August 2006’s Featured Article:

Masks and Marmas

An Ayurvedic Guide To Treatments

Masks have a traditional role in deep cleansing facials and for refining the skin. As you probably know, some use very simple ingredients; others use multiple layers. Some, such as clay, dry after application, while others, such as fruit masks, remain soft. Some are made of herbal powders; others deliver active herbal or specially nutritious, refined ingredients in the skin. Some are refreshingly cool, while others are thermally activated. They all have their place in making the skin more beautiful and our clients feel especially cared for.

Mask benefits

As we have said, there are so many types, from the totally ethnic or traditional, time-tested to the newest, marvelous techno-inventions whose benefits we are just beginning to witness. Some of the benefits that any mask may promise may include the possibility to:

Reduce heat, redness or irritation
Soothe and calm breakouts
Deeply nourish and moisturize
Make the skin feel softer and more silky
Firm the skin and make it more youthful looking
Deeply cleanse and refine the pores
Lighten and brighten skin tones
Refresh the skin and stimulate circulation
Brighten and lighten the mind
Give clients time to be still, and take time to connect with their innermost being

Masks have been used for centuries all over the world, but in India, in the Ayurvedic tradition, they are used after the vital, secret energy points called marmas have been gently touched. It is believed that if you touch these marma points, the skin is more receptive to nutrients and moisture, and is better able to cleanse and rejuvenate. The use of marmas points can then make any mask more effective.

Networking with chakras

Marmas are subtle energy points described in Ayurveda that network with the chakra system. They are used to promote health, beauty and well-being. They facilitate better communication between the skin and the systems in the body. And this helps maintain all the necessary functions that produce health and vitality, such as providing the skin with the correct nutrients and moisture as well as providing inner cleansing and subtle energy balancing. Some marma points share their positions with acupuncture points; others with lymphatic gates. No matter what we call them, they are places on the face and body that when touched, can easily and powerfully enhance the effectiveness of any treatment.

There are 107 major marmas, of which 37 are on the head, shoulders, face and upper chest. Knowing this, it is no small wonder that a skillful facial can be as restorative as a full-body massage or great exercise class. What then is this restorative power of these mamas and how do marmas work?

Intelligence network

Marma points can be thought of as an intelligence network designed to keep feeding our body information on how to best take care of itself. You can think of marmas as little eyes or spies all over the skin that report to the rest of the body about the work that is needed to keep the body healthy, happy and inspired. Of course, it is optimal for the eyes to be open and have clear vision or the spies to be loyal and on top of their game. If the little eyes are open and the spies are awake, we can expect our skin and whole body to be properly cleansed, nourished and hydrated. Our body will age more slowly, remain more supple, hold a better posture and suffer less pain and tension. We will look youthful and vibrant no matter what age we are. Not only that, but with fuller information being reported back into the body system from the activated marmas, we will naturally make healthier choices. We may find our memory is better or our intuition is heightened. We may find we feel positive about life even if times are tough and be able to connect with a sense of inner peace and strength. On the deepest level, we could feel inspired and experience an urge to act responsibly and be helpful in the world. We all will become more beautiful in all of the outer, inner and secret ways that are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts.

With marmas activated, any product that is applied to the skin will be more effective. More nutrients will be absorbed and taken more deeply into the skin, you should see further hydration, deeper cleansing, and firming that holds longer. Plus, the skin will have that indefinable healthy glow because when marmas are awake, they shine with divine light. Your masks, no matter the type you choose, will become magical.

The power of touch

Unfortunately, marmas need care and encouragement. So, how can we keep the marmas awake and active? The first thing is touch. All types of touch promote better health and a sense of well-being, but touching the specific marma points allows you to get faster, better results. You can use whichever fingers you want or even your thumbs, if that is more comfortable. You then touch lightly, moving in a gentle, clockwise direction. Use any or all of the points in the diagram before you apply the mask, as you apply a mask or as you take it off.

Though touch is key for opening up the marmas, they may also be opened through relaxation, meditation, the use of essential oils, the placement of crystals on the face or body, pranayama or breathing exercises and all yoga postures. Many of these elements can actually be incorporated easily into a facial.

For your guidance, refer to the chart provided. Don’t worry about not being in exactly the right place—there are 84,000 minor marmas, so no matter where you touch, there will be some benefit. It is very important that you touch your client with love and confidence, so go ahead and try it on yourself and then try it on your client and see what happens.

Marma points work locally to enhance the health and beauty of the skin around them, reflexively to help other parts of the body, and also on the mind and even our innermost being.

Marmas are vital energy points from the Ayurvedic tradition that awaken the natural beauty in every face. Touching these points slows aging, helps keep the skin healthy, gives it a vibrant glow and enhances the effectiveness of any product.

Marma points

The names of the points vary from book to book, so I have the alternative names in parentheses.

Touch the first five points with 15 to 30 gentle, clockwise circles. The others may be touched with gentle, clockwise circles or by using a gentle pressing and releasing action.

1. Adhipati (murdi or mardi): On the midline of the head, 11 finger-widths above the eyebrows. Calms the mind, kindles deeper understanding, fosters contentment, heightens perception and assists with spinal alignment.

2. Brahma randra: On the midline, eight finger-widths above the eyebrows. Helps insomnia, elevates mood, eases headache and balances body weight.

3. Shiva randra: On the midline, 15 finger-widths above the eyebrows. Helps lower blood pressure, relieves dizziness and improves memory and sense of alertness.

4. Vdhura: Over the mastoid process, behind the ear. Addresses ear congestion and states of anxiety or mental tension.

5. Krikatika (manya/viduram): Both sides at the top of the spine. Helps relieve tension in the neck and back and improve posture.

6. Simanta: All the joints in the skull. Use all your fingertips to encourage the scalp to move over the skull. This feels nurturing and helps rest and relaxation.

7. Arshak: On the top of the collarbone where it joins the breastbone. Press and release down toward the waist. This helps to balance liver (right), and spleen (left), which helps dispel anger and boost energy.

8. Manya: Side of the neck, four finger-widths below the earlobe. Improves circulation to face and stimulates lymph.

9. Sira matrika: Either side of upper windpipe. Helps to improve facial circulation and voice.

10. Nila: Either side of lower windpipe. Helps to improve voice and ease throat pain.

11. Kantha (svara): Mid-neck or around the Adam’s apple. Gentle circles help to improve thyroid function and the ability to express feelings and regulate mood.

12. Kathanadi (jatru): Slightly behind the top of the breastbone. Press and release gently toward the waist. Helps to clear voice and upper respiratory congestion.
For the next four points, touch them gently, pressing and releasing 10 times.

13. Hanu: In the middle of the chin. Helps to improve circulation to the face and connects with inner feelings.

14. Oshta (usta): In the middle of the upper lip. Helps to ease dizziness and fainting; improves mental clarity and sexual desire.

15. Phana (nasa): Where each nostril joins the face. Helps clear sinuses, strengthens lungs and helps us cope with stress.

16. Gandu: Halfway up the nose on either side. Helps to clear the sinuses and brighten the eyes.

17. Apanga: In the outer corner of each eye. Press away from the eye toward the bony orbit to help relieve eye strain and puffiness or inflammation.

18. Bhruh (kaninika): Below the inner corners of the eyebrows on the upper bony orbit. Gently press away from the eye toward the top of the head to help ease eye strain and headaches.

19. Avarta: In the middle of each eyebrow. Helps bring energy to the head and helps the client feel more centered.

20. Shankha: In the hollows of both temples. Gently rub with small circles to improve memory and help with feeling more connected.

21. Sthapani: In the middle of the forehead. Gently rub in a clockwise spiral to help relieve tension and bring peace and harmony to the mind.

About Melanie Sachs

Melanie Sachs, a certified Ayurvedic life counselor, healer and teacher, is sought after by some of the world’s leading spas and beauty schools. She has published Ayurvedic Beauty Care, and is recognized internationally for the application of Ayurveda to the beauty world.