Many people are aware of the concept of Chakras as described in yoga teaching, but what are the Marma points?
The Chakras are energy fields which are located at different points along the spine. The Marmas are the points (or areas) on the skin where there is a strong connection between consciousness and the physiology.
On the front of the body there are the seven major marmas, which are the centres of energy control in the organism. They turn the wheels of the chakras, and in turn reflect their energies. These are known as Mahamarmas (maha means ‘great’ in Sanskrit) and control the basic, essential functions in the body. All other marmas are grouped around these seven major centres and are subject to their control. (The seven mahamarmas are, incidentally, also related to the seven body tissue types (dhatus) as described in Ayurveda; to the different subdivisions of Ayurvedic bioregulators, the doshas; to the seven layers of the aura; and to the seven main planets in Vedic astrology.)
The reason for telling you about this is first of course because it is really interesting, but also because if you work with — or are interested in — the Chakras, you may also like to know about the set of Oshadhi Marma Oils that have been produced and are available on the website. There is a set of seven Mahamarma oils (pictured) and others for specific applications.
The Seven Mahamarma Points — Corresponding to the seven Chakras
Adhipati – Controls the 7th Chakra Sahasrara, the pineal gland, the nervous system as a whole, the lubrication of the brain, the power of thought and feeling, and the primary elements of life for health, happiness and strength (Ojas, Agni and Prana).
Sthapani – Controls the 6th Chakra (Ajna), and provides the eyes, ears and nose with prana energy. In addition it acts on the pituitary gland. Since the pituitary is superior to all other hormonal glands, this Marma is generally hormone regulating and therefore has a wide reaching influence on body functions, and on the state of mind. Sthapani rules the inner light, the light of consciousness.
Nila/Manya – Nila controls the throat Chakra, the thyroid gland, the blood circulation to the brain and the language. It ignites metabolism, stimulates the circulation, and regulates blood flow to the skin. The meridians of stomach, small intestine and colon run through Manya, and these are controlled by this Marma in addition to the salivary glands. Manya controls the water element.
Hridaya – Controls all the energy pathways and Marmas of the organism and also the great blood vessels, the respiratory system, the lymphatic system, the channels for distribution of the first essence of food. The heart is the headquarters of Ojas, which is the basis of immunity, happiness, health and vitality. Its Marma controls the 4th Chakra and is the seat of emotional intelligence.
Nabhi – Controls the third Chakra, Manipura. The main task is to ensure the flow of nutrients along the various digestive stations from the stomach through the small intestine and large intestine to the rectum. The fire at the centre of our life, the digestive fire, Agni, is located here.
Basti – Controls the second Chakra, the excretions especially of the urinary organs, but also of the colon, and menstruation. It stores sexual energy and controls the functioning of the sex organs. It is responsible for a wide range of physical functions. The Basti Marma is the energetic source of the bladder meridian, which starts left and right on the corner of the inner eye and runs paired over the frontal sinus, skull, neck, back and legs to the outer side of the little toes. It also watches over the muscles and body fat.
Guda – Controls the first Chakra and is, as the bladder Marma, involved in control of excretory functions. Its focus and energetic centre lies in the large intestine, its main element is earth. In contrast, the bladder Marma dominates the water element and the controls fluid excretion. As the bladder Marma, Guda stores sexual energy and controls the functions of the reproductive organs. Pelvic floor exercises directly affect the muscle Marma Guda and strengthen it.
Other Marma Oils
There are other marma oils too, of which the three most used are Sushumna for joints, Ropana for scars, and Adhiprana for respiration. You can find more information on the website.