Diagnostic procedures in Ayurveda are two pronged; one is aimed to establish the state and type of pathology and second to decide the mode of treatment to be applied. The former implies examination of the patient and make different investigations to diagnose the disease entity. Inspection, palpation, percussion and interrogation are the main modes of physical examination. The second type of examination is to assess the strength and physical status of the individual so that accordingly the type of management required could be planned. For this examination of Prakriti (Body constitution), Vikriti (Pathology),Saar (Tissue quality), Samhnan (physique),Pramaan (Proportions of the body), Satva (Mental strength), Satamya (specific adaptability), Aaharshakti (diet intake capacity), Vyayaam shakti (exercise capacity) and Vaya (age) is done. On the basis of this examination the individual is decided to be having Pravar bal (excellent strength), Madhyam Bal (moderate strength) or Heen Bal (low strength).
Physician also assess the Pulse,Urine,Stool,Tongue,Sounds,Touch, Eyes and Shape of the body.
Hence it’s a quite elaborate assessment, which an experienced Vaidya (an Ayurvedic doctor) can do in 20 – 30 minutes.
