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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==

Ø  Certain differences are observed in the measurements of a human body via anguli pramana. The measurements described by the two [[Ayurveda]] scholars are the approximations of body parts of an ideal person. But criteria of idealness vary from person to person. For a person who is native of plains, a long height may be an ideal height. While for a person who is native of hilly areas, shorter height may be the ideal height. This difference in opinion may be the reason of variation in anguli pramana of Charak and Sushrut.

Ø  Certain differences are observed in the measurements of a human body via anguli pramana. The measurements described by the two [[Ayurveda]] scholars are the approximations of body parts of an ideal person. But criteria of idealness vary from person to person. For a person who is native of plains, a long height may be an ideal height. While for a person who is native of hilly areas, shorter height may be the ideal height. This difference in opinion may be the reason of variation in anguli pramana of Charak and Sushrut.

Ø  Dimensional analysis of the oldest engineered caves at the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills (dated to the Mauryan Period) has revealed that the basic length measure of one angula of that period was 1.763 cm.<ref>Balasubramanian, R. (10 September 2009). "New Insights on metrology during Maurya period". ''Current Science''. '''97'''</ref> Although recent studies suggest that the breadth of finger can be approximated as 3⁄4^th of an inch or 1⁄16^th of a foot.<ref>Noah Webster; John Walker (1830). ''American dictionary of the English language''. digit: Converse. p. 247.</ref><ref>Ronald Edward Zupko (1985). ''A dictionary of weights and measures for the British Isles: the Middle Ages to the twentieth century''. American Philosophical Society. pp. 109–10. ISBN 978-0-87169-168-2</ref>

Ø  Dimensional analysis of the oldest engineered caves at the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills (dated to the Mauryan Period) has revealed that the basic length measure of one angula of that period was 1.763 cm.<ref>Balasubramanian, R. (10 September 2009). "New Insights on metrology during Maurya period". ''Current Science''. '''97'''</ref> Although recent studies suggest that the breadth of finger can be approximated as 3⁄4^th of an inch or 1⁄16^th of a foot.<ref>Noah Webster; John Walker (1830). ''American dictionary of the English language''. digit: Converse. p. 247.</ref><ref>Ronald Edward Zupko (1985). ''A dictionary of weights and measures for the British Isles: the Middle Ages to the twentieth century''. American Philosophical Society. pp. 109–10. [[index.php?title=Special:BookSources/9780871691682|ISBN 978-0-87169-168-2]]</ref>

===2.     Anjali pramana===

===2.     Anjali pramana===

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==Application of pramana in diagnosis of various diseases:==

==Application of Pramana in diagnosis of various [[disease]]s==

The equilibrium of [[dosha]], [[dhatu]] (body tissues) and [[mala]] (metabolic waste of body) is responsible for keeping a person healthy. Any derangement in pramana leads to disorders. Example depletion of [[rasa dhatu]] (plasma) causes precordial pain, palpitation, sense of emptiness and thirst, whereas increase in pramana of [[rasa dhatu]] may result in nausea and salivation.

The equilibrium of [[dosha]], [[dhatu]] (body tissues) and [[mala]] (metabolic waste of body) is responsible for keeping a person healthy. Any derangement in pramana leads to disorders. Example depletion of [[rasa dhatu]] (plasma) causes precordial pain, palpitation, sense of emptiness and thirst, whereas increase in pramana of [[rasa dhatu]] may result in nausea and salivation.

===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===

*Pramanataha pariksha is helpful in identification of four (too tall, too dwarf, too fat or too emaciated) among eight of the undesirable constituents. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/3] A person aspiring good health shall make possible efforts to reach close to the standards measurements. For example, reducing weight for an obese person is possible by suitable diet and exercise. However, increasing height of a dwarf adult or decreasing height in tall person is not possible by medical management.  

*Pramanataha pariksha is helpful in identification of four (too tall, too dwarf, too fat or too emaciated) among eight of the undesirable constituents. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/3] A person aspiring good health shall make possible efforts to reach close to the standards measurements. For example, reducing weight for an obese person is possible by suitable diet and exercise. However, increasing height of a dwarf adult or decreasing height in tall person is not possible by medical management.

*Pramanatah pariksha is helpful in determining [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15674762/ Basal Metabolic Index (BMI)]. The normal range for BMI is 19–24·9 kg/, overweight is 25–29·9 kg/ , and obesity ≥ 30 kg/ <ref>Xavier Pi-Sunyer, F. (2000). Obesity: Criteria and classification. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59(4), 505-509. doi:10.1017/S0029665100000732</ref>

*Pramanatah pariksha is helpful in determining [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15674762/ Basal Metabolic Index (BMI)]. The normal range for BMI is 19–24·9 kg/, overweight is 25–29·9 kg/ , and obesity ≥ 30 kg/ <ref>Xavier Pi-Sunyer, F. (2000). Obesity: Criteria and classification. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 59(4), 505-509. doi:10.1017/S0029665100000732</ref>

===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===

The author translates the [[ayurveda]] terminologies of demarcation points for describing pramanatah pariksha in ayurveda texts into modern anatomical terminologies.<ref>Mishra B. Concept of Anguli Pramana Sharir and Importance in Ayurveda. IJIRMF 2016 July;3(7):279-281. ISSN – 2455-0620</ref> Some of these are:

The author translates the [[ayurveda]] terminologies of demarcation points for describing pramanatah pariksha in ayurveda texts into modern anatomical terminologies.<ref>Mishra B. Concept of Anguli Pramana Sharir and Importance in Ayurveda. IJIRMF 2016 July;3(7):279-281. ISSN – 2455-0620</ref> Some of these are:

*    Shira (heads circumference) the maximum distance round the head with the tape placed above the eyebrow ridges and positioned over the greatest posterior      projection at the back of the head.

*   Shira (heads circumference) the maximum distance round the head with the tape placed above the eyebrow ridges and positioned over the greatest posterior      projection at the back of the head.

*    Skandha (shoulder joint)

*   Skandha (shoulder joint)

*    Aaratni (from elbow joint to little finger)

*   Aaratni (from elbow joint to little finger)

*    Prabahu (from shoulder joint to elbow joint)

*   Prabahu (from shoulder joint to elbow joint)

*    Prapani (from elbow joint to wrist joint)

*   Prapani (from elbow joint to wrist joint)

*   Jangha (from knee joint to ankle joint)[length] [circumference]

*   Jangha (from knee joint to ankle joint)[length] [circumference]

*    Uru (from hip joint to knee joint) [length] [circumference]

*   Uru (from hip joint to knee joint) [length] [circumference]

*    Janu (knee joint) [circumference]

*   Janu (knee joint) [circumference]

*   Gulpha (ankle joint) [circumference]

*   Gulpha (ankle joint) [circumference]

*    Parshni (Heels) [length] [breadth]

*   Parshni (Heels) [length] [breadth]

==Future scope of research ==

==Future scope of research==

There is a wide scope of research in perspective of pramantah pariksha. Some of these topics are as follows:

There is a wide scope of research in perspective of pramantah pariksha. Some of these topics are as follows:

*To find the correlation of health and life span of the persons with standard anthropometric measurements and persons with variation in anthropometric measurements.

*To find the correlation of health and life span of the persons with standard anthropometric measurements and persons with variation in anthropometric measurements.

== References ==

==References==