Ayurvedic integration

Ayurvedic integration and Ayurvedic reflexology by Marma points

Also Ayurveda, the very ancient Indian medical system, talks about body points that may help in improving health.        Marma points are an important element of Ayurveda’s healing power. Developed in India centuries ago, these energy points profoundly affect the body, mind and spirit and facilitate the deepest levels of healing. Prana is the current of energy that infuses every cell within the body. Stimulating marmani (energy points) directly taps into this reservoir of energy and promotes health.             Ayurvedic foot massage, known as Padabhyanga in Sanskrit, treats pain, soreness or fatigue in the feet, toes and lower leg with a series of specific techniques that manipulate energy points in the body. By using these movements along with other Ayurvedic specialties, like massage oils and soaks, the Ayurvedic practitioner relieves tired legs, feet and toes.    It is not exactly a standard reflexological treatment, even if today someone says it is "Ayurvedic Reflexology".   It is mainly suggested for children and for maternity.

Considering in a wider way the Ayurvedic medical knowledge, it is possible to include the Marma points. Marma is a Sanskrit word meaning hidden , or secret. By definition, a marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. Yet marma points are much more than a casual connection of tissue and fluids; they ar intersections of the vital life force and prana, or breath.                According to Ayurvedic medicine, doshas make up a person's constitution. The trinity includes vata (air), pitta (fire) and kapha (earth).     Everone is born in a state of balance, or prakriti. During the aging process, factors such as anxiety, lackluster diet, or poor sleep habits cause disharmony among the doshas. Over the years, doshic imbalances begin to block the movement of free-flowing energy in the body. Eventually, the stagnation opens the door to physical and mental discomfort and disease.
     In all, 107 marma points cover the human body. They range in size from one to six inches in diameter. The points were mapped out in detail centuries ago in the Sushruta Samhita, a classic Ayurvedic text. Major marma points correspond to the seven chakras, or energy centers of the body, while minor points radiate out along the torso and limbs. The points cover both the front and back body, including 22 on the lower extremities, 22 on the arms, 12 on the chest and stomach, 14 on the back, and 37 on the head and neck. (The mind is considered the 108th marma).