Marma points connect the central energy pathways in our body and have always symbolized the connection between the outside world and your body and consciousness. If they are stimulated, this influences our nervous system, individual organs and our psyche. With targeted acupressure and Ayurvedic marma massage, the points unfold their healing effect.
Acupressure for Ayurvedic massages
In European Ayurveda® there are a variety of therapeutic techniques that aim to restore balance in the body and activate the body's self-healing powers.
Acupressure during Ayurvedic massages such as Mukabhyanga (face, neck and head massage) and Padabhyanga (foot massage) is a particularly effective method of preventing illnesses from developing in the first place. Incidentally, 37 of the 107 marma points in Ayurveda are located in the head and neck area alone.
What are Marma points?
Marma points are vital energy centers in the body where muscles, tendons, bones, joints, nerves and blood vessels meet. They are, so to speak, crossroads of the life-sustaining energy pathways in the body and are therefore referred to as "gates of consciousness".
By stimulating the marma points, the flow of prana (life energy) can be harmonized and blockages released, which can lead to good health and increased well-being. The main marma points can be located at the seven chakras along the spine.
The healing points were discovered around 1,500 years ago by a doctor in the Indian army who, when treating wounded soldiers, linked the healing properties of injuries to their position on the body. Over time, he described 107 sensitive points on the human body that must not be injured during operations.
As Ayurvedic acupressure exerts pressure on vital energy centers, the question may arise: Is a marma massage dangerous? The answer to this is quite clear: No. The gentle pressure can only release existing blockages and cause no harm. You can therefore sit back and relax during such a massage without any worries.
The effect of the Marma points
The targeted stimulation of the Marma points by trained Ayurvedic therapists has a variety of positive effects on your body and mind:
- Detoxification and cleansing: Many marma points are located near lymph nodes and therefore support the natural detoxification of the body. Stimulating these points promotes the removal of toxins and metabolic waste products, thereby cleansing the body.
- Energetic balance: The marma points are closely connected to the three main energy pathways in the body, the so-called nadis. Targeted stimulation of the Marma points harmonizes the energy flow of Shushuma, Ida and Pingala, which leads to a balanced energy balance and increased vitality.
- Pain relief: Some marma points have a pain-relieving effect and can be used for various complaints such as headaches, back pain or joint pain (e.g. osteoarthritis or rheumatism). By stimulating these points, the body's own messenger substances are released and pain is relieved.
- Emotional balance: Certain marma points are directly related to your emotions. Stimulating them can help to release mental blockages, reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and balance.
The application in acupressure
Acupressure of the marma points is usually performed with gentle to medium pressure and circular movements. In the case of persistent blockages, holding the affected points for a certain period of time can bring relief.
Stimulation of the marma points for therapy should always be carried out by an Ayurveda expert - but you can also activate some points yourself in everyday life:
- Hand Marma: This Marma point is located in the center of the palm. Place your thumb in the middle of the opposite palm. Gently press the index and middle fingers on the back of your hand against the same point and massage the marma point with your thumb, middle and index fingers for at least 3 minutes. This self-massage relaxes the hand after long periods of office work and helps to relieve exhaustion and stress.
- Toe marma: This marma is located in the soft space between the big toe and second toe. Sit comfortably and stabilize the foot with one hand. Grasp the point with the thumb, index finger and middle finger of the other hand and massage it gently for at least 3 minutes. Massaging the toe marma prevents calf cramps, provides relaxation and helps you fall asleep.
- Heart Marma: The heart Marma lies at the height of your breastbone. Standing or lying down, place the palm of your right hand on your breastbone. Place your left hand on your navel. Now gently massage your sternum with your right hand for at least 3 minutes. Stimulating the heart marma releases self-doubt and boosts your immune system.
Self-acupressure gives you the opportunity to create a space for yourself, to pause and to be fully aware of your body. For even more relaxation, discover the wide range of European Ayurveda® massages and Ayurveda treatments that touch your body and mind.
Abhyanga massage: procedure and effect of the Ayurvedic full body massage
Ayurvedic health teachings include massages as well as nutrition and yoga. The Ayurveda Abhyanga massage is one of the most beneficial and effective forms of treatment. Abhyanga can be translated from ancient Indian as "great oiling with loving hands".
