E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Nabhi

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2022 Volume 7 Number 6 July
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Study of Nabhi Pradesha and Nabhi Nadi Shareera

Suneetha B.1*, Patil M.2, Butali K.3
DOI:

1* Bapatla Suneetha, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept. of PG Studies in Rachana Shareera, Shri Shivayogeeshwar Rural Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Inchal, Karnataka, India.

2 MR Patil, HOD, Dept. of PG Studies in Rachana Shareera, Shri Shivayogeeshwar Rural Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Inchal, Karnataka, India.

3 Kavitha Butali, Assistant Professor, Dept. of PG Studies in Rachana Shareera, Shri Shivayogeeshwar Rural Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Inchal, Karnataka, India.

Ayurveda is an intricate and detailed science, which provides great insight into the importance of every part of the body. One of the most important parts is Nabhi along with other structures. The Nabhi plays the most important role in the development of the body from the very beginning of the life, even at embryonic stage. In Ayurveda, Nabhi is believed to be the root of Siras present between Pakvashaya and Amashaya. Such Siras are passage ways of nutrients and serve as outlets for showering sustenance in different parts of our body. Due to Nabhi’s importance, many Ayurveda Acharya’s found Nabhi to be a significant structure in the body and core of all organs of the body. In ancient Indian tradition the navel of the god Vishnu is consider as the centre of the universe at the source of the life. From his navel, a new world emerges. It also has aesthetic importance but also tells the health status, it is a site of various treatment to which makes it worthy to consider its anatomical concepts and applied aspects. In embryonic stage Nabhi place an important role in the development of fetus, by the formation of Garbha Nabhi Nadi through which nutrient materials exchange between mother and fetus this will explains the concepts of Garbha Phoshana and Garbha Matru-Paratantrata concepts. With this background an attempt is done for the literary study of Nabhi Pradesha and Nabhi Nadi Shareera.

Keywords: Nabhi, Nabhinadi, Sira, Garbhaposhana, Garbhamatru - Paratantrata, Marma, Umbilicus

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Bapatla Suneetha, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept. of PG Studies in Rachana Shareera, Shri Shivayogeeshwar Rural Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Inchal, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Bapatla Suneetha, MR Patil, Kavitha Butali, Study of Nabhi Pradesha and Nabhi Nadi Shareera. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2022;7(6):169-174.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1954

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2022-05-26 2022-05-28 2022-06-04 2022-06-11 2022-06-18
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Nil Nil Yes 18%

© 2022by Bapatla Suneetha, MR Patil, Kavitha Butaliand 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].

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Introduction

Ayurveda as a medical science basically demands understanding of structural and functional constitution of the human body.

The study of Shareera demands equal concern similar to the other branches of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is a scientific text which covers all the aspects of treatment modalities and being an ancient science definitely have knowledge about Sharira which are now a days modernized as anatomy and physiology.

The knowledge of Sharira aspect is very much important to accomplish the successful Chikitsa aspect.

A morphologic feature of the anatomy is readily recognizable and may be used as a reference point for their body features and is termed as anatomical landmark In Ayurveda.

Nabhi-Pradesha is one such structure that has been widely used as an important landmark. The references that are supporting this anatomical landmark aspect of Nabhi Pradesha are widely spread in Samhitas.

Nabhi is a term of varied importance. Etymologically the word Nabhi derived from “Nah-Bandhe” which means to bind or tie to the central point just like the spokes of wheel held at the Navel.

Nabhi has been represented throughout history as a sign of youth and beauty. The appearance of the Nabhi expresses about the life of the person.

In fetal life, for the development of fetus Nabhi Nadi is an important structure for the Garbhaposhana.

Through this Nabhi-Nadi all the nutrients exchange between mother and fetus. Which explains the concepts of Garbha Poshana and Garbha Matru Paratantrata.

Growth and development of fetus takes place by means of Garbha Nabhi Nadi which serves as channel for the further Rasas formed in the mother’s body.

Nabhi and Nabhi Nadi having prime importance in anatomy physiology, pathology, embryology, and in medicine also in Ayurveda.


Aims and Objectives

1. Comparative study of Nabhi with contemporary science

2. To analyze the concepts of Garbha Poshana and Garbha Matru Paratantra given in Ayurvedic Literature with special reference to the concept of Foetal nourishment in modern anatomy.

3. To give an appropriate and elaborative description if Nabhi, Nabhi Pradesha and Nabhi Nadi.

Materials and Methods

Literary and conceptual study will be undertaken by data compiled from

1. Brihatrayee

2. Laghutrayee and other classical texts

3. Journals and presented papers

4. Previous research work

5. Reliable websites

And was collected, analysed and correlated with contemporary explanation. Relevant references of Nabhi-Nirukti, Nirmiti, Utpatti, Sharira, diseases which are explained in Samhitas are compiled. Similarly references of Nabhi Nadi formation in embryology, Role of Nabhi Nadi in Garbha Poshana, structure and clinical aspects has been compiled. All the information regarding Nabhi, Nabhi Nadi collected from Brihatrayee, Laghutrayee and other classics of Ayurveda. Along with this role of Nabhi Nadi in Garbhaposhana also studied. All the relevant information about Umbilicus and Umbilical Cord, Anatomy, physiology and clinical aspects and importance in medical texts, research Journals, websites were collected and analysed.

Review of Literature

Definition

The term Nabhi is derived from the words Nah Bandhe.[1] It means to bind or to tie to the central point just like the spokes of wheel held at the navel.

A binding or connecting media of scattered available structural parts of body is Known as Nabhi.[2]



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Paryayas of Nabhi

Various synonyms are there for the term Nabhi used in different references.

References regarding the synonyms of Nabhi as stated in Ayurveda Shabdha Kosha.[3]

Include

1. Bimbi (Navel) used as Umbilicus – an anatomical land mark on the anterior Abdominal wall.

2. Chakratumba (Hub of wheel):used in references, as site of origin of Sira and Dhamanis, simulating the spokes of wheel radiating from the hub.

3. Mukhya, Pramukha (Leader, chief): in reference to its meaning as the root or Its significance.

4. Kasturimruga (Muskdeer): Due to the fact that the Umbilicus of the muskdeer Contains the heavenly fragmented musk i.e.,

5. Kshatriya: To illustrate its significance.

6. Moolapurush: May be because of the belief that, Lord Brahma, the creator, himself first appeared from the lotus sprung from the Nabhi of Lord Vishnu.

7. Antarbhaga (internal part): Probably from the root of Nabhi‘ that is burst Asunder or into a hole.

8. Tundakupi: Tundi meaning ‘protruberant belly‘‘ and kupi meaning ‘Belly Cavity‘.

9. Udavarta: A coiled land mark of the Udara.

Location of Nabhi: Nabhi is present in between Amashaya and Pakvashaya.[4]

Anatomical point of view: Nabhi is taken as centre of gravitational force in body.

During pregnancy period the fetal movement occurs in the centre. Generally Nabhi is considered as a superficial landmark[5] to describe the sites of various organs like Grahani is situated on Nabhi.

Pakvashaya at lower side of Nabhi[6]

While describing the signs indicating the long life of baby, Acharya Charaka mentioned that baby having right curved navel would get a long life span.[7]

According to Acharya Sushrutha, Nabhi is the site of origin of both Dhamini and Shira there are 700 Siras[8] and 24 Dhaminis[9] in our body.

They originate from Nabhi and spread in 3 directions i.e., up, down and transverse.

12 types of Prana of an organism are located at Nabhi as per Acharya Sushruta.[10]

Nabhi as a Marma: The Science of Ayurveda described Marmas with immense importance as critical sites that can cause serious ill effects on individual health.[11]

Nabhi as Shwasana[12]

The Prana Vayu in Nabhi touches Hridaya and come out through the Kanta into the exterior to drink the Vishnupadhamruth. After drinking the Ambar Piyusha, it comes back into the body to nourish to whole body and stimulates the Jataragni in the stomach.

Here, Sharangadhara has explained the physiology of respiration by using keywords in a nutshell form which can be interpreted as:- (Sha. Sam. Pu. 5/41)

Nabhi as anatomical landmark as per positional directional diagnostical therapeutic treatment point of view

The term Nabhi has been used in different contexts related to anatomical aspect in classics of Ayurveda. One of the important aspects used in Rachana Sharir is that of an anatomical landmark.

Acharya Charak has described the position of Amashaya that it is located between Nabhi and Stana Pradesh.[13]

Nabhi Nadi: A Cord which is situated with navel of baby and on the other side with placenta of mother is known as Umbilical Cord.

Nabhi Nadi of foetus is attached to Rasa carry by Nadi of mother which carries Virya of Ahara Rasa of mother to foetus by indirect nutrition the foetus will develop.

Anatomical Review

According to Acharya Susrutha the Umbilical Cord is attached to the Rasavaha Nadi (maternal part of the placenta) of the mother and this carries Ahara Rasa Virya (nutrition) from the mother to the foetus. The foetus grows by this indirect supply of nutrition.[14]

From the time of conception until the different parts of the body and their subdivisions have got Manifested, the embryo gets nutrition from the


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Tiriyak Gata (obliquely running) Rasavaha Dhamanis (vessels carrying Rasa) which course through all parts of the body and imparts life to the embryo.[15]

The growth and development of the foetus takes place by means of the Garbha Nabhi Nadi, which serves as a Channel for the Rasa (lymph-chyle) formed in the mother’s body.

This nourishment of the foetus from the mother’s body begins as soon as the foetus becomes endowed with life and continues upto the time when the child ceases to be connected with the mother.[16]

The foetus receives all the nourishment it needs from the metabolic products of the mother and also breathes and sleeps in unison with the mother.

According to Acharya Charaka the foetus is free from thirst and hunger. The Garbha is dependent upon the mother for all its activities.[17]

It refers to lymph chyle containing nutrition substance and is formed in the Ama Pakvashaya (stomach along with intestine), later reaches the Hrdaya where after it’s called as Rasa Dhathu and this Rasa is directed to the whole body through Rasavaha Dhamanis.

During pregnancy this Rasa also reaches the Apara which conveys the essence to the Garbha Nabhi Nadi. The Umbilical veins (Sira- according to Charaka Acharya), carries the Rasa to the Garbha Nabhi and enters the systemic circulation of foetus. This Rasa nourishes the Shareera Dhathu of Garbha.

Discussion

The above definitions assert a great deal of significance in relation to the functional, medical, embryological and structural aspects of Nabhi. In this literature, an effort is made to display and demonstrate Nabhi in contrast with the current anatomical structure by referring to all the classics and Sangrahakaras. The modern Umbilical correlations provided by the various scholars vary in many ways. It is translated as Umbilical, whole of the anterior abdomen, inferior epigastric vessels, and rectus abdominal muscle. Some are associated with abdominal aorta and inferior venacava.[18] But anatomically, physiologically and pathologically, both Ayurvedic and traditional, it has come to be known that Nabhi is Umbilical.

Nabhi is a structurally very important structure in the body and contains Prana. The following points show the vital importance of Nabhi. The anatomical situation of Nabhi is present in the abdomen between the Amasaya and Pakvasaya. The position of the Umbilical is variable according to modern Anatomy. It is located in the anterior median plane of the abdomen in healthy adults, at the disk level between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae. It is lower in infants and in person with a pendulous abdomen.[19] Nabhi as a Prabhavasthana of Dhamanis and Siras. Nabhi is considered as the originating source for vessels present in between the Amashaya and Pakvashaya. Such vessels are nutrient routes because, for instance, for the nourishment of land that humans have been running water irrigation through furrows for thousands of years in the same way that these vessels serve as outlets for the showering of sustenance to different parts of our body. Nabhi is called the Siramula or the root of the veins or blood vessels in the body. Anatomically, we do not see any veins or arteries being connected or coming from the Nabhi. The connectivity to the Siras, however, is explained on the basis of fetal circulation. So, Nabhi is a Siramula and a Mula for our existence. The Umbilical Cord of the foetus connects to the Nabhi. It has one vein and two arteries. The Umbilical vein, after entering the body of the foetus, grows upwards and is split into the right and left parts. Umbilical arteries are two in size, and bring deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta of the mother. This is a branch of the internal iliac arteries and leads to the placenta through the umbilicus. Umbilical veins and its branches and Umbilical arteries look like the appearance of a wheel on the Nabhi. Ghanekar has commented on Nabhimarma that the entire anterior abdomen is Marmasthal because all the essential organs are situated behind the Nabhi. There is no relationship between Nabhi and Sira after conception. It is true that the important anatomical structures lie in the abdomen behind Nabhi in cases of Nabhi injury, that these important structures are damaged and, as a result, death may occur due to shock.[20]

Nabhi Nadi as the structure of Garbha Poshana: Study of development of an individual before birth i.e., embryology. During first two months developing individual is embryo, from the third month upto birth we call it foetus.


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Within the womb every individual spends nine months of it’s life It develop from one cell structure to an organism having billions of cell. Numerous tissues & organs are formed & come to function in perfect harmony.[21] Month wise foetal development, month wise foetal treatment of pregnant women, instruction to pregnant women about better living, nutrition. etc., cutting of Umbilical Cord, are described thoroughly by Charakacharya.[22]

Conclusion

On the basis of discussions presented in previous chapter the conclusions as derived or presented following: The word Nabhi is very meaningful term which has its roots seated to level of Akash Mahabhuta, as the Nabhi is synonymous to Akash. As the Umbilicus is seat of entrance of fetal circulation which is virtually a Srotas transporting nourishment to fetal and since Srotas hold the expression of Akash Mahabhuta under formation. Therefore, Umbilicus is referred by Sushruta for Nabhi. Sushruta has mentioned Siraprabhava Nabhi may be confirmed as Umbilicus on the external anatomy, under Pratyanga Shareera on the basis of foetal anatomy. The same may also be refered with the emergence,function and location of origin of portal vein under the interior level of the Umbilicus. Dhamanis also originates from Nabhi which carries Aahara Rasa and Dosha from Nabhi to the entire body. The same way, irregular Aahara Rasa and Dosha are also taken to different parts of the body. Charaka mentioned Nabhi as Koshtanga may be referring to lungs since this falls under 15 titles included in account of Koshtanga Shareera of Charaka. The term Nabhi almost qualifies to be referred for the organ holding the attributes of Aakash Mahaabhuta. Nabhi as Siraprabhava can be referred for Umbilicus as well as mesentry, where Nabhi as Dhamani Prabhava holds different attributes. It can be referred to heart, since the heart is only organ from where Dhamani are found as originated. Caput Medusae is pathological condition which can only be considered as pictorial material supportive to the determination of concept of Siraprabhava Nabhi. Nabhi is also called as Marma Sthana, which is surgical anatomy. Nabhi is included under Matrujabhava. This holds no controversy. Since, all the structures being considered under the Nabhi, they are all soft organs and representing to category of Matrujabhavas.

There are various structures as being referred under study, with the explanations of Nabhi, which specify to the fact that Nabhi is much a concept and less anatomy. Since, in anatomy one title should be confirmed specifying for one single structure which is not found under the heading of Nabhi. As such Nabhi qualifies to be said as concept. Nabhi is a concept specifying to the expressions of Akash Mahabhuta under the formation of organs and systems in the body. The consideration of organs like lungs and Umbilicus as entry point for Umbilical vein are most appropriated with these findings. Nabhi is one of the important anatomical landmarks which is frequently used by anatomists and clinicians to guide both diagnosis and treatment since ages. Though Nabhi is referred for various organs and structures, but because of the findings the value of Nabhi under biological sciences doesn’t get as lessened it is further enhanced because of its values having affinity with biological values of Akash Mahabhuta, it may open newer fields of research. The Umbilical cord starts in foetus from Nabhi. Nabhi Nadi plays important role in Garbhaposhana for the development of fetus. The concepts of Garbhaposhana and Garbhamaatru Paratantrata will be analysed through this Nabhi Nadi. So, Nabhi Nadi is having primary importance in anatomy, pathology, physiology, medicine, embryology and also in Ayurveda. This is anticipating to the opening of new areas of research in field of evolution and molecular biology. This present literary study was carried out to understand Nabhi Sharira in understanding of Nabhi Nadi Sharira and its role.

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