IMPORTANCE OF ASHTA TRIKA – AS PER CHARAKA SAMHITA AND MODERN PERSPECTIVE

IMPORTANCE OF ASHTA TRIKA – AS PER CHARAKA SAMHITA AND MODERN PERSPECTIVE

• Ashta Trika refers to the group of eight anatomical regions situated in the Trika Pradesha (lumbosacral region), having significant importance in health and disease.

• This region holds a pivotal position in Ayurvedic diagnostics, therapeutics, and pathophysiology.

• In Charaka Samhita, the Ashta Trika is particularly emphasized in the context of diagnosis of Arishta Lakshanas (signs of imminent death), Dosha-vyavaccheda, and treatment planning.

• It is often clinically correlated with the lumbosacral region and lower back in modern anatomy.

DEFINITION AND CLASSICAL DESCRIPTION

• The term Ashta Trika literally means eight divisions of the Trika region.

• Trika refers to the region where three bones meet — interpreted as the sacrum in modern anatomy.

• Charaka mentions the importance of this region in Indriya Sthana while discussing signs indicating impending death.

🔸 Charaka Samhita Indriya Sthana 9/5:
"त्रिके तृष्णा सदा शूलं तीव्रं कोष्ठे च विड्बुधः ।
मूर्च्छा छर्दिर्मुखे शोषः शकृन्मूत्रविघातिता ॥"
— Indicates that continuous pain in the Trika region along with digestive and excretory problems denotes a grave prognosis.

ANATOMICAL LOCATION OF ASHTA TRIKA

• Situated at the junction of Kati (pelvic) and Pristha (back).

• It includes the lumbosacral area and is divided bilaterally into four parts on each side, totaling eight.

• The area overlaps with Sacroiliac joints, Lumbosacral spine, Pelvic girdle, and surrounding musculature in modern anatomy.

PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE IN AYURVEDA

• Acts as a Marma Sthana (vital point) – injury or disease in this region may lead to serious complications.

• It is the origin point for important Snayu (ligaments), Sira (blood vessels), Asthi (bones), and Mamsa (muscles).

• Key site for Vata Dosha activity — especially Apana Vata and Vyana Vata.

• Plays a major role in locomotion, posture, and strength.

CLINICAL IMPORTANCE IN AYURVEDA

• Pain or discomfort in the Trika region is indicative of Vatika disorders like:

  • Gridhrasi (Sciatica)

  • Katigraha (Low back pain)

  • Pakshaghata (Paralysis)

  • Vatarakta (Gout/Arthritis)

• Assessment of Trika region helps in diagnosis of conditions like:

  • Jwara Lakshanas

  • Arishta Lakshanas

  • Dosha predominance

  • Marma involvement

THERAPEUTIC IMPORTANCE

• Trika is a prime site for Abhyanga, Swedana, Basti, and Agnikarma in the management of Vatavyadhi.

• It is considered a major point for Panchakarma interventions.

• External therapies targeting Trika help in systemic conditions by pacifying Vata.

MENTION IN OTHER CLASSICAL TEXTS

• Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 12/68 mentions Trika as one of the key regions for Vata disorders.

• Sushruta Samhita Sharira Sthana 6/12 describes the Kati Trika Marma as Sadyapranahara Marma.

MODERN CORRELATION

• The Trika region corresponds to the Lumbosacral plexus, Sacrum, and Sacroiliac joints.

• It forms the base of the spine and transmits weight from the upper body to the lower limbs.

NEUROLOGICAL RELEVANCE

• Houses cauda equina, a vital neural structure.

• Common site of nerve root compression — Sciatica, Disc herniation, Lumbago.

• Clinical examination of this area includes Straight Leg Raise Test, Lasegue’s sign, and MRI if pathology is suspected.

ORTHOPEDIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL PERSPECTIVE

• Pathologies like sacroiliitis, lumbar spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and piriformis syndrome involve this region.

• It is also a focus area for physiotherapy and pain management clinics.

IMPORTANCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY AND YOGA

• Stretching and strengthening exercises involving the Ashta Trika area help in pain reduction and posture correction.

• Asanas like Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Setu Bandhasana, and Makarasana strengthen the Trika area.