Exploring the Science of Marma - An Ancient Healing Technique - Part 3: Marma in Yoga and Other Ancient Indian Traditions Alka Mishra*, Vandana Shrivastava Department of Ayurveda and Holistic Health, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Gayatrikunj-Shantikunj, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India *Corresponding Author: Alka Mishra - Email:
[email protected] License information for readers: This paper is published online under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) License, whose full terms may be seen at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Uploaded online: 27 June 2020 Abstract Marma Science is an extremely important branch of Ayurveda. Marma points are important vital places in the body, that are the ‘seats of life’ (Prana - the vital life force). As any injury to these parts may lead to severe pain, disability, loss of function, loss of sensation, or death, therefore, they hold an important place in the science of surgery, wherein they are considered ‘Shalya Vishayardha’ (half of the entire science of surgery). The ancient scriptures have strictly directed against causing any injury to these vital spots. However, recent researches have attempted the stimulation of Marma points for theraputic benefits, with encouraging outcomes. In view of these mutually conflicting, importance applications of Marma Science, the present study was undertaken for its in-depth study. Part-1 of this study presented the information about different aspects of Marma Science in various ancient / classical Indian scriptures. Part-2 gave a detailed description of the number of marmas, their location, structures involved, classification, effect of trauma, etc., as per classical texts, as well as correlation with modern science.