Today’s Book Of The Day is Ayurveda and Marma Therapy: Energy Points in Yogic Healing written by Dr. David Frawley, Dr. Subhash Ranade, and Dr. Avinash Lele, published by Lotus Press in 2003.
Dr. David Frawley (or Pandit Vāmadeva Śāstrī वामदेव शास्त्री) is a Vedic teacher and author who wrote over forty books. He is the founder and director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies. He has a DLitt in Yoga and is a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award.
Dr. Subhash Ranade is one of the foremost experts and physicians on Ayurveda. He is the author of 155 books on Ayurveda and Yoga.
Dr. Avinash Lele MASc in Shalya-Shalakya Tantra (Ayurvedic Surgery), and was the Medical Director of Janaki Clinic & Panchakarma Centre. He was also Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Atreya Ayurved Panchakarma center.
Marma points therapy is a traditional Ayurvedic massage technique that helps sustain and rebalance the flow of prana, or life energy, throughout your body.
This book is a wonderful read for everyone with a background in Ayurveda, massage, or acupuncture. I suggest it also for everyone interested in learning how the human body responds to physical touch.
Of course, it represents an extremely detailed reference guide for physicians, practitioners, and also curious students of Yoga, Ayurveda, massage techniques from different traditions and schools, and natural or holistic healing (which is the reason I read it).
From what I can remember, this is the very first book on marma therapy published in the West.
One of the most relevant points that raised my interest in this book is that it clearly describes the 107 main marma points, as well as their location, properties, and usage in therapy.
Furthermore, for each point, there is a detailed description of how to use them for healing and therapy using different methods including massage, aromas, herbs, and yoga practices.
The many different Marma points are explained in relation to the different Ayurvedic body types, elements, anatomical structures, and subtle energy. They are used for healing, relieving physical pain and discomfort, promoting body and mind relaxation, and helping meditation.
I would suggest reading this book with at least a basic understanding of TCM, acupuncture, acupressure, Ayurveda, or massage, to fully enjoy the level of detail it offers.
Similar to acupuncture, Ayurveda‘s Marma uses specific points of our bodies, where energy could flow, to restore a proper balance of our vital elements and energy through proper manipulation and stimulation.
As not many books have examined Marma in such excellent detail, Ayurveda and Marma Therapy represents an essential read for everyone serious about one own’s journey into Ayurveda.
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