Study of Nabhi Marma

Nabhi Etymology—Nabhi = a wheels Nabhya = Centre part of a wheel Nah is the root word of Nabhi which means Nah Bandhaney that which is attached, otherwise 162

that which is detached only very late. Another meaning for Nabhi is to burst, be torn, to break or to destroy to hurt or to injure. Iliolumbar vein Common iliac vein Internal iliac vein Internal pudendal vein Superior vesical vein Ovarian (testicular) veins and ureter External iliac vein Internal iliac vein Middle sacral vein Deep circumflex iliac vein Deep circumflex iliac vein Lateral sacral veins Description Superficial circumflex iliac vein Obturator vein Round ligament of uterus Pubic vein Inferior epigastric vein. Plate No. 16: The anatomical area of Nabhi Situation of the marma is in between the pakwasayam (intestines) and the amasayam (stomach). This is said to be the origin of all the vessels in the body.³ 8 This is a sira marma. It is sadya pranahara and is four anguli in extent. Its bhuta structure is Agni. Adhidevatha is Rudra. 163

As this is sira and sadya pranahara marma the immediate cause of death could be explained only if this is correlated with the nerve or nerve plexus that passes through it. Surface Anatomy This marma can be palpated on the anterior abdominal wall with legs either stretched or flexed in supine sleeping position. In legs drawn up position the abdominal muscles are relaxed and it helps in deeper palpation only. Take care not to poke with pointing finger into nabhi. Anatomical structures corresponding to this marma 0 Inferior and superior mesenteric nerve plexus. 0 Inferior epigastric artery. Discussion ◎ Inferior epigastric vein. 0 Tendinous inscriptions (three) of the recti muscles. ☐ Bifurcation of abdominal aorta. ☐ Small intestines. ☐ Aponeurosis of external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominus. ☐ Caput Medusae. Simple injury does not cause sudden death. However if the abdominal aorta is disrupted then 164

it can cause instant death due to shock and haemorrhage. The deep injury may also cause reflex stoppage of the heart. Tamil varma sastra This corresponds to Urumikalam in Tamil. This life centre is situated 10 cms above the naval. If hit with a close fist from a distance of 70 cms the patient will lose his consciousness and will just utter a cry and will never hear any thing.