Marma therapy is an important part of Ayurveda that helps to maintain health by cleansing blocked energy.
The word Marma is of Sanskrit origin ‘Mrin Maranae’. The Sanskrit phrase, “mriyatae asmin iti marma” means ‘there is likelihood of death or serious damage to health when these points are inflicted. Hence, these areas are called marma. Marma in Sanskrit also means 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.
107 Marma Points in Ayurveda for Healing
Marma therapy utilizes 107 points or “doorways” into the body and consciousness. The mind is considered as the 108th marma.
Major marma points correspond to the seven chakras, or energy centers of the body, while minor points radiate out along the torso and limbs. These points range in size from one to six inches in diameter. The points were mapped out in detail centuries ago in the ‘ Sushruta Samhita ’, a classic Ayurvedic text.
The points cover both the front and back of the body, including
- 22 on the lower extremities
- 22 on the arms
- 12 on the chest and stomach
- 14 on the back, &
- 37 on the head and neck