Akruti Pariksha (आकृति परीक्षा) refers to the examination of a person’s body structure, shape, and form to assess their health, dosha predominance, and predisposition to diseases. Ayurveda considers Akruti (body structure) as a reflection of an individual’s Prakriti (constitution), Vikriti (imbalance), and disease tendencies.
In modern medicine, this aligns with anthropometry, physical examination, and systemic inspection, which help in diagnosing various congenital, metabolic, musculoskeletal, and systemic disorders.
II. Principles of Akruti Pariksha in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic texts mention that the external body structure provides clues about internal health. Key elements include:
🔹 Prakriti (Body Constitution) – Vata, Pitta, Kapha dominance
🔹 Sara (Tissue Excellence) – Quality of different Dhatus (tissues)
🔹 Samhanana (Compactness of Body) – Strength & integrity of muscles, bones, and joints
🔹 Pramana (Body Proportions) – Ayurvedic anthropometry
🔹 Vikriti (Deformities or Abnormalities) – Structural anomalies
III. Components of Akruti Pariksha
1. Examination of Prakriti (Body Type)
| Prakriti Type | Body Structure Features | Predisposed Diseases |
|---|---|---|
| Vata Prakriti | Lean, thin, prominent bones & veins, dry skin | Joint pain, neurological issues, osteoporosis |
| Pitta Prakriti | Medium build, soft skin, reddish complexion | Hyperacidity, skin disorders, inflammatory diseases |
| Kapha Prakriti | Heavy build, well-nourished, smooth skin | Obesity, diabetes, respiratory disorders |
2. Sara Pariksha (Excellence of Dhatus – Tissue Quality)
Each Dhatu (tissue) contributes to the overall body structure. The examination helps assess overall health, strength, and disease resistance.
| Dhatu (Tissue Type) | Clinical Features of Good Sara (Excellence) | Clinical Features of Poor Sara (Deficiency/Weakness) |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Plasma/Lymph) | Hydrated, healthy skin, glowing complexion | Dryness, dehydration, pale skin |
| Rakta (Blood) | Reddish glow, good circulation | Anemia, dullness, fatigue |
| Mamsa (Muscles) | Well-developed muscles, good tone | Weakness, muscle atrophy |
| Meda (Fat) | Soft, supple skin, balanced fat distribution | Excess fat (obesity) or emaciation |
| Asthi (Bones) | Strong bones, well-aligned teeth | Osteoporosis, fractures |
| Majja (Bone Marrow & Nerves) | Sharp intellect, strong immunity | Nervous weakness, depression |
| Shukra (Reproductive Tissue) | Healthy reproductive function | Infertility, poor libido |
3. Samhanana (Body Compactness & Integrity)
🔹 Strong Samhanana → Indicates good strength, endurance, and immunity
🔹 Weak Samhanana → Seen in malnutrition, muscle-wasting conditions
Clinical Relevance:
✅ Athletes have excellent Samhanana
✅ Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Hyperelasticity) → Poor Samhanana
4. Pramana Pariksha (Anthropometry – Body Proportions)
Ayurveda describes ideal body proportions, similar to modern BMI & body measurements.
| Measurement | Ayurvedic Perspective | Modern Correlation |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Based on Hasta (hand span) | Measured in cm/inches |
| Weight | Balanced Meda Dhatu ensures good weight | BMI, Body Fat % |
| Chest-Abdomen Ratio | Chest > Abdomen | Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) |
| Bone Length & Density | Asthi Sara determines bone strength | DEXA Scan for osteoporosis |
Clinical Importance:
🔹 Disproportionate limbs → Marfan’s Syndrome
🔹 Short stature, obesity, hypogonadism → Turner’s Syndrome
5. Vikriti Pariksha (Abnormalities & Deformities)
Examining body shape helps in identifying systemic diseases, congenital defects, and nutritional disorders.
| Abnormality | Possible Disease Condition |
|---|---|
| Kyphosis (Hunchback) | Osteoporosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis |
| Lordosis (Excessive Inward Spine Curve) | Obesity, Pregnancy |
| Scoliosis (Lateral Spine Curvature) | Congenital spine deformity |
| Pectus Excavatum (Sunken Chest) | Marfan’s Syndrome, Rickets |
| Clubfoot | Congenital Talipes Equinovarus |
IV. Modern Clinical Approach to Body Structure Examination
1. General Inspection
✅ Symmetry of body parts
✅ Muscle bulk & tone
✅ Posture & gait assessment
2. Anthropometric Measurements
🔹 BMI (Body Mass Index) → Classifies underweight, normal, overweight, obesity
🔹 Waist-Hip Ratio → Predicts cardiovascular risk
🔹 Arm Span to Height Ratio → Diagnoses Marfan’s Syndrome
3. Musculoskeletal Examination
| Test | Used for Diagnosing |
|---|---|
| Schober’s Test | Ankylosing Spondylitis |
| Gower’s Sign | Muscular Dystrophy |
| Trendelenburg Test | Hip Stability Assessment |
4. Skin & Soft Tissue Examination
🔹 Skin Turgor → Assesses dehydration
🔹 Nail Changes → Clubbing (lung disease), Koilonychia (iron deficiency)
V. Clinical Case Examples
Case 1: Marfan’s Syndrome (Disproportionate Body Structure)
🔹 Tall stature, long fingers (Arachnodactyly)
🔹 Chest deformity, hyperflexible joints
🔹 High risk of aortic aneurysm
Case 2: Rickets (Defective Bone Mineralization)
🔹 Bowed legs, widened wrist bones
🔹 Soft skull bones in children
🔹 Vitamin D deficiency
Case 3: Cushing’s Syndrome (Hormonal Abnormality)
🔹 Central obesity, thin limbs
🔹 Moon face, buffalo hump
🔹 High blood pressure & diabetes
VI. Summary & Clinical Importance of Akruti Pariksha
✅ Body structure examination helps in diagnosing systemic, congenital, and nutritional disorders.
✅ Ayurvedic parameters (Prakriti, Sara, Samhanana) correlate with modern anthropometry.
✅ Musculoskeletal examination detects deformities early for better management.
✅ Proportionality assessment helps identify endocrine & genetic disorders.
VII. Flowchart for Akruti Pariksha
Step 1: General Inspection → Posture, Symmetry, Deformities
Step 2: Anthropometry → Height, Weight, BMI, Waist-Hip Ratio
Step 3: Musculoskeletal Exam → Joint Stability, Bone Strength
Step 4: Skin & Soft Tissue Exam → Hydration, Nail & Hair Health
Step 5: Systemic Evaluation → Endocrine, Metabolic, Genetic Disorders