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<p style="text-align:justify;">Pramanatah means measurement or proportion and pariksha means examination. The term pramanatah pariksha indicates examination by measurements or proportion. These are means to quantitatively express the proportions of the human body  parts.  In ancient era, the measurements were done by angula (fingers) and anjali (the cup shaped hallow formed by the joining of two palms together). These measurements are referred as anguli pramana and anjali pramana respectively. These measurements are individual specific. Though evolution of technology led to invention of accurate and precise measuring devices, still the ancient means of measurements via anguli and anjali maintain their clinical importance, being an easy, inexpensive, and scientifically justifiable mode of measurement. The anjali pramana is used for measuring the volume of fluid constituents, whereas anguli pramana is used for measuring the dimensions (length, breadth, height, circumference, distance between two points, etc). [[Pramana]] pariksha is one of the ten-fold clinical examinations of patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/94] Having well developed and proportionate body parts is one sign of good health. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 15/40] Underdeveloped or overdeveloped body parts can lead to disease. The present chapter deals with concept and practices of [[pramana]] pariksha. The contemporary science also gives importance to anthropometric measurements and evaluation of body composition. It is assessed on the basis of the nutritional status of an individual. This chapter describes pramanatah pariksha, its application and importance in healthcare practices. <p style="text-align:justify;">{{Infobox

<p style="text-align:justify;">[[Pramana]]tah means measurement or proportion and pariksha means examination. The term [[pramana]]tah pariksha indicates examination by measurements or proportion. These are means to quantitatively express the proportions of the human body  parts.  In ancient era, the measurements were done by angula (fingers) and anjali (the cup shaped hallow formed by the joining of two palms together). These measurements are referred as anguli pramana and anjali pramana respectively. These measurements are individual specific. Though evolution of technology led to invention of accurate and precise measuring devices, still the ancient means of measurements via anguli and anjali maintain their clinical importance, being an easy, inexpensive, and scientifically justifiable mode of measurement. The anjali pramana is used for measuring the volume of fluid constituents, whereas anguli pramana is used for measuring the dimensions (length, breadth, height, circumference, distance between two points, etc). [[Pramana]] pariksha is one of the ten-fold clinical examinations of patient. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/94] Having well developed and proportionate body parts is one sign of good health. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 15/40] Underdeveloped or overdeveloped body parts can lead to disease. The present chapter deals with concept and practices of [[pramana]] pariksha. The contemporary science also gives importance to anthropometric measurements and evaluation of body composition. It is assessed on the basis of the nutritional status of an individual. This chapter describes [[pramana]]tah pariksha, its application and importance in healthcare practices. <p style="text-align:justify;">{{Infobox

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==Derivation of [[pramana]]==   

==Derivation of [[pramana]]==   

The word ‘praman’ is derived from Sanskrit verb ‘ma’ with prefix ‘pra’ where ‘ma’ dhatu means ‘to measure’<ref>Dev R.R.K., editor, (1st ed.). Shabdakalpadrum, Kand 3. Delhi: Amar Publications, 2018; 284.</ref>

The word ‘[[pramana]]’ is derived from Sanskrit verb ‘ma’ with prefix ‘pra’ where ‘ma’ dhatu means ‘to measure’<ref>Dev R.R.K., editor, (1st ed.). Shabdakalpadrum, Kand 3. Delhi: Amar Publications, 2018; 284.</ref>

==Derivation of  pariksha==  

==Derivation of  pariksha==  

The word ‘pariksha’ is derived by combining two words. ‘Pari’ means ‘around’ and ‘Iksh’ menas ‘to see’.<ref>Dev R.R.K., editor, (1st ed.). Shabdakalpadrum, Kand 3. Delhi: Amar Publications, 2018; 67.</ref> Thus pariksha means to look around or to do research. Hence ‘pramanatah pariksha’ means research or examination by measurements.

The word ‘pariksha’ is derived by combining two words. ‘Pari’ means ‘around’ and ‘Iksh’ menas ‘to see’.<ref>Dev R.R.K., editor, (1st ed.). Shabdakalpadrum, Kand 3. Delhi: Amar Publications, 2018; 67.</ref> Thus pariksha means to look around or to do research. Hence ‘[[pramana]]tah pariksha’ means research or examination by measurements.

==Synonyms==  

==Synonyms==  

'''Praman and pariksha''<ref>Gangadhar Commentary on Charak Samhita Sutrasthana, Taistraishaniya Adhyaya, 11/17, reprinted 2020, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, page no 70.</ref>

'''[[Pramana]] and pariksha''<ref>Gangadhar Commentary on Charak Samhita Sutrasthana, Taistraishaniya Adhyaya, 11/17, reprinted 2020, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, page no 70.</ref>

1. Examination or assessment tools (pariksha)

1. Examination or assessment tools (pariksha)

5. Curiosity or zeal to acquire knowledge (jignyasa)

5. Curiosity or zeal to acquire knowledge (jignyasa)

Pramana are described under the heading of vaada-marga. (methods of discussion). [Charak Samhita [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/ 27]. The vaada-marga are different tools or methods to establish the related facts and phenomena.

[[Pramana]] are described under the heading of vaada-marga. (methods of discussion). [Charak Samhita [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/ 27]. The vaada-marga are different tools or methods to establish the related facts and phenomena.

==Pramana in the context of ten fold assessment of patient (dashavidha pariksha):==

==[[Pramana]] in the context of ten fold assessment of patient (dashavidha pariksha):==

The word pramana is applied to denote assessment or measurement.

The word [[pramana]] is applied to denote assessment or measurement.

For example, anguli pramana (measurement based on the thickness of fingers) is used to denote measurements of body parts. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/ 117]

For example, anguli pramana (measurement based on the thickness of fingers) is used to denote measurements of body parts. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/ 117]

Anjali pramana (measurement based on the capacity of palms placed together) is used to denote the quantity of body fluids. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/15]

Anjali pramana (measurement based on the capacity of palms placed together) is used to denote the quantity of body fluids. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana]] 7/15]

These constitute an examination of a person to assess normal or abnormal body constitution called ‘pramanatah pariksha’. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/ 94]

These constitute an examination of a person to assess normal or abnormal body constitution called ‘[[pramana]]tah pariksha’. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/ 94]

==Types==

==Types==

===In determining life span===

===In determining life span===

Any deviation from the normal measurements possibly points towards an anatomical or genetical anomaly, which may consequently reduce the life span of the person. According to Ayurveda scholars, a person with tip of the nose raised lives a maximum life span of 70 years [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/8]; and a person whose phalanges are short, penis enormously bigger positioned upwards from its normal place, nose higher and gums visible while laughing or talking lives a maximum life span of 25 years only. [Su. Sa.  Sthana 35/9-11] Contrarily, if a man or woman, endowed with standard body and body organ measurements, then he attains long life and prosperity [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/16-17]. It is also postulated that if the height of person in standing position is equal to the arm span of that person, than this person is said to possess sama sharira (body with optimum proportion of measurements of body parts). A sama sharira person is endowed with longevity, strength, ojas (the essence of all seven dhatus or tissues, that is vital for life), happiness, power, wealth, and virtues. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Viman Sthana]] 8/117]

Any deviation from the normal measurements possibly points towards an anatomical or genetical anomaly, which may consequently reduce the life span of the person. According to Ayurveda scholars, a person with tip of the nose raised lives a maximum life span of 70 years [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/8]; and a person whose phalanges are short, penis enormously bigger positioned upwards from its normal place, nose higher and gums visible while laughing or talking lives a maximum life span of 25 years only. [Su. Sa.  Sthana 35/9-11] Contrarily, if a man or woman, endowed with standard body and body organ measurements, then he attains long life and prosperity [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 35/16-17]. It is also postulated that if the height of person in standing position is equal to the arm span of that person, than this person is said to possess sama sharira (body with optimum proportion of measurements of body parts). A sama [[sharira]] person is endowed with longevity, strength, [[ojas]] (the essence of all seven [[dhatu]]s or tissues, that is vital for life), happiness, power, wealth, and virtues. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Viman Sthana]] 8/117]

===In preservation and promotion of health===

===In preservation and promotion of health===

===In diagnosis and prognosis===

===In diagnosis and prognosis===

Pramana is mentioned as one of the ten investigations regarding patients, and it can be used for estimation of strength (physical, psychological, immunological) of patients. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Vimana Sthana]] 8/94].

[[Pramana]] is mentioned as one of the ten investigations regarding patients, and it can be used for estimation of strength (physical, psychological, immunological) of patients. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Vimana Sthana]] 8/94].

===In management of diseases===

===In management of diseases===