Pramana Sharir: An Ancient Method of Measurement of Body Constituents and its Utility in Various Fields of Ayurveda

Sandeep Lahange1* and Archana Bhangare2

India

the obesity epidemic), and require regular updating of anthropometric data collections.

clinical, Para clinical and surgical fields.

Introduction

Anthropometry is the measurements of human body which provides scientific methods and techniques for taking various measurements and observations. The word ‘Anthropos’ means human and ‘Metry’ means measurement. It is the science that defines physical measures of a person’s size, form and functional capacities. It is the systematic collection and correlation of measurements of the human body. Anthropometric measurements are used as a proxy measure for many purposes for the assessment of health status, physique, obesity, growth and development, nutritional status, economic development, human evolution, estimating skeletal frame size, sports and physical strength. The measurements of different body parts which include the segmental lengths, bodily breadth, circumferences of trunks and limbs, skin and subcutaneous tissue fold thickness is used for designing instruments and equipment’s for human use. It deals with various measurements related to the human body such as pelvimetry, craniometry, osteometry, skin fold thickness, height and weight measurements etc. Instruments used for measurements - Stadiometer, Anthropometer Rod, Head Height Needle, Spreading Calliper, Skinfold calliper, Palatometer, Goniometer, Tape, Croniophore, Mandibulometer.

Maana le is classified into two types one is Kalingamaana and other is Magadhamaana. The measurements are detailed in Sarngadhara Samhita. Maana deals with measurements of any entity, substance, parameter etc. characteristics of Maana depend on the nature of substance or entity to be measured. This Maana divided into Payamaana, Druvayamaana, Pautavamaana. Payamaana are able to measure the length of various body parts, medical instrument and various length parameters. Druvayamaana are able to measure volume of liquid, amount of fluids etc. Pautavamaana are able to measure weight of various substances. In Ayurveda different types of Pramanas like Anjali pramana Anguli Pramanas are mentioned. Swa-Anguli is the unit measurement of body parts and structure. The essentiality of Praman is depicted in the fundamentals of Ayurveda as, the Mana/ pramana of Hitayu, Ahitayu, Sukhayu, and Dukhayu is the one which constitutes Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic literature pertaining to Sharir Rachana furnishes detailed description on measurements of body and its elements. In our classics Praman Sharir is the term given to this subdivision which depicts the importance of measurements or Anthropometry. Praman, the other way defines the concept of measurements of various biological entities. It bears an ample importance in medical applied science. Before starting with the Chikitsa which is consider as Karya in the field of medicine, the wise physician should perform the Pareeksha of Karyadesha i.e. Aatur Sharira. Acharya Charaka explained Dashveedha Pareeksha vidhi and Praman Pareeksha is one of them [1]. The basic goal behind Pareeksha is to get knowledge regarding the Bala of Rogi, where Acharya Sushruta considered it as the main tool to get the information regarding Ayu along with that of Bala [2].

The Sharir Praman is only tool for determining the Ayu of an individual. The Ayurvedic classical literatures are documented along with many hypothetical concepts. In the classics Anguli (finger breadth) Pramana of different parts of the body is categorically mentioned Rogi Pariksha will be appreciated by the descriptions of the measurement of the different body part given by the our Acharyas. The unit of measurement use for this is the subject’ Swa Anguli Pramana (finger breadth) under the present scheme of Anthropometry the standard unit of Angula has not been utilized as the unit measurement if the own finger breadth use for this purpose this arise the question regarding the definite anatomical points where the Anguli should be measured to find out the unit of measurement in every individual and second question is definite anatomical points regarding Anga Pratyanga description not given by our Acharyas.

Acharya Chakrapani commenting on Sushruta Samhita has indicated the site of the proximal inter- phalangial joint of the middle finger, Root of the finger and thumb as the three possible standard of Angule pramana. Acharya Dalhan described Swapani tala (hand breadth) is 4 Angula. Addhamalla commenting on Sarangdhar Samhita in relation to Maan (measurement) definition indicated the site width of Madhyam Parva (proximal inter phalangial joint) of Madhyamanguli ( middle finger) or Nakha tala bhaga of Angusta (thumba) is the possible sites for measurement of Anguli as the unit of Anguli Pramana [3]. But the exact anatomical points of measurement are not mentioned. Thus a problem of standardization of Anguli Pramana is pauses before the workers under the Ayurvedic concept of Anthropometry. A similar situation arises regarding the fixation of exact anatomical points of reference in connection with the measurement of different body part given in Ayurvedic classics. The concept of Ayurveda, i.e. measurements with individual parameter looks more scientific method rather than fixing on average basis. But the individual anthropometric points and criterion to measure are not mentioned in our classics, hence with the help of modern science an effort was made to establish that inclusion of Pramana Sharir in Ayurvedic Classics is both scientific and authentic.

The concept of Praman is also one among them which should be evaluated scientifically to bring out the hidden logical knowledge of Ayurveda. Praman of Purusha gives the detailed information regarding each body parts in terms of its external features. This can be helpful in the understanding the anatomical knowledge required for the practice of Ayurveda. Where Acharya Sushruta considered it as the main tool to get the information regarding Ayu along with that of Bala Acharya Sushruta has explained before treatment of the patient, the physician should first examine the Ayu, if it is on the positive side then he should examine Vyadhi, Agni, Vaya, Dehabala, Satva, Satmya, Prakruti, Bhesaja and Desha [4]. The patient or individual having appropriate Pramana of different Anga Pratyangas mentioned is considered to attain Deerghayu and Vittha and those with. He has categorically mentioned Angula Pramana of Anga Pratyanga of human body this is determined by the measuring Utshedha (height), Aayam (length), Vistar (breadth) of the Anga pratyanga of an individual by taking his own finger (Swa Angule) breadth as the unit measurement. according to Acharya Charaka height is 84 Angula he has put forth Sama Sharira concept according which an individual having Sama Aayama (height) and Vistar is conceded to have some Sharira the portion will have Uttam Ayu (longevity),Bala (good strength), Oja (energy). Sukha (happiness), Aishvarya (power) moderate and poor measurements attain Madhyama and Alpaayu respectively [5]. Acharya Charak and Vagbhat described height of individuals should be 84 Angula. Acharya Sushruta has expressed a different opinion regarding the height of the individual. He has mentioned the height of man as 120 Angulas. Dalhana states that height given by Sushruta is to be measured in standing position with arms raised above the head. Chakrapani stated that the Pramana given by Acharya Sushruta is smaller as compare with Acharya Charaka. Vruddha Vagbhatta has explained the Anguli pramana based on Swa-Angula pramana [6]. He has explained various measurements of different Anga and Pratyanga of human body and has also explained Sama Shareera concept. Detailed description regarding the Pramana Shareera is not available in Astanga Hrudaya. However Acharya has explained that the appropriate height of a person is equivalent to 3½ times the length of his Hasta. Acharya Bhela specifies that the individual with Lalata, Karna and Nasika of length 6 Angula each will attain Shatayu [7]. The concept Pramana is also one among them which should be evaluated scientifically .The modern Anthropometry also has a similar kind of intentions in the field of medical science. Anthropometry provides the single most portable universally applicable inexpensive non-invasive technique for assessing the size proportions.

Discussion

Maana is a tool of measurement. Different types of Maana described by Ayurveda sabdakosa are Tulamaana, Prasthamaana and Angulimaana. In general there are three types of Maana, in which Pautavamaana used for measuring weight of solid substances. In Ayurveda the Pramana is described as a medium of knowledge. In other context Pramana is described for the measurement or with the help of which measurement is done is called Maan. Acharya Charaka describes two types of Maan- Magadh Maan and Kalinga Maan (In Kalpa Sthana 12/105) in context of weight measurement. In Amarkosh three type of Maan were adopted Paayamaana (linear measurement) Poutav Maan (weight measurement) and Druvayamaana (volume measurement) [13]. Description of Paaya Maan (Linear measurement) is found in Ayurveda in the form of Anguli, vitasti, Aratni, Hasta, Yava, Vrihi etc. Measurement is determination of the magnitude of a quantity by comparing with a standard for the same. A definite sate of standard unit having consistent interrelation, used to determine magnitude of an entity can be called as measurement system. Measures were among the earliest tools invented by human. Primitive societies needed rudimentary measures for many tasks: constructing dwelling of an appropriate size and shape of, fashioning clothing and bartering food or raw materials. Human understand ably turned first to parts of his body and his natural surroundings for measuring instruments. Early Babylonian and Egyptian records, and the Bible, indicate that length was first measured with the forearm, hand, or finger. In modern era metric system first came about in the 1790 when French academy of science was asked to construct a new system of unit for use throughout the world the current international standard metric system (SI) unites accepted by the 11th conference of weights and measures in 1960. Finger is an ancient and absolute non-SI unit of measurement of length. It was originally based on the breadth of a human finger. Among the prevalence system of unit it was a fundamental unit of length. Finger is an ancient and absolute non-SI unit of measurement of length. It was originally based on the breadth of a human finger. Among the prevalence system of unit it was a fundamental unit of length.

Pramaṇa Sharir is described as the knowledge related to the body in context of life- span, measurement of parts and sub-parts of the body. The body has been described (in terms of measurement) with own fingers. The entire body is 84 Angula in vertical length and if vertical height of the body is equal to the horizontal length in position when arms are abducted up to 90 degrees, then it is in Sama Pramaṇa. The persons having normal measurement of the body are endowed with longevity, strength, immunity, happiness, supremacy, wealth and other qualities. Those having body with less or more measurement have qualities contrary to these. The expert physician succeeds in his work if he proceeds after examining the life-span particularly on the basis of measurement of parts and sub-parts of body. All this description of Pramana shows that the concept of Pramana was basically developed very early in the era of Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, the concept of Pramana is used widely in different branches like Pañcakarma, dravya guṇa, bhaiṣajya kalpanā, Sharir Rachanaetc in different ways. The modern science developed the concept of Pramana in the form of new branch which is called anthropometry. The difference is that in Ayurveda the measurements were taken with help of Swa-Angula. There was no development of instruments to take measurement but the modern science has developed so many instruments like vernier calliper, anthropometer rod and craniophore.

Science always encompasses principles and facts that are methodically attested and undeniably accepted. Pramana was the criterion to measure the stature and dimensions of the body parts as they are tools to assess the patient before and after treatment. Anthrometry of the contemporary system is defined as the study of the human body in terms of bone, muscle, adipose tissue and correlated with risk of systemic as well as life style disorder. Prakruti helps to determine the general built and characteristic of an individual who is important in detecting vyadhi and predicting prognosis of a disease in addition to plan the treatment accordingly. Pramana- pareeksha is included among the dashavidharogipariksha by Acharya Charaka. Pramana Shareera deals with Ayu, Bala etc. as described by Acharya Charaka & Acharya Sushrutha. Ayam Vistara deals with Ayu, Bala etc. as described by Acharya Charaka. The finger breadth of the individual is taken as the unit measurement for measuring the length, breadth; circumference of different parts and sub-parts is explained by Acharya Charaka, Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhatta. Measurements of different anga - pratyanga of human body are described by Acharya Charaka, Acharya Sushrhuta and Acharya Vagbhatta [14]. Thus Anguli Pramana is a enhanced tool to describe dimensions compared to absolute measurements. It gave in the first place, a unit of measurement. It was personalized as it differs from individual to individual. It was standardized because the result measured was not an absolute value but a ratio between the length of the part measured to the Anguli pramaan This also shows to the modern scientific world the advanced state of Ayurvedic anatomy and thus Pramana can become a proof of what we can contribute to the modern community from what we can learn and comprehend from the study of our ancient literatures. New Ayurvedic indices may be discovered, analyzed and incorporated into the Ayurvedic clinical examination proforma to improve Pramaan Pareeksha and Aakriti Pareeksha described in Dushvidha (tenfold) and Ashtvidha Pareeksha (eightfold) and to give them mathematically representation for objective analysis to replace the current subjective assessment. Anthropometric data can be used to evaluate unknown body measurements from known measurements. This is highly significant in developing concepts related to forensic medicine in Ayurveda, a perfect example in this regard being estimation of total height from various known measurements based on references of Pramana Shareer. Thus, we can see concepts of anthropometry are described in samhitas at places with significant elaboration which shows concept of anthropometry in ayurveda and shows the path for further illustration for better use.

Conclusion

All this description of Pramana shows that the concept of Pramana was basically developed very early in the era of Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, the concept of Pramana is used widely in different branches like Panchakarma, Dravya Guṇa, Bhaiṣajya Kalpanā, Sharir Rachanaetc. in different ways. The modern science developed the concept of Pramana in the form of new branch which is called anthropometry [15]. The difference is that in Ayurveda the measurements were taken with help of Swa-Angula. There was no development of instruments to take measurement but the modern science has developed so many instruments like vernier calliper, anthropometer rod and craniophore. With advancement of time, science is expanding its wings in every field but basic principles remain always unchanged. That’s why modern science also follows all these ancient principles so the knowledge generally found in modern medical literature is nothing but the amendment of Ayurvedic knowledge or literature. Thus the elaborated description of Pramana Sharir in the ancient literature shows the well-established concept of anthropometry in past era.