A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MARMA AND ACUPRESSURE POINTS

Abstract

Marma holds a significant position within Ayurveda, as documented in the Susruta Samhita, which identifies 107 Marma points in the human body1. These points are located at junctures where muscles, veins, ligaments, bones, and joints converge and are considered vital centres of life energy. In comparison, acupoints in Tradition-al Chinese Medicine (TCM) share a similar positional concept with Marma points and serve to regulate vital energy. Acupuncture techniques often involve stimulating relevant acupoints to alleviate pain and address ail-ments. Given their shared location and energy regulation characteristics, this study systematically compares their origins, general attributes, and clinical applications, drawing upon Ayurvedic and TCM literature. The findings reveal a primary distinction in their origins, with Marma originating from the battlefield culture of ancient India, while acupoints stem from the medical experiences of ancient China. In terms of general attrib-utes, they exhibit diverse characteristics rooted in their respective medical theories, employing distinct classifica-tion methods. Regarding clinical applications, acupoints have long been integrated into the broader scope of medical science, whereas Marma points gradually gained recognition for their therapeutic functions. Collective-ly, these body points emerge independently, reflecting varying perspectives on the human body cultivated by two distinct civilisations. Through cross-regional comparison, this research enriches understanding of each traditional medicinal system and the cultural contexts that underpin them. Such insights facilitate collaboration and innovation within conven-tional medicine, fostering mutual exchange and appreciation of diverse cultural heritages.