Nila
Nila · Blue, The Dark One
About Nila
Nila marma is located at the anterior base of the throat, in and around the suprasternal notch -- the visible hollow at the top of the sternum between the two clavicles. The name Nila means "blue" or "dark," referencing the visible blue venous network that can often be seen through the thin skin at the base of the throat. The Sushruta Samhita classifies it alongside Manya as a sira (vessel) marma, noting that injury to this point results in loss of voice (svarabheda).
Nila governs the junction between the head and the trunk -- the narrow passage through which air, food, blood, and prana must all travel between the body and the brain. When this region becomes congested, whether from Kapha accumulation, Vata constriction, or emotional suppression, the effects ripple in both directions: the voice becomes strained or lost, breathing becomes shallow, swallowing becomes difficult, and the thyroid gland may lose its regulatory capacity. Therapeutic work at Nila opens this vital passage and restores the free flow of prana between the upper and lower body.
Therapeutic Applications
Sore throat, laryngitis, voice loss, thyroid and parathyroid disorders (supportive), difficulty swallowing, asthma and respiratory constriction, emotional suppression manifesting as throat tightness, Kapha congestion in the throat, and neck and shoulder tension radiating to the throat
Technique
Place one or two fingertips in the suprasternal notch, the soft depression at the top of the sternum. Apply very gentle downward and slightly inward pressure. Hold for 15-30 seconds, feeling the pulse of the trachea and the subtle movement of breathing. For broader throat treatment, use gentle lateral strokes across the anterior neck from midline outward, following the clavicles. Never press on the trachea itself.
Pressure
Light. The anterior throat is vulnerable, with the trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels all near the surface. Light sustained contact is therapeutic; firm pressure is dangerous.
Duration
2-3 minutes of gentle contact and light massage. For chronic voice issues, daily application of warm oil to the throat for 5 minutes before bed.
Oil Recommendation
Warm sesame oil for general throat care. Yashtimadhu (licorice) oil for sore throat and voice strain. Kanchanar guggulu oil for thyroid support. For Kapha congestion, warm mustard oil applied externally in small amounts.
Contraindications & Cautions
Never apply firm pressure to the anterior throat or directly on the trachea. Avoid in cases of thyroid nodules without practitioner guidance. Contraindicated during active throat infection with swelling. Use caution in individuals with goiter. Avoid deep pressure in individuals with carotid artery disease.
Related Points
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Nila marma point located?
The Nila marma point (Nila, meaning "Blue, The Dark One") is located at at the base of the throat, in the suprasternal notch and along the anterior surface of the neck just above the clavicles. It is a Sira (vessel) type point in the head & neck region, with a size of 4 anguli (finger-widths).
How do you stimulate the Nila marma point?
Place one or two fingertips in the suprasternal notch, the soft depression at the top of the sternum. Apply very gentle downward and slightly inward pressure. Hold for 15-30 seconds, feeling the pulse of the trachea and the subtle movement of breathi The recommended pressure is: light. the anterior throat is vulnerable, with the trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels all near the surface. light sustained contact is therap
What are the therapeutic benefits of Nila marma?
Nila marma therapy is used for: Sore throat, laryngitis, voice loss, thyroid and parathyroid disorders (supportive), difficulty swallowing, asthma and respiratory constriction, emotional suppression manifesting as throat tightness, Kapha congestion in the throat, and neck and shoul. It is associated with the Vishuddha (Throat) chakra and the Ether (Akasha) element.
Which dosha is associated with Nila marma point?
Nila is primarily associated with Vata and Kapha. Its connected organ is thyroid, parathyroid, trachea, esophagus, and it relates to the Vishuddha (Throat) chakra. Stimulation of this point helps balance the associated dosha when done with appropriate oils and pressure.
What oils should I use on the Nila marma point?
Warm sesame oil for general throat care. Yashtimadhu (licorice) oil for sore throat and voice strain. Kanchanar guggulu oil for thyroid support. For Kapha congestion, warm mustard oil applied externally in small amounts. Always choose oils suited to your constitution and current state of balance.
Marma Self-Care Guide
Self-massage techniques, pressure point diagrams, and oil recommendations for all 108 marma points.
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