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Ayurveda and Marma Therapy: Energy Points in Yogic Healing
This is the first book on marma therapy published in the West. It clearly describes the 107 main marma points in location, properties and usage. It explains in detail how to treat them with many methods including massage, aromas, herbs and yoga practices. Ayurveda and Marma Therapy is an essential reference guide for all students of Yoga, Ayurveda, massage or natural healing.
259 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2003
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474 people want to read
About the author
David Frawley
139 books312 followersDavid Frawley (or Vāmadeva Śāstrī वामदेव शास्त्री), b. 1950, is an American Hindu teacher (acharya) and author, who has written more than thirty books on topics such as the Vedas, Hinduism, Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedic astrology, published both in India and in the United States. He is the founder and director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which offers educational information on Yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, and Vedic astrology. He works closely with the magazine Hinduism Today, where he is a frequent contributor.[1] He is associated with a number of Vedic organizations in several countries. He is a Vedic teacher (Vedacharya), Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor), and a Jyotishi (Vedic astrologer).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 17, 2022
I have had this book sitting on my shelf unused for long over a year, but as I have recently commenced an advanced marma therapy course to compliment my Ayurvedic studies I decided I would read it in conjunction with the course to fortify my understanding.
Marma's are a multifaceted concept that relates both physically to anatomical systems and energetically to pranic systems (chakras, Nadis etc). Similar concepts show up across almost every healing system around the world throughout time, often independently and with many similarities. In fact, as the Ayurvedic scholar and inventor of surgery, Sushruta laid the foundation for modern surgical practices and anatomical concepts, the foundations of Marma's actually pervade modern surgical practices and anatomical understandings.
Marma's are anatomical sites where muscle, vascularity, ligaments, tendons, bones and joints unite and by their nature prana resides there. Although later scholars also opened up to marma's being a more flexible concept that could show up independent of these factors and listed any site where abnormal pulsation is found on pressure with pain and tenderness to be included under the banner of Marmas.
The books main purpose apart from laying a theoretical framework is to serve as a resource for Marma therapy, which is: The art of stimulating marmas for re-channelisation of energy, yielding better energy flow and optimum therapeutic effects at physical, psychological and spiritual levels. There are many treatment techniques laid out from massage, hot and cold application, application of medicated oils, aromatics & herbal pasts/poultices, acupressure, yoga & meditation and even energy healing, similar to modern forms like reiki. Instructing the reader on how and when to use certain therapies depending on the state of the marma or its interconnected processes, for example, what to do when there is swelling in the area vs inflammation vs stiffness etc.
As a resource for practitioners the book is relatively faultless, however, just reading the text alone without guidance from an advanced practitioner will likely leave you with not enough physical guidance to effectively stimulate and sequence the marmas in your practice and the text in some parts can be very dry.
Overall the text is a concise introduction to the concept of marmas and their use in Ayurvedic Medicine and an invaluable reference text for practitioners who want to utilise marmas in their practice.
Marma's are a multifaceted concept that relates both physically to anatomical systems and energetically to pranic systems (chakras, Nadis etc). Similar concepts show up across almost every healing system around the world throughout time, often independently and with many similarities. In fact, as the Ayurvedic scholar and inventor of surgery, Sushruta laid the foundation for modern surgical practices and anatomical concepts, the foundations of Marma's actually pervade modern surgical practices and anatomical understandings.
Marma's are anatomical sites where muscle, vascularity, ligaments, tendons, bones and joints unite and by their nature prana resides there. Although later scholars also opened up to marma's being a more flexible concept that could show up independent of these factors and listed any site where abnormal pulsation is found on pressure with pain and tenderness to be included under the banner of Marmas.
The books main purpose apart from laying a theoretical framework is to serve as a resource for Marma therapy, which is: The art of stimulating marmas for re-channelisation of energy, yielding better energy flow and optimum therapeutic effects at physical, psychological and spiritual levels. There are many treatment techniques laid out from massage, hot and cold application, application of medicated oils, aromatics & herbal pasts/poultices, acupressure, yoga & meditation and even energy healing, similar to modern forms like reiki. Instructing the reader on how and when to use certain therapies depending on the state of the marma or its interconnected processes, for example, what to do when there is swelling in the area vs inflammation vs stiffness etc.
As a resource for practitioners the book is relatively faultless, however, just reading the text alone without guidance from an advanced practitioner will likely leave you with not enough physical guidance to effectively stimulate and sequence the marmas in your practice and the text in some parts can be very dry.
Overall the text is a concise introduction to the concept of marmas and their use in Ayurvedic Medicine and an invaluable reference text for practitioners who want to utilise marmas in their practice.
March 24, 2020
Became a permanent part of my reference library ☺
November 7, 2008
I think that the majority of people have some understanding of the concepts behind acupuncture and acupressure. Tiny needles or pressure is put into or onto certain points of the body. These points lay along meridian lines along which chi or life energy flows. By doing so, blockages or stagnation is eliminated and the natural flow is resumed. In turn, the body regains its health.
In some ways, Marma Therapy is similar to these methods. Marma Therapy also looks to correct the natural energy flow in the body to correct health issues. Specific points on the body are used to do so. Some forms of Marma Therapy even use acupressure techniques.
However, with Marma Therapy, these points are generally massaged in a particular way. The direction of the massage, the oils employed, the accompanying meditations, and the actual points worked upon are tailored to the individual based upon his or her Ayurvedic type and the particular excesses or deficiencies that need to be balanced. Overall, it is a far more complex process but one that is perfectly suited to the individual’s needs.
In some ways, Marma Therapy is similar to these methods. Marma Therapy also looks to correct the natural energy flow in the body to correct health issues. Specific points on the body are used to do so. Some forms of Marma Therapy even use acupressure techniques.
However, with Marma Therapy, these points are generally massaged in a particular way. The direction of the massage, the oils employed, the accompanying meditations, and the actual points worked upon are tailored to the individual based upon his or her Ayurvedic type and the particular excesses or deficiencies that need to be balanced. Overall, it is a far more complex process but one that is perfectly suited to the individual’s needs.
November 29, 2023
This is best read in conjunction with:
Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by Dr. David Frawley
and
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine by Dr. David Frawley and Vassant Lad
and
Ayurveda, Nature's Medicine by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Subhash Ranade
When read together, each book provides supporting information or added clarity for the others. Doesn't matter in which order they're read - I found myself going back to the others and re-reading pertinent chapters. All four books combined would be four stars.
Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by Dr. David Frawley
and
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine by Dr. David Frawley and Vassant Lad
and
Ayurveda, Nature's Medicine by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Subhash Ranade
When read together, each book provides supporting information or added clarity for the others. Doesn't matter in which order they're read - I found myself going back to the others and re-reading pertinent chapters. All four books combined would be four stars.
March 22, 2021
I read this book for a teacher-training module as part of my 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training. It is more of a reference book than anything and not something you would actually "read" (although I tried). As someone who will not practice marma therapy, I thought the connection to yoga was limited, but that wasn't really the point of the book. This is definitely more for Ayurvedic practitioners than yoga teachers.
July 12, 2020
This book is very inspiring. It knowledge about marma
Points and ayurvedic healing goes very deep. The treatment of herbs and oils and massage and the locations of the marma point are very well described including very good illustrations. If you are interested in acupressure, acupuncture, massage, this book is a must read.
Points and ayurvedic healing goes very deep. The treatment of herbs and oils and massage and the locations of the marma point are very well described including very good illustrations. If you are interested in acupressure, acupuncture, massage, this book is a must read.
July 29, 2019
Clear and accessible. Valuable resource for an overview of ayurvedic principles
September 2, 2019
Learned a lot. Packed with information.
January 17, 2017
Instructive about the nature of Ayurveda. Practical info on foods to avoid or enjoy.
Pitta Dosha increases due to internal factors of fever, inflammation or toxic blood; external factors heat, fire, bright lights or caustic chemicals also cause it to increase. When pitta is disturbed at any marma, there's heat, irritability and fever. Symptoms like inflammation or bleeding or burning sensations, loose stood, red eyes or intolerance to light.
= Anti-pitta therapies include cold (ice), cooling oils like coconut and cooling herbs like sandalwood or rose bring symptoms down.
Vata Dosha is likely disturbed by external injury, dryness and wind; internal factors of weakness, tissue deficiency, hyperactivity. When Vata is disturbed at any marma, there's severe pain. Vata symptoms are fear, anxiety, tremors, constipation, nervous indigestion, insomnia and nervous agitation.
= Anti-Vata therapies like heat, warm oil massage and herbs like ginger, calamus or ashwagandha bring symptoms down.
Kapha Dosha increases due to internal factor of weight gain, edema, mucus, congestion or lack of movement; cold dampness and stagnant air. When kapha is increased at any marma, there's swelling, accumulation of fluid (edema) and congestion. Overall kapha symptoms increase with feelings of heaviness, lethargy, cough, tiredness and dislike of movement.
= Anti-Kapha therapies include: heat, fasting, taking of hot spices like ginger and cayenne; warming oils like eucalyptus and ginger reduce kapha.
Draw attention to Prana by inhalation and exhalation at each marma region, like flexing and relaxing muscles:
1) Toes - on inhalation gather your energy there; on exhalation, release it. Feel your toes energized, healed and relaxed.
2) Ankles -
3) Calves -
4) Base of knees -
5) Middle of knees -
6) MIddle of thighs
7) Root of anus -
8) Middle of hips -
9) Root of urethra -
10) Navel -
11) Heart -
12) Throat -
13) Root of tongue -
14) Nose -
15) Eyes -
16) Point between your brows -
17) Middle of your forehead -
18) Top of the head - On inhalation, gather your energy there; on exhalation, release it. Feel the top of your head energized, healed and relaxed.
Use cooling and sedating oils like sandalwood to relieve pain, inflammation or irritation. Use warming and stimulating cinnamon or eucalyptus to remove cold and stiffness and promote circulation.
Clockwise motion strengthens the energy at a marma; counterclockwise reduces it.
Spicy oils for heating - good for reducing Kapha and Vata: anise, basil, bay, calamus, eucalyptus, ginger, heena, nutmeg, pepper, sage and thyme. Coniferous trees like cedar, Himalayan cedar, fir, juniper, pine and spruce.
Aromatic oils for all doshas: camphor, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel, mint, motherwort, rosemary, saffron, spearmint, tumeric, wintergreen.
Aromatic oils for gynecological and reproductive system: champak, evening primrose, frangipani, gardenia, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, lily, lotus, rose, and saffron.
Musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, arthritis, good for all 3 doshas and particularly for Vata and Kapha: frankincense, guggul, myrrh, shallaki, resins of conifers (pines)
Stabilizing consciousness in conditions of shock or hysteria, good for Vata: garlic, onion, valerian, jatamamsi, asafoetida (hing).
Herbal Pastes
Ginger, calamus, nutmeg, bayberry, cloves can be applied for headache, nasal congestion or sinusitis
Gas-dispelling herbs to navel are excellent for countering cramping, bloating and distention. Asafoetida (hing) is good for this purpose.
Tumeric paste is good for minor injuries and improving circulation, however, it leaves a yellow stain
Sandalwood paste is for cooling and stress-relieving, reducing Pitta and Vata, calming the mind and heart.
Aloe gel cools, relieves inflammation, irritation or sunburn. Combine with tumeric or sandalwood to strengthen its cooling and healing action
Soft tissue injuries: pastes of tumeric and aloe, poultice of green herbs like comfrey leaf or plantain
Injuries to joints or bones: comfrey root, ashwagandha, nirgundi, Siberian ginseng - heal and strengthen bone
Honey is good in herbal pastes for burns or wounds - natural antiseptic
Ghee is also excellent for burns, rashes and inflammations.
For pain: wintergreen, valerian, lady's slipper, kava kava, chaparral, birch, licorice, myrrh
To Restore Vital Energy
Rebuilding bones and muscles: tonic herbs - ashwagandha, bala, shilajit, astragalus, ginseng
Restoring blood and bodily fluids: tonic herbs - shatavari, marshmallow, American ginseng, rehmannia, amalaki
Healing nervous system: nervine tonics like brahmi, gotu kola, shankhapushpi, jatamamsi, haritaki, licorice
Generally 1 gm -3 gm, 3 x day. Also good taken as milk decoctions (cooked in milk) or taken with ghee. Usually combined with adequate rest, nutritive (tissue-rebuilding) diets, deep breathing exercises and restorative Yoga poses.
Pitta Dosha increases due to internal factors of fever, inflammation or toxic blood; external factors heat, fire, bright lights or caustic chemicals also cause it to increase. When pitta is disturbed at any marma, there's heat, irritability and fever. Symptoms like inflammation or bleeding or burning sensations, loose stood, red eyes or intolerance to light.
= Anti-pitta therapies include cold (ice), cooling oils like coconut and cooling herbs like sandalwood or rose bring symptoms down.
Vata Dosha is likely disturbed by external injury, dryness and wind; internal factors of weakness, tissue deficiency, hyperactivity. When Vata is disturbed at any marma, there's severe pain. Vata symptoms are fear, anxiety, tremors, constipation, nervous indigestion, insomnia and nervous agitation.
= Anti-Vata therapies like heat, warm oil massage and herbs like ginger, calamus or ashwagandha bring symptoms down.
Kapha Dosha increases due to internal factor of weight gain, edema, mucus, congestion or lack of movement; cold dampness and stagnant air. When kapha is increased at any marma, there's swelling, accumulation of fluid (edema) and congestion. Overall kapha symptoms increase with feelings of heaviness, lethargy, cough, tiredness and dislike of movement.
= Anti-Kapha therapies include: heat, fasting, taking of hot spices like ginger and cayenne; warming oils like eucalyptus and ginger reduce kapha.
Draw attention to Prana by inhalation and exhalation at each marma region, like flexing and relaxing muscles:
1) Toes - on inhalation gather your energy there; on exhalation, release it. Feel your toes energized, healed and relaxed.
2) Ankles -
3) Calves -
4) Base of knees -
5) Middle of knees -
6) MIddle of thighs
7) Root of anus -
8) Middle of hips -
9) Root of urethra -
10) Navel -
11) Heart -
12) Throat -
13) Root of tongue -
14) Nose -
15) Eyes -
16) Point between your brows -
17) Middle of your forehead -
18) Top of the head - On inhalation, gather your energy there; on exhalation, release it. Feel the top of your head energized, healed and relaxed.
Use cooling and sedating oils like sandalwood to relieve pain, inflammation or irritation. Use warming and stimulating cinnamon or eucalyptus to remove cold and stiffness and promote circulation.
Clockwise motion strengthens the energy at a marma; counterclockwise reduces it.
Spicy oils for heating - good for reducing Kapha and Vata: anise, basil, bay, calamus, eucalyptus, ginger, heena, nutmeg, pepper, sage and thyme. Coniferous trees like cedar, Himalayan cedar, fir, juniper, pine and spruce.
Aromatic oils for all doshas: camphor, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel, mint, motherwort, rosemary, saffron, spearmint, tumeric, wintergreen.
Aromatic oils for gynecological and reproductive system: champak, evening primrose, frangipani, gardenia, honeysuckle, iris, jasmine, lily, lotus, rose, and saffron.
Musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, arthritis, good for all 3 doshas and particularly for Vata and Kapha: frankincense, guggul, myrrh, shallaki, resins of conifers (pines)
Stabilizing consciousness in conditions of shock or hysteria, good for Vata: garlic, onion, valerian, jatamamsi, asafoetida (hing).
Herbal Pastes
Ginger, calamus, nutmeg, bayberry, cloves can be applied for headache, nasal congestion or sinusitis
Gas-dispelling herbs to navel are excellent for countering cramping, bloating and distention. Asafoetida (hing) is good for this purpose.
Tumeric paste is good for minor injuries and improving circulation, however, it leaves a yellow stain
Sandalwood paste is for cooling and stress-relieving, reducing Pitta and Vata, calming the mind and heart.
Aloe gel cools, relieves inflammation, irritation or sunburn. Combine with tumeric or sandalwood to strengthen its cooling and healing action
Soft tissue injuries: pastes of tumeric and aloe, poultice of green herbs like comfrey leaf or plantain
Injuries to joints or bones: comfrey root, ashwagandha, nirgundi, Siberian ginseng - heal and strengthen bone
Honey is good in herbal pastes for burns or wounds - natural antiseptic
Ghee is also excellent for burns, rashes and inflammations.
For pain: wintergreen, valerian, lady's slipper, kava kava, chaparral, birch, licorice, myrrh
To Restore Vital Energy
Rebuilding bones and muscles: tonic herbs - ashwagandha, bala, shilajit, astragalus, ginseng
Restoring blood and bodily fluids: tonic herbs - shatavari, marshmallow, American ginseng, rehmannia, amalaki
Healing nervous system: nervine tonics like brahmi, gotu kola, shankhapushpi, jatamamsi, haritaki, licorice
Generally 1 gm -3 gm, 3 x day. Also good taken as milk decoctions (cooked in milk) or taken with ghee. Usually combined with adequate rest, nutritive (tissue-rebuilding) diets, deep breathing exercises and restorative Yoga poses.
May 18, 2018
This is a great reference book for ancient ayurveda practice if you are into natural remedies. It focuses mainly on specific points of the body and how massaging those marmas aid different ailments. While I'll go back to this book as a reference point if need be, I found the use of Sanskrit terms used continually throughout the book, often forced me to turn to the glossary in the back and then lose the context of what I was reading.
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March 6, 2009I practice a ayurvedic lifestyle so this book is a great addition. It teaches and shows energy points on the body that are similar to acupuncture points and through manipulating them we can direct our Prana or vital energy for health and well-being. Since marmas are also connected to the chakras and nadis of yoga to helps with balancing the mind and body.
July 28, 2011
This book goes in to great detail on the Treatment Massage, energy points, type marma, hemostatic herbs, and yoga.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews