Abstract

Abstract

Sushruta's concept of Marma is a significant contribution, and it should be treated as a mirror of surgery, as there are 107 vital points in various parts of the body that should be carefully handled during surgery and always protected from injury, as they contain the component of life or vital energy (prana). Marma, an Ayurvedic science, is a treatise on Surgico-anatomical learning. The Sushruta samhita’s chapter 'Marma sharira' provides thorough information about Marmas based on the bodily organs or structures involved, the time-bound repercussions of the trauma, the area and sizes, the locales and locations across the body, and so on. Marma was defined by Ayurveda as essential areas of the body that produce death on severe damage or suffering similar to death or the site of irregular pulse and pain on pressure, as well as the seat of life (Jivasthana). This is the point where Prana (a component of life or vital energy) meets five structures: Sira (veins), Snayu (nerves), Sandhi (joints), Mamsa (muscles), and Asthi (bones). Any injury or mechanical involvement that directly affects the Marma sthana (Marmas' sites) results in death or significant effects sooner or later. Bhrama (confusion), Pralapa (delirium), Dourvalya (weakness), Chittanasha (lack of consciousness), Strastanga (restlessness), loss of sensation in parts, rise in body temperature, loss of joint function, unconsciousness, shallow breathing, severe pain, bleeding, loss of perception of senses, and so on are some of the general manifestations.