Marma-sastra and Ayurveda (study)
by C. Suresh Kumar | 1999 | 41,313 words
This essay represents a comprehensive study of Marmas with special reference to Ayurvedic and Tamil Marma Sastras in relation to its applied anatomy. The study reflects on the holistic approach of ancient Indian medicine, contrasting it with Western scientific methods, while highlighting the importance of integrating human and environmental aspects...
Significance of Sira Marma
Sira Marma (includes and Sira Blood vessels)鈥擳he blood vessels are distributed in the body by series of large and small tubes which ramify and continually subdivide until the formation of capillary network. They vary in structure and are either called capillaries or vessels, depending upon their particular structural and functional characteristics. From arteries the blood is collected in minute vessels namely the veins which return the blood to heart. If any of these siras are torn or punctured or injured at the site of marma the nutrition of that vital part is lost ultimately leading to loss of function, pain, and even death. If a major blood vessel is punctured or injured it may lead to shock and ultimately death, by excessive blood loss. 64
Vaghbata 1. Brihathi 2. Mathruka Table No.IV-b Sushrutha 2 1. Neela 2 8 2 3. Neela 21 2. Manya 3. Mathruka 00 8 4. Manya 2 4. Sringataka 4 5. Kakshadhara 2 5. Apanga 2 6. Phana 2 6. Sthapani 1 7. Vitapa 2 7. Phanam 2 8. Hrdaya 1 8. Sthanamoola 2 9. Nabhi 1 9. Apalapa 2 10. Sthanamoola 2 10. Apasthambha 2 11. Parswasandhi 2 11. Hrdaya 1 12. Apalapam 2 12. Nabhi 1 13. Sthapani 1 13. Parswasandhi 2 14. Urvi 4 14. Brihathi 21 15. Lohithaksa 4 15. Lohitaksa 4 16. Urvi/Bahvi 4 Total 37 Total 41 In the case of injury to a sira marma excessive bleeding occurs suddenly. The blood loss is more dense. Due to the loss of blood, the patient suffers from vertigo, dyspnoea, unconsciousness, cough and finally he dies. 65