MARMA POINTS AND OILS
Marma points are energy centres of the body. Marma means secret, hidden and vital. The Chinese used marma points to develop the complex system of energy points known as the acupuncture meridian system. These points were used in ancient times to energetically harm the enemy by wounding or striking a blow at these vital spots. Physicians also studied these points to heal soldiers injured in battle.
Marma points are points of connection between the physical body and the subtle energetic bodies. They often relate to specific muscles, organs or tissues. Marma points can be used in self-massage or massaging others to balance energies, restore normal function, and energize or relax. Marma points are traditionally combined with Indian massage but can be used alone or with other methods.
Marma points are located on the body by taking finger measurements from various points. Because people have different size fingers, the patient’s fingers are used to measure. Marma points are not as specific as acupuncture points and can be as large as six inches across. For this book, we have used a chart and written descriptions to help locate the points.
Traditionally, medicated oils were used to energize and massage these marma points. Here in the West, essential oils have been substituted as they are much more common and are, more robust and more potent than medicated oils. Because each marma point refers to an anatomical area or body function, specific essential oils will appropriately stimulate that part or process. In listing the marma points, we will give their number (our system), their Indian name, location, the body part or position to which they refer, and a few of the many essential oils associated with their stimulation.
Marma points are massaged with the thumb. A drop of warm oil is applied to the marma point before massage; this oil will be premixed with the appropriate vegetable and essential oils for the individual. The condition will be back inward, slowly increasing pressure, outward, inward, in ever-increasing and decreasing circles. Perform about five rings going out and five ming back; do this three times. Marma points thatare blocked or ooutof balance will be more tender and painful than oothers If you suspect a marma point is blocked, you may add one drop of a specific essential oil for that marma point right onto the area where you have already applied the general massage oil. This additional stimulation will energetically free up the point.
