Ayurveda Marma is the vital areas of the body. The word Marma comes from Sanskrit's origin word ‘MRI’ meaning death. The Sanskrit phrase, ‘Marayate It Marmani’, also means death or serious damage to body or health after infliction to the point of their situation. Hence these areas are called Marma. In the ‘Siddha’ system of medicine, they are called ‘Varma’. Marma in Sanskrit means hidden or secret. By definition, a Marma point is a junction on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, or joints. During ancient times, knowledge of Marma was known to kings and warriors. It was applied in battlefields to hit and achieve the maximum lethal effect on enemies. This science was used both in warfare and surgery. From common ailments to serious neuromuscular diseases, all can be treated by Marma therapy. Common ailments like headache, body ache, faulty spinal alignment, pain in the joints can be rejuvenated through Marma Chikitsa, which involves Swedana, Abhyanga, Pizhichil, and Kizhi (bolus) treatment. Kizhi treatment is a therapy wherein herbs are slightly fried, wrapped in the muslin cloth and tied to make a bolus, heated in medicinal oils in a frying pan, and placed on the area to be treated.
This is followed by a specific massage using fingers, heel, or palm. The pressure application varies according to the nature of ailment and the point of application. Sushruta Samhita describes 107 Marma points in the body. In Tamil traditions, 108 Marma points are enumerated and in Kalari tradition of Kerala 365 Marma points are in practice. Major marma points correspond to seven Chakras, or energy centers of the body, while minor points radiate out along the trunk and limbs. 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, and 37 on the head and neck. (The mind is considered the 108th Marma.) Each has its own name based on their anatomical position. The human body needs Shodhana (revitalization) in order to perform its function normally and efficiently. In the Ayurvedic system, especially in Kerala, Marma massage is performed as a routine in preventive medicine. A professional therapist isolates Marma points and tones them by increasing blood flow to the affected part of the neuromuscular junction. They also aim to tone the surrounding muscles.
Sushruta Samhita describes 107 Marma points in the body. In Tamil traditions, 108 Marma points are enumerated and in Kalari tradition of Kerala 365 Marma points are in practice. Major marma points correspond to seven Chakras, or energy centers of the body, while minor points radiate out along the trunk and limbs. 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, and 37 on the head and neck. (The mind is considered the 108th Marma.) Each has its own name based on their anatomical position. The human body needs Shodhana (revitalization) in order to perform its function normally and efficiently. In the Ayurvedic system, especially in Kerala, Marma massage is performed as a routine in preventive medicine. A professional therapist isolates Marma points and tones them by increasing blood flow to the affected part of the neuromuscular junction. They also aim to tone the surrounding muscles.
M. E. Kannan Ji who is well knowledgeable in Anatomy and Physiology, proud to say that he is originally from South India, Tamil Nadu. He has spent the past 8 years in practicing and teaching Ayurveda & Varma/Marma Therapy and Acupuncture techniques which he gathered from traditional practitioners of Tamil Nadu & Kerala. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology in such a way that, it combines modern anatomy with yogic principles to live an independent healthy life. He is also mastered in Classical Indian Martial Arts "Kalaripayattu" which is very ancient and dynamic form of yoga which is famous in Kerala, India.
Kanna had studied about this Ancient Arts of Marma points and Acupunture or Acupressure from several prominent gurus from South India by theory and practically. He is a traditional Physician who can also treats patients with particular ailments such as disorders in nervous systems, circulatory, reproductive system, asthma, stress sickness, head-ache, back pain, acupunture, spinal problems, joints problem etc.
Ayurveda Marma-point massage dates back to southern India year 1500 BC. Masters of Kalari, an ancient martial art, first discovered the power of Marma points. In battle, Kalari fighters targeted an opponent's Marma point as a way to inflict pain and injury. According to Kalari lore, people have 12 Marma points that, when hit with a knockout blow, can cause instant death. These areas were so important that soldiers even use armor to protect their horses' Marma points while riding into battle. Wounded Kalari fighters were nursed back to health with Marma therapy. Practitioners used Marma-point massage to stimulate healing in areas that corresponded to the injuries. For a blow to intestines, for example, the Marma point on the back of the calf, which corresponds with the transverse part of the large intestine, is massaged to trigger the flow of energy to induce healing. Ayurvedic physicians, all over India learned the importance of this art and hired Kalari masters in hospitals to teach. Soon, Marma-point training became mandatory for surgeons, who worked around specific points to prevent risk to life. Today marma-point massage is still a respected component of Ayurvedic healing.