Request from a curious learner

[Guest guest]

Previous posts in the group dealing with marma are almost nil, panchkarma only

few as these topics are more practice and less theory.

 

Author will deal only with panchkarma and marma in this post, since one is built

in into another.

 

Entire program of our body is run by flow of bio energy in various

channels. The points where the energy excess or deficiency can be

manipulated are marma points. Even a slight pressure there gives

pain/sensation. The entire points on the body get rhythmic

energization to perform the tasks defined in biological, emotional

and mental cycles.

 

There are total 107 Marma in the body. In Tamil traditions they are

108 Marma points, and in Kalari tradition there are 365 Marma points

[1]. The points were mapped out in detail centuries ago in the

Sushruta Samhita, a classic Ayurvedic text. Major marma points

correspond to the seven chakras, or energy centers of the body,

while minor points radiate out along the torso and limbs. The points

cover both the front and back body, including 22 on the lower

extremities, 22 on the arms, 12 on the chest and stomach, 14 on the

back, and 37 on the head and neck. (The mind is considered the 108th

marma.) Each has its onw Sanskrit name given by Sushruta, one of the

founding fathers of Ayurvedic medicine. When we attend a lecture by

some swami or getting hypnotized, he is attempting to manipulate our

108th marma(if we allow of course)

 

Massage on these points stimulates or generates the energy resources

and helps the flow of vital energy in the individual. The massage in

Kerala is based on these marma points and differs from the massages

offered elsewhere. But if one studies accu-massage in other

countries, similar points are involved. The style using hands, feet

and full body weight is unique in Kerala massage. Massage or

pressure need not be the only way marma points are manipulated, for

instance shirodhara acts on certain marma points. Use of magnetic field on these

points also stimulates these points. This has given rise to another science

called magnet therapy. Traditional way of

hanging unto death is giving a severe blow to a sensitive marma

point. Most painless death is this one. So cure or death, both

possible depending on marma manipulated.

 

This ancient science of dealing with body energies was taken to

China during the religious and cultural changes taking place in

India and the Chinese developed this science as acupuncture. But

marma therapists are fully aware of the energy chakras and all

energy points which can be treated to unblock the channels of

energies[2].

 

If one studies yoga postures along with marma locations, it can be

seen that yoga postures cause many marma points to be pressed and

thus clearing the energy blockages. That is the reason why yoga

postures give relief in various ailments and disturbed body rhythms.

That is the beauty of various oriental techniques for restoring

equilibrium of mind body and spirit. Though there are several names

and schemes, differing on the surface, at root, everything conveges

to same goal. Cranio-sacral therapy may also be derived from the basic marma

theory. In future drugless therapies may be in focus, as herbs of good quality

will become increasingly unavailable.

 

Most of the traditional vaidyas who use pulse diagnosis, also use marma points

for locating the organs under stress or energy deficiency and then

can decide on the herbs/massage/detoxification strategies for

recovery/rejuvination of patients. To give an example, the marma

points for amennorhea are located in pelvis, perineum, near knees

and feet. massage on these points helps the herbal medicine program.

The panchkarma (mainly bastis) also can suppliment the prana cure of

marma therapy.

 

When you feel tired after reading a book, or watching a long TV

program, your hands automatically go to a point near temples, and

pressure there relives slight headache which may be present. Some

marma points get automatically pressed during normal childbirth,

causing proper flow of breast milk later. Similarly few marma points

located near breasts can kick start the contractions slowed down or

stopped during childbirth. Some of the organs are considered seat of Prana and

no surgery should be attempted there, unless essential. Colona and uterus,

testicles and ovaries are few examples. This may also be the reason why many

hysterectomies caused deaths. The statement that scalpel is not the answer to

cancer remains true because cancer chooses areas near marma points, where marmas

are depleted in energy.

 

Knowledge of some marma points we have from childhood and several

animals too know it. One may start his studies using book[3], but it

is best to learn it from an experienced therapist. Most likely,

marma points and detailed knowledge of nervous system network would

have originated in tantra techniques, which would have given rise to

various mudras, bandhas. That is the reason, marma manipulation is

98% practice and 2% theory. If one learns sujok theory of

acupuncture, the instant pain relief which is obtained in vatic

ailments when correspondence between body and its limbs, digits is

invoked, one is surprised to see the similarity in spatial

structures. Similar similarity between plat parts and human body may

have led to discovering herbs for typical ailments. e.g. several

plant leaves look similar to our body parts. the notable similarity

between structure of our spine and that of " Haddi-jod " herb shape

used to treat fractures is one example.

 

The questions raised by you are so general, that even entire book

will be insufficient to cover it. Though Panchkarma techniques are

explained at several places, the vaidya may differ in individual

practice. The insight and individual experience must be used by

everyone. Just as there exists no book or handbook explaining each

and every finer step in surgery, same can be said about these

techniques too. One cant become a surgeon by reading a book. Same

can be said about learning these things from short term courses[4].

 

To learn marma points to stimulate speech in language delayed children should be

learnt from a vaidya in person. Aasanas, Mudras and marmas should be the tools

in your arsenal, in addition to herbal therapy. When sensory organs are

involved, the road to the cure is long, patchy and challenging one.

 

 

References:

1. http://www.kahc.co.uk/marma.html

2. http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Therapies/marma-therapy.htm

3.http://www.indiaclub.com/Shop/SearchResults.asp?ProdStock=17786

4. http://www.ayurveda-int.com/courses/advanced.htm

 

 

1. Panchkarma / why is it used / what are it's benefits,

2. Marma / why is it used / what are its' benefits.

3. Main differences between Kerala Ayurveda vs North Indian style

vs chinese etc. Is one of

them preferred / considered as superior over the others?

4. When practiced in Western / other countries, which style do they

adopt generally?

5. Is there any specific Ayurveda technique that can stimulate

speech in language delayed children?

[Guest guest]

Dr.Bhate,

Thank you for your wonderful & detailed reply. After I posted my request, I

realized that I

had actually asked from A-Z about Ayurveda & felt guilty for the same. Your

reply is so

informative & has covered all the areas asked.

I feel so lucky to be a part of this grp.

With best regards,

Amrutha.

 

 

__________

Author will deal only with panchkarma and marma in this post, since one is

built in into another.