadaver dissection). Dissertation for the degree of Ayurveda Vachaspati (M.D.) in Shareera Rachana. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2012. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/7126

Shariff SUR. A study on sandhi marma w.s.r. to regional and applied anatomy of kurpara marma. Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D. - Ayurveda) in Shareera Rachana. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2011. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4575

Swamy SM. A study on prushtha marma w.s.r. to stabdha bahuta in amsa marmabhighata. Dissertation for the degree of Ayurveda Vachaspati (M.D. - Ayurveda) in Rachana Shareera. Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences; 2010. http://52.172.27.147:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/4710

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.