Marma Therapy

Our body has two main parts--the perceptible and the imperceptible. The imperceptible body includes the spirit, the mind, the emotions, and the Ayurvedic concepts of Nadys (energy channels) and Pranas (spiritual energy). Nadys and Pranas are the infrastructure of the body. Within this infrastructure, there are several junctions called "vital points" or Marmas. In ancient times, knowledge of these vital points helped warriors to quickly defeat their opponents. Later, the great Ayurvedic surgeon Sushruta found that these Marmas are very sensitive and that destruction of these Marmas during surgery leaves a permanent disability in the patient. These Marmas are linked with energy flow and the Ayurvedic concept of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and stimulation of the Marmas influence the Tridosha. Precise knowledge of Marmas and their healing can help a therapist to treat patients in a wide range of diseases. This booklet serves Ayurvedic therapists in healing with massage therapy. However, this booklet definitely cannot replace a practical education under the guidance of a professional therapist.