3 simple marma massage techniques to depuff the eyes

Marma point therapy is an energy healing practice at the heart of Ayurvedic medicine. These vital energy points are part of a complex map around the body that Ayurvedic physicians have used to promote healing for more than 5,000 years.

Understanding marma points

On a physical understanding, marma points are points on body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. But more importantly, it is believed that these points are points where energy, known as prana, can be stimulated and manipulated. There are 107 marma points throughout the body, all of which can be linked to everything from lung and respiratory health to the activity of the small intestine, along with another marma point in the mind. Ancient wisdom holds that if they are stimulated correctly, then {prana} can flow unrestricted through the body, promoting good health.

Marma points on the face

Marma point therapy can be particularly effective on the face in general, where more than a quarter of the body’s points are. Amongst the facial marma points are the {Kapāla} 1, a marma point in the centre of the hairline, can help with stress headaches to eye issues, while {Nāsā Puta}2, is connected to lungs and ovaries. While it can be useful for big health conditions, marma massage therapy can be also hugely beneficial for more surface concerns, like depuffing eyes, as it aids lymphatic drainage.

Depuffing eyes using marma massage

A relaxing marma eye massage can be done at any part of the day to aid depuffing, stress and boost general eye and brain health. Amongst the marma points around the eyes, the {Staphani} 3 marma, found in between the eyebrows, is said to enhance the coordination between the eyes and brain; the {Shankha marma}4, found just down from the end of the eyebrow helps release the stress built-up in the eyes, and {Apanga}5, helps with eye strain. Using circular motions, massage each point in a clockwise circular motion to increase energy flow in the mornings, or an anticlockwise circular motion to calm and relax the area at night-time. It is particularly helpful when used in conjunction with a Kansa Wand.