A CORRELATIVE STUDY BETWEEN KUKUNDARA MARMA AND THE SCIATIC NERVE: AN AYURVEDIC AND ANATOMICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Knowledge about Marma is important in surgical procedures like AGNI KARMA, KSHARAKARMA & SHASTRAKARMA. Completing these surgeries without complications is beneficial.  Understanding the potential anatomical structure impacted and any abnormalities that may result from trauma is helpful.  Therefore, understanding MARMA is crucial.  KUKUNDARA MARMA is a VAIKALYAKARA MARMA that falls under the structural category of SANDHI MARMA.  According to legend, the area lies on either side of "PRISTAVAMSHA" on "JAGANA BAHIRBAGHAGA," where damage results in loss of sensation and movement.  From the lower back down the hips, buttocks, and down each leg, the sciatic nerve is the longest and biggest nerve in the human body. It gives the lower limbs their motor and sensory abilities and comes from the lumbar and sacral spine (L4 to S3 nerve roots).  It leaves the pelvis via the sciatic notch and passes beneath or through the piriformis muscle. It is made up of the tibial and common peroneal nerves.  In order to build a foundational understanding that connects traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern neuroanatomy, the goal of this study is to investigate the anatomical and functional correlation between the sciatic nerve in modern anatomy and KUKUNDARA MARMA as described in Ayurvedic texts. Additionally, the study aims to highlight the potential clinical implications in managing sciatic nerve disorders using Ayurvedic principles.