Apastambha
Apastambha (अपस्तम्भ) · The supporting pillars; the props of the chest
Apastambha marma point (The supporting pillars; the props of the chest): trunk region, point #53. Location, stimulation technique, therapeutic benefits, and precautions.
Last reviewed May 2026
About Apastambha
Apastambha is named for the supporting pillars — the props that flank and steady the chest. Sushruta describes it in the Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthana, Ch. 6) as a sira marma seated bilaterally on the front of the chest (uras), where two vatavaha sira — the channels that carry air — are found. It is understood as a point of the pranavaha srotas, the respiratory pathway, and a seat of Prana Vata, the inward-drawing breath that takes in the world's air.
The text gives its extent as half an anguli and places it among the kalantara pranahara marma — the class whose injury, in the classical prognosis, brings death not at once but over a course of time. Sushruta records the signs of its injury as the chest filling with air (vata-poorna-koshta), cough (kasa), laboured breath (shwasa), and, in time, death — a description that anatomists read as air escaping into the chest cavity from a wounded air passage. The gravity of the point is the measure of how central breath is held to be to life.
In its energetic reading Apastambha governs the steady drawing-in of prana through respiration. Marma therapy associates the region with the openness and ease of the breath, and with the patterns the texts gather under disturbed Prana Vata — kasa (cough), shwasa (breathlessness), and the constriction or tightness of the chest. It sits near the Anahata field and is held under Vayu, the element of air and movement.
Associated with Vata (prana) dosha, Anahata (Heart) region chakra, and the Air (Vayu) element.
What are the therapeutic applications of Apastambha?
Classically associated with respiration and the inward intake of prana through the pranavaha srotas; and, in marma therapy, with the ease and openness of the breath and the patterns the texts place under Prana Vata — cough (kasa), breathlessness (shwasa), and chest constriction.
Stimulation Technique
Technique
Apastambha is classified by Sushruta as kalantara pranahara — a vital point whose injury is grave — so marma practice approaches the chest here with care and lightness rather than firm pressure. The region is most often engaged through gentle resting touch over the upper chest and through attention given to slow, even breath, allowing the area to soften, rather than through any deep or directed force at the marma itself.
Pressure
Light, gentle resting touch
Duration
Brief, a few quiet minutes with the breath
What oils are recommended for Apastambha?
Warm sesame oil, or a mahanarayana-type oil over the chest
What are the contraindications for Apastambha?
Classically a protected vital point (kalantara pranahara); the tradition counsels gentle, shallow engagement rather than firm or deep pressure over the chest. Approached with care, never forcefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Apastambha marma point located?
The Apastambha marma point (Apastambha (अपस्तम्भ), meaning "The supporting pillars; the props of the chest") is located at on the front of the chest, set bilaterally near the second and third costal cartilages flanking the sternum, where the classical texts place the air-carrying channels; the modern correlate is the bronchi and the main air passages of the lungs. It is a Sira (vessel) type point in the trunk region, with a size of ½ anguli (finger-width).
How do you stimulate the Apastambha marma point?
Apastambha is classified by Sushruta as kalantara pranahara — a vital point whose injury is grave — so marma practice approaches the chest here with care and lightness rather than firm pressure. The region is most often engaged through gentle resting The recommended pressure is: light, gentle resting touch
What are the therapeutic benefits of Apastambha marma?
Apastambha marma therapy is used for: Classically associated with respiration and the inward intake of prana through the pranavaha srotas; and, in marma therapy, with the ease and openness of the breath and the patterns the texts place under Prana Vata — cough (kasa), breathlessness (shw. It is associated with the Anahata (Heart) region chakra and the Air (Vayu) element.
Which dosha is associated with Apastambha marma point?
Apastambha is primarily associated with Vata (prana). Its connected organ is bronchi and the air passages of the lungs; the pranavaha srotas, and it relates to the Anahata (Heart) region chakra. Stimulation of this point helps balance the associated dosha when done with appropriate oils and pressure.
What oils should I use on the Apastambha marma point?
Warm sesame oil, or a mahanarayana-type oil over the chest Always choose oils suited to your constitution and current state of balance.
Recommended Oils & Tools
As an Amazon Associate, Satyori earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.