AYURVEDIC MARMA MASSAGE
Marma sastra, the science of the marmas, is a noble contribution of the ancient India of the Tamil sages.
We inherited marma sastra from masters like Susruta and Vâgbhata in Sanskrit are more popular now, even though, this knowledge was originated from South India, Tamil Nadu. Originally Sage Agastya is the Tamil master who taught this knowledge to many of his students.
Now this knowledge is well known as MARMA MASSAGE. In this ancient massage technique massaging strokes and massaging each points have various methods. ‘Tuning’ of Marma energy within a person’s body therapeutically through various application of mild pressure is the method of treatment employed.
Psychosomatics and common diseases can be cured through this massage technique.
What is a "Marma"?
The word “Marma” comes from Sanskrit origin mru or marr. The Sanskrit phrase, Marayate Iti Marmani, means there is likelihood of death or serious damage to health after infliction to these places and hence these areas are called “Marma”.
“Marma” is also thought to be a Sanskrit word meaning hidden or secret. By definition, a “Marma” point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints.
They are interactions of the vital life force and prana. “Marma” points are where consciousness meets matter. The word “Marma” can also be associated with terms such as tenderness, secretion or vital places.
Significance of "Marma" in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda “Marma” points are thought to house the three pillars of life otherwise known as the doshas. Marmas are vulnerable or sensitive zones found throughout the body. They can be used specifically for the diagnosis and treatment of disease or generally for promoting health and longevity.
Marmas are connected to the Chakras and Nadis of yoga. When manipulated, Marmas can alter the organic function and structural condition of the body. They can be used for balancing both, body and mind.
Prana is a form of vital energy. It pervades each and every corner of the body and nourishes, guides and controls the functioning of the cells and systems. When these “Marmas” (junctions) are affected or ruptured, the organs linked with prana channels become starved with lack of prana and some organs becomes diseased, crippled or paralysed or depending upon the quantum of prana being lost, it may lead to slow or sudden death.
There are 107 “Marma” points in the human body in the size ranging from 1-6 inches in diameter. The points have been mapped in the Sushruta Samhita, centuries ago. The points cover both the front and back of the body each having a Sanskrit name. The 108th “Marma” is supposed to be the mind.
The idea behind massaging “Marma” points is to cleanse blocked energy by restoring the doshas to their original seat.
Classification of Marmas
The “Marma” are classified for better understanding according to the physical components:
What is Marma Massage?
“Marma” massage is a traditional Ayurvedic massage for stimulating vital points using herb infused ayurvedic oils, performed by the therapist using his hand and feet, applying appropriate pressure to specific vital points/parts of the body. “Marma” abhyanga not only relieves back pain, stiffness and sports injuries but also stimulates various bodily organs and systems.
During a “Marma”- point massage, the points are stroked in a deliberate sequence using specific essential oils. It is a unique technique using one or more fingers the massage therapist starts with a light touch , becoming increasingly firm over the course of 1 to 3 minutes per point, working only as deep as the client feels comfortable.The therapist motion could be direct or circular.Clockwise movements stimulate and energize a “Marma” points , while counter clockwise motions breakup blocked energy held within the point.A “Marma” point massge session usually lasts for 60-90 minutes during which the therapist either covers all 107 points briefly or concentrates on a few key points.The experience is relaxing and rejuvinating.
Types of Marma Massage
Marma sastra, the science of the marmas, is a noble contribution of the ancient India of the Tamil sages.
We inherited marma sastra from masters like Susruta and Vâgbhata in Sanskrit are more popular now, even though, this knowledge was originated from South India, Tamil Nadu. Originally Sage Agastya is the Tamil master who taught this knowledge to many of his students.
Now this knowledge is well known as MARMA MASSAGE. In this ancient massage technique massaging strokes and massaging each points have various methods. ‘Tuning’ of Marma energy within a person’s body therapeutically through various application of mild pressure is the method of treatment employed.
Psychosomatics and common diseases can be cured through this massage technique.
What is a "Marma"?
The word “Marma” comes from Sanskrit origin mru or marr. The Sanskrit phrase, Marayate Iti Marmani, means there is likelihood of death or serious damage to health after infliction to these places and hence these areas are called “Marma”.
“Marma” is also thought to be a Sanskrit word meaning hidden or secret. By definition, a “Marma” point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints.
They are interactions of the vital life force and prana. “Marma” points are where consciousness meets matter. The word “Marma” can also be associated with terms such as tenderness, secretion or vital places.
Significance of "Marma" in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda “Marma” points are thought to house the three pillars of life otherwise known as the doshas. Marmas are vulnerable or sensitive zones found throughout the body. They can be used specifically for the diagnosis and treatment of disease or generally for promoting health and longevity.
Marmas are connected to the Chakras and Nadis of yoga. When manipulated, Marmas can alter the organic function and structural condition of the body. They can be used for balancing both, body and mind.
Prana is a form of vital energy. It pervades each and every corner of the body and nourishes, guides and controls the functioning of the cells and systems. When these “Marmas” (junctions) are affected or ruptured, the organs linked with prana channels become starved with lack of prana and some organs becomes diseased, crippled or paralysed or depending upon the quantum of prana being lost, it may lead to slow or sudden death.
There are 107 “Marma” points in the human body in the size ranging from 1-6 inches in diameter. The points have been mapped in the Sushruta Samhita, centuries ago. The points cover both the front and back of the body each having a Sanskrit name. The 108th “Marma” is supposed to be the mind.
The idea behind massaging “Marma” points is to cleanse blocked energy by restoring the doshas to their original seat.
Classification of Marmas
The “Marma” are classified for better understanding according to the physical components:
- Mamsa “Marma” - muscle
- Sira “Marma” - vessels conveying body fluids and impulses
- Snayu - tendons
- Asthi - bones
- Sandhi - articulate points specially bone joints
- Sadhya Pranhara “Marma” ~ Sadhya means sudden or immediate. These “Marma” are vulnerable for the loss of life immediately after injury or insult.
- Kalantara Pranhara ~ Kalantara means after the lapse of some time, Pranhara means loss of life. After infliction to these “Marma”, loss of life results gradually after some time.
- Vishalyaghana ~ Vishalya means being the foreign body removed. This category of “Marma” is named on its surgical importance. Vishalyaghana indicated death being the foreign body removed. When injured the person survives as long the foreign body remains in place.
- Vaikalyakara ~ Vilkala means deform or cripple.
What is Marma Massage?
“Marma” massage is a traditional Ayurvedic massage for stimulating vital points using herb infused ayurvedic oils, performed by the therapist using his hand and feet, applying appropriate pressure to specific vital points/parts of the body. “Marma” abhyanga not only relieves back pain, stiffness and sports injuries but also stimulates various bodily organs and systems.
During a “Marma”- point massage, the points are stroked in a deliberate sequence using specific essential oils. It is a unique technique using one or more fingers the massage therapist starts with a light touch , becoming increasingly firm over the course of 1 to 3 minutes per point, working only as deep as the client feels comfortable.The therapist motion could be direct or circular.Clockwise movements stimulate and energize a “Marma” points , while counter clockwise motions breakup blocked energy held within the point.A “Marma” point massge session usually lasts for 60-90 minutes during which the therapist either covers all 107 points briefly or concentrates on a few key points.The experience is relaxing and rejuvinating.
Types of Marma Massage
- Health Promotive
- for prevention of disease
- for longevity
- for delaying old age
- to bring in social harmony
Health promotive Marma massage is to be done for healthy persons and those opting for good health and is advisable to be done once a month.
- Therapeutic
- to treat acute conditions
- to treat chronic conditions
In acute conditions, it is advised to undergo therapeutic marma massage immediately or once a week until it heals.
In chronic conditions, it is advised to undergo therapeutic Marma massage twice monthly, monthly or thrice in a month.
- Contributes to a balanced physical, mental and emotional harmony.
- It is a preventive as well as curative and brings in youthfulness and longevity by delaying aging process.
- Energizes our immune system to fight against infections and helps in proper development and repair of tissues.
- Creates a relaxing effect overall and encourages good sleep.
- Relieves stress and increases energy in the body to fight against it.
- Increases the flexibility of muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments and improves the range of motion physical stability.
- Stimulates the internal organs by activating its physiological functions and ensures the proper flow of hormones and lymphatic other body fluids.
- It centers the mind and body and makes it uniformly function in harmony with internal and external environment.