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Program Officer & Head, International Center for Ayurvedic Studies; Head of Panchakarma Department Gujarat Ayurved University Jamnagar
Science of Marma
(In India and Abroad)
1. Knowledge of Marma related to martial art & warfare medicine.
2. Knowledge of Marma with surgical importance.
CONTEXT OF PRANA -1
Prana though prevailing ubiquitously in entire body, it performs the functions according to the organs situated in the local regions. In the local regions also, Prana gets more centralised in specific parts which can be called as its seat or chief centre. Apart from this, there are lesser centres belonging to that local region where Prana keeps moving to aid (Sanchara Sthana) the functions of those body parts. Such movements by currents of Prana may also have specific directions. This is elucidated in adjoining picture.
CONTEXT OF PRANA -2
When Prana gets disturbed in localised regions only, then the disturbed function of that related region shall be exhibited. This may happen as a consequence to many causes (etiological factors) that hamper the local regional pathways of Prana. This is true with the sense that certain local packets of Prana (Marma) are also affected during such event. It may be hypothesised, that by tactful stimulation of local centres of Prana, the paths for movement of Prana become cleared and normal functioning ensues. This hypothesis is further discussed in the forth coming chapters.
CONTEXT OF PRANA -3
CONTEXT OF PRANA -4
CONTEXT OF PRANA -5
Thus Marma Vastu is also considered by the predominence of Agni, Soma, and Vayu.
Marma
Types of Marma
a) Superficial (Uttana) Marma b) Deep (Gambheera) Marma c) Neither superficial nor deep (Ubhaya) Marma (such opinions are not prompted in classical books of Ayurveda.)
Types of Marma
Physical Matrix
Mamasa Marma Sira Marma Snayu Marma Asthi Marma Sandhi Marma Eleven in number Fourty one in number Twenty Seven in number Eight in number Twenty in number
Dhamani Marma
Types of Marma
Special Features Sadhya Pranahara Kalantara Pranahara Vishalyaghna Vaikalyakara Rujakara Death by 7 days Death by fortnight or month Death as soon foreign body removed Deforming Sever pain
Shankha
Apanga Matrika
Sirasayam
Kannunthi Kazhuthukochi
Chivukkutty
Naksatram Vilanku
Vasti
Indrabasti Hridaya
Jalpandum
Nadypathy Thilakusy
Moothiram
Nadupautha Neeramarma
Marma Nidana
(Investigation to pathognomy of Marma)
Examination of Marma (marma pareeksha)
Palpation of Marma
The method for palpating specific Marma are described in the previous chapter. The patient must lie in a relaxed posture before physician starts palpating. It is always preferable to examine `Marma' in the morning hours after raising from the bed. Physician must make sure that the patient is not fasting neither of full stomach and he has attended morning toilette.
Palpation of Marma
The doctor has to look for Marma points carefully one by one making sure that he is palpating the Marma place and not any other injured tender part near by. Charaka says Marma are the sites of Chetana nibaddha i.e., specific places of Chetana (consciousness) and hence they are comparatively tender in nature. The pain originating in these Marma places (on affliction?) are sever in comparison to the other places of body (Charaka Samhita. Siddhi Sthana. 9th chapter 3rd Sloka). Thus feeling of pain on slight pressure is the only reliable index to identify as well to assess the vitiation of Marma. The physician must be attentive enough to assess the degree of tenderness. This one has to acquire only by constant practice and expertise. The tenderness being a varying factor related to the constitution of the patient and also illness. This phenomenon is similar to that of examining and grading bodily reflexes of the patient in neurological practice where without proper practice reflexes can not elicited. Vagbhata adds to above information that the Marma are the places where pulsations (Spandanam) are found along with some degree of tenderness.
Examination of Amsakoota
Examination of Amsapalaka
Examination of kukundara
Examination of Parshvasandhi
Examination of Krikatika
Examination of Adhipati
Treatment of Marma
The treatment to the problems of Marma can be superficially understood under the following categories, I. The internal treatment given by oral and other routes. II. The treatments given locally at the site of Marma III. However, thirdly the psychological component should be remembered by the physician.
body
c. The Srotas or Ashaya (system) to which the d. Preferably, the specific type of Vata (out of
Kacchapaprishta Bhasma (Tortoise shell Bhasma ) Peranda Bhasma Kapardhika Bhasma Muktashukti Bhasma (Pearl shell Bhasma) Jaharmohar Pishti Rajata Bhasma (Silver Bhasma) Suvarna Bhasma (Gold Bhasma) Navajeevana Rasa Marma Gutika
Palpation of Marma locally, however, counts first in the treatment of Marma existing superficially. Applying comfortable pressure and stroking with fingers and palms upon the Marma sites is a best way to treat them. The knowledge of accupressure may be helpful for the practitioners willing to use the knowledge of Marma.