E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Peshi

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 6 July
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A comprehensive study of Peshi Shareera w.s.r. to Adhoshakhagata Peshi

S Walwadkar A.1*, Krishnamurthy N.2, Kumar N.3
DOI:

1* Arundhati S Walwadkar, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Shareera Rachana, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

2 N Krishnamurthy, Guide, Professor and HOD, Department of PG Studies in Shareera Rachana, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

3 Nithin Kumar, Co-Guide, Associate Professor, Department of PG Studies in Shareera Rachana, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.

Peshis are consolidated forms of the Mamsa Dhatu, demarcated from each other. They cover Sira, Asthi, Snayu and Sandhis and provide strength. Sushrutacharya has explained Peshi in detail including the types, location, distribution and importance. The total number of Peshis enumerated are 500. Amongst these, 400 are located in Shakha, 66 in Koshtha and 34 in Greevapratyurdhwa. 100 Peshis of each lower limb divided under 8 regions and categorised under 12 Swaroopas. However, there is no specific identification of different Peshis based on Swaroopa, provided in the Samhita. Objective of this study is to study the literature on Peshi Shareera w.s.r. to Adhoshakhagata Peshi in the light of modern science by cadaveric study and to categorise the Peshis of lower limbs into 12 Swaroopas. As per literary and cadaveric study, a total of 56 Peshis are found in the lower limbs. 9 of 12 Swaroopa are found to be relevant for categorising the Adhoshakha Peshis. The reason for the difference in the number of Peshis could be inclusion of tendons or aponeurosis, or single muscle observed in two or more regions or 2 heads of origin of a single muscle as two. Hence, the number of Peshis in Adhoshakha, by cadaver dissection can be interpreted as 91 according to Sushruta and 96 as per Vagbhata’s enumeration.

Keywords: Adhoshakha, Lower limb, Muscles, Peshi, Swaroopa

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Arundhati S Walwadkar, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of PG Studies in Shareera Rachana, SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
Email:
Arundhati S Walwadkar, N Krishnamurthy, Nithin Kumar, A comprehensive study of Peshi Shareera w.s.r. to Adhoshakhagata Peshi. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(6):115-121.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1871

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-05-28 2022-05-30 2022-06-06 2022-06-13 2022-06-19
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Nil Nil Yes 19%

© 2022by Arundhati S Walwadkar, N Krishnamurthy, Nithin Kumarand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Introduction

Ayurveda is a human science, which is based on practical results obtained through different experimentation and studies on almost everything which effects life. It provides the knowledge and understanding of the structural & functional constitution of the human body (Shareera). There are many concepts mentioned in the classics which are worth exploring more and have their own importance. In Ayurvedic classical text, Dhatu is considered as nourishing and supporting matter of the body. It undergoes various metabolic changes, giving its own by-products and nourishes the body by providing support throughout life. Mamsa Dhatu is the third Dhatu amongst the Saptadhatus.[1] It is formed by the metabolism of its preceding Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu and is responsible for the nourishment of the succeeding Dhatu, Medo Dhatu as well as Lepana Karma of the body.[2]

Peshi: Peshi is the condensed form of Mamsadhatu which is arranged in various patterns demarcated from each other performing Lepan Karma along with strengthening the body.[3] It wraps the body like a sleeve, covers the Sira, Snayu, Asthi and Sandhi, thus provides the smooth contour to the body.[4]

Formation of Peshi: Peshis are formed by the influence of Vayu and Ushma which enter the Mamsa Dhatu and divide the Mamsa into Peshis.[5]

Mamsadhara Tvak [6]: The seventh layer of the Tvak is the Mamsadhara Tvak, which supports the Mamsa.

Mamsadhara Kala[7]: Acharya Sushruta explains the unique concept of Kala, where the first Kala to be explained is the Mamsadhara Kala which is explained after the Mamsadhara Tvak. This Mamsadhara Kala is responsible for providing support to the underlying Mamsa, as it transports Sira, Dhamani and Srotas within it.

Number of Peshi: There are totally 500 Peshis in the human body with 20 extra Peshis in the females. The distribution of Peshis according to their location is explained by Acharyas. Out of the 500 Peshis, 400 are in Shakha, 66 in Koshtha and 34 in Greevapratyurdhwa Pradesha. The 20 extra Peshis of females are arranged in the Stana and Yoni Pradesha.[8] The 100 Peshis of one Adhoshakha are distributed in 8 regions according to different authors (Table no. 1).


There is a clear difference in the enumeration of the muscles of lower limb as per contemporary science. According to the modern anatomy, the muscles of the lower limb are 61, categorised into 5 regions, including the gluteal region.[12] Ayurveda includes the Sphik Pradesha in the Madhya Shareera (trunk region).[13] This study attempts at understanding the structures included under the canopy of Peshis in different regions of Adhoshakha.

Table 1: Number of Peshis in Adhoshakha Pradesha according to different Acharyas

Regions Sushruta[8] Ashtanga Sangraha[9] Ashtanga Hrudaya[10] Bhavaprakasha[11]
Padaanguli (Toes) 15 (3x5) 15 (3x5) 15 (3x5) 15 (3x5)
Prapada/Padagra (Forefoot) 10 10 10 10
Padopari Kurcha (Above foot, attached to kurcha) 10 10 10 10
Padatala/Gulphatala (Sole of foot) 10 10 10 5
Gulpha (Ankle) - 10 10 5
Jangha/Gulpha-Janvantare (Leg)   20   20   20   20
Janu (Knee) 5 5 5 5
Uru (Thigh) 20 20 20 20
Vankshana (Groin) 10 - - 10
Total 100 100 100 100

Swaroopa of Peshi (Types of Peshi)

There are various patterns of Peshi differentiated to maintain support and movement of body viz. Bahala, Pelava, Sthula, Anu, Prithu, Vritta, Hriswa, Dirgha, Sthira, Mridu, Slakshna and Karkasha.[14]

Dalhana has explained each Swaroopa in his commentary on Sushruta Samhita Shareera Sthana 5th chapter and Ghanekar commentary has given their respective meanings.[15] (Table no. 2)

Table 2: Peshi Swaroopa

SN Peshi Swaroopa Dalhana Meaning By Ghanekar
1. Bahala Bahutara Large
2. Pelava Alpa Small
3. Sthoola Vipareeta of Sookshma Thick
4. Anu Sookshma Thin
5. Prithu Visteerna Flat/Broad
6. Vritta Vartula Dome shaped
7. Hrisva Adeergha Short
8. Deergha Ayata Long
9. Sthira Kathina Firm
10. Mridu Komala Soft
11. Slakshana Sparshasukha Smooth
12. Karkasha Vipareeta of Sparshasukha Rough

Though Acharya Sushruta has given the 12 Swaroopa of Peshis, he has not mentioned about which Peshis are categorised under these 12 Swaroopas.

This present work has been taken up with an idea to update the concept of Peshi, with emphasis on the Peshis of Adhoshakha as well as their categorisation under the 12 Swaroopas of Peshis mentioned.

Karma of Peshi (functions)

As per Sushrutacharya, the main function of Peshis is to cover the joints, bones, Siras and Snayu and to keep them in place and to provide strength to these structures.[16]

Acharya Kashyapa opines just as a plank made of wood tied with grass and ropes is smeared with clay superficially, similarly, in the body the bones are tied together by the Snayus and Snayus are covered by Mamsa and they are nourished by the Siras. Skin is spread over these structures.[17]

Muscles of Lower Limb[12]

The muscles of the lower limb may be conveniently considered in the following groups:

1. Muscles of the iliac region - Psoas Major, Psoas Minor, Iliacus.

2. Muscles of the gluteal region - Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus, Piriformis, Superior and Inferior Gemelli, Obturator Internus and Externus, Quadratus Femoris and Tensor Fasciae Latae

3. Muscles of the femoral region

  • Muscles of anterior compartment of thigh - Quadriceps Femoris (Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis and Vastus Intermedius), Sartorius, Iliopsoas, Articularis Genu
  • Muscles of medial compartment of thigh - Gracilis, Pectineus, Adductor Magnus, Adductor Longus and Adductor Brevis
  • Muscles of posterior compartment of thigh - Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus and Biceps Femoris

4. Muscles of the leg

  • Muscles of anterior compartment of leg - Tibialis Anterior, Extensor Hallucis Longus, Extensor Digitorum Longus and Peroneus Tertius
  • Muscles of lateral compartment of leg - Peroneus longus and Brevis
  • Muscles of posterior compartment of leg - Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Plantaris, Popliteus, Flexor Digitorum Longus, Flexor Hallucis Longus and Tibialis Posterior.

5. Muscles of the foot

  • Dorsum of foot - Extensor Digitorum Longus
  • First layer of sole - Flexor Digitorum Brevis, Abductor Hallucis and Abductor Digiti Minimi
  • Second layer - Flexor Digitorum Longus, Flexor Digitorum Accessorius, Lumbricals and Flexor Hallucis Longus.
  • Third layer - Flexor Hallucis Brevis, Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis and Adductor Hallucis.
  • Fourth layer - Interosseous Muscles

Aims and Objectives

1. To undertake literary study of Peshi Shareera with special reference to Adho Shakhagata Peshi in detail.

2. To do a comprehensive cadaveric study on Adho Shakhagata Peshi.

Methodology

  • Literature regarding the Vyutpatti, Sankhya, Swarupa, Karya of Mamsa Peshi was collected from Bruhatrayees, Laghutrayees and other Ayurvedic texts, modern textbooks, including journals, presented papers and previous work done, and was correlated as well as analysed, critically.
  • Dissection of lower limbs of five cadavers was done in the dissection hall of SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi, to analyse the number and Swaroopa of Adhoshakhagata Peshi.

Discussion

Peshis are defined as the Mamsavayava Sanghata, i.e., the group of Mamsavayava is called as Peshi and it is said to be Vibhakta (separated) from each other. It is also considered that Peshis are long and thread-like with a central fleshy part. This can be understood as- Each muscle fibre within a fasciculus is separated by an endomysium, each fasciculus is covered by a connective tissue layer called the perimysium and the whole muscle is


covered by the epimysium which separates it from other muscles. From this definition of Peshi, it can be considered as a consolidated bundle of numerous myocytes or muscle fibres to form the muscle.

The deep fascia enveloping and supporting the muscle may be considered as Mamsadhara Kala; it also transports blood vessels and nerves. The superficial fascia may be considered as Mamsadhara Tvak, the last layer of Tvacha.

Acharyas categorised the Peshis into twelve shapes depending on their region of distribution. They are Bahala, Pelava, Stoola, Anu, Prithu, Vritta, Hrisva, Deergha, Sthira, Mridu, Slakshna and Karkasha. As per Acharya Ghanekar’s commentary, these Peshis are large, small, thick, thin, flat/broad, dome shaped, short, long, firm, soft, smooth and rough respectively.

This study has attempted to categorise the Peshis of the lower limb into these twelve Swaroopa as per their region of distribution and function (Table no. 3).
Table 3

Swaroopa Explanation Muscles included
Bahala Large Gluteus maximus, Adductor magnus
Pelava Small Tensor fascia latae, Abductor digiti minimi, Lumbricals, Plantar and Dorsal interossei
Sthoola Thick Psoas major, Gluteus maximus, Adductor magnus, Gastrocnemius, Soleus
Anu Thin Articularis genu, Peroneus tertius, Crermaster, Abductor digiti minimi, Flexor digiti minimi brevis
Prithu Flat/broad Iliacus, Pectineus, Popliteus, Flexor digitorum accessorius, Transversus abdominus, Internal oblique, External oblique aponeurosis
Vritta Dome shaped Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Cremaster
Hrisva Short Adductor brevis, Peroneus tertius, Peroneus brevis, Plantaris, Popliteus, Extensor digitorum brevis, Flexor digitorum brevis, Extensor hallucis brevis, Abductor hallucis brevis
Deergha Long Psoas major, Tensor fascia latae, Sartorius, Rectus femoris, 3 Vasti, Adductor longus, Gracilis, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, Biceps femoris, Tibialis anterior, Extensor hallucis longus, Extensor digitorum longus, Peroneus longus, Flexor digitorum longus, Flexor hallucis longus, Tibialis posterior, Plantar and dorsal interossei, Lumbricals
Sthira Firm Koshthagata Peshis
Mridu Soft Koshthagata Peshis
Slakshna Smooth All smooth muscles
Karkasha Rough All skeletal muscles

All muscles with ‘magnus’ and ‘maximus’ in their names are grouped under Bahala group; ‘longus’ muscles are grouped under Deergha category; ‘brevis’ are categorised under Hrisva and ‘digiti minimi’ under Anu group. All skeletal muscles are categorised under the Karkasha group. These Swaroopa of Peshis are for all Peshis of the body, hence, it may be difficult to categorise skeletal muscles into Sthira and Mridu groups. Some Koshthagata Peshis may be considered in these categories.

The number of Peshis in Adhoshakha are 100 in each lower limb. These Peshis are distributed in 9 regions of the limb from Padanguli, Prapada, Padopari Kurcha, Padatala/Gulphatala, Gulpha, in between Gulpha and Janu, Janu, Uru and Vankshana Pradesha.

The muscles of lower limb are considered to be 61 including the four muscles of quadriceps femoris, four lumbricals, three plantar interossei and four dorsal interossei. These muscles are divided into 5 regions as muscles of the iliac region, femoral region, gluteal region, leg and foot.

Samhitas mention the ten muscles of Sphik Pradesha (gluteal region) in the Koshthagata Peshis and do not consider these under Adhoshakhagata Peshi.

However, the modern anatomical classification clearly mentions the gluteal region muscles as part of the lower limb. Based on dissection findings, 3 muscles of the gluteal region are found in Uru Pradesha.

As per dissection findings, we got 56 Peshis in the Adhoshakha including the 4 muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and excluding 7 muscles of gluteal region.

The distribution of Peshis region wise was found as follows.

  • Padanguli Peshi - 15 Peshis of Padanguli were difficult to pin point as no muscle is found in the toes. However, 18 tendinous insertions of muscles of anterior and posterior compartments of leg were seen.
  • Prapada Peshi - It has 10 Peshis according to classical texts. As per dissection findings, 15 muscles were found in this region including the two heads of adductor hallucis, four lumbricals,

  • four dorsal interossei and three plantar interossei muscles as individual muscles along with flexor hallucis brevis and flexor digiti minimi brevis.
  • Padopari Kurcha Peshi - 10 Peshis of this region were difficult to get as 4 muscles were found in the dorsum of the foot they are, extensor hallucis longus, extensor hallucis brevis, extensor digitorum longus, extensor digitorum brevis, along with 4 tendons of extensor digitorum brevis may be considered as Kurcha (brush-like structure).
  • Gulphatala Peshi - This region is explained by Acharya Sushruta and Bhavaprakasha. Gulphatala is considered as the heel region and 10 Peshis are distributed here. Bhavaprakasha has considered 5 Peshis in each Gulpha and Tala However, dissection findings indicated origins of 5 muscles, including 2 heads of flexor digitorum accessorious, abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis and abductor digiti minimi. 10 Peshis of this region were difficult to find, Acharyas may have taken muscle fasciculi into consideration.
  • Gulpha region has been explained by Acharya Vagbhata and it is taken as the ankle region. 10 Peshis have been explained separately in Gulpha and Padatala Dissection findings led to tendons of 12 muscles of the leg crossing the ankle joint and 5 muscles in Padatala region.
  • Jangha Pradesha Peshi - The region between the Gulpha and Janu is called the Jangha and 20 Peshis have been enumerated here. Muscles of the anterior, posterior and lateral compartments of the leg were found in this region, except the plantaris. The tendon of plantaris is traced into the leg with its muscle bulk in the Janu Pradesha. Totally 13 muscles were found in this region, including the two heads of gastrocnemius and excluding the tendon of plantaris.
  • Janu Pradesha Peshi - 5 Peshis have been enumerated here. Dissection indicated 5 muscles including the two heads of gastrocnemius in the knee joint, plantaris and insertion of sartorius and gracilis.
  • Uru Pradesha Peshi - Uru pradesha is thigh region and 20 Peshis have been explained here. 20 muscles were found in this region as per dissection findings including the anterior,
  • medial and posterior compartments of thigh; three muscles from the gluteal region, obturator externus, tensor fascia latae and gluteus maximus, were also traced into the thigh.
  • Vankshana Peshi - Vankshana Pradesha is described as the root of thigh or junction of the thigh and abdomen and can be considered as the inguinal region. Inguinal region extends from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle. 10 Peshis have been enumerated in this region. Dissection led to finding of 7 muscles in this region from the anterior abdominal wall and posterior abdominal wall due to their attachment and course in this region. They are external oblique aponeurosis, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, cremaster, iliacus, psoas major and pectineus.

Conclusion

The total number of muscles of lower limb are 61, including the gluteal region muscles and dissection of Adhoshakha explains 56 muscles excluding 7 muscles of gluteal region and including 4 muscles of anterior abdominal wall. The difference in the enumeration of Peshis as 100 in each Shakha may be because of including two separate heads of a single muscle or tendons and aponeuroses as Peshi depending on location and function or tracing a single muscle in two or more regions and considering these as separate muscles. Considering all above factors and by cadaver dissection, the total number of Peshis in Adhoshakha can be tallied upto 91 as per Sushruta’s enumeration and 96 according to Vagbhata’s enumeration. Swaroopa of Peshis - 12 Swaroopas of Peshi have been explained depending on their natural shape and size and location. These 12 Swaroopas have been described for all the Peshis of the body. The Sthira, Mridu and Kathina swaroopas are not relevant for the Peshis of Adhoshakha. Acharyas must have considered Peshis of the Koshtha and Shiro-Greeva Pradesha under these categories. The 56 muscles of the Adhoshakha have been categorised under these 9 of the 12 Swaroopas based on their nomenclature, shape, size and structure.

Further scope of study could be standardisation of these explanations in terms of modern anatomy knowledge for easier access to understanding ayurvedic viewpoint as well as, updation of our knowledge systems.


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