Title : Marma therapy: Reviving the subtle science of ayurvedic vital points for modern healing
Abstract:
Marma therapy represents one of the most profound yet underexplored dimensions of Ayurveda. Defined in the classical texts as junctions of muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, and vital energy (prana), marmas are both anatomical and energetic centers that influence the body–mind–spirit continuum. The Sushruta Samhita enumerates 107 primary marmas, each serving as a gateway through which prana flows, integrating the functions of doshas, tissues, and channels. Injury to a marma may disturb life itself, but gentle stimulation can restore balance and vitality. This workshop introduces marma therapy as a bridge between traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and modern integrative health practices. Participants will first gain a theoretical framework of marma classification, including divisions by location, size, dominant dosha, and physiological function. Beyond the classical taxonomy, the workshop emphasizes the subtle dimensions of marma as reservoirs of consciousness and psycho-emotional energy. We will examine their role in regulating prana flow, balancing the nervous system, and addressing psychosomatic disorders. The practical component will focus on simple, safe techniques for activating selected marmas through touch, massage, and mindful awareness. Emphasis will be given to applications for common health challenges in contemporary society, such as stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances, digestive irregularities, and women’s reproductive health. Case studies and experiential exercises will illustrate how marma therapy can complement Panchakarma, yoga, meditation, and conventional modalities to enhance integrative care. This one-hour session is designed to be interactive and experiential. Participants will learn to locate and apply pressure to key points, explore the immediate impact on relaxation and energy flow, and understand contraindications and safety principles. The workshop will also contextualize marma therapy within the broader movement of energy-based healing traditions worldwide, highlighting its relevance for integrative and preventive medicine in the 21st century.
By the end of the workshop, attendees will have:
- A clear understanding of the Ayurvedic concept of marma points and their classical roots.
- Practical knowledge of selected marmas for stress, digestion, and emotional balance.
- An appreciation of how marma therapy interfaces with modern integrative health systems.
Marma therapy is not only a therapeutic intervention but also an invitation to reconnect with the body as a sacred vessel of consciousness. In reviving this subtle science, Ayurveda offers a timeless tool for healing that is simple, accessible, and profoundly transformative.
