AYURVEDA • आयुर्वेद • LIFE KNOWLEDGE
Āyurveda is the art and science of life and longevity. A healing practice that is rooted in India with branches across the globe. The word Āyur translates to life and Veda to knowledge. Wholesomeness, wisdom and union are key concepts within this healing matrix. Balance, a key component in Vedic teachings guides us to create harmony with the elements, ecosystems, landscapes, seasons, cosmos, community, friends, family, food, fun, movement, herbs, and daily living. Connection and wholesomeness are key to consider when understanding energy levels and health.
Āyurveda is a beautiful multidimensional healing science. Simple daily practices that are unique to each individual are offered to promote health, happiness and longevity, while in some cases more complex techniques may be required. Healing methods include education of diet & life style, specific yoga asana & pranayama (depending on imbalances and constitution), herbal recommendation, various body therapies, marma chikitsa, color therapy, astrologyical awareness, meditation and more. Each individual attains balance differently.
This ancient healing art has remained alive for over 5,000 years, weathering gracefully with time and change. Adaption is part of balance and balance requires adjustment and growth. Over thousands of years Āyurveda has adapted and survived the tests of time. Today more than ever I believe this ancient medicine is needed. With great respect for my teachers and the teachers before and after me, I would like to share the ancient wisdom our ancestors passed down. I bow to the sacred life force energy in all.
MARMA • मर्म • VULNERABLE POINT
The Sanskrit word marma means sensitive or vulnerable point. The human body is alive and vibrating with energy and is believed to have specific locations that are rich with healing potential. Classically there are 117 major Marmani points. These points are located all over the body but are typically found at anatomical sites where arteries, veins, joints, bones and soft tissue intersect. These points are vital to our health because they are loaded with prana (life force/intelligence). If these points become injured, stagnant, blocked, overused, or impaired suffering may be felt. When these centres are balanced health flourishes.
Marma point locations are richly supplied by blood vessels and nerves. By gentle application of the palms or finger tips to a specific point, one can restore balance to the autonomic nervous system by bringing harmony and peace to both sympathetic and parasympathetic functions. When a marma point is stimulated, aches and pains can be released, which enlivens spirit and lifts the mood. It can help relieve pain, improve energy levels and increase flow between the body and mind. Each marma point has a specific location as well as function. Depending on the point various systems of the human body can be targeted. The effects of marma can be felt locally or distally, physically, mentally, emotionally, and immediate or over a span of time. Every individual is unique and will experience their own special process.
The application of heat, stones, oils or herbs may be incorporated depending on the individuals situation. The practice of Marma is non invasive, gentle and has a rejuvenating effect. The rule ahimsa (do no harm) is weaved through all Ayurvedic and Yoga practices.