A study on the development of the validated Asthi Sara Assessment Inventory (ASAI)

Ayurveda has advocated the Dhatu sara pareeksha under Dashvidha Aatura Pareeksha (ten ways to examine the patient) for the assessment of functional state of Dhatu (bodily tissues) and Manas (Mind). The body is composed of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala. There are seven types of Dhatu, refers to structural component and functional framework of the body, playing a pivotal role in maintaining health and well-being. However, there are individual differences in the functional state of Dhatus inherently as per Prakriti (psychosomatic constitution).  Sara refers to the best form of dhatu that signifies to determine an individual's Bala (biological strength of body and mind), and age of the patient. Assessment of Dhatu Sarata is particularly beneficial in numerous domains, such as evaluating strength (Bala), Immunity (vyadhikshamatva), and the management of disease. To examine Sara, certain characteristics related to each type of Dhatu have been described which may be categorised as physical, physiological and psychological traits. In the characteristics of Asthisara Purush the size, prominence and measurement of certain bones and joints have been mentioned that are big and prominent along with certain psychological traits. Although the Dhatusara assessment profoma is available but no validated tool is available to assess the Asthisara with certain objective parameters. Thus, there is need to develop a validated Asthi Sara Assessment Inventory (ASAI) to ensure inclusivity, reproducibility, and ease of use for clinical and research purposes.