Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

44 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

Following is a sample massage protocol for IHM. Always check in with your client regarding the pressure throughout the massage. We will begin by: 1. Stimulating the Sthapani marma point. Also known as the third eye point and located at the center of your eyebrows, this marma point is considered to be the center of the Karmic energy and controls the central nervous system.

• Massaging this point boosts blood circulation and helps with anxiety, depression, tiredness and sinus issues. 4. Next, move up above the eyebrows, past the Adhipati to the Seemant marma or skull spot. Using both hands, perform circles with your fingertips, again as if you are shampooing hair. Then, massage the entire head. 5. Move to the back of the head. • From the base of the neck near C7, move four fingers above this area. • If the client has long hair, part vertically down the middle so you can work on the neck. 6. Next, you will reach the Krakatika marma point, located at the top of the cervical vertebrae. • First, tilt the head forward. Using both hands, begin the shampooing motion to stimulate the area. • Continue with this same motion as you move in an upward direction toward the crown of the head. • This is a great area to work for clients who use computers, read a lot, spend a considerable amount of time on their phones, or anyone who frequently looks in a downward position. 7. We are now going to stimulate the Vidura marma point. This is located by finding the small depression behind both ears. • This area can be quite sensitive, so be sure to gently massage the area with your fingers. Pull on the ears from the lobes moving in an upward direction to encompass the entire ear. With you thumbs and fingers, massage the hairline behind and above the ears. • This should be very relaxing and may help improve sleep. • This is an area to pay attention to if a client is suffering from tinnitus or other hearing problems. 8. Moving back to the face area, locate the Shankh marma at the temples near the end of the eyebrows.

Stimulating the Sthapani marma point

• Stimulate this point by gently massaging with your index finger for 30 seconds. • Now, using both hands, press fingers on the middle of forehead and move up from the Sthapani marma moving medial to lateral. 2. Moving back down to the Sthapani point, you are now going to apply pressure with your fingers at the Avartya marma point. • Moving from center of the eyebrows in a lateral direction, move toward the temples. • Stimulate this point by gently massaging it with your index finger for 30 seconds. You client’s eyes may begin to relax. 3. Move up above the eyebrows to the Adhipati marma, or soft spot. This pressure point is the master of all senses. • Using both hands, gently perform

circles with your fingertips on each side of the cranial suture, as if you are shampooing hair.

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