ASHTAWIDHA PARIKSHA: AN AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

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.