Marma massages - Rubbing off the Alzheimer dilemma

Modern science has delimited us to look everything from a cellular angle, persuading us to believe that some ailments are beyond the control of human capability. But reality is far from this paradox. Dr.R.Chandrasekhran’s approach on Alzheimer’s discard these clinical relevations made by modern allopaths.

Gifted with Indian holistic science, Ayurveda,
Dr. R.Chandrasekharan is confident about his scientific intervention, and is successful to a large extent in combating this deadly disease. Dr.Chandrasekharan is the former professor and the Head of the post Graduate center, Govt.Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. Moreover, he has over thirty years of experience in Marmatherapy to equip him to face the challenge.

Marmatherapy is some what similar to the Chinese medicine, acupuncture, as both therapies are based on the stimulation of certain vital points, resulting in the effective cure. In Marmatherapy, the points are called Marma points , and are seen on the body where flesh, veins, arteries, tendons, bones and joints meet. They may be seen as the junctions where Vaata, Pitta and Kapha meet. Philosophically speaking, they are the points of physical, actual and causal bodies. According Marma scholars, there are 107 marma points in the body, networked to major charkas or energy centers of the body. Out of which, the snayu marma points controls human nervous system and they are twenty seven in number. In short, they are the points that have great importance in a person’s body, mind and soul.

“The optimal stimulation of these pivotal points by massage helps to develop the preventive health and longevity of the body and mind, ensuring the proper balance and flow of hormones, fluids, immune factors etc” says Dr. Chandrasekharen. Enlightened by this, his therapeutic package give pre-dominance to marma massages, and has included kayiyuzhichil (palm massage) and chavittiyuzhichil (foot massage) in the treatment schedule, the former type needs great skill and knowledge.

Unlike the Chinese acupuncture, the vital points are less in number and larger in size, enabling the physician to detect and study them clearly. Marma points are measured in finger units, ‘anguli’.

While undergoing the treatment, the patient has to observe both physical and spiritual regimen for effective results. The medicated oils and decoctions used for the stimulation of the marma points are of ayurvedic type. Apart from this, suitable panchakarma method is also prescribed by the physician according to the demand of the patient's physical condition.

Effect of massage on skin

Massage cause an increase in the circulation of blood, and there by stimulate the nerve endings. This stimulation results in the production of histamine like substances which will cause vasodilatation and enhance the lymphatic circulation of the concerned part of the body system.

Effect on the muscles

When medicated oil is applied on the muscle, it will loosen the muscle fiber, which are in a state of atrophy and diminished activities. Inflammatory reactions due to the accumulation of toxic materials like uric acid and lactic acid in the tissue are eliminated with the increase in circulatory rate of blood, by performing the massage therapy.

Effect on the Circulation

Massages on human extremities accelerates both nervous and lymphatic circulation because of the increased pressure applied during the process. This deep massages causes the emptying of the vein and lymphatic mechanically. Fluid cannot return on account of the operation of waves with in the vessels, therefore more space is created for blood returning from the deeper parts of the body. The exchange or passing of tissue fluids and lymph helps the bathing of the tissues, which helps in the growth and nutrition of cells naturally But continued inactivity leads to impede normal nutrition due to the defective drainage by the lymphatic .

Effect on the Nervous system

Nerve endings are stimulated by the massage, these endings supply both movements and sensibility to various parts of the body. Massages have the power of rejuvenating the vitality of nervous and spinal cord. A gentle and short stimulation applied to the nerves containing both vasoconstrictors and vasodilators turn to produce the contractions-dilation of blood vessel. But a strong and prolonged stimulation given by the massage will produce vasodilatation and there by increases the circulation of heart.

Effect on Marmabhigatha (stress on marma)

From the above analyses, it’s clear that massages has a definite action on the body’s physiological function. If we study all these changes occurred by a massage, it’s obvious that ultimate massage act by removing srodhorodham (removing the cellular block). According to general conception regarding srodhorodhana -block of small siras(vein) is the cause for a number of diseases. By the performance of massage the obstruction of nerve impulses and nerve disorders can be removed, therefore by adopting massage, a smooth running of vaata and other doshas and Raktha(blood) can be achieved. When the disturbance are not relieved in time it leads to nijarogi (internal tridosha imbalance). The treatment for it will be prescribed according to the pre-dominance of Doshakopa as stated earlier. And it’s the vaata, which become vitiated in the majority of Marmabhigatha cares.