What does massage of special marma points give

One of the methods of treatment in ancient alternative Indian medicine is Ayurvedic massage. The most common type of it is marma massage, which has its own characteristics, technique, benefits and contraindications.

What is it?

“Life zones” or “Especially sensitive points” is exactly what marma means in Sanskrit. Therefore, marma therapy is a special way of careful and at the same time deep impact on bioenergy centers or marmas located throughout the human body. This type of massage technique, according to Ayurvedic medicine, contributes to deep restoration and energy reboot of the human body.

These energy centers are presented in Ayurvedic medicine as intersections between matter and consciousness. They are located in muscle fibers, in large blood vessels, in ligaments and tendons, as well as in bones and joints, while they are located close to the surface and these zones have special sensitivity. Also, by acting on these marma zones, it is possible to maintain and control the balance of the main human [doshas](/en/ayurveda/doshi.html) – [pitta](/en/ayurveda/doshi/pitta-dosha.html), [kapha](/en/ayurveda/doshi/kapha-dosha.html) and [vata](/en/ayurveda/doshi/vata-dosha.html). ## How it appeared

This massage technique originated about one and a half millennia BC. These important points on the human body were discovered by the masters of the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu (kalari), since with an accurate hit in such a marma center, it is possible to inflict very severe pain and injury on the opponent.

Over time, marma massage began to be used not as a murder weapon, but as a way of treatment and healing. Many Ayurvedic Indian doctors specially studied this type of therapy with kalari masters. After some time, the study of this technique became mandatory for surgeons, which allowed them to cope with some problems without much risk to the patient's life. Now marma therapy technique is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. ## How the massage is performed

According to the teachings of Ayurveda, most human diseases are inextricably linked with energy imbalance in the body, therefore, with the help of this kind of massage, it is possible to eliminate energy blocks and establish the natural flow of energy not only in the body, but also in the mind, thoughts and desires of a person. There are such types of marma massage as:

• sukha thrumma (for general strengthening and prevention of the body);
• raksha thrumma (for the treatment of diseases of any origin);
• kacha thrumma (preferable for athletes), which is selected individually for each person. The correct massage technique includes initially removing energy blocks – acting on the point counterclockwise, and then filling this center with new energy – massaging clockwise.

1. Drop the oil mixture onto the marma point to be affected. 2. With your thumb, make soft and unhurried movements around the point, starting with a small radius and gradually increasing it with each circle. 3. At first, they are expanded in a spiral counterclockwise, and then also in a spiral, but already clockwise, narrowed with stronger pressure. Each such cycle is carried out three times at one point. It is also permissible to perform self-massage of marma zones at home, but for this it is necessary to first master the correct technique. ## Benefits

Contraindications

This type of massage has a long history and even today it is widely used. Despite the existing contraindications, marma massage has a positive effect on both the physical and conscious body of a person.