Scientific study of Charakokta Anguli Pramana in reference to human height

Ayurveda has dynamic and creative view on health and gives importance to the individual while managing his health and also during treating the diseases. Ayurveda is a system of health science which not only includes the knowledge of body and diseases but also includes the way of living healthy i.e., "Swastha". The concept of Maana-Pramana is one of the significant contributions of Ayurveda. This study was undertaken to evaluate the Charakokta Sutra (verse) which implies that "Height (Aayama) of human being is 84 fingers (Anguli) and is equal to Arm Span (Vistaara)". In the present study, anthropometric measurements by finger were taken and exact site of particular finger in a manner to execute "Anguli Sthana Nishchiti" was determined. The data of Aayama and Vistaara of the 100 volunteers was recorded and statistically analysed. After comparing the Anguli Pramana (Measurement through finger) obtained at 78 different sites of both hands, it was established that measurement of Anguli Pramana at the site of medio-lateral proximal interphalangeal joint of middle finger of right and left hand, would be most accurate in estimating Anguli Pramana.