Abstract

In natural healing today, the use of pressure point for massage has become a popular topic. In Ayurveda, these pressure points are called “Marmas”, meaning ‘vulnerable’ or sensitive zone. Without knowing Marmas, we could not really understand out selves or interaction with our environment, nor create lasting balance and harmony in our lives. All major Ayurvedic texts refer to the total number of marmas as 107. Marmas are part of a greater 'sacred physiology' that maps out the body according to subtle energy currents and power points. Abhyanga or Massage is the main Ayurvedic method for treating Marmas. It combines the power of therapeutic touch along with the medicinal properties of oils, herbs and aromas. Therapeutic regions like marmas on the arms and legs are the most important for treatment purpose. They are easy to work on through procedures like massage, acupuncture, oils, aromas or ointments. Here an effort is made to understand the Marma therapy along with Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) specially Padabhyanga (Foot massage) on marma regions that are in need of stimulation or of release and use the appropriate methods to adjust their energy flow.

Keywords: Marma; Abhyanga; Massage; Foot massage; Nadi; Prana.

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