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International Journal of Applied Ayurved Research ISSN: 2347- 6362

ASHTAWIDHA PARIKSHA: AN AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSTIC TOOL


1 2
Katwal Savita*, Chandresh Renuka , 3Srivastava Akhilesh, 4
Sharma Dalip
*1
PG Scholar, PG Dept. of Rog Nidan, RGGPG Ayurvedic College Paprola ,Kangra (H.P.)
2
PG Scholar,PG Dept.of DravyaGuna,RGGPG Ayurvedic College Paprola, Kangra (H.P.)
3
Sr. Lecturer PG Dept. of Rog Nidan, RGGPG Ayurvedic College Paprola Kangra(H.P.)
4
Reader & HOD PG Dept. of Rog Nidan, RGGPG Ayurvedic College Paprola Kangra(H.P.)
ABSTRACT
Proper Examination of patient plays a vital role in the diagnosis of a disease. Accurate
diagnosis forms the basis of treatment. In Ayurveda, the word Pariksha is used for
examination. Although, Ayurveda is an ancient medical science, yet the art of examination
was well developed. Various types of Pariksha are available in Ayurvedic texts viz.
Dashavidha Pariksha, Ashtasthana Pariksha, Shadvidha Pariksha, Panchvidha Pariksha,
Trividha Pariksha etc. All these methods are used to observe the different characteristics of
various Dosha, Dhatu and Mala to evaluate their proportion. Examination of both the patient
and the disease is very important in clinical practice. The overall purpose of medical practice
is to relieve the sufferings. In order to achieve this, every patient should be examined
thoroughly and systemically. The purpose of examination is to obtain knowledge regarding
the life span, physical and psychological strength of an individual, extent of pathogenesis of
diseases and the intensity of morbidity.
Keywords: Pariksha, Ashtasthan, diagnosis, Doshas, pathogenesis, examination
INTRODUCTION: It is very important to Shadvidha Pariksha, Ashtasthana
examine the patient thoroughly to arrive at Pariksha, Dashavidha Pariksha.1
a proper diagnosis (Vyadhi Nirnaya). After Ashtawiddha pariksha is the most
knowing fully about the nature and types significant among all types of
of disease, management should be examinations. Acharya Yogratnakar has
augmented in the form of suitable described
“Aushadha” or by employing various Rogi Pariksha in detail in his classic.
procedures e.g. Snehana, Lepa etc. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Different methods of examination have Different Ayurvedic classical books were
been explained in classics of Ayurveda referred to fulfil this part. It comprises
which are helpful in diagnosis of a disease, subsections having literary part of various
estimating the status of Rogibala and Parikshas described in classical texts
Rogabala. If physician prescribes therapies mainly Ashtawidha Pariksha , its
after proper diagnosis and plans as per the components and importance in diagnosis.
line of treatment after considering ASTASTHANA PARIKSHA: It is
morbidity of pathogenetic factors, strength, purely a non invasive form of diagnostic
place, season etc, definitely he will get tool. Diagnosis according to Ayurveda is
success. In the classical texts, different not merely naming the disease but the
methods of examinations have been study of imbalance of three Doshas.
described, Viz: Dwividha Pariksha, AstaSthana Rogi Pariksha includes Nadi
Trividha Pariksha, Chathurvidha Pariksha (Pulse Study), Mutra Pariksha
pariksha, Panchvidha Pariksha, (Examination of Urine), Mala Pariksha
[Katwal Savita et al: Ashtawidha Pariksha: an Ayurvedic Diagnostic Tool]

(Stool Examination), Jihwa Pariksha In Kapha - The pulse will be like that of a
(Tongue Examination), Shabda Pariksha swan or pigeon. These may be present in
(Voice Examination),Sparsha Pariksha any combination and should be understood
(Skin Examination),Drik Pariksha (Eye accordingly.
Examination) and Akriti Pariksha (General Vata pitta kapha pulse or Sannipataj
appearance Examination).2 nadi - This type of pulse categorizes in the
Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Examination): patient in which all the three dosha are
Nadi means Pulse and Pariksha means imbalanced. This is demonstrated by the
Examination, so Nadi Pariksha is taken as alternative slow and intermitted
“Pulse Examination” which is used as one movements of pulse. Different Acharyas
of tool in emergency and clinical have mentioned different views but
conditions. This is one of the most Acharya Sharanghdhar has described the
significant methods of making diagnosis in movement of Sannipataj pulse as similar
Ayurveda. Many Vaidyas can diagnose to the gait of Laavaka and Titthiri birds
only by examining the pulse of the patient. because these birds flutter rapidly for some
How to examine: Nadi should be time and then all of sudden, they stop their
examined early morning hours in healthy movements , to repeat their quick
mood and peace of mind. Physician should movements once again.4
examine the pulse of patient in right hand Nadi in Different States of Body &
by using his right hand. As regards Mind: Pulse is steady in happy as well as
methodology, the elbow (Kurpara) of the in satisfied person, Hungry Persons,During
Patient should be lightly flexed to the left Sexual urge and anger the pulse is fast,
and the wrist slightly bent to the left with Pulse is weak in worry, fear and sorrow .
the Fingers distended and dispersed. Nadi In fever, the pulse becomes fast and is felt
should be examining repeatedly for three hot to touch. In the state of poor digestive
times by Applying and releasing pressure power, the pulse becomes very slow and
alternately over Nadi to assess the low inVolume5. In Ama it becomes heavy,
condition of Doshas rightly.3 in a person with normal digestion; the
Contraindications for Nadi Pariksha: In pulse is felt light and fast. Pulse in Dhatu
the following conditions Nadi Pariksha kshaya ,the pulse becomes very slow and
gives no correct information i.e. low in volume.
immediately after bath, after having food, Mutra Pariksha:
after Massage, in the hunger and thirst. Importance: By Mutra Pariksha (urine
Nadi pariksha according to Dosha: To examination) one can assess the pathology
make the study easier and to understand related to urinary system and other systems
this concept, the three main divisions are of the body. Urine is the end product of
made for the movement of the pulse, metabolism. The body chemistry; blood
which resembles with the gait of various pressure, fluid balance, nutrient intake, and
animals/birds etc. the state of health are key elements in
In Vata - The pulse movement is establishing the normal characteristics of
compared with the gait of leech or a urine.
serpent. Method: The physician should wake up
In Pitta - The pulse will be like of a the patient early in the morning around 4
sparrow, crow or frog. am, should avoid the first stream of early
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[Katwal Savita et al: Ashtawidha Pariksha: an Ayurvedic Diagnostic Tool]

morning urine, then the urine is collected 1. If oil spreads quickly over the surface of
in a clean glass beaker/ jar and examine urine, the disease is Sadhya (curable).
the urine thoroughly to assess the disease 2. If the oil does not spread it is considered
process and then treat the patient as Kashta Sadhya or difficult to treat.
accordingly. 3. If the dropped oil sinks to bottom of the
Urine appearance involving doshas: In vessel, then it is regarded as Asadhya or
Vata aggravation, urine is rough, dries incurable.6
early and light yellow in color; In Pitta Mala Pariksha: Various types of Dosha
aggravation urine is reddish in colour, Vikara and disease conditions can be
urine is oily in Kapha aggravation and determined by Mala Pariksha. If digestion
there are more bubbles in urine, urine is & absorption of food is poor, the stool
watery and unctuous; in aggravation of carries a foul odour and sinks in water.
blood, urine is bloody and hot. Vata aggravated stool is hard, dry and
Method of Examination (Taila bindu grey/ash in colour. Excess Pitta makes it
Pariksha): Tail bindu mutra pariksha green/yellow in colour and liquid in form
described in it is not only diagnostic but and lot of mucus in stool indicates effect of
also prognostic in nature. Tail Bindu Kapha dosha.
Mutra Pariksha has been described in Significance of Mala Pariksha in
number of Ayurvedic texts like Vangasen diagnostic purpose:Stool examination is
Samhita, Vasavrajiyam, Yogtarangini and one of the simplest, widely applied and
Yogratnakar. Tail bindu mutra pariksha most important tests for the diagnosis of
can be used as a tool for assessing the parasitic infection and other inflammatory
prognosis and management of diseases. conditions. In Ayurveda Rashi, Swarupa,
This simple technique is also helpful in Varna, Gandha, Sama-Nirama Lakshana
diagnosis of diseases as well as assessing of stool etc are the diagnostic tools for
the healthy condition. many diseases. In modern era microscopic
The oil: Vasavarajiyam had mentioned the examination of the stool is important to
use of Til taila for Taila Bindu Pariksha diagnose Amoebic dysentery etc. Blood in
while other authors had just mentioned the stool indicate gastrointestinal lesion. In
word ‘Tail’. According to Acharya Ayurveda various Mala Vikriti has been
Sharangdhar, if name of particular oil is mentioned like Tilpishtawat (pale /clay)
not mentioned, then Til tail should be colored stool indicates Shakhashritta
taken. Kamala (obstructive jaundice), Krishna
Time of conducting Taila bindu Varna (malena) indicates Kumbhakamla,
pariksha: The various texts as Raktapuyakuta (mixed with blood and
Yogaratnakara, Vangasena Samhita, and mucus) in Mrittikabhakshanjanya Pandu
Vasavarajiyam etc. have described the (anemia due to worm infestation),
early morning time for the Taila Bindu Mamsambu Sadrisham (dark reddish-
Pariksha describing it by various names as blackish) in Sannipataj Asaadhya Atisar.7
– Suryodaye, Prabhate, Suryatape, Jihwa Pariksha: Diagnosis of certain
Bhaskaro udaye bela etc. disease conditions can be made by Jihwa
Prognosis of disease by the examination Pariksha .Patient is asked to protrude the
of oil drops on the urine surface: tongue and observe it carefully. Jihwa
By spreading nature of the oil
903 www.ijaar.in IJAAR VOLUME III ISSUE V NOV-DEC 2017
[Katwal Savita et al: Ashtawidha Pariksha: an Ayurvedic Diagnostic Tool]

appearance according to doshas has been upper motor neuron lesions).Swarbheda


mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. In vitiation refers to change of voice (bhinna swar)
of Vata, tongue is dry, rough and cracked; which is unpleasant may resemble rough
in Pitta vitiation, tongue is sound of donkey due to invasion of sound
reddish/blackish. In kapha aggravation tract by morbid Doshas.8 Persistent
tongue is whitish and coated .In vitiation hoarseness of voice may leads to chronic
of all the three doshas, tongue is inflamed irritation of the larynx which in turn can be
at periphery, rough and blackish. caused by smoking or excessive
Significance of Jihwa Pariksha in alcoholism.
diagnostic purpose: On the basis of Sparsha Pariksha: Touch examination in
tongue examination: pale and white tongue healthy and diseased states should be
(shukla) indicates Kaphadhikya carried out with hands. Cold , hot , smooth
(overnourishment),Pandu (anemia), ,rough , soft , hard perceptions, fever,
leukoplakia, excessive furring ;bright red edema etc. should be examined through
(Arakta) tongue denotes Pittadhikya, tactile perception In Kapha diseases skin is
Sannipatik jwara (fatal fever involving moist/wet, in Pittaja skin is Hot and in
tongue),Pittaj Jivha Kantak (acute Vataja disorders skin texture is rough and
glositis), scarlet fever (red at tip) and cold in touch.9
niacin deficiency ; Yellowish (peetaabh) Interpretations: In case of circulatory
tongue is present in jaundice failure/cardiac arrest the skin and
(kamala).Different areas of the tongue extremities are found to be cold
correspond to different organs of the body. (Shaityam),in fever the skin and
The color, size, shape, coating, surface, extremities are hot. Hard edema (Shilawat
mobility and local lesion should be noted padam) is noticed in elephantiasis.
to make the diagnosis of a particular Palpation and percussion can be included
disease. under Sparsha Parikshas .Soft and tender
Shabda Pariksha: The voice will be hepatomegaly is seen in acute hepatitis,
healthy and natural, when the doshas are in soft goiter swelling (Medoj galgand), and
a balance state. The voice will be heavy stony hard in malignant tumor
and deep when aggravated by kapha, (Mansarbuda) .In this way tactile
broken but cracking under Pitta effect and examination plays important role in
hoarse & rough when dominated by Vata diagnosis of particular disorder.
dosha. Drika Pariksha: Expressions of the eyes
Interpretations: The conditions may reflect the health status of an
producing change in speech and sound are individual. Vata domination makes the
Vakastamba (dysarthria) and Swarabheda eyes sunken, dry and smoky .On
(hoarseness of voice).Vakastambha can be aggravation of Pitta, eyes are red or yellow
reflected as spastic speech(Gadgaatwa), and the patient suffers from photophobia
ataxic speech i.e. slurred and irregular as and burning sensations. Kapha
in cerebellar lesions, LMNL speech predominance eyes are wet, lusterless and
(MinMinitwa) i.e. nasal speech and watery with heaviness in the eyelids.
monotonous in case of extra pyramidal Interpretation: Different types of eye
lesions. Gadgadatva (spastic speech) could features may reflect the personality of an
result due to brain trauma (indicating individual as well as the state of ill health.
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[Katwal Savita et al: Ashtawidha Pariksha: an Ayurvedic Diagnostic Tool]

Prominent /bulging eyes can be seen in Strotas abnormalities. Similarly rest of the
thyrotoxicosis, yellow conjunctiva in case Pariksha included in Ashtasthan pariksha
of weak liver or jaundice, prominent white has important role in the diagnosis of
ring around iris represents joint disease.
degeneration with probability of arthritis. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis is the
Flickering of eyelids occurs in epileptic foremost step before starting management
seizures, sunken eyes results due to of any disorder. There are various
excessive blood loss, purgation and diagnostic methods have been mentioned
starvation. in our ancient literature. Ashtasthan
Akriti Pariksha: The Doshic influences Pariksha is an important tool to assess the
that reflect on the face of the patient enable bala of rog and rogi. In present era there
the physicians to know the nature of the are many successful physicians which
disease. Kapha personalities are having diagnose the diseases only on Nadi basis.
oily skin, well built body and joints, On the basis of various clinical features
tolerance to hunger, thirst, hardship, hot described in Asthastan Pariksha one can
sun. Pittaja personalities having strong draw a conclusion on diagnosis of
appetite and thirst, fair complexion, brave, particular disease and can start
bold and egoistic and less hair Vataj management accordingly.
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[Katwal Savita et al: Ashtawidha Pariksha: an Ayurvedic Diagnostic Tool]

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Ashtawidha Pariksha: an Ayurvedic
9. Dr.PS Byadgi,Ayurvediya Vikriti
Diagnostic Tool] www.ijaar.in : IJAAR
Vijyana and Roga Vijyana 2016,
VOLUME III ISSUE V NOV-DEC 2017
Chaukhamba orientalis Varanasi
Page No:901-906
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10. Dr.Radhavallabh Satti,Ayurveda Rog
vigyan evum vikriti vigyan,part1,2008

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