Talahridaya Marma: Anatomical Location, Effect Of Injury

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) and Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Talahridaya Marma is one of the delicate and vital points of the body located in the hands and feet.
Location –
Talahridaya Marma is located both in upper and lower limbs. 

Related reading – Marma Shaareera: Definition, Composition: Vital Points of The Body
मध्यम अङ्गुलिम् अनुपूर्वेण मध्ये पाद तलस्य तलहृदयं नाम, तत्र रुजाभिः मरणम्।(सु.शा.६)

Number

Talahridaya Marmas are 4 in number,
1 each in the right and left hand = 2
1 each in the right and left foot = 2

Location

Exact location of Talahriday Marm in the limbs:
In the upper limb – It is exactly located in the middle of the palm, on the line of the middle finger, in both hands.

In the lower limb – It is located in the middle of the sole, on the line of the middle toe, in both legs.

Categories

Categories in which the Talahridaya Marma is included
Talahridaya Marma is classified into various categories. They are as below mentioned –

1. i) Shaka Gata Marma (Shaaka=Limb) – Since Talahridaya Marma is located in both upper and lower limbs; they are classified under shaaka gata marmas i.e. Marmas located in the limbs.
2. ii) Mamsa Marma – This marma is predominantly made up of mamsa i.e. muscle tissue, which form the structural component of this Marma. Therefore it is classified under Mamsa Marma. The other elements namely Sira (blood vessels), Asthi (bone), Sandhi (joints) and Snayu (ligaments, tendons, nerves) are also present but in a recessive form.

iii) Kaalantara Praanahara Marma – (Kalantara – gradual, Pranahara – life taking) Talahridaya Marma possesses a threat to life in due course of time following its injury. The impact of injury or damage may not be immediate but happens gradually. Based on the impact of injury, Talahridaya Marma is classified under Kalantara Pranahara Marma.

Measurement

Pramana (measurement) –
Talahridaya Marma occupies a space of ½ angula dimension (approximately equal to the horizontal dimension or breadth of middle segment of one’s own middle finger)

Effect of Injury

तत्र रुजाभिः मरणम्।(सु.शा.६)

Injury to the Talahruday Marma leads to Rujaa (severe pain) and Marana (death) or severe pain followed by death, which happens gradually, in due course of time.

If the injury is in the Upper limb, the symptoms may be predominantly seen in the upper portion of the body. If the injury is in lower limb, the symptoms are seen predominantly in the lower portions of the body.

Practical anatomy

Practical anatomy of Talahridaya Marma
Structures falling in the area of Talahriday Marma –
Upper Limb:

• Palmar aponeurosis
• Superficial palmar arch
• Deep palmar arch
• Abductor pollicis longus muscle
• Flexor pollicis brevis muscle
• Inter-osseous muscles
• Lumbrical muscles

Lower Limb:

• Lateral plantar artery
• Medial and lateral plantar nerves
• Oblique head of abductor hallucis
• Quadrates plantaris
• Flexor digitorum brevis

Though all the elements which comprise a marma i.e. sira (blood vessels), snayu (ligaments), asthi (bones) and sandhi (joints) are all present in the site of this Marma, it is predominant in the Mamsa dhatu or muscle tissue, therefore it is a Mamsa Marma.

When Talahridaya marma gets damaged, the effect of injury will chiefly involve the muscles present in the area in comparison to the extent of damage caused to other tissues.

Just Before Finishing
Hands and feet being important karmendriyas or motor organs involved in daily activities and locomotion should be delicately used and taken care of, keeping them away and protecting them against any injuries. Pain in this region of Talahridaya Marma can cause serious pain. If the pain is not regressing or progressing it gives a clue that the permanent damage, crippling and loss of activity is on cards in near future. This probably points towards death of local part, mainly foot and hand. One should seek medical attention in presence of constant pain in the palm or foot before it is too late!!
Click to Consult Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ayu)

For hypertension – marma therapy

Constantly pressing and releasing with the help of finger, for 2 seconds each, repeated for 10-15 minutes is known to reduce hypertension.