Working with Marma Points and Chakras What is the special meaning of marma points and chakras? How are they related with the endocrine system? The answer to these questions may be found somewhere between the subtle and the gross plane. They are important parameters in Ayurveda therapy and Yoga in order to balance the energy level and to harmonize or stimulate the levels of tension On the biological and matter basis, the interaction of the endocrine system provides the organism with body fluids and important proteins, such as, for example, the hormones produced by the organs of the endocrine system. Endocrine means that the gland conveys the hormone directly to the blood or to the tissues and thus controls the metabolic processes of the body. The endocrine glands are responsible for the energy level of humans. They have an influence on charisma, joie de vivre, sensitivity, presence in the here and now, but also melancholy, fatigue, depression and irritability. They control growth, development and the functioning of essential organs as well as the various interconnections of channels in the organism, such as the veins, the arteries, the lymphatics or the nerve tracts. It is a fascinating interaction that controls and connects both the physical and mental processes in the human body, and the contact between matter and the subtle plane. The position of the great Marma points The anatomical position of the glands corresponds to the position of the seven chakras and the position of the great Marmas. In Ayurveda and Yoga therapy, a variety of treatment options are used to bring body and mind in harmony and to dissolve both physical and emotional blockages. The Ayurvedic treatments strengthen the inner organs, detoxify the organism and support the selfhealing forces. The Marma points are the equivalents to the acupuncture points in Chinese medicine. Marma points are energy and vital points. They are important anatomical areas where bone connections, joints, tendons, muscles, arteries, veins, lymphatics, and nerves meet. These are points of the individual or even different systems and transport tracks where blood, lymph, nerves, respiration and food are bundled or cross each other. This imagination gives an idea of the incredible number of these energy points. 107 important centers are mentioned in the ancient scriptures. This well-founded knowledge goes back to Sushruta Muni, a surgeon of the 6th century AD, who studied the Marma points and described them scientifically in the Sushruta Samhita. Centers of vital energy The Marma points correspond to the acupuncture points in Chinese medicine, which developed from the traditional Ayurvedic healing system. They are highly pulsating centers of life energy and when they are affected it can lead to death. Accordingly they react on external influences and organic imbalances in a sensitive way, susceptible to pain. Even in Sushruta s time, care was taken during the surgical procedures of Ayurveda medicine to ensure that these points were not injured. Special treatments were made in order to prevent from Kerstin Tschinkowitz 1/6
consequential damages and to positively strengthen the healing process. On one hand, they connect the anatomical structures and provide them with healing Prana energy, on the other hand they connect the physical plane with the subtle plane of consciousness. They open the door to self-awareness training and activate the holistic healing process Marma points are energy and vital points. Their sensibility to pain and aesthesia provides a sophisticated body warning system for individual health in a holistic sense including the symbiosis to the cosmos. Nadis subtle energy channels The vital points are connected by a finely branched network of subtle energy channels, the nadis, which supply the Marmas with the subtle power, the nutrient essence of Prana. The origin of the nadis rests at the base of the spine (coccyx, root chakra), from which emerge the three central nadis, Ida, Pingala and Sushumna also called the mind, body and soul along the spine through the seven chakras and central Marmas and move up to the skull opening. Ida runs along the left side of the spine and exits through the left nostril. Pingala runs on the right side and exits through the right nostril. Between the two, in the middle of the spine, there is the Sushumna, which exits through the fontanelle in the crown chakra. In a metaphorical sense it is a high-voltage line. When it succeeds to unite the power of Ida and Pingala, the physical, mental and subtle energies may unfold their entire power. The chakras, the main energy centers, are described as energy vortexes. In their essence they contain the information for all stages of human development. The individual path of life forms the body, mind and soul. In combination with Ida and Pingala, they synchronize the different levels of consciousness leading the energy through all the chakras. From these streams of energy, the human personality is created. Like a tree, they branch out throughout the body and in their subtleness they accompany the vessels, of the nervous, the blood and the lymphatic system. Just like on the physical plane, there may occur blockages and congestions on the subtle plane, which harm the flow of energy. In the yoga practice, special physical and breathing exercises help to activate the energies on the physical plane. They elevate the energy potential and that of consciousness in the chakras and release it to the body, soul and mind. The endogenous glands and nerve plexuses, which are strongly influenced by the activity of the chakras are arranged anatomically along the spine corresponding to the chakras and Marmas. The energy vortexes attract the energy and facilitate and support the secretion of glands that is necessary for the vital function. Comparisons between glands, chakras, and Marmas lead to interesting equivalents. Mediator between body and chakras When you consider the essential task of the glandular system in interplay with the chakras and the Marma points, you reach the limit of scientific measurability. Kerstin Tschinkowitz 2/6
The central Marma points are in direct contact with the chakras via the Nadis. They are often described as identical. It is obvious that the Marma points are mediators between the physical and subtle plane as in both parts they mediate between the physical body and the chakras. A vital point may signalize an irritation through sensitiveness, pain or hardness before it has manifested physically. The body and our soul tell us that there is disharmony in the way of life or diet and signals: stop change. If this is not perceived, the psychosomatic symptoms that have hitherto only been perceived may manifest in the relevant anatomical areas. An Ayurvedic practitioner trained in the perception of all the senses will holistically pursue this path and develop the appropriate therapeutic measures. The treatment methods in the Marma Therapy of Ayurveda originate from the high school of Ayurvedic manual therapy (physiotherapy). They have developed from the accumulated Ayurvedic knowledge of medicine, the anatomy of the Marma points, the traditional Kalari martial arts, the medicated oils, pressure massages or acupressure and massages, manual and spiritual forms of therapy. Basically, it is respectful to assume that the treatments of Marma points in the tradition of Ayurvedic medicine are like a path of initiation. This knowledge is a gift that has a great potential for healing, but it can also cause damage through ignorance and immaturity. For this reason, we should respectfully bow down when this knowledge is passed over to us through a Master, and handle it with respect and reverence. Those who work with the Marmas should have undergone a thorough training, meditate before doing treatment, and approach treatment and the client with a pure, sattvic mind. Kerstin Tschinkowitz 3/6
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Contact address Kerstin Tschinkowitz Freiestrasse 44 CH-2502 Biel / Bienne info@ayurvedabalance.ch Kerstin Tschinkowitz 6/6