THE FUNCTIONALITY OF AṀSAPHALAKA MARMA IN THE PURVIEW OF DHĀTU AND SRŌTAS

Abstract

Aṁsaphalaka Marma is one of the eight Asthi Marma described in the Ayurvedic classics and is classified as a Vaikalyakara Marma. Although its Viddha Lakṣaṇa namely Bāhu Svāpa and Bāhu Śoṣa are well documented, its functional role in relation to Dhātu and Srōtas has received limited attention. The present review analyses the classical descriptions of Aṁsaphalaka Marma from Suśruta Saṃhitā, Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya, Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha to understand its functional significance. The analysis suggests that Bāhu Svāpa reflects impairment of Sparśa Bhāva mediated by Vyāna Vāyu, Raktavaha Sirā and Raktadharā Kalā while Bāhu Śoṣa indicates localized depletion of Rasa and Māṃsa Dhātu associated with Rasavaha and Māṃsavaha Srōtas. As an Asthi Marma with predominance of Soma Prāṇa, Aṁsaphalaka Marma appears to preserve the structural and functional integrity of the Bāhu Aṅga by maintaining its nourishment and strength. The concept of Vaikalyakara Marma further supports its role in safeguarding normal function when intact and producing characteristic dysfunction when injured. Thus, Aṁsaphalaka Marma may be regarded as a functional gateway of the upper limb and understanding its role through the analysis of Viddha Lakṣaṇa provides a rational basis for its selection in Marma Cikitsā according to the involvement of specific Dhātu and Srōtas in disease Samprāpti.