MARMA CHIKITSA: PRINCIPLE, INDICATIONS, AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS IN AYURVEDA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23959988Keywords:
brihatrayee, marma, marma chikitsa, prana, shoola parshamana, shushruta samhitaAbstract
Background: The classical Ayurvedic concept of Marma denotes specialized Sandhi Sthana where five structural substrates—Mamsa (muscle), Sira (vessels), Snayu (ligaments/tendons), Asthi (bones), and Sandhi (joints)—converge. These anatomical sites serve as primary repositories for Prana (vital life force), making them central to Deha Samshraya (bodily integrity) and systemic homeostasis. Classical Brihatrayi texts, particularly the Sushruta Samhita, highlight their extreme vulnerability during Shastrakarma (surgical interventions) and their role in Abhighata (trauma) management. Objectives: To critically appraise the scriptural anatomy of Marma points and evaluate their contemporary clinical applications in Marma Chikitsa (digital stimulation therapy) by cross-contextualizing traditional Ayurvedic doctrines with modern biomedical and neuroanatomical principles. Methods: A narrative literature review was executed by systematically cross-referencing classical Ayurvedic treatises—primarily the Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana), Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—with contemporary medical databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and the AYUSH Research Portal [1-3] Results: The literature identifies 107 distinct Marma points distributed across the Shadanga (six bodily regions). These points are systematically categorized based on Rachana (structural dominance), Sthana (topography), Pramana (measurement), and Vidha-lakshanam (prognostic trauma outcomes). Beyond serving as surgical contraindications (Varjya Sthana), targeted Marma Taadana (gentle digital stimulation) modulates Vyana Vayu (a subtype of somatic Vata), alleviates Shoola (pain), clears Srotas (microchannels), and balances neuromuscular dysfunction. Conclusion: Marma science forms a functional bridge linking traditional Ayurvedic anatomy to non-invasive therapeutics. Contextualizing these points with neurovascular bundles and myofascial pathways provides a scientific rationale for Shoola Prashamana (pain management) and rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Acharya Manish, Dr Nisha Mor, Dr Ish Sharma, Dr Avira Gautam
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