As convinced as I am of the profound healing power of yoga and meditation, I also firmly believe that the progress of these practices are accelerated immeasurably with regular marma point therapy.

Marma is a Sanskrit word which means “vulnerable.”  Marma points are sensitive centers which are located in the soft tissue of the body.  They are not only physical in nature;  they are like little brains that help direct energy along ten invisible lines running down the front and the back of the body.  When the system comes under various forms of stress, these points lock up and choke the natural course of energy throughout a person’s being.  What results might be muscular pain, physiological disorders, or mental-emotional frustration or volatility. 

Marma point therapy has existed for thousands of years. It is a system which releases physical and energetic blocks through what is essentially a yogic form of acupressure. You may desire to explore marma point therapy to release a crick in the neck, to reduce stress, or to supplement your stretching in yoga with deep-tissue work. The most notable change you will notice, however, is an overall feeling of ease, freedom, and balance that comes with the marmas in the body functioning optimally.

During your 45-minute marma point session, you will remain fully clothed and lie on a massage table.  I use my thumbs, fingers, and perhaps the occasional elbow to release the points throughout your body.  Depending on the nature of your imbalance, essential oils (barring any allergies or sensitivities) and healing crystals may be helpful on select points as well.

Marma therapy is such an incredible tool that I like to make it accessible to whoever might want to experience it.  I offer sessions on a sliding scale.  If you are interested in discussing rates or in booking a session, please contact me at michael.bartelle@gmail.com .

I received my training in marma point therapy from Yogiraj Alan Finger at the Ishta Yoga Studio & Spa.