IMPORTANCE OF ASHTASTHANA PARIKSHA IN DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASE

According to Ayurveda, health is defined as the balanced state of Dosha, Agni, Dhatu, and Mala, along with the proper functioning of Atma, Indriya, and Mana as described in Sushruta Samhita. Diagnosis plays a key role in restoring this balance and planning proper treatment as per condition of the patient. Ayurveda describes several methods of Rogi Pariksha such as Trividha Pariksha, Shadvidha Pariksha, Ashtavidha Pariksha, and Dashavidha Pariksha. Among these, Ashtavidha Pariksha explained in Yogaratnakara is considered one of the most contemporary methods of clinical examination. It evaluates eight parameters—Nadi, Mutra, Mala, Jihwa, Shabda, Sparsha, Drik, and Akruti—which help in understanding the present condition of the patient. These observations provide valuable information regarding disease status and support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Many aspects of this examination also correlate with modern diagnostic methods such as pulse examination, urine examination, stool examination and other parameters of general examination. Therefore, Ashtasthana Pariksha holds significant importance as a primary method for disease diagnosis.