Diagnosis in Ayurveda

The Great Sages of yore laid down specific guidelines on how to diagnose and approach ailments in patients. Their teachings as well as a comprehensive explanation of diseases are given by Madhava, in his renowned treatise called Madhava Nidana.

Physicians are expected to focus on Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference) and Aptopadesha (authoritative instructions from classical texts). Madhava divides the different types of diagnostic methods into an examination of Purvarupa (prodromal symptoms), Rupa (manifested symptoms) and Samprapti (pathogenesis), and the conduct of Upasaya (therapeutic tests) and Ashtavidha Pareeksha (physical examination). These are done alongside Nidana, where the prior medical history of the patient and his/her family is enquired into.

Diagnosis thus covers the complete physiological and mental spectra of the patient, as it involves an attempt to trace the steps and route that have led to the present state of illness.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

Causes of Disease

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Pharmacology

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