Acupressure and Marma points

Marma points: The energy points in the body used for healing also compared to acupuncture points in Chinese Medicine. 

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice originating in China as far back as 2000 BCE. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves the application of manual pressure to specific points on the body, called acupoints or pressure points.

Not to be confused with acupuncture, which employs thin needles to target acupoints, acupressure shares the same goal of stimulating the body’s energy flow or ‘qi‘ (pronounced ‘chee’) to restore balance and promote natural healing. An acupressure practitioner does this by applying pressure with their fingers, elbows, or specialized tools to stimulate these points.

An underlying premise of TCM is that the body has interconnected meridians or energy pathways. Along these meridians, there are numerous acupoints that can become blocked, causing energy imbalances that result in health issues like chronic pain, anxiety, and digestive distress. By stimulating these points with manual pressure, acupressure aims to release these blockages, restore balance, and improve overall health.

Acupressure has some similarities to Shiatsu, which is a combination of knealing, pressing, tapping and stretching techniques. The difference between Acupressure and Shiatsu is that: Shiatsu usually employs deep, sustained pressure, while acupressure can have sustained pressure, a repeated pumping action, or pressure applied while moving in small circular motions.

What Health Issues Can Acupressure Address?

During an acupressure session, the practitioner will conduct an intake to assess their client’s condition, which will determine the specific acupoints to be targeted. So what can acupressure do for you?

Stress and Anxiety

Acupressure can help alleviate tension, thereby reducing overall stress and anxiety levels.

Headaches and Migraines

Applying pressure to key acupoints, can alleviate headaches and migraines by reducing muscle tension and stimulating blood flow.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Acupressure can help with pain relief for many musculoskeletal issues, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. Acupoints like Bladder 23 (BL23) and Gallbladder 21 (GB21) are commonly targeted to address these concerns.

Digestive Problems

Issues like indigestion, bloating, and constipation can be addressed with acupressure by stimulating points like Stomach 36 (ST36) and Conception Vessel 6 (CV6).

Sleep Disorders

Acupressure can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality by targeting points like Heart 7 (HT7) and Pericardium 6 (P6).

Are There Any Contraindications?

While acupressure is generally considered safe, there are certain precautions that should be taken. Pregnant women, those with cancer, heart disease, or other severe medical conditions should consult their physician before undergoing acupressure. Additionally, acupressure should be avoided around open wounds, recent surgical sites, or broken bones.

As with any health practice, it’s essential to choose a qualified and experienced practitioner. While acupressure can be learned and practiced at home, a professional who is licensed in massage therapy and/or acupuncture will be best equipped to provide the most appropriate and effective treatment for your specific needs. And as a reminder, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment, including acupressure.

Acupressure has shown promise in addressing numerous health concerns, such as stress, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, digestive problems, and sleep disorders. Given its non-invasive nature, it can be an invaluable component of your broader health and wellness routines.

Marma Points

These ‘points’ are referred to in Chinese Medicine as Acupuncture or Acupressure points. This isn’t to say that the two systems discount each other – many books on marma points also speak of meridians and many books on acupuncture mention chakras. According to Chinese Medicine, energy (prana or chi) can stagnate in these points and, have healing practices focused on freeing this energy, whether through acupuncture or acupressure.

Literally translated, marma means ‘a point that can kill’, and indeed some of the marma points have been identified and used in martial arts, however in marma point massage, these points are only used for healing purposes. They’re also identified as neurolymphatic points, stimulating the removal of lymph and enhancing the efficiency of the body’s organs. 

The focus of Marma Therapy is primarily to manipulate subtle energy or prana, but physically they’re also very effective for relieving stiff muscles and boosting circulation. Marma therapy is used extensively throught acupressure and is considered important in self-care and self-healing practices. Just as many of us are (re)discovering, the key to greater health and happiness doesn’t necessarily lie outside of us, but instead is quite literally at our fingertips.  

There are said to be 107 marma points on the body, each serving a particular purpose, and each with its own name and specific way of pressing it.

How to give yourself a Marma Point Therapy

One of the best things about knowing where certain marma points are located, is that you can utilise them and use a gentle self-massage technique wherever and whenever you are! Keep reading for three marma points you can massage daily to help you feel vibrant and well wherever you find yourself!

Talahridaya

Known as the point at the ‘heart of the hand’, this marma point is found at the center of the palm, and measures ½ anguli (half a finger unit) in size.

Talahridaya marma point

This point is closely linked to Anahata, the heart chakra, and is thought of as an important point in stimulating circulation throughout the whole body. It links closely to the lungs and respiratory health, and is also a vital marma point to work with regarding communication. Therapists who use their hands can also massage this point before a treatment to enhance the flow of prana to the palms. 

Massage this point in a strong, circular motion for roughly five minutes. Sesame or almond oil is best used, with essential oils like eucalyptus for opening blocked sinuses or ‘energising’ the hands. You can also energise the point further by rubbing the palms together until they feel warm. 

Indrabasti

Referring to the God Indra’s arrow, this point is found at the center of the calf muscle, and measures approximately ½ anguli (half a finger unit).

Indrabasti marma point on the back of the lower leg

Massaging the calves is important to do daily, as they can very easily become tight, but also because they’re one of the most important parts of the body regarding blood flow! They are sometimes referred to as the ‘second heart’ pumping the venous blood back up to the heart through the veins as they contract and release through movement and exercise. When they’re unable to work efficiently, the heart has to work a lot harder. Another reason to get up out of your chair as much as you can!

In Ayurvedic marma therapy, this point is said to control the digestive system and the activity of the small intestine. Massage this point with a strong, circular motion for roughly five minutes. Acupressure here can increase agni or ‘digestive fire’ and digestion, especially when your massage oil is combined with essential oils like fennel, ginger, cinnamon or black pepper.

Phana

Meaning ‘a serpent’s hood’ and found at the sides of the nostrils.

Phana marma point on each side of the nostrils

Each of these two points measures ½ anguli (half a finger unit) in size, and is located just outside the base of the nose, where the nostrils open out. These points are said to control the flow of prana through the subtle body, the sense of smell, and the sinuses. 

To massage these points, use a strong and circular motion for about five minutes simultaneously. When using the index finger for acupressure at this point, it is said to help relieve headache symptoms and sinus congestion, and can be even more effective when coupled with aromatic oils like peppermint, eucalyptus or camphor. Choose a massage oil such as mustard or apricot oil if available.