Correlation of Marma Sharir with Neurovascular Structures: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Marma Sharir describes 107 vital anatomical loci where trauma produces severe functional impairment or
mortality. Classical Ayurvedic literature attributes these sites to the confluence of mamsa, sira, snayu, asthi, and sandhi
structures (1). Contemporary anatomical investigations suggest that these correspond to major neurovascular complexes
(2,3). Objective: To systematically evaluate classical descriptions of marma and correlate them with modern neurovascular
anatomy.Methods:A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines (4). Databases including
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and AYUSH Research Portal were searched up to December 2025.
Classical Ayurvedic texts were reviewed for textual references. Studies correlating marma with anatomical neurovascular
structures were included. Results: Forty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Strong correlations were observed between
Sira marma and arterial trunks (5,6), Snayu marma with peripheral nerve plexuses (7), and thoracic marma with cardiac
and autonomic plexuses (8,9). Conclusion: Classical marma descriptions show significant convergence with modern
neurovascular anatomy. Integrative anatomical mapping may enhance trauma assessment and surgical safety.
Keywords
Marma, Neurovascular structures, Sushruta Samhita, Surgical anatomy, Trauma, Integrative medicine