Marma (मर्म)

Sanskrit Verse

मर्माणि मांससिरास्नाय्वस्थिसन्धिसन्निपाताः। तेषु स्वभावत एव विशेषेण प्राणास्तिष्ठन्ति॥

— (Sushruta Samhita, Sharirasthana 6/16)

Explanation

Marmas are vital points or junctions in the body where two or more types of tissues—such as muscles (Mamsa), vessels (Sira), ligaments (Snayu), bones (Asthi), and joints (Sandhi)—meet. Sushruta states that Prana (the life force) resides specially in these points. He described 107 such points in the body.

Clinical Importance

Injury to a Marma point can cause severe pain, disability, or even instant death. Knowledge of these points is critical for surgeons to avoid them, and for therapists who use Marma therapy (a type of acupressure) to stimulate the flow of Prana and promote healing.