Concept of Anthropometry in Ayurveda
All major texts of ayurveda gives description of human body in both Anatomical and Physiological terms. All the major texts (Samhitas) have a separate section of Sharira Sthana (Human anatomy). Anguli Pramana(measurement of different body parts of an individual by his/her own fingure) is one of the important concepts in Ayurveda which has anatomical as well as anthropological significance. Ample references from the Samhitas show Pramana as one of the criteria used in the examination of the patient .It plays a major role in determination of the life span, physical and mental strength and health of the person .In Ayurveda different types of Pramanas like Anjali pramana, Anguli Pramanas are mentioned . Swa Anguli is the unit for measurement of body parts and structure.
Ayurvedic literature pertaining to Human Anatomy 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 applied medical science. Before starting with the treatment the wise physician should go through these Measurements thoroughly.
The Ayurvedic classical literature is documented along with many hypothetical concepts. The concept of Praman is also one among them which should be evaluated scientifically to bring out the occult scientific knowledge of Ayurveda. Measurement of human body 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.
Angula Pramana of Anga Pratyanga of human body 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 .
The concept Pramana 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.
Anthropometry is systemic, quantitative representation of human body. Anthropometry is a Latin word. Anthropos means human and metry means measurement. Anthropometry is the study of the measurement of the human body in terms of the dimensions of bone, muscle, and adipose(fat) tissue. Anthropometry was first used in 19th and early 20th century in criminalistics to identify criminals. Now it has wide application in the field of medicine, space programming and archeology. Anthropometry plays an important role in industrial design, clothing,design, ergonomics and architecture where statistical data about the distribution of body dimensions in the population are used to optimize products. Changes in life styles, nutrition and ethnic composition of populations lead to changes in the distribution of body dimensions (e.g. the obesity epidemic), and require regular updating of anthropometric data collections. Our Seers explained the concept of Swa-Angula Pramana. It can be ideal parameter irrespective of sex, race and place. The growth of the body varies indifferent ages and gets ceased after a particular stage, though the average measurement of the body is fixed by random study, the variation of measurement in growing age may take place.
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 Susruta 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.
But the exact anatomical points of measurement are not mentioned. 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 should made to established that inclusion of Pramana Human body in Ayurvedic Classics is both scientific and authentic manner.
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