Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF URDHWASHAKHAGAT KURPAR MARMA AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

*Dr. Hemant Bapusaheb Bamane and Dr. Nirmala Sawarkar

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Abstract

Marma, by definition are the various seats or specific locations of prana (life force) in the body.[1] It plays an important role in Shalyatantra (surgery) therefore, it is called ‘Shalya Vishayardha’ (half of the entire science of surgery).[2] This knowledge was as ancient as the vedic literature and all the major compendiums of Ayurveda & the various ancient literature such as Mahabharata have numerous references of marma. There are 107 vital points spread all over the body. Kurpar marma is one of the Shakhagat marma situated on both upper extremities and are two in number.[3] It is located at the junction of arm and forearm i.e. exactly at the elbow joint in both the upper limbs. According to Aacharya Sushruta, Kurpara marma is one of the vaikalyakara marma. Vaikalyakara marma means the marma which causes deformity on getting injured. An injury to this marma causes deformity, pain and swelling.[4] Little injuries to Marma points or anatomical areas can be fatal comparing with major injuries at anywhere else in the body leads to death of an individual or a permanent disability. However, recent researches indicate that if any Marma point is diseased or painful, then stimulating its nearby Marma points can be helpful in alleviating the pain. Several studies have reported the therapeutic effects of Marma Therapy in treating various illness.[5] Considering the importance of the Marma, as well as their recent use and future possibilities as an effective therapeutic modality, the present study has been undertaken for an in-depth study of the Science of Marma.

Keywords: Marma, Kurpar marma, Elbow joint, Marmatherapy.