Exploring the Role of Marma Avacharana on Phana Marma in Restoring the Sense of Smell: A Review

Krishnan Namboodiri; Samhitha S; Shrutishri Hanamapure; Shivani  C Kottur; Akshat Vashisth; Sharon K Manohar

doi:10.63247/3048-7390.vol.1.issue6.1

Authors

Dr. Krishnan Namboodiri Associate Professor, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, RGUHS, Bangalore Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1139-5701
Dr. Samhitha S Final Year PG Scholar, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, RGUHS, Bangalore Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0390-4728
Dr. Shrutishri Hanamapure Final Year PG Scholar, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, RGUHS, Bangalore Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1810-9214
Dr. Shivani C Kottur Final Year PG Scholar, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, RGUHS, Bangalore Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3524-8675
Dr. Akshat Vashisth Final Year PG Scholar, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, RGUHS, Bangalore Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0136-1320
Dr. Sharon K. Manohar Final Year PG Scholar, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science and Research, RGUHS, Bangalore Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7933-1379

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63247/3048-7390.vol.1.issue6.1

Keywords:

Phana Marma, Marma Parisheka, Gandha Jnana, Anosmia

Abstract

Introduction : In Ayurveda, Marma refers to vital energy points in the body where Māṃsa (muscle), Sirā (vessel), Snāyu (tubular structures), Asthi (bone), and Sandhi (joint) meet. These points are centers of Prāṇa (life force) and play a crucial role in maintaining health. Phana Marma, a Vaikalyakara Marma, is significant, and injury to it can lead to loss of Gandha Jñāna (smell perception). This study explores the therapeutic potential of Marma Parisheka on Phana Marma, specifically its impact on anosmia caused by trauma.

Methods : The treatment protocol includes Ghritāpana (consumption of ghee), Parisheka (continuous pouring of liquids), Lepana (application of medicated pastes), Śodhana (purification), and Śamana (pacification) therapies, as explained by Acharya Sushruta in the Bhagna Chikitsa Adhyaya. The study investigates the effect of continuous pouring of medicated liquids onto Phana Marma. Therapeutic effectiveness is assessed based on pain relief, nerve function, and restoration of Gandha Jñāna, identifying the most suitable medicated liquids for Marma-ghāta (injury to Marma).

Results : The treatment's results will be measured by improvements in sensory perception, particularly the restoration of Gandha Jñāna. Changes in pain and nerve function will be documented, providing insights into Marma Parisheka's efficacy in treating anosmia and its broader impact on respiratory and cognitive health.

Discussion

This study will enhance the understanding of Phana Marma's anatomical and physiological significance. The findings will contribute evidence-based recommendations for Marma Parisheka in Ayurvedic practice, refining Marma therapy in Marma-ghāta.

References

1. Sushrutasamhita, Shareerasthana, Pratyekamarmaniredasha shareeram adhyaya, 06/4-6. Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

2. Sushrutasamhita, Shareerasthana, Pratyekamarmaniredasha shareeram adhyaya, 06/4-6. Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

3. Radha Kanta Deva. Shabda Kalpadruma. Varanasi: The Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series; 1967. p. 261.

4. Sushrutasamhita, Shareerasthana, Pratyekamarmaniredasha shareeram adhyaya, 06/4-6. Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

5. Ashtangahridayam, Sutrasthana, Doshabhedeeya adhyaya, 12/6. Available from https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

6. Kunwar Shivangi, Verma Deepak. The anatomical concept of Phana Marma: A Review Article. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci [Internet]. 2023Dec.29 [cited 2025 May 2]; 8(11):157 -162. Available from: https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2645

7. Kunwar Shivangi, Verma Deepak. The anatomical concept of Phana Marma: A Review Article. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci [Internet]. 2023Dec.29 [cited 2025May2]; 8(11):157 -162. Available from: https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2645

8. Sushrutasamhita, Shareerasthana, Pratyekamarmaniredasha shareeram adhyaya, 06/4-6. Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

9. Charaka samhita, Shareerasthana, sarirasankhayasariram, 7/44. Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

10. Dhingra PL. Diseases of the Ear, Nose, and Throat. 8th ed. New Delhi: Elsevier, A division of Reed Elsevier India Private Ltd; 2007.p. 69.

11. Dhingra PL. Diseases of the Ear, Nose, and Throat. 8th ed. New Delhi: Elsevier, A division of Reed Elsevier India Private Ltd; 2007.p. 69.

12. Sushrutasamhita, Chikitsasthana, Bhagnachikitsa adhyaya, 3/11-12. Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

13. Carakasamhita, Sutrasthana, Swedadhyaya, 14/44. Available from https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read (Accessed on 30/5/2025)

14. Hazarika. Diseases of the Ear, Nose, and Throat. 6th ed. New Delhi: Elsevier, A division of Reed Elsevier India Private Ltd; 20013.p. 306.