Marmatherapy in the treatment of headaches

Marma chikitsā is rarely used alone, but is most often utilized as part of a comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment program. This approach requires of the practitioner a broad and in-depth understanding of etiology, symptomatology and the stages of pathogenesis as well as sensitivity and skill in diagnosis and the ability to design an integrated treatment protocol according to the patient’s prakruti (constitution) and vikruti (current state). 

However, in addition to its role as a team player in a general management program, manna chikitsā can be used alone effectively for immediate pain relief, long-term pain management and for first aid.

Āyurvedic First Aid

First aid therapy in Āyurveda is called sadyah phaladai chikitsā, or “that which is instantly fruit-giving”. Like Western-style first aid management, marma chikitsā can be useful for acute, emergency conditions such as nosebleed, convulsions, tremors, fever and pain. 

The experience of many years of clinical practice has shown that very often, the patient comes to the Ayurvedic physician with pain, and after marma therapy he or she leaves with a smiling face! For treatment of pain, marmāni may be selected according to the body region affected or by the doshic nature of pain (whether it is primarily vata, pitta, or kapha) and the severity of symptoms. 

In general, stimulating a marma enhances the flow of prana locally and thereby reduces pain. For mild and shortterm conditions, marma therapy alone can be quite effective. These may include herbal or dietary recommendations, exercise, panchakarma and lifestyle changes.

This chapter enumerates dozens of disorders and the marmani that can be used to treat them, either by a therapist/clinician or by an individual for self-healing. For instance, an individual with recurrent headaches can self-massage specific marmani as a preventative measure, or to mitigate an existing headache. The most beneficial points for each condition are highlighted in italic type. Additionally, the marmani are listed in order of treatment, from top of head to bottom of foot.

Today we will represent marma points, which can be used in headaches' treatment both by a physician and a patient for self-healing. A patient with repeating headaches can use self-massage of specific marma points as a preventive measure or to relieve pain. 

An initial knowledge of which marmani are relevant for a condition is vital, but then this must be tailored to the specific situation. A good example is the treatment of headaches: occipital, temporal and frontal pain each involves different marmani. Then appropriate stimulation techniques must be chosen and other therapies such as the use of medicated paste or oils can be incorporated. Additionally, essential oil that is analgesic and reduces the aggravated dosha may be selected.

	It is necessary to stimulate the Mūrdhni marma point in a common headache.
	It is recommended to stimulate the Manyāmūla marma point in an occipital headache.

Please note: Marma chikitsā is not a substitute for medical treatment or consultation with a physician.

Learn more about specific marma points for pain of different localization from the President of the Association of Ayurvedic professionals of North America, the Ambassador of Ayurveda worldwide, bachelor of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery doctor of Ayurvedic medicine, a graduate of massage; winner of Daventry, Ratna Vishva Ayurveda, Pragati, etc., author-developer of educational programmes on Ayurveda, Panchakarma, etc. Marmatherapist - Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla  at the course "Marma therapy"