There are various systems of massage in practice in addition to the Ayurvedic treatment. One of such most advanced and sophisticated systems in Kerala is Marma Therapy.

Marma Therapy, among the most popular health care systems in Kerala, has been developed and perfected over the many years of practice and experience. Early reference of the word Marma is seen in  Atharvaveda.  During Vedic period knowledge of Marma was known to kings and warriors.  It was applied in battle fields to hit and achieve maximum fatal effect against their enemies.  Therefore it can be assumed that this science was used both in warfare and surgery.

As a practical science, the Marma therapy has been widely acclaimed as an effective treatment method and has been in vogue from time immemorial in many parts of South India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This art had, for many years, been kept a closely guarded secret and was known only to a few close relatives and insiders in family.  These families rendered treatment more as a duty than as their profession.  Hence the actual treatment remained as a secret in the family. This led to the downfall of this science.

Marma is certain vital points spread all over the surface of human body.  These are the places where the Prana (life force) is said to be sited.  Hence any injury to these centers or in the vicinity of these areas are highly painful and might lead to irreparable damages or even death. Hence these areas are highly guarded from injury.  Probably, that is the reason why this knowledge was the part and parcel of the curriculum in Martial art practices.  The warrior learns how to induce maximum possible injury to his opponents and even silent death. But the very same points could be triggered to revive him from the harmful effects of ones trauma. In Tamil literature a very exhaustive descriptions of Marma points are found. Here we could find very clearly the treatment of every injury to Marma.By application of various treatment modalities like massage, internal medicines, as well as Panchakarma we seek to alleviate various diseases due to trauma and it is to our credit that we achieve commendable success in this filed.

The Healing Power of Marma Therapy

What do these symptoms have in common: headaches, muscular pain, fatigue, recurring back and neck pains, aches in the joints and impaired immune response? While there is more than one possible answer, it could primarily be due to the stress-filled life, which disrupts the flow of Vital Energy or Chetna. According to Susruta in Susruta Samhita (ayurvedic text) the body has 108 vital spots or Marma centers. The energy flows and accumulate in these spots. Any imbalance in these centers causes body ailments, which can be rectified using certain revival techniques practiced in Marma Therapy. The first science of massage described in the classical Ayurvedic text, Sushruta Samhita points to vital spots, similar to Chinese acupuncture. But, unlike acupuncture it does not involve any invasive use of needles.

Revitalizing through Marma

From common ailments to serious neuromuscular diseases, all can be treated by Marma therapy. Common ailments like headaches, body aches, faulty spinal alignment, pain in the joints can be revitalized through Marma Chikitsa, which involves Snehana, Abhayanga, Pizhichil, and Kizhi treatment. Kizhi treatment is a therapy wherein heated herbs and medicinal oils are tied in cloth bags and placed on the area to be treated. This is followed by specific massages, done using the fingers, heel of the hand or palm. The pressure application varies according to the nature of ailment and the spot. Neuromuscular diseases need prolonged treatment. In Kerala there are number of Marma experts who can totally heal various kinds of neuromuscular diseases.

Marma Therapy

Marma therapy focuses on energizing the body to relieve occupational illness and stress related diseases. Often, it helps the couples to re-establish harmony in marital life. Marma Chikitsa (therapeutic treatment in vital spots) is an offshoot of the Kalarippayattu, Keralas martial art. In Kerala, Marma therapy joins the streams of Sidha and Kalari. Penetration of any of the 108-marma points causes injury and knowledge of these points are used to align the upset equilibrium between the Tridosha Vata (wind), Pitta (bile), & Kapha (phlegm). These 3 elements form the essence of life. Marma Chikitsa is basically a neuromuscular and orthopedic science. In southern Kerala, the Agasthya system is practiced, the chikitsa (therapy) is an amalgamation of the Kalari Sidha Veda and Ayurveda forms. Oil therapy or Snehana is an important part of Marma Chikitsa, warm, medicated oils are applied in large amounts all over the body. The medicated oils are used in specific body sites, such as on the charkas and Marma points or at specific trouble spots. The body is then massaged using these oils; this specific technique of massage is known as Abhayanga. Marma Abhayanga is different from Ayurveda Abhyanga.

Marma Abhayanga

Abhayanga involves the use of major and minor marma points. The success of the chikitsa depends on two factors one is the patients faith in the system, god and the master. The second factor is the master or 'Gurukkal' himself and his experience that play a pivotal role in the treatment process. Although the marmas are the junctions of all 5 principles (flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints) at each point pre-dominance of one principle exists. It is at these points where Abhayanga can most effectively restructure or rebalance the system to function most healthily. Further, Abhayanga helps develop the bodys immune system and longevity of both the body and mind, by ensuring the proper balance and flow of hormones, fluids, immune factors etc.

What are the Marma Points?

Marma points are positions on the body where flesh, veins, arteries, tendon, bones and joints meet. They may also be described as the junctions where Vayu, Pitta and Kapha meet; where Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas meet, or where eternity and relativity meet. While a healer uses these points to heal, for a warrior the very same spots could be used to harm.
The Marma points are the points where the three aspects of realization meet, i.e. the inner self, outer world, and intersection of the above two. Thus these are junctions between the physical, astral and causal bodies. The Marma points are of great importance to a persons body, mind and spirit, as these are the points where the spirit hinges the body.

Marma Grouping

Marma points are grouped according to the region of the body. Arms 22 points, legs 22 points (11 per limb), abdomen 3 points, chest 9 points, back 14 points, & head and neck 37 points. The Marma points are also grouped according to other aspects such as muscles 10 points, tenders/ligaments 23 points, Arteries 9 points, Veins 37 points, joints 20 points & bones 8 points.
Traditionally Marma points are grouped into 3 categories, those on the legs and feet (Sankha Marma), on the trunk (Madhayamanga Marma), & neck and head (Jatrurdhara Marma).
If these points are pierced or hit forcefully, it could result in disease, trauma or even death. The heart, forehead and throat are the most vulnerable areas, whereas the areas on the arms and legs are less vulnerable to severe injury. When imbalances exist in the body, these spots become sore, through Marma Abhayanga health is restored. When a person is hit at a Marma point, the pain constantly fluctuates, if the injury is made by a weapon or the point is hit forcefully it can prove fatal, often causing death.

Marma in terms of Ayurveda

Ayurvedadetails the 108 Marma points major, and minor, which exist on the body. The major points correspond to the major charkas on the body, while the minor points are found around the torso and limbs. Thus healing through Marma Abhayanga affects the charkas, physical health and the doshas. The purpose of a Marma Abhayanga is to stimulate the various body organs and systems. These points are measured by finger units to detect their correct location. For eg - 'Animarma' is a Marma point existing just above the knee, four fingers above the middle of the knee. This point relates to the small intestine, and is situated at on the back of the leg, directly behind this spot. If we move the hands from the front Animarma, in a straight line to the back (i.e. by working the sides of the leg that are in line with Animarma), this Marma would be stimulated. So working on a Marma point affects the front, sides and back of a Marma, encircling the area around the arm or leg.

Kalari and Marma Healing

Kalarippayattu also teaches the Marma (meaning vital points of the body) system. Kalari-Marma system is a combination of traditional, ayurvedic and siddha systems of Marma. The southern system of Kalarippayattu developed a concept of Amritnila (nectar placement), which explains that the effectiveness of attack on Marma depends on the lunar movement. The most effective point changes with the moon and such effective points of each day are known as the Amritnila. They also speak of Attangal Marma (particular points), which can be used as a first aid to bring the patient to a state of consciousness. The Marma Vijnana (knowledge of Marma) has twin aspects, martial and therapeutic.
The available published manuscripts on Kalari - Marma therapy are Rangabhyasam, Ayudhabhyasam,Kalarividya, Marma Chikitsa,Marma Sasthra Peedhika, Marma Samacharam and Marma Chaari.