Uithoorn event demonstrates Ayurveda’s role in pain management and holistic wellness
The vibrant town of Uithoorn, the Netherlands, recently hosted a transformative Marma Therapy workshop organised by Jan M.J. Storms, Director of Storms (ICO). The intensive three-day programme brought together 30 enthusiastic participants from the Netherlands (19) and Belgium (11) – representing diverse age groups and highly educated professional backgrounds – all united by a shared interest in holistic healing and integrative health practices rooted in Ayurveda.
Led by Prof. Dr. Shishir Prasad – Professor and Head of Department – Shalya Tantra, Himalayiye Ayurveda PG Medical College and Hospital, Dehradun and a member of the expert group on Marma Chikitsa, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Govt of India – the workshop focused on the clinical application of Marma Therapy in managing chronic pain, lifestyle disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Through a balanced blend of scientific explanation, practical demonstrations, and hands-on training, participants gained insight into how the stimulation of specific marma (vital energy) points can restore energy flow, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, regulate the nervous system, and activate the body’s inherent self-healing mechanisms.
The programme also offered a structured overview of Ayurvedic physiology, including foundational concepts such as Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, Sapta Dhatu, Agni, and Srotas (channel systems). These principles were explored in the context of underlying pathophysiological changes and their relevance to Marma Chikitsa and its clinical applications.
Participants engaged actively in hands-on sessions, learning precise techniques for identifying and stimulating marma points safely, along with essential dos and don’ts. Case discussions addressed the growing global burden of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders, demonstrating how Marma Therapy can complement modern medical approaches. A key highlight of the 25-hour workshop was the management of chronic musculoskeletal and neuromusculoskeletal conditions – including low back pain, cervical pain, frozen shoulder, and osteoarthritis – through this rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive modality.
Special emphasis was placed on stress-related conditions and PTSD, where gentle marma stimulation was shown to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and support emotional balance. The workshop concluded with interactive discussions, leaving participants inspired and equipped with practical tools to integrate Marma Therapy into their personal and
professional wellness practices. Insights into Ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma therapies were also shared in response to participant queries.
The event marked another meaningful step in promoting integrative Ayurvedic healthcare solutions across Europe, aligning with India’s broader vision of ‘Ayurveda for People and Planet.’
