SANDHI SHARIR AND BIOMECHANICS A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AYURVEDIC AND MODERN ANATOMY

Joints (Sandhi) play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity, mobility, and functional coordination of the human body. Ayurveda offers a detailed understanding of Sandhi Sharir, emphasizing not only structural aspects but also the dynamic role of dosha, dhatu, and upadhatu in maintaining joint health. Classical texts describe various sandhi types, their supportive tissues, and the pathological states resulting from imbalances—especially Vata. Modern anatomy and biomechanics, on the other hand, provide a microscopic and mechanical perspective of joints, covering aspects of synovial fluid dynamics, articular cartilage biomechanics, load distribution, kinematics, and joint stability mechanisms. This review synthesizes information from Ayurvedic literature and modern anatomical and biomechanical sciences to identify overlapping principles and complementary insights. It explores joint classification, functional mechanisms, pathological correlations (such as Sandhigata Vata with osteoarthritis), and therapeutic guidance from both disciplines. The study highlights strong parallels in lubrication, load-bearing, stability, and degenerative processes, showing Ayurveda’s conceptual depth in explaining functional deterioration long before structural changes become apparent. The review concludes that integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern biomechanics can support better preventive, diagnostic, and rehabilitative strategies for joint disorders, while also opening new avenues for interdisciplinary research.