Nadis are equal to channels where specific active processes take place in a certain direction. There are 72,000 nadis that run through the entire body. The medium can be gross material like that of lymph, blood, stool, breath, nerve impulses, etc. or like the "subtle" flow of thoughts and emotions. Through the nadis distributes prana, the dynamic life force that keeps everything alive. According to its nature, it is always in motion. If this natural flow is disturbed, the nadis or marmas can become blocked. Local discomfort can occur, but also the whole system can be disturbed by the backlog or by a changed direction of flow.
Disturbances of the Marma-Nadi-System
In former times, about 3,000 years ago, these points and energy pathways were injured by warlike conflicts using arrows and spears, but in modern times the injuries take place in a different way with extensive effects. Examples of disturbing influences that can "hurt" nowadays: "Dis-Stress" - negative stress, looks or words, too much, too little or wrong movements or sports, too much and fast talking, bad digestion, bad posture, long standing, sitting and lying down, overstimulation by the media (radio, TV....), too much traveling, reading, sitting at the PC, artificial light sources, eating contrary to the constitution, wrong behavior in the seasons, bad ergonomics at the workplace, wrong or limited breathing activity, emotional imbalance, financial worries and fears.
Treatment options
Ayurveda offers very effective and often surprisingly fast-acting treatment options for this. But what is most important, as in all natural healing systems and also in allopathy, is the own recognition of the person concerned that he himself is called upon to actively help in this healing process, so that the longest possible lasting health of body and mind is guaranteed.
In order to work on blockages in the Marma Nadi system, one uses in the manual therapy area very specific massage strokes, which are executed in certain starting positions, which are changed frequently, in order to activate so the flow in the Marma Nadi system. It is important to include stretches in the massage sequences, in which the problem area or the disturbed course of the nadi is worked on in a very targeted manner. Furthermore, the choice of oil and the development of a diet and exercise plan play an important role in the treatment. Further treatment offers can be: herbal bags (Kizhi), herbal overlays (Lepa), local, external oil enemas (Katibasti). Breathing and relaxation techniques can quiet the overactive mind.
Case study (short form)
- Patient, 50 years old, owns his own nursery
- Complaint pattern: chronic headache intensified in autumn and winter, problems sleeping through the night, strong exhaustion and quickly irritated, increasingly sensitive to drafts and cold in the neck.
- Diet: every evening a large portion of salad, hard cheese and wholemeal bread, in the morning coffee and wholemeal bread, at noon salad, carbohydrates and very hasty food. Drinking 1 to 1 1⁄2 liters of water.
- Shoulder-neck area shows massive muscle hardness, arm and hand area is very contracted (muscularly stiffened), chest muscle is shortened, head and shoulder movements are very limited
- Basic constitution (Prakriti): Pitta / Vata
- Increase / disturbance (Vikriti): Pitta Vata are increased
- Blockages of the following marmas: base of the head, upper part of the trapezius, middle of the armpit, pectoral muscle, middle of the forearm, middle of the wrist and associated nadis.
- Treatment: Kalari massage, working with a reducing herbal bag, application of lepas, change of diet (avoid raw and animal protein in the evening. Learning of breathing techniques, movement exercises for everyday life, self-oiling of the affected areas, protection from draught, wetness and exposure to cold.
- Treatment outcome: Patient was symptom-free after 3 Ayurvedic treatments, continues to adhere to recommendations, and continues to come for treatments 2 to 3 times a year to maintain improved condition.
