Marma are the vital areas of the body. The word Marma comes from the Sanskrit origin word ‘mri meaning death. The Sanskrit phrase, ‘Marayate Iti Marmani’, also means death or serious damage to the 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 a 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.
Marma chikitsā is the precise art of touching an individual in exactly the right place at a critical moment in time, for the purpose of healing. Marmani serves as points of access to the body’s innate intelligence, opening the doorway to health and well-being.
Certain Marma therapies can not only enhance thinking, feeling, and perception, they also have the potential to evoke a state of choice less, passive awareness, and transform it into a transcendental state of Samadhi.