Role of Marma Therapy in the Management of Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH): A Case Series

Background Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication of lumbar puncture and spinal anesthesia caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Conventional treatments offer symptomatic relief but have limitations. Marma therapy, an Ayurvedic non-pharmacological intervention, may provide an alternative approach. Objective To assess the role of Marma therapy in the management of PDPH through a case series. Methods This case series included five patients with PDPH treated at the Department of Shalya Tantra, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurvedic College Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha. A standardized Marma therapy protocol targeting cranial and cervical Marma points was administered. Headache severity and associated symptoms were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Results All patients showed a marked reduction in headache intensity and improvement in associated symptoms such as nausea and photophobia following Marma therapy. Conclusion Marma therapy may serve as a safe, noninvasive supportive modality in the management of PDPH. Further controlled studies are required to confirm its clinical efficacy.