Sparshana Pariksha (Touch-Based Diagnosis) in Ayurveda and Modern Science
Introduction
Sparshana Pariksha is the second step in Ayurvedic clinical examination, where a physician touches, palpates, or physically examines the patient to assess various health conditions. It helps in understanding tissue abnormalities, pain, temperature variations, swelling, and dosha imbalances.
In modern medicine, this corresponds to palpation, percussion, and auscultation, which help in diagnosing neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Key Aspects of Sparshana Pariksha
1. Pulse Examination (Nadi Pariksha) – Ayurvedic & Modern Interpretation
- Ayurvedic Diagnosis:
- The radial pulse is checked using three fingers to determine dosha predominance.
- Vata pulse: Irregular, fast, weak → neurological issues, anxiety, dehydration.
- Pitta pulse: Warm, strong, moderate → inflammation, hyperacidity.
- Kapha pulse: Slow, deep, steady → sluggish metabolism, hypothyroidism.
- Modern Medical Interpretation:
- Tachycardia (Fast pulse): Fever, hyperthyroidism, heart diseases.
- Bradycardia (Slow pulse): Hypothyroidism, heart block, electrolyte imbalance.
- Irregular pulse: Atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia.
2. Skin Temperature & Texture Examination (Twacha Sparshana)
- Ayurvedic Signs:
- Cold, dry skin (Vata): Poor circulation, dehydration, nervous disorders.
- Warm, sweaty skin (Pitta): Fever, liver dysfunction.
- Oily, thick skin (Kapha): Metabolic disorders, sluggish digestion.
- Modern Medical Relevance:
- Cold skin: Hypothyroidism, shock, anemia.
- Warm skin: Infection, hyperthyroidism.
- Clammy skin: Low blood pressure, shock.
3. Pain Examination (Vedana Pariksha)
- Ayurvedic Interpretation:
- Vata pain: Sharp, shifting, increased at night → Arthritis, neuralgia.
- Pitta pain: Burning, localized → Acid reflux, inflammation.
- Kapha pain: Dull, heavy → Joint stiffness, water retention.
- Modern Clinical Relevance:
- Sharp pain: Nerve compression, fractures.
- Burning pain: Neuropathy, gastritis.
- Dull pain: Chronic conditions (fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis).
4. Swelling & Inflammation (Shotha Pariksha)
- Ayurvedic Analysis:
- Vata swelling: Dry, non-pitting, painful → Osteoarthritis, varicose veins.
- Pitta swelling: Red, hot, tender → Infections, cellulitis.
- Kapha swelling: Pitting edema, cold → Hypothyroidism, kidney disease.
- Modern Medical Interpretation:
- Non-pitting edema: Lymphedema, myxedema.
- Pitting edema: Congestive heart failure, kidney disease.
- Localized swelling: Infections, trauma.
5. Abdominal Palpation (Udara Sparshana)
- Ayurvedic Signs:
- Hard, tense abdomen (Vata): Gas, constipation, bloating.
- Warm, tender abdomen (Pitta): Acidity, ulcers, liver congestion.
- Soft, swollen abdomen (Kapha): Water retention, slow digestion.
- Modern Medical Analysis:
- Tender abdomen: Appendicitis, peritonitis.
- Distended abdomen: Liver disease, ascites.
- Rigid abdomen: Perforation, peritonitis.
6. Joint & Muscle Examination (Sandhi & Mamsa Sparshana)
- Ayurvedic Findings:
- Cracking, dry joints (Vata): Arthritis, osteoporosis.
- Swollen, red joints (Pitta): Rheumatoid arthritis, gout.
- Stiff, heavy joints (Kapha): Osteoarthritis, water retention.
- Modern Clinical Signs:
- Crepitus (Joint cracking): Osteoarthritis.
- Swollen joints: Gout, rheumatoid arthritis.
- Muscle wasting: Neuromuscular disorders.
7. Lymph Node & Glandular Examination (Granthi & Upasneha Pariksha)
- Ayurvedic Perspective:
- Vata nodes: Small, hard, mobile → Fibrosis, early tumors.
- Pitta nodes: Painful, inflamed → Infections, abscess.
- Kapha nodes: Large, soft, slow-growing → Benign tumors, hypothyroidism.
- Modern Medical Relevance:
- Enlarged lymph nodes: Tuberculosis, lymphoma.
- Thyroid nodules: Goiter, cancer.
- Swollen glands: Mumps, autoimmune disease.
Clinical Applications of Sparshana Pariksha
🔹 Early Disease Detection: Identifies issues before advanced symptoms appear.
🔹 Differentiation of Pain Types: Helps in distinguishing musculoskeletal, neurological, or inflammatory conditions.
🔹 Non-Invasive & Cost-Effective: Can be performed without modern diagnostic tools.
🔹 Integration with Modern Medicine: Enhances clinical accuracy when combined with modern tests.