arma (vital point) therapy, also known as the effective yet gentle ‘sukshma’ technique, has long been regarded in the East for supporting the emotional as well as the physical body. Through marma (vital point) therapy, we can treat specific vital points on the human body – this is one of the greatest healing secrets of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian health and healing tradition. It can be used to detoxify, strengthen and revitalise the body, for rejuvenation and relaxation or to release blocked energy. In this article, I will aim to explain the theoretical basis of marma (vital point) therapy, and then provide a detailed, fully illustrated guide to its use. You will also discover the key components of marma chikitsa (the process), prana and nadi connection, pathways of prana/nadi, development of pain in the body, principles of treatment and how marma (vital point) therapy can be truly transformative for mental and spiritual evolution and maintenance/ preventative health measures.
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Applying Marma Therapy in Bodywork Learn and practice Marma Therapy to support therapeutic application in bodywork to help heal your client’s pain through energy points and promoting spiritual health.
BY S U N I TA PAS S I
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ISSUE 117 2023
The Chakras
First, we need to understand the three energy centres within the (astral) body. At the deepest layer lie seven vital energy centres. We can’t see or feel them, they won’t show up in an X-ray or MRI. Yet for thousands of years, Eastern cultures have recognised their importance to our physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. In Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, chakra means “wheel” or “circle.” Balanced chakras can be visualised as spinning vortices revolving in a clockwise direction at particular frequencies. When imbalanced, chakras may spin counterclockwise and/or the energy may move horizontally or vertically. Each chakra is associated with and stimulated by a specific colour, and by sounds that vibrate at a similar frequency. How energy flows in and out of the chakras will greatly affect us. Balanced chakras allow energy to flow freely, thus promoting health, vitality, and