The unique diagnostics of Ayurveda have been able to identify diseases without equipment for millennia. Not only would the methods diagnose the disease, but also the invisible causative factors. Accurate diagnosis is fundamental to successful treatment. Therefore, refined Ayurvedic diagnostic skills are invaluable to practitioners. Let’s learn what these are and how to develop them.

A Holistic Approach to Patient Evaluation

Ayurveda has a patient-centric and holistic approach to diagnosis. It starts with understanding a person’s natural constitution (Prakriti) and current state of health (Vikriti). These include;

• Dosha (primary energies), 
• Agni (metabolic fire), 
• Dhatus (tissues), 
• and Malas (excretion). 

These vary in each person when the body is in its natural state and is imbalanced.

Key Diagnostic Techniques in Ayurveda

Ayurveda uses five stages known as the Pancha (Five) Nidana (diagnostics) or Nidana Panchakas for disease diagnosis. These are the cause (Nidana), preliminary symptoms (Purva Rupa), main symptoms (Rupa), relieving and aggravating factors (Upashaya) and pathogenesis or development (Samprapti). 

Disease examination (Roga Pariksha) is a three-fold (Trividh) analysis. These are non-invasive techniques. 

• Darshana (Observation/Inspection)
• Sparshana (Palpitation)
• Prashna (Questions of Medical History)

These include;

Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Examination) 

It is a vital Ayurveda diagnostic skill every practitioner must have. It involves using three fingers to feel the pulse at the wrist. The index, middle and ring fingers touch below the radial artery. The practitioner assesses the rhythm, strength and quality of the pulse. Each pulse is associated with specific doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) and reveals their state (balanced or imbalanced). The index finger measures Vata dosha, the middle finger Pitta and the ring finger Kapha.

Jivha Pariksha (Tongue Examination)

The tongue’s colour, coating, size, movement and texture indicate dosha imbalances and the toxin status of the body. 

Netra Pariksha (Iris Examination)

The iris provides a window to well-being. Its colour, clarity, patterns and size give clues to disorders.

Darshana (Observation)

It begins as soon as the patient steps into the consultation room. Their age, physical build, demeanour, hair, skin tone, complexion, nails, voice and mannerisms all contribute to diagnosing their Prakriti and Vikriti. 

Questioning

Patient input in the form of answers to questions is crucial to establishing the diagnosis. These include a list of symptoms, when they experience them & at what intensity, bowel movements, sleep patterns, diet, family medical history, medicine or herbal supplements they currently use and lifestyle changes.  

Enhancing the Diagnostic Skills

Even subtle signs can point to a vitiated state of doshas in the body. These are some of the ways to enhance your diagnosis skills.

Training the Eye & Senses: Being proficient in the healthy to spot the unhealthy. Mastering the signs of good health displayed by the skin, hair, nails, eyes, and tongue is vital to identifying abnormalities. 

Diversity of Diagnosis: Encountering every body type and unique constitution. Pulse examination on various patients helps you understand the different states of Prakriti (natural dosha balance) and Vikriti (imbalances). For example, Pitta body types have a jumping pulse (Frog Pulse) and radiate more body heat. They tend to have bloodshot eyes and premature grey hair. 

Expert Insight: Years of knowledge imparted in hours. Ayurveda practitioners have a wealth of knowledge garnered over the years, treating hundreds of patients. These include isolated cases, singular instances, parallels and common characteristics. Their experience enables you to boost your knowledge instantly.

Life-affirming science at Ayurveda Institute UK

Ancient diagnostics of Ayurveda are still effective and indispensable. These allow for holistic and bespoke diagnosis of conditions affecting the whole body and their causative factors. From the fundamentals of pulse examination to detecting iris abnormalities, Ayurvedic diagnostic skills are part and parcel of Ayurveda practice. 

Learn how to identify pathological conditions without the need for modern diagnostics at Ayurveda Institute UK. Get clinical and practical guidance with hands-on training from a panel of Ayurveda experts. We offer the UK’s most recognised Ayurveda qualifications. Register today for courses aimed at practitioners and aspiring professionals.