Shira
The word ‘Shiras’ (also spelled as Shirah) means head region. The body parts in supraclavicular region are described as ‘urdhvajatrugata’. Head is a seat of prana [life force] and indriyas [sensory and motor organs]. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana.17/12] A vital part (marma), shiras play a significant role in overall well-being, functioning as an origin for all sensory- motor organs and ten life forces. [Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana.29/3] The classical texts of Ayurveda, including Charak Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya and Sushrut Samhita, quoted the significance of shiras, associating it with prana, cognitive functions, and the intricate network of doshas. This article deals with comprehensive information about anatomy, physiology, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of head from Ayurveda perspectives.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts/Sharira/Marma/Shira |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bhojani M. K. 1, Garg Nisha 1 |
| Reviewers & Editors | Basisht G.2, Deole Y.S.3 |
| Affiliations |
1 Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 3 Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence emails |
meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India & Symbiohealth Foundation, India |
| Date of publication: | May 17, 2024 |
| DOI | 10.47468/CSNE.2024.e01.s09.164 |
Etymology and derivation
Etymologically, "shira" embodies the essence of being the topmost and most significant part of the body. Shira means head including the neck; also spelled as "Sira.”[1]
Synonyms in Ayurveda
Uttamanga (best part or uppermost part), shirasa (head), shirsha (head), murdha (head), mastaka (head).[2]
Shira in Ayurveda
Shiras is also called as uttamanga in Ayurveda. Uttara means top or above and anga means a body part. Thus, the part of body located in the topmost position is called as uttamanga. Also, uttama means best or of topmost quality/significance etc. Shiras [head] is foremost among all organs as it is part of the body where the life energy and all the vital centers of sensory and motor organs [indriyas] of a living being are located. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/12] It indicates that any injury to this part of the body will certainly affect indriya, prana, and thus the entire life. It is also clear from the above discussion that, ancient Ayurveda scholars emphasized on significance of head and the seriousness of neurological disorders, the center of all of which is situated in brain and nerves that are situated inside the head.
Shadangas (Six main parts)
Ayurveda scholars consider ‘Shiras’ as one of the six main parts of body known as ‘Shadangas’ in Human. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/3] Contemporary anatomy also lists ‘Head, Neck and Brain’ as vital parts in medical studies.
Site of external orifices (bahirmukha srotas)
In head region, there are external orifices like nostrils, two eyes, two ears and one oral cavity. These are termed as bahirmukha strotasa that means channels of passage for various body elements having opening on outer surface of body. [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana.7/12-13]. Nose is the entry point of shiras. One can administer medicines in nose to attain health benefits in head region. [Cha. Sa. Siddhi Sthana 9/88]
Importance of shirasa as marma
Shiras is recognized as one of the crucial points or marmas. Ayurveda texts enumerate 107 marmas, three of which are most significant. Shiras is included among these three vital marmas, serving as the locus of life energy. Any disruption here can lead to disturbance in overall life. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/3-4]
Ayurveda literature extensively discusses the bones, joints, muscles, and related structures associated with shiras. Additionally, the fine lines of joints between skull bones, known as ‘Simantas’, are considered marmas. The effect of injuries to these are also elaborately described. The internal structure of pathways for various sensory and motor organs, along with the seat of prana [life energy], is said to be present in a specific arrangement in 'shiras’. Ayurveda acharyas simplify the explanation of this structure using a simile. The structure of head and its associated indriya are like the radiating spicules of sunlight that appear to be distant from the sun, but originate from a single centre, i.e., the Sun. Similarly, all these sensory organs [indriyas] and life energy [prana] are situated in shiras, but can manifest anywhere else in the body. [Cha. Sa. Siddhi Sthana 9/4]
Shiras is one of the three highly crucial marma in the body. Injury to any of these three marmas, including shiras, can result in sudden pain throughout the body. The destruction of the substance (ashraya) leads to the destruction of the substrate [ashrita]. Severe disease manifestations occur due to injury, emphasizing the need to protect shiras, especially from external injuries and vata dosha. [Cha. Sa. Siddhi Sthana 9/5]
Vagbhatta explains the importance of shiras as, it is essential because all indriya are situated in shiras and it should be protected. He compared shiras with a tree (vruksha) with upward roots (urdhwamoola) and downward branches (adhoshakha). Damage to moola [shiras] results in the damage to shakha [body] [A. Hr. Uttara Tantra 24] Sushruta opines prana is the combination of agni, soma, vayu, pancha indriyas and panchamahabhootas. Such pranas are located in shiras. [Su.Sa. Uttar Tantra 25/1-2]
Specifically, due to head injury, certain signs and symptoms may arise, including neck stiffness, facial paralysis, eye disorders, mental confusion, loss of body movements, cough, breathlessness, stiffness of the jaw, excessive yawning, and more. [Cha. Sa. Siddhi Sthana 9/6]
Anatomical perspective of head region
The head region encompasses the cranium, composed of cranial bones that encase and protect the brain, and facial bones that provide support and attachment for facial muscles. The brain, housed within the cranial cavity, orchestrates sensory perception, cognition, and motor coordination. Facial features such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears serve essential roles in sensory input, communication, and expression. The eyes capture visual stimuli, the nose detects odors, the mouth facilitates speech and consumption, and the ears enable auditory perception.
Understanding the anatomical relationships within the head region is pivotal in diagnosing and treating a myriad of conditions, from neurological disorders to facial trauma. It aids healthcare professionals in performing surgical procedures, administering treatments, and interpreting diagnostic imaging accurately.[3]
Marma present in head
The areas where muscles, vessels, ligaments, bones and joints meet together are known as the marma (vital points of the body) which by virtue of their nature are specially the seats of life. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/15] There are total of one hundred seven marmas. Out of these, there are thirty-seven are jatrurdhvamarma/ siromarma (vital points of the head and neck). Above the clavicles following marmas are found: four dhamani (arteries), eight matrukas (carotid vessels), two krukatikas (atlanto-occipital joint), two phana (olfactory bulb), two apangas, two avartas (junction of frontal, zygomatic and sphenoid bones), two utkshepas (deep temporal vessels and nerve), two shankhas, one sthapani (glabella), five simantas (cranial sutures), four srungataka (junction point of sense organs) and one adhipati (trocula herophilis). Out of these sringataka, adhipati, shankhas, kantha sira marmas are sadyo marma. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/9]
Brief description of brain, its main parts and their functions with figures
The brain, the control centre of the nervous system, consists of cerebrum which is the largest part responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, and voluntary movement. It is divided into left and right hemispheres, each controlling the opposite side of the body. The cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the cerebrum, is responsible for higher-level brain functions such as consciousness, perception, and language processing. The cerebellum, located below the cerebrum, coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and maintains posture. The brainstem, situated at the base of the brain, regulates basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and sleep cycle. It consists of midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The limbic system, found deep within the brain, is involved in emotions, memory, and motivation. It includes structures like the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Understanding the functions of these main parts is crucial for comprehending brain function and pathology.[4]
Dosha physiology in shiras
Dosha seated in shiras are prana vayu, alochaka pitta and tarpaka kapha. Prana vayu is located in the head, chest, throat, tongue, mouth and nose. Its functions are spitting, sneezing, eructation, respiration, deglutition of food etc. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/6] The pitta situated in the eyes is known as alochaka agni. It helps in the visualisation of objects. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/10] The shleshma situated in the head and by virtue of its greasy and its nutritional properties of its own potency, helps in the proper functioning of sense organs. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/14]
General causative factors of diseases of head
The general causative factors of shiroroga are suppression of natural urges, day sleep, insomnia, intoxication, talking too loudly, exposure to frost, exposure to wind from the front, excessive indulgence in sexual activity, inhalation of unwholesome smell, exposure to dust, smoke, cold and sun; over eating of heavy, sour, and green food, use of very cold water, trauma to the head, formation of products of improper digestion and metabolism in the body (i.e. ama), excessive weeping or suppression of tears, cloudy weather, irritation of mind and anomalous climate.. These factors provoke or vitiate vata, affecting rakta in the head leading to shiroroga with various symptoms. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/8-11]
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References
- ↑ Lochan K, Byadgi PS. Editor, Encyclopaedic dictionary of Ayurveda. 1st ed. Chaukhamba publications; 2015
- ↑ Amarkosha with tika by Narayana rama aacharya, Bhartiya kala prakashan, Edition 2004 2nd kandam page 107; line 1263, ISBN 8180900657.
- ↑ Norton, N. S., & Henry, S. L. E. (2016). Netter's Head and Neck Anatomy for Dentistry (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
- ↑ Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., Jessell, T. M., Siegelbaum, S. A., & Hudspeth, A. J. (2013). Principles of Neural Science (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.