Prashana Pariksha (Interrogation-Based Diagnosis)
Introduction
Prashana Pariksha (Interrogation-Based Examination) is one of the most critical diagnostic tools in Ayurveda, where the physician gathers information directly from the patient. This subjective method of diagnosis helps in understanding the root cause of disease (Nidana), dosha involvement, and disease progression.
In modern medicine, this correlates with clinical history-taking, which is the foundation of diagnosis. A detailed history of symptoms, lifestyle, past illnesses, family history, and mental health helps narrow down possible diagnoses and plan effective treatment.
This guide provides a clinically relevant approach to Prashana Pariksha, integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern medical history-taking, along with tables and practical applications for practitioners.
1. The Role of Prashana Pariksha in Clinical Diagnosis
Comparison of Ayurvedic & Modern Medical Interrogation Methods
| Ayurvedic Approach (Prashana Pariksha) | Modern Medical Approach (History-Taking) | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Roga Pariksha (Disease Examination) | Presenting Complaints & History of Present Illness | Identifies primary symptoms & timeline of disease |
| Rogi Pariksha (Patient Examination) | Past Medical & Family History | Evaluates hereditary & chronic diseases |
| Ahara-Vihara Pariksha (Diet & Lifestyle Assessment) | Dietary & Social History | Determines nutritional & lifestyle factors |
| Manas Pariksha (Mental Health Assessment) | Psychiatric & Emotional History | Helps in diagnosing stress-related & psychosomatic disorders |
🔎 Clinical Application:
- Helps in early diagnosis by identifying subtle symptoms.
- Guides personalized treatment based on dosha assessment & patient history.
2. Components of Prashana Pariksha
1. Nidana Prashana (Inquiry into Disease Cause)
This corresponds to Etiological Inquiry in modern medicine. Ayurveda emphasizes the six stages of disease development (Shatkriya Kala) to determine how early or advanced the condition is.
| Ayurvedic Aspect | Modern Medical Correlation | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Asatmya Ahara (Unwholesome Diet) | Nutritional Deficiencies | Identifies diet-related diseases (Diabetes, Obesity) |
| Vihara (Lifestyle) | Sedentary Lifestyle, Smoking, Alcoholism | Helps detect lifestyle-induced diseases (Metabolic Syndrome, Liver Disorders) |
| Manas Bhava (Emotional Factors) | Stress, Depression, Anxiety | Guides mental health intervention |
🔎 Clinical Application:
- Identifies diet & lifestyle-induced disorders.
- Helps plan preventive interventions.
2. Lakshana Prashana (Symptom Analysis)
This includes detailed questioning about symptoms, similar to Chief Complaints & Review of Systems in modern history-taking.
| Ayurvedic Inquiry | Modern Medical Equivalent | Clinical Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Vedana (Pain Type & Location) | Pain Quality (Burning, Sharp, Dull) | Differentiates between neuropathic, inflammatory, and visceral pain |
| Shotha (Swelling & Inflammation) | Localized vs. Generalized Swelling | Helps diagnose inflammatory, neoplastic, or edema-related conditions |
| Agnimandya (Digestive Issues) | Gastrointestinal History | Identifies malabsorption, GERD, IBS |
| Sweda Prakriti (Sweating Pattern) | Autonomic Dysfunction | Helps diagnose hyperthyroidism, fever, autonomic disorders |
| Nidra Vritti (Sleep Quality) | Sleep Disorders | Identifies Insomnia, Sleep Apnea, Depression |
🔎 Clinical Application:
- Helps in precise disease identification by understanding dosha-specific symptoms.
- Guides differential diagnosis in complex cases.
3. Ahara-Vihara Prashana (Diet & Lifestyle Assessment)
This is a critical part of Ayurveda, which correlates with Dietary & Social History in modern medicine.
| Ayurvedic Inquiry | Modern Medical Equivalent | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa Prakriti (Taste Preference) | Food Cravings | Helps in diagnosing nutrient deficiencies |
| Nitya Ahara (Daily Dietary Habits) | Dietary Patterns | Identifies deficiencies, excesses, and metabolic risks |
| Nidra & Jagrana (Sleep Cycle) | Sleep Hygiene & Disorders | Identifies sleep-related disorders |
| Vyayama (Exercise & Physical Activity) | Activity Level | Helps assess metabolic health (Diabetes, Obesity) |
| Sad Vritta (Ethical & Behavioral Habits) | Social & Emotional Well-being | Identifies stress-related disorders |
🔎 Clinical Application:
- Helps in correcting diet & lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic diseases.
- Aids in preventive healthcare planning.
4. Manasika Prashana (Mental Health Inquiry)
Ayurveda recognizes the link between mind & body, similar to Psychiatric Evaluation in modern medicine.
| Ayurvedic Inquiry | Modern Psychiatric Equivalent | Clinical Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Chinta (Excessive Worrying) | Generalized Anxiety Disorder | Identifies mental stressors |
| Bhaya (Fearfulness & Phobia) | Panic Disorders, PTSD | Helps assess trauma impact |
| Krodha (Excess Anger) | Impulse Control Disorder | Identifies emotional instability |
| Vishada (Depression Symptoms) | Major Depressive Disorder | Assists in early mental health intervention |
| Manodaurbalya (Mental Weakness) | Cognitive Impairment | Helps diagnose dementia, neurodegenerative disorders |
🔎 Clinical Application:
- Helps diagnose psychosomatic illnesses.
- Guides Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy for mental health.
5. Rogi Bala Prashana (Patient Strength & Immunity Assessment)
Ayurveda classifies patient strength into three types (Bala – Strength, Vyadhi Kshamatva – Immunity, Ojas – Vitality), which correlate with Immunological & General Health Assessment in modern medicine.
| Ayurvedic Factor | Modern Medical Equivalent | Clinical Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sahaja Bala (Natural Strength) | Genetic & Congenital Immunity | Helps assess inherited disorders |
| Kalaja Bala (Age & Seasonal Adaptability) | Age-Related Immune Changes | Helps plan geriatric & pediatric care |
| Yuktikrita Bala (Acquired Strength) | Lifestyle-Dependent Immunity | Evaluates immune response to infections, vaccines |
🔎 Clinical Application:
- Helps assess immune strength & disease resistance.
- Guides personalized immunity-boosting therapies (Rasayana Chikitsa).