An Observational Study to Assess the Validity of Anguli Pramana in the Present Era

Abstract

Introduction: The concept of Anguli pramana is one of the hypothetical concepts in Ayurved put forth by acharyas. It mainly deals with the measurements of various parts of the human body. After reviewing the previous research done, it was noticed that, not a single study was being carried out by anyone of the researchers for assessing the validity of Anguli pramana in the present era. Therefore, the present study was planned. Method: After ethical clearance, the study was conducted. In total 770 participants of age group 18-50 years from Ahmednagar and Nashik region were selected. Measurements were taken for selected parameters, recorded and converted into Swa-anguli pramana. Swa-anguli pramana was measured by taking width of the middle finger at the proximal interphalangeal joint of right hand. All the measurements were taken following Standard Operating Procedure. The data was analyzed with the test of Normality, Z score using Systat 13.0 version software. Result: In the present study, obtained value and standard value stated by Acharya Charaka for the selected parameters were compared and found statistically different. Similarly, obtained value and standard value stated by Acharya Sushruta for the selected parameters were compared and found statistically different. Discussion: The results were negative i.e., non comparable with the standard values stated by acharas for the selected parameters. It was observed that the Anguli pramana mentioned in ancient literature may not be considered valid in the present era. It may be because of evolutionary changes and lifestyle changes of the human being.