Pressure Pain Threshold Evaluation in Marma Therapy: A Survey

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pressure Pain Threshold Evaluation in Marma Therapy: A Survey”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Marma:
The term 'Marma' refers to vital points on the body that play a significant role in Ayurveda. There are 107 Marma points, which include areas like joints and ligaments. Gentle stimulation of these points is used in Marma Chikitsa to invigorate the flow of Prana and alleviate disruptions in Vata.

2) Pain:
'Pain' is a primary sensation measured in the study, identified through the Pressure Pain Threshold using a Pressure Algometer. This research evaluates the pain experienced at various Marma points, like Manibandha, Kurcashira, and Gulpha, to facilitate effective Marma therapy for treatment without medicinal use.

3) Manibandha (Mani-bandha, Manibamdha):
'Manibandha' is one of the Rujakara Marma located at the wrist. It's a critical joint and Marma point assessed in the study to determine its pressure pain threshold using an algometer. It showed distinct sensitivity compared to other Marma points like Gulpha and Kurcashira.

4) Pramana:
'Pramana' refers to the prescribed measurements or extents of Marma points and their relevance in Ayurveda. These measurements dictate the boundaries within which pressure is applied during Marma therapy to trigger therapeutic benefits without causing harm.

5) Kurcashiras (Kurcasiras, Kurca-shiras):
'Kurcashira' is another Rujakara Marma located around the wrists and ankles. This Marma point was measured to evaluate its pressure pain threshold, illustrating differences between upper and lower limbs when subjected to therapeutic pressure.

6) Gulpha:
'Gulpha' is a Rujakara Marma situated at the ankle joint. This study measured its pressure pain threshold using a Pressure Algometer to understand its sensitivity relative to other Marma points like Manibandha and Kurcashira, finding it had the highest threshold.

7) Ghana:
The term 'Ghana' in the context of Marma therapy refers to the depth of pressure applied. Different levels, such as ½ Ghana for skin and fascia, ¾ Ghana for muscles, and 1 Ghana for deeper tissues, are used depending on the depth and type of stimulation required.

8) Sandhi (Shandhi, Samdhi):
'Sandhi' refers to the joints in Ayurveda, and some Marma points like Manibandha and Gulpha are situated at these junctions. These areas are pivotal in Marma Chikitsa as their treatment can influence the flow of Prana and alleviate pain and stiffness in the body.

9) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is the holistic healing system from India, underpinning the concept of Marma Chikitsa. This study is firmly rooted in Ayurvedic practices to determine pressure pain thresholds of Marma points using modern tools like the Pressure Algometer for therapeutic benefits.

10) Angula (Amgula):
'Angula' is a traditional unit of measurement in Ayurveda, often used to define the dimensions of Marma points in individual's body according to their own fingers. This metric is crucial for identifying the areas where therapeutic pressure should be applied with precise pramana.

11) Jaipur:
The city 'Jaipur' in Rajasthan, India, is where the National Institute of Ayurveda is located. The study took place on its campus, involving 200 healthy volunteers who were randomly selected for the survey to measure the pressure pain threshold at various Marma points.

12) Snayu:
'Snayu' refers to tendons in Ayurvedic anatomy. The Kurcashira Marma, which largely constitutes tendons, was one of the points evaluated in the study. Snayu Marma points like Kurcashira are more sensitive to pain and inflammation compared to Sandhi Marma.

13) Prana (Pran):
'Prana' is the vital life force that flows through the body, and its unhindered movement is crucial for health. Marma Chikitsa uses gentle stimulation of Marma points to release blockages and restore the flow of Prana, particularly disrupted by imbalanced Vata.

14) Vata:
'Vata' is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda responsible for movement and flow within the body. Disruption of Vata is a common cause of blockages in Prana. Marma Chikitsa aims to rectify these disturbances by applying pressure to Marma points in a controlled manner.

15) Udveshtana (Udvestana):
'Udveshtana', or wringing/twisting, is a specific technique used in Marma Chikitsa where tissues are compressed and twisted. This method enhances blood circulation and relieves surface tension around the Marma points, contributing to the therapeutic effects of the treatment.

16) Perception:
'Perception' is involved in the study's assessment of pain thresholds, where individuals’ sensation of discomfort or pain at Marma points is recorded using a Pressure Algometer. Perception of each volunteer is critical for determining the exact threshold values during therapy.

17) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section in the study delves into the analysis and interpretation of the results, including the implications of pressure pain thresholds for Marma therapy. It reinforces the significance and variations in Marma sensitivity across different body regions.

18) Irritation:
'Irritation' is one of the nociceptive responses evaluated during the algometer tests on Marma points. Any mechanical, biological, or thermal irritation triggers pain receptors. This response is crucial for understanding the pressure pain threshold of Marma points.

19) Rajasthan:
'Rajasthan', a state in India, is home to the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur where the study was conducted. The geographical context emphasizes the study’s roots in traditional Indian medicine while using modern research methodologies.

20) Gharshana (Gharsana):
'Gharshana' refers to friction based techniques in Marma therapy. It involves using fingertips or thumbs to stimulate local blood circulation at Marma points. This method is integral to activating these points without deep tissue penetration.

21) Praharana:
'Praharana' signifies percussion techniques in Marma Chikitsa, involving gentle striking or tapping with fingers or palms. This method induces vibrations that can release tension in muscle tissues around Marma points and stimulate healing.

22) Inference:
'Inference' in the study pertains to the conclusions drawn from the data analysis, such as the discovery that lower limb Marma points have a higher pressure pain threshold than those in the upper limb. It also includes interpretations about the sensitivity of central vs. peripheral Marma regions.

23) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' here refers to traditional and non-invasive medical practices in Ayurveda, specifically Marma Chikitsa, which offers treatments without drugs. The study aims to quantify stimulation needed on Marma points for therapeutic benefits.

24) Vriddhi (Vrddhi):
'Vriddhi' is used in the inclusion criteria to describe the age range in the study. According to Sushruta, the 'Madhyamavastha' age signifies the stage of growth to maturity, which is from 20 to 40 years, encompassing the age group of the study participants.

25) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
'Sharma' here refers to Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, the Vice Chancellor of NIA, Jaipur, who provided the research facilities required for the study. His support was critical for conducting the survey and measuring pain thresholds at various Marma points.

26) Asthi (Ashthi):
'Asthi' refers to bones in Ayurvedic terms. Many Marma points, including Rujakara Marma, involve joint structures where bones are crucial. Understanding the role of Asthi in pain threshold helps to develop effective Marma therapy techniques.

27) Sira (Shira):
[see source text or glossary: Sira]

28) Campu:
[see source text or glossary: Campu]

29) India:
'India' provides the cultural and geographical backdrop for the study, emphasizing its Ayurvedic heritage. The specific location in Jaipur, Rajasthan, underlines the country's dedication to traditional medicine research and practices.

30) Kumar:
'Kumar' refers to Sunil Kumar Yadav, one of the authors of the study and Professor & HOD at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. His expertise contributed to the research focused on pressure pain thresholds for Marma therapy.

31) Ayus (Ayush):
[see source text or glossary: Ayush]

32) Earth:
[see source text or glossary: Earth]

33) Blood:
In the study, 'Blood' relates to one of the common units of measurement for pressure in kilopascals (kPa) as compared to blood pressure. By understanding pain thresholds, clinicians can ensure that therapeutic pressures used in Marma therapy remain safe and effective.

34) Drug:
[see source text or glossary: Drug]