Pramanatah Pariksha

Contributors
Section/Chapter/topic	Concepts & Contemporary Practices/Pramanatah pariksha
Authors	Bhojani M. K. 1, Joglekar Aishwarya 1
Editor	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
Date of publication:	October 12, 2023
DOI	In process

Introduction

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.