MARMA MASSAGE

Introduction:

Human being is a microcosm where we find all macrocosmic properties that we experience in our day-to-day life as climatic changes, pressure variations, heat and cold etc…. Mind is the next factor that again tremendously influences the health and disease other than the genitival and external factors. There is rhythmic and wavy flow of energies in different frequencies and intensities along the nervine and other channels. There are also energy pools, which are dextro or levo, rotator in direction representing the mandalas and chakras. The electromagnetic spectrum like arias of energy pools along these lines is also present in the body representing the meridians. These entire phenomenon equally exist at the mental level too. When all these are in rhythm there will be the normal physiological functions and health of mind and body.

Because of the position of planets, four directions of the universe, the way of food and habits, genital factors, the external organic and non-organic factors will develop the imbalances in energy pools (the marma spots) and thereby diseases. The individual existence is with five layers-the annamaya kosha (the elemental body), the pranamaya kosha (the vital body), the manomaya kosha (the mental body), the vijnanamaya kosha (the knowable body) and the anandamaya kosha (the blissful body). The energy pools in all these layers will be affected by the above causes.

The touch (massage) as a feeling enters into the innermost layer of the individual in turn heals by relaxation of mental body and self-induction of the rhythmic energy flow from the blissful body.

Marma massage is a traditional Ayurvedic massage, using herbs infused Ayurvedic oils, performed by the therapist using his hand and feet, applying appropriate pressure to specific vital points.

It dates back to southern India 1500 BC. The masters of marma massage, with reference to Susrutha Samhitha - Sarira Stana (Anatomy of human body- 3000 BC), discovered the power of marma points. For example, if a person gets a blow to the small intestine, the marma point existing four fingers above the middle of the knee, which corresponds directly with the small intestine, will be massaged to trigger a healing flow of energy to the injury.

Ayurveda details the 107 marma points – major and minor – which exists in the body. The major points correspond to the major chakras (energy centers) on the body, while the minor points are found around the limbs. Thus healing through marma massage affects the chakras, physical health and doshas (humors).

Marma sthanas – the energy pool sites:

The marmas are the junctions of muscles, veins, arteries, tendons, bones, joints and nerves where the energy pools we find. The pre-dominance of one among them determines the type of marma. They may also be described as the junctions where Vata, Pitta and Kapha meet; where Satwa, Rajas and Tamas meet; or where eternity and relativity meet; or where the three aspects of realization meet, ie, the inner self, outer world, and between the two (knower, known and process of knowing). These are also the points where physical, astral and causal bodies meet. The marma points have great importance to body, mind and spirit. Through these points the spirit hinges the body. These points can be used to heal.

Signifacance of marma massage:

1. Balancing of chakras – energy centers in the body.

2. Balancing of Sapta dhadu – Seven tissues of human body.

3. Stimulation of marmas – Vital spots

4. Stimulation of foot prints – foot reflexes.

5. Awakening of prana – Life energy.

6. Awakening of senses – five sense organs of the body.

Merits of marma massage:

1. Physical level

• Sense organs will have new vigor.
• The skin will regain the lost vigor.
• After massage, bone centers, joint centers, muscle centers and nerve centers can work more efficiently and thus old age disorders can be cured.
• In the case of lethargy or physically unfit to do exercise, marma massage is an ideal substitute, as it can improve the blood circulation.
• It increases the body flexibility and reduces fat.
• The veins and arteries gain elasticity and the body becomes suppler.
• Organs like kidney, rectum, lungs, liver and small intestine are strengthened and they work more efficiently.
• Fatty deposits in thighs, stomach and breasts, especially in women, can be eliminated.
• It tones up pectoral muscles and keeps breast firm and shape.
• It primes the body and sharpens the reflexes.
• It rejuvenates the person.
• Millions of nerve endings are stimulated and smoothened and thus creates an over all sense of well being.

B. Mental level

· Provides full relaxation

· Releases emotional stress

· Improves awareness

· Provides positive attitude to the life.

· Improve mental alertness and attention span.

· Provides rhythmic flow of mental energy.

C. Spiritual level

Provides blissfulness, pleasantness and truthfulness.

Technique:

The marma massage involves the movement of vital energies in the body. This is possible by applying pressure on the vital points, muscles and nerves using appropriate herbal oils with therapeutic value. The marma massage accompanied by the balancing of chakras, effectively regulates the proper flow of life force through the chakras. The chakras can be balanced by placing the hands gently over them, a few inches above the physical body. The warm sensation on the palms will harmonize the biological system of the body.

The masseur uses nadisootra kriya to apply pressure with the fingers, thumb or palm of the hand at certain points on the body and move as the mandalas are drawn. These pressure points are the areas of life energy. Pressure can stimulate blood circulation and the flow of vital force by relieving congestion in nerve endings.

The feet are the most responsive and sensitive area of the body. This is a mini map of the human body representing every gland, organ and body parts. By applying pressure effects to the feet releases the blocked vital energy in the organs and break up waste materials and toxins deposited in the feet due to gravity.

The speed, force, number of repeated movements, the type of herbal oils used will vary person to person depending on physical strength, body constitution, age and ailment.

The specialized massage technique results in stimulation of impulse, the magnetic power and innate dynamics.

The person skilled in marma therapy has a thorough knowledge of the human anatomy and physiology.

Herbal oils used in marma massage:

The herbs infused oils are used for the marma massage. The roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits of medicinal plants locally available constitute the major ingredients. They are pulverized, squeezed, or made into paste and mixed with oils or ghee. The recipe is boiled until the water content is completely evaporated. It is then filtered and used.

Conclusion:

Marma massage stimulates the energy resources and helps the flow of vital energy in the individual. It removes blockages from the marma points giving physical and psychological relaxation and strength.

This massage focuses on energizing the body to relieve occupational illness and stress related diseases. It enables longevity of both the body and mind, by ensuring proper balance and flow of hormones, enzymes, immune factors etc.

In this procedure nothing hostile to the body is used and nothing toxic is left behind. This makes marma massage free from side effects.

This should be performed after the consultation with a physician.

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Dr.Reji Thomas BPh, BSc, BAMS, PGDPT.