Marma is a
Sanskrit word signifying the sensitive or vulnerable points on the body. 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
vata,
pitta and
kapha meet; where
satva,
rajas and
tamas meet. Any injury to these points may cause sudden or slow death.
Ayurveda treats marmas with massage, oils and aromas. There are 107 prime marmas according to the
Sushruta Samhita. These are the points that could be used to heal or harm. A healer may use these points to heal, and a warrior may employ these very same points to harm.
