Katika Taruna Marma: Components, Location, Effect Of Injury

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) and Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Katika Taruna is an important Marma – vital or delicate point. It is located in the pelvic region, one on each side of the spine (vertebral column). It is predominantly made up of Asthi (bones).  

Kateekataruna Marma
तत्र पृष्ट वंशम् उभयतः प्रति श्रोणि काण्डम् अस्थिनी कटीकतरुणे, तत्र शोणित क्षयात् पाण्डु विवर्णो हीन रूपः च म्रियते।(सु.शा.६)

Location

Kateekataruna Marmas are located one on either side of the lower part of the Prushta Vamsha (Spine, Backbone) exactly over the Shroni Kaandas (pelvic bones).
They are 2 in number and are located one on either side of the low back on the pelvic bones.

Categories

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

1. i) Prushta Gata Marma (Prushta = Back)
2. ii) Asthi Marma – Kateekataruna marma is predominantly made up of Asthi i.e. Bone, which form the structural component of this Marma. Therefore it is classified under Asthi Marma. The other elements namely Snayu (ligaments), Siraa (blood vessels, veins), Sandhi (joints) and Mamsa (muscles) are also present but in a lesser proportion.

iii) Kaalantara Praanahara Marma – (Kaalantara – Gradual, Pranahara – life taking) Kateekataruna Marma is said to produce death over a period of time, gradually.

Measurement

Pramana (measurement of Kateekataruna Marma) –
Kateekataruna 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 शोणित क्षयात् पाण्डु विवर्णो हीन रूपः च म्रियते।(सु.शा.६)
Injury of Kateekataruna Marma causes gradual death.

Injury leads to Shonita Kshaya (blood loss due to severe bleeding) effecting in Pandu Vivarna (discolouration and pallor due to severe bleeding and consequent anaemia), Heena Rupa (awkward shape and appearance) ultimately leading to gradual death (or death of or loss of function and activity of pelvic region and lower limbs).

Modern perspective

Modern Perspective (Practical anatomy) of Katikataruna Marma
Structures falling in the area of Kateekataruna Marma –

• Low back region
• Posterior aspect of ilium bone (both right and left ilium)
• Lumbo-sacral joints (right and left)
• Bifurcation of common iliac artery at the level of lumbo-sacral joint
• Bifurcation of iliac veins at the level of lumbo-sacral joint
• Sacro-iliac joints

Though all the elements which comprise a marma i.e. snayu (ligaments), mamsa (muscles), siraa (veins) and sandhi (joints) are all present in the site of this Marma, it is predominant in the Asthi or bones making up the Kateekataruna Marma, therefore it is a Asthi Marma.

When Katika taruna marma gets damaged, the effect of injury will chiefly involve the bones, mainly the pelvic bones which make up the Kateekataruna Marma in comparison to the extent of damage caused to other tissues.

Just Before Finishing
Kateekataruna Marmas making up the vital and delicate parts located in the region of pelvic bones (ilium) one on either side of the lower back region is sensitive areas. Any injury in that region would lead to severe bleeding, anaemia and deformity. Therefore any injury or disease involving the lower back especially the lumbo-sacral and sacro-iliac areas should be addressed immediately as the injuries may involve Kateekataruna Marmas which could eventually lead to gradual death.
Click to Consult Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ayu)