Satish Mahaldar
Sanskars are significant events in an individual’s life, from conception to death. These cultural events not only have socio-cultural significance but also have considerable medical significance in Ayurveda. The number of Sanskaras varies according to community. Karnavedhana is an important Sansakara of medical and sociocultural significance.
Every aspect of life is sacred in Hindu tradition, thus each significant moment, from conception to Anteyeshti (death cremation), is marked by special rites. The Sanskaras are conducted for the individual’s physical, social, and religious development. Sanskaras are cultural activities held at the secondary level that provide an opportunity for family and friends to get together and bond. And it is this relationship that provides the foundation for a happy existence.
Karnavedhana was thought to protect the body from harmful health conditions such as Grahas. Piercing the ear may aid in activating the immune system, resulting in secondary immunity against a variety of infections. The ear lobule is made up of robust areolar and adipose tissues that are generally smooth but display creases. It has a substantial blood supply and may aid in keeping the ears warm and in maintaining balance. The ear lobule has a variety of nerve terminals. Karnavehana is an acupuncture technique. Acupuncture is a comprehensive medical treatment that focuses on healing energy imbalances in the body. Acupuncture has traditionally been used to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, as well as to promote overall health. Different body piercing styles, each type of body piercing was done with a unique goal and to reap certain health benefits. These cultural events also help children grow and develop. These occurrences are also scientifically valid and have medicinal significance. The Samskaras in-depth assesses its significance in light of modern scientific understanding.
The word Sanskara is introduced in Ayurveda as “Sanskaro hi Gunantaradhynum Ucchate,” The main purpose of Sanskaras is to achieve spirituality and aid in the realisation of Moksha, or ultimate union with the divine It is very evident that simply doing these rites will not result in Moksha. However, if these Sanskara are not performed, Moksha may be impossible to achieve.
These 16 Sanskaras are known as the Shodasa Sanskaras, Karnavehana Sanskara (ear lobe piercing) is an important Sanskara with medical and socio-cultural significance.
Acupuncture is used in Karnavedhana. Acupuncture involves inserting a very thin needle into a person’s skin at certain places on the body to varied depths. According to research, it can assist to reduce pain and restore the energy flow to its appropriate balance.
Acupuncture points are thought to be locations where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated. The stimulation improves blood flow while also causing the body’s natural painkillers to activate. Acupuncture has been shown in modern research to have impacts on the neurological system, endocrine and immunological systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the many systems of the body. Acupuncture can assist in relieving pain while also improving sleep, digestion, and overall well-being. Body piercing is a type of body alteration that involves puncturing or cutting a section of the human body to create a hole through which jewellery can be inserted. Various cultures have also practised ear, nose, lip, tongue, nipple, and genital piercing. A person may choose to have a piercing for a variety of cultural, religious, or personal reasons.
Anatomy of the external ear
The external, middle, and internal ear are the three parts of the ear. The fusion of the six auricular hillocks is a complex process that occurs during the formation of the external ear. Development begins in the third week of pregnancy with the creation of an otic disc from ectoderm thickening. It is formed from a single piece of yellow elastic cartilage covered with perichondrium and skin. The human ear lobe is made up of tough areolar and adipose connective tissue that lacks the hardness and elasticity of the rest of the auricle. Since the ear lobe does not contain cartilage. It has a substantial blood supply and may aid in warming the ear and maintaining balance. The ear lobe is made up of epithelium and connective tissue and is derived from dermatomes. The dermis is made up of mesenchymal cells, whereas the sclerotome is made up of mesenchymal cells. The posterior auricular artery, the anterior auricular branch of the superficial temporal artery, and the occipital artery all supply the auricle.
Sensory innervations are 1) Great auricular nerve – it is a branch of the cervical plexus, it supplies the auricle, helix, antihelix and lobule.
2) Lesser occipital nerve- supplies a small portion of the helix.
3) Auriculotemporal nerve-Mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve, supplies auricle.
4) Auricular branch of the vagus nerve- supplies concha and auditory meatus. Karnavedhana Sanskara (Piercing the earlobes) This Sanskara is performed at a young age. The term “infant” refers to a small child who is between the ages of one month and one year.
In Ayurvedic texts, there are various perspectives on how to do this ceremony.
a) According to Sushruta in the 6th or 7th month.
b) According to Vagbhatta in 6th, 7th, 8th month.
c) There is a chapter named “Chudakarmiye” in Samhita. PROCEDURE According to Sushruta, in the sixth or seventh month, on fortnight and auspicious Tithi (date), Karana, Muhurta, and Nakshatra, the child should be placed in the lap of a wet-nurse or male attendant engaging and consoling him with toys; then the physician, pulling the ear with his left hand, should pierce the ear lobe at the naturally designed hole enlightened with the sun’s (Devkrit Chhidra) where there is maximum translucency from the light source with his right hand slowly and evenly by needle or awl in case of thin and thick lobes respectively; in male children, first pierce the right ear lobe, but in female children, first pierce the left ear lobe, and then insert the PichhuVarti. Vagbhatta mentioned a similar procedure. Ajirna (indigestion), the urge to defecate, and an extremely hot climate are all contraindications to Karnavedhana Sanskara.
Importanace of Karnavedhana Sanskara
1. Sushruta pierces a child’s ear for the purpose of Raksha-limit (disease protection) and Abhushanartha (ornamentation). According to Kashyapa, the ear of a kid should be pierced by an experienced and qualified physician in order to obtain religion (Dharma), desire (Karma), and prosperity (Artha). This method appears to promote the immune system’s strengthening in response to injury to the ear lobules, which trigger antigen-antibody reactions in the early life period, resulting in secondary immunization against a variety of infections
2. According to Sushruta and Kashyapa, this treatment should be conducted by an expert surgeon rather than an inexperienced Vaidya, as this can result in complications such as fever, Manyastambha, Hanustambha, Karnashoola etc.
3. This rite is designed to prepare the child’s inner ears for receiving sacred sounds. This has great spiritual and symbolic meaning as well.
4. Modes to increase the pierced hole provide lubrication and wound infection prevention. The surgery is also performed in the winter, which reduces the risk of infection.
5. Holding the earlobe against the light visualizes the path of fine vessels to avoid bleeding and allows for early wound healing.
6. Wearing ear ornaments denotes a person’s status and wealth. The women also ensured that they were in a constant state of physical and emotional well-being.
7. According to acupuncture therapy, the earlier a child’s ear is pierced, the better for the brain’s development because the meridians connect the brain flow via this area. They also believe that the middle of the lobe is where the point of vision is located.
8. There are numerous more advantages to piercing a girl’s ears, including maintaining regularity in the menstrual cycle and assisting in the prevention of hysteria and other serious disorders.
9. The earrings are said to aid in the maintenance of electric current in the human body. Ear piercing aids in mental enhancement and the elimination of negative emotions.
10. Ear piercing, according to Sushruta, the great Indian surgeon, avoids ailments like hydrocele and hernia.
11. The ear lobes include meridian points that connect to the human brain’s right and left hemispheres. When this site is penetrated, it aids in the activation of various brain areas.
12. Acupuncture therapy, according to its principles, aids in the rapid and healthy growth of the brain as well as memory enhancement.
CONCLUSION:
Sanskaras are important life events or rituals. We might conclude that cultural ceremonies are important not only for social reasons but also for medical reasons. According to the chronological age of the child, the correct Sanskara should be followed. It may also aid a child’s growth and development. Auricular acupuncture tends to modulate autonomic dysfunction by boosting parasympathetic activity, which is very important in Karnavedhana Sanskara. Because Karnavedhana stimulates the vagus nerve, which also supplies the stomach, appetite should be enhanced, which is essential for a child’s growth. Auricular electropuncture was found to lower seizure frequency and severity in clinical trials. Epileptic discharges were reduced by electroacupuncture. By stimulating certain anatomical areas, acupuncture improves the body’s functions and aids the natural self-healing process.
REFERENCES
1) Vrddhajivakiya Tantra, Chaukambha Vishwa Bharati Prakashana
2) Astang Hrdayam
3) Various review articles on Sanskars
Kindly share your feedback/ review on the above Sanskar. One can reach out to Satish Mahaldar at mgmt@jkpeaceforum.in
