Dimensions of Health: Ayurveda’s Swa Anguli Pramana and Siddha Manikkadai Nool in Comparative Analysis

Introduction: Anthropometry serves as a vital scientific tool for measuring human body dimensions, influenced by various factors including nutrition, psychology, environment, and infections. Ayurvedic and Siddha medical traditions provide unique insights into anthropometry, emphasizing the importance of precise measurements for assessing health and diagnosing diseases. Materials and Methods: This study reviews Ayurvedic texts, Siddha texts, Rachana Sharir books, and modern anthropometry literature to explore concepts related to anthropometry. Specific focus is given to the Swa Anguli Pramana in Ayurveda and the Manikkadai Nool in Siddha medicine. Measurements and diagnostic procedures outlined in ancient texts are compared with modern anthropometric practices. Results and Discussion: Ayurvedic Swa Anguli Pramana and Siddha Manikkadai Nool offer distinct approaches to anthropometry, providing valuable insights into human health assessment and disease diagnosis. The study highlights the correlation between wrist circumference measurements and disease prognosis in Siddha medicine. Integrating ancient anthropometric techniques with modern healthcare systems could enhance patient assessment, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary research in medical anthropology.