This beautiful spot in your body works faithfully for you to keep your muscles strong and vital. The Kakashadhara marma is the first marma in the upper extremity. The ‘kaksha’ region refers to the root of the arm (armpit). The word ‘dhara’ means bearing or holding. The name ‘kakshadhara’ suggests this marma site is located in the region where the arm connects to the shoulder with the help of muscles and ligaments. Its stimulation is beneficial in disorders related to the shoulder.
Width/size of kakshadhara marma: Ek angula (one finger)
Type of marma: Snayu marma (ligamentous marma)
Number of marmas: 2 (one on each side of the shoulder)
The function of kakshadhara marma
The kakshadhara marma stimulation is very beneficial for patients with frozen shoulders or patients having stiffness in the shoulder joint. Also, if there is muscle wasting or pain in the upper shoulder region or scapular region, this marma point can be stimulated. It provides relief from various disorders such as hemiplegia, shoulder subluxation, arthritis involving the shoulder, tennis elbow, brachialgia. It is also suitable for improving the lymphatic drainage from the axillary region. A marma is a vital point of the body; you should be cautious to protect these sites from injury.
The technique of stimulation of kakshadhara marma
Locating the marma site: The actual stimulation of kakshadhara marma is just two fingers beneath the lateral 1/3rd of the clavicle. Anatomically, it lies in the deltopectoral groove just below the lateral one-third of the corresponding shoulder’s clavicle and two fingers inferior to the acromioclavicular joint anteriorly.
For self marma therapy: For stimulation of left kakshadhara marma, the left shoulder is held by the right hand by keeping the elbow close to the chest at 30-35 degrees from the midaxillary line. Then with the pulp of the thumb, apply the pressure pointing upwards and backwards from the marma point. It is appropriate to press the marma point when you are exhaling and release when you are inhaling. The whole press and release action will take approximately 3 secs. The rhythm of stimulation is the same as the rhythm of our respiration, i.e. approx 18 times per minute. In other words, it is the intermittent pressure that we apply for the stimulation of kakshadhara marma and not the continuous pressure. The marma point is stimulated 18-20 times per sitting and can be done 3-4 times a day. However, morning and evening are the most suitable times for the stimulation of marma sites. Since both sides are necessary to stimulate effective results, the vice-versa process is repeated for the other side of the shoulder.
Determining the pressure to stimulate the marma point!
The pressure application on kakshadhara marma is moderate. The word moderate here can be stated as 6-8 pounds pressure approximately. However, the amount of pressure applied also depends on the patient’s age and sensitivity. For self-marma therapy, you should use bearable pressure. You should note that applying slightly less pressure is okay. Still, we should not try to apply extra pressure as there are chances of injury like swelling, hematoma, or loss of restricted movement of the shoulder joint.
Herbs and aromatherapy
For controlling the muscular system, use mahamasha oil, Chandan-Bala oil or plain sesame oil. Use aromatic oil like eucalyptus, cinnamon, turmeric, myrrh or saffron to improve circulation to the muscles. If this marma is injured, you can use castor oil for pain relief.
So when you can stimulate the marma point by yourself, you can try on others as and when needed. Kakshadhara marma is specifically used to treat stiff shoulder joints, and it also helps promote health and longevity.
References: Dr. Shishir Prasad and David frawley