# Dashavidha Pariksha (Tenfold Examination) – A Detailed Overview
Dashavidha Pariksha refers to the tenfold examination of a patient in Ayurveda, which helps in understanding the Prakriti (constitution), Vikriti (disease condition), strength, and endurance of an individual. It is an advanced diagnostic tool that aids in disease prognosis, treatment planning, and lifestyle recommendations.
The concept is primarily described in Charaka Samhita and emphasizes a comprehensive patient assessment rather than just disease evaluation. This method ensures a personalized treatment approach, which aligns with modern precision medicine.
The Tenfold Examination (Dashavidha Pariksha)
Each of these ten factors plays a significant role in diagnosing a patient holistically:
1. Prakriti (Constitution)
- Definition: The natural composition of the body determined at birth, influenced by the predominance of Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
- Types:
- Vata Prakriti – Thin body, active, prone to anxiety and dryness
- Pitta Prakriti – Medium build, sharp intellect, prone to inflammation
- Kapha Prakriti – Heavy build, calm nature, prone to obesity
- Clinical Relevance: Helps in predicting disease susceptibility and lifestyle recommendations.
2. Vikriti (Disease Condition)
- Definition: The current state of the doshas, indicating an imbalance that leads to disease.
- Clinical Importance: Understanding the Vikriti helps in disease diagnosis and choosing the appropriate line of treatment (Shamana or Shodhana therapies).
3. Sara (Tissue Quality Assessment)
- Definition: The excellence of Dhatus (body tissues), such as Rakta Sara (blood quality), Mamsa Sara (muscle quality), etc.
- Clinical Importance: Helps in evaluating overall strength, immunity, and recovery capacity.
4. Samhanana (Body Compactness)
- Definition: Assessment of the structural integrity and compactness of muscles, bones, and joints.
- Clinical Importance:
- Good Samhanana – Indicates strength and endurance.
- Poor Samhanana – Suggests frailty, joint disorders, or musculoskeletal diseases.
5. Pramana (Body Measurements)
- Definition: Measurement of height, weight, and body proportions.
- Comparison with Modern Medicine:
- BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Anthropometric measurements (waist-hip ratio, body fat percentage)
- Clinical Use: Helps in disease risk assessment (e.g., obesity-related disorders, metabolic syndrome).
6. Satmya (Adaptability/Tolerance)
- Definition: The ability of a person to tolerate and adapt to different food, climates, and lifestyles.
- Types:
- Ekadeshiya Satmya – Adaptation to a specific region or food.
- Sarva Satmya – Universal adaptability.
- Clinical Importance: Determines dietary compatibility, immunity, and potential allergic reactions.
7. Satva (Mental Strength & Psychological Endurance)
- Definition: The capacity to handle emotional and physical stress.
- Types:
- Pravara Satva – Strong mental endurance.
- Madhyama Satva – Moderate resilience.
- Avara Satva – Weak mental stability.
- Clinical Importance: Helps in understanding mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
8. Ahara Shakti (Digestive Power)
- Definition: The ability to digest food properly.
- Clinical Examination:
- Jatharagni (Digestive fire assessment)
- Symptoms of indigestion (bloating, acidity, constipation)
- Modern Correlation:
- BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate)
- Gut microbiome health
- Clinical Importance: Helps in prescribing a suitable diet and digestive treatments.
9. Vyayama Shakti (Exercise Tolerance & Physical Strength)
- Definition: The ability to perform physical activities and sustain exertion.
- Clinical Tests:
- Endurance Test: Running, weightlifting capacity.
- Muscle Strength: Handgrip strength test.
- Clinical Importance: Helps in evaluating muscle function, cardiac health, and physical stamina.
10. Vaya (Age Assessment)
- Definition: The stage of life that influences bodily functions.
- Age Classifications in Ayurveda:
- Bala (Childhood: 0-16 years)
- Madhya (Middle Age: 16-60 years)
- Vriddha (Old Age: 60+ years)
- Clinical Relevance: Age-specific diseases (childhood nutrition, aging disorders like osteoporosis).
Flowchart for Clinical Application of Dashavidha Pariksha
Step 1: Prakriti Analysis → Identify the natural constitution of the patient.
Step 2: Vikriti Assessment → Diagnose current doshic imbalances.
Step 3: Sara Evaluation → Assess tissue quality and immunity.
Step 4: Samhanana & Pramana → Check body structure and measurements.
Step 5: Satmya & Ahara Shakti → Evaluate adaptability and digestion.
Step 6: Satva Assessment → Determine mental strength and stress-handling capacity.
Step 7: Vyayama Shakti & Vaya → Assess physical endurance and age-related risks.
Step 8: Clinical Correlation → Compare findings with disease risk factors.
Step 9: Treatment Plan → Personalized therapy based on Ayurveda principles.
Comparison of Dashavidha Pariksha with Modern Diagnostic Tools
| Ayurvedic Parameter | Modern Correlation |
|---|---|
| Prakriti | Genetic profiling, metabolic type |
| Vikriti | Pathological tests (blood tests, imaging) |
| Sara | Nutritional status, tissue biopsy |
| Samhanana | BMI, body structure analysis |
| Pramana | Anthropometric measurements |
| Satmya | Food allergy tests, gut microbiome analysis |
| Satva | Psychological assessments (stress test, MMSE) |
| Ahara Shakti | BMR, gastric motility tests |
| Vyayama Shakti | Cardiovascular fitness tests (VO2 max) |
| Vaya | Age-related biomarker |