Dr Shantha Godagama M.B.Ac.C, M.F. (Hom), D.A.M & S, M.Ac.F, F.A.M.A (UK) Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine, Acupuncturist, & Marmapuncturist made history by leading a specialist training programmed for one year on world’s first diploma course in Marmapuncture free of charge in Milton Keynes (UK) attended by Ayurveda practitioners from The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Oral references of Marma Points “Suchi-Bhaden” (Suchi-needle, Bhaden-puncture) date back to time immemorial. Written evidence of this treatment process is enshrined in supplementary Suchi Veda (Art of Piercing with Needles) in the ancient Indian texts written more than 7000 years ago. Great Indian Sage Physicians Charaka and Shusruta incorporate Marma points within Ayurveda protocol in their Samhitas.
The Indian sub-continent focused on Ayurveda as their main system of medicine the Chinese continent focused on acupuncture (suchi bhedan) and developed this as their prominent system of treatment. According to history Chinese medicine in particularly Acupuncture got international recognition after President Nixon’s visit to China. As its popularity and recognition increases, Marmapuncture is seeing a revival and adding a key treatment protocol in Ayurveda.
The medical system which spread with Buddhism not only helped cure certain conditions but also, rather more importantly, helped keep body and mind healthy by adopting a healthy life-style. It included many martial arts, massage techniques, rehabilitation exercises, different types of herbal application on the body, yoga postures, breathing techniques, and many dances performed in temples. Herbal medicines are still being regularly used in countries such as China, Tibet, Japan, Nepal, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and etc.
Many Chinese travelers who came to India for the spice trade or to learn Sanskrit at Nalanda and Takshashila Universities have written extensively about the local treatment techniques including Mamrmapuncture, pulse diagnosis, and the five-element theory, which were not only practiced in India but also taught to foreigners.
During the incursion of Moguls when many temples and sacred scriptures were under the process of destruction many Buddhist monks hid original manuscripts in remote areas including temples, which are still preserved and guarded by them.
After graduating in 1965 Dr Shantha Godagama studied Acupuncture and Homeopathy under the tutelage Professor Anton Jayasuriya at Colombo South General Hospital in Sri Lanka. In 1979, he received an offer from Dr Sidney Rose Neil (founder chairman of the British Acupuncture Association and founder of Tyringham Clinic – residential clinic in the UK for natural medicines) to take up a post as a full-time consultant at the clinic and in 1986 was appointed director of therapies to the Tyringham Clinic by Sir Maurice Laing (chairman of the Tyringham Foundation).
1988, he joined the prestigious Hale Clinic in London opened by H.R.H the Prince of Wales, as a visiting consultant. Soon after he founded the Ayurvedic Medical Association UK, and together with Dr Mauroof Athique the College of Ayurved UK.
Since 2001, Dr Godagama was appointed by Lord Hunt, Minister of Health to the Medicine Control Agency as a panel member for Borderline Medicines and now serves on the Advisory Committee of Medicine Regulatory Working Group (MHRA) to the Department of Health. He is named as one of 2000 outstanding intellectuals of the world published in 2014 by the International Biographic Association, Cambridge
Dr Godagama received the ‘Dag Hammarskjold Award’ for Alternative Medicine by Medicina Alternativa, and ‘Glory of India Award’ as the prestigious title of ‘Ayurveda Ratan’ by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Indian Traditional Sciences by Lord King at the House of Lords.
In 2017 he became the founder president of British Marmapuncture Association and British Institute of Marmapuncture.
He has contributed to numerous articles for newspapers and textbooks. Travelled extensively to present papers at world conferences on Ayurveda and Integrated Medicines and has taken part in numerous seminars. Appeared on British and Sri Lankan television and radio in several interviews and health programmes. He runs successful practices in London, Hertfordshire and a free Ayurvedic clinic in Milton Keynes.
Dr Godagama has been also working as a consultant in the initial stage of new research proposal on ‘Isolating antimicrobial agent to overcome antibiotic resistance with colleagues from Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee, in collaboration with School of Health, Sports and Biosciences, University of East London. It is announced UK-India partnership with Newton-Bhaba Fund has been granted for this major research. He is the author of ‘The Handbook of Ayurveda’ published by Kyle Cathie Ltd UK.
For information and enrollments on the 2019 Marmapuncture course, please email: shanthagodagama@gmail.com
