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Review Article
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International Research Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga
Vol. 5 (10),144-146, Oct,2022
ISSN: 2581-785X; https://irjay.com/
DOI: 10.47223/IRJAY.2022.51024
Clinical Significance of Marma (Vital Points in Body) -A Review
Prahalad Sahai Sharma,1 Girdhar Gopal Sharma2
1.Associate Professor, Rachna Sharir Dept., Govt. Ayurveda Mahavidhyalaya, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur.
2- Lecturer, Maulik Siddhant Dept., Govt. Ayurveda Mahavidhyalaya, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur.
INTRODUCTION
Marma are the vital areas of the body. The Sanskrit word
"mri," which means death, is where the word "marma"
originates. The Sanskrit expression "Marayate Iti
Marmani" (death or major bodily or health damage
following infliction to the point of their position) also
indicates these things. Thus, these locations are referred to
as Marma. They are referred as Varma in the siddha system
of medicine.1 Marma means secret or hidden in Sanskrit. A
Marma point is a junction on the body where two or more
different types of tissue, such muscles, veins, ligaments,
bones, or joints, meet.2 Ayurveda considered some vital
parts of body as Prana sthana (where life resides) & these
vital points termed as Marma.3 While Marma treatment is
used to cure various medical disorders, the main benefit of
Marma therapy is that it is a non-invasive therapy. Injury
to these Marma points may result in significant effects.4
The classical text of ayurveda described 107 Marmas
points.5 Sadhyopranhar, Kalantarpranhar, Vaikalyakar,
Vishalyaghna, Rujakar are Marma described anciently.
Dhamani, Sira, Asthi, Mamsa, Kandara, Sandhi and Snayu
are the sthana (sites) used for Marma chikitsa where
Abhyanga (massage) and Mardana (Acupressure)
performed. Marma points also help to balance Tridoshas
and Trigunas since it involves various pranas like; vayu,
sattva, agni, rajas and atma.6 A qualified therapist isolates
Marma points and tones them by boosting blood flow to
the neuro-muscular junction that is being damaged. They
also seek to strengthen the muscles around them.7
Article Info
Article history:
Received on: 15-08-2022
Accepted on: 22-10-2022
Available online: 31-10-2022
Corresponding author-
Prahalad Sahai Sharma, Associate
Professor, Rachna Sharir Dept., Govt.
Ayurveda Mahavidhyalaya, Pratap
Nagar, Jaipur,
Email-
Vaidhyapraladsahaisharma71@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
The unique principle of Ayurveda is Marma Sharira. The Veda also makes
mention of Marma (vital points in body). Aside from serving as anatomical
landmarks, Marma are also the places where the Tridosha (basic elements of
body) and its various forms, Prana, Ojasa or Soma, and Tejasa or Agni (vital
elements of the body), are present. There are several disorders that come from
harm to these Marma. Samhitas provide a clear definition of these illnesses'
ensuing signs and symptoms. Any lesion to these areas has the potential to cause
death, excruciating pain, incapacity, loss of function, and loss of sensation.
Therefore, it has been stated in the scriptures that even when doing procedures,
these crucial places should not be damaged and should be left intact. According
to recent studies, stimulating the Marma points close by can aid to reduce pain in
Marma points that are inflamed or uncomfortable. The therapeutic advantages of
Marma Therapy in treating a range of physical and mental illnesses have been
recorded in several research and textbooks. The goal of this work is to give an
Ayurvedic-based conceptual understanding of Marma.
Key words- Marma, Clinical significance, Ayurveda
Prahalad et al “Clinical Significance of Marma (Vital Points in Body) -A Review”: 2022; 5 (10):144-146
145
MATERIAL & METHOD
Material related to Marma is collected from Ayurvedic text
including Bahatriye, Laghutrye and text book of modern
medicine respectively. The available commentaries of
Ayurvedic samhitas has also referred to collect relevant
matter. The index, non-index medical journals has also
referred to collect information of relevant topic.
Literary Study
Classification of Marma
• Sadyah Pranahara Marma: When a Marma point is
injured, due to the spontaneous loss of Prana vayu death
is certain.
• Kalantara Pranahara Marma: These Marmas result in
kalanthara (gradual) loss of life (pranahara), after lapse of
some time.
• Vishalyaghna: The word shalya refers to a foreign body.
When a foreign body pierces these varieties of Marma, the
injured person survives as long as the foreign body remains
at the place of injury. But on removal, it results in death
of the individual.
• Vaikalyakara: These varieties of Marma when subjected
to injury, cause deformity of those organs which are
dependent on that particular Marma for their energy
distribution. The word Vikalya or Vaikalya means
deformity.
• Rujakara Marma: These Marmas neither result in
deformity nor cause death, but results in excruciating pain
(ruja), when injured.8
Marma used in treating Various diseases
• Kshipra Marma- There are four in all (two in the hands &
two in the legs). In the hands, it is located between the
index and thumb, whilst in the foot, it is situated between
the big and second toes. According to Acharya Sushrutha,
this Marma has a one-centimetre breadth. According to
study, the structures under this Kshipra Marma are thought
to be a branch of the hand's radial nerve.
• Manibandha Marma- Are two in number, one for each
upper limb. It falls under the category of Sandhi (Joint)
Marma. It can be easily located on the ventral aspect of the
wrist joint. Beneath this two-to-three-centimetre width of
Manibandha Marma, lies the Inter-carpal ligaments and
nerves.
• Katikatharuna Marma- Being an Asthi (Bone) Marma, of
width of one centimetre, the Katikatharuna lies on either
side of the spine in the waist region adjacent to the sacro-
iliac joint. The structures beneath it are analysed to be iliac
bone, iliac artery & ligaments of the Sacro-Iliac joint.9
Clinical Significance of some Marma
• Talahridaya Marma, Kurcha Marma, Kurchashira
Marma, Kshipra Marma, and Gulpha Marma are located
in the foot region. Talahridaya Marma is connected to how
the heart and lungs work. Kurcha Marma is connected to
Prana Vayu (body energy), Kurchashira Marma helps to
regulate the body's muscular system and improves
digestion, Kshipra Marma is connected to the health of the
heart and lungs, and Gulpha Marma is in charge of joint
motion. Sthapani Marma, Avarta Marma, Shankha
Marma, Phana Marma, Shringataka Marma, Hanu
Marma, Kapala Marma, and Nasa Madhya Marma are
among the marma that are found in the head and facial
region. Avarta Marma is related to Vata dosha and posture,
while Sthapani Marma regulates the intellect and senses.
Shankha Marma reduces headaches and regulates Vata.
Phana Marma reduces headaches and regulates the kapha.
Shringataka Marma strengthens the sensory organ and
Ojas. Hanu Marma lessens stress and enhances
complexion. Kapala Marma calms agitated emotions and
stress. Nasa Aggression is calmed and nasal congestion is
relieved with Madhya Marma.10
• Gulpha Marma positioned at Gulpha region (Pada and
Jangha meet together), it is used for Siravedha and ankle
joint. The injury to Gulpha Marma (Gulpha region) may
cause Ruja, khanjata and stabdha padata. It is used
clinically in the management of joint injury, muscular
sprain and pain.11 Adhipati Marma is resides at top of skull
and superior sinus is a place of Adhipati marma. It is also
considered as Sandhi marma due to the abundance of veins
around this region. Clinically it associated with
pathological symptoms such as; Murcha, Bhram and
Pralap.12 Lohitaksha Marma found in lower limb in
femoral triangle lateral to pubic symphysis. It is a
Vaikalyakar Marma and also described as Sira Marma. It
surrounded by skin, superficial fascia, fascia lata, femoral
artery, femoral nerve and femoral vein. It is clinically
responsible for haemorrhage due to the injury.13 Urvi
Marma related to the Sira and positioned at adductor canal,
the structural component of this Marma site is femoral vein
with Adductor Magnus, Sartorius and Vastus Medialis etc.
It is clinically responsible for haemorrhage due to the
injury.14
Diseases Manageable by Marma Chikitsa15
1-Paralysis
Prahalad et al “Clinical Significance of Marma (Vital Points in Body) -A Review”: 2022; 5 (10):144-146
146
2-Sciatic pain
3-Migraine
4-Tremors
5-Diabetic neuropathy
6-Muscular twitching & cramp
7-Trigeminal Neuralgia
8-Facial or Bell's palsy
9-Urinary incontinence
10-Lumbar Spondylitis
11-Cervical Spondylitis
12-Frozen shoulder (periarthritis)
13-Carpal tunnel syndrome
14-Muscular and joint pain
15-Muscular strain
16-Respiratory conditions\
17-Digestion and elimination problems
DISCUSSION
Marmas are important locations and Prana centres. They
can be utilised to promote health and longevity generally
or especially for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. In
Marma Chikitsa, a crucial component of Ayurvedic
medicine, pressure is applied to specific Marma points to
cause the passage of life force energy (prana) along a
sophisticated network of subtle channels known as (nadis).
Ayurveda recognises 107 therapeutic Marma points based
on the knowledge listed in Dhanurveda (which deals with
knowledge of bow and arrow combat). Some of these
deadly Marma points have the potential to cause instant
death. Marmas are frequently treated by massage.
CONCLUSION
Marmas play an important part in all Ayurvedic therapies,
from straightforward self-care to complex clinical
procedures. They represent one of the basic pillars of
Ayurvedic philosophy and practise. Marma therapy is
compatible with all Ayurvedic treatments, including
panchakarma.
Acknowledgements-Nil
Conflict Of Interest-Nil
Source of finance & support – Nil
ORCID
Prahalad Sahai Sharma , https://orcid.org/
0000-0002-0427-2121
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How to cite this article: Sharma P.S “Clinical
Significance Of Marma (Vital Points In Body) -A Review”
IRJAY.[online]2022;5(10); 144-146.
Available from: https://irjay.com
DOI link- https://doi.org/10.47223/IRJAY.2022.51024
