Working model for Diagnosis

Vaidyabhushanam Ashtangaratnam                                                   Rajavihar

K.RAGHAVAN THIRUMULPAD                                                                Palace Road

Fellow, National Academy of Ayurveda                                                  Trissur Dist. Kerala

Regd. Medical Practitioner A936                                                            Phone:- 0480-2701214

                                                                                                            email info@thirumulpad.com

BLESSINGS

Diagnosis in Ayurveda is unique in many ways. This sastra never tries to summarize the sufferings of a human being to some technical terms. Several factors associated the body, mind, personality, environment are enquired and considered in relation to the signs and symptoms presented. A total picture of the change from ‘normalcy’ is drawn by the physician going deep into the diseased body. Hence the reference,

aturasyaantaratmaanam yo/navisati yogivat

jnanabudhipradeepena na sa roganschikitsati

this mentions both the intimacy to the patient and also the clinical skill involved.

There is a notion among the Western medical men and also some of the Ayurvedists that diagnosis in Ayurveda is inadequate in understanding the diseases. But from the experience for the past sixty years of clinical practice, I can assure that Ayurvedic treatment always needs its own understanding of the diseases. The prejudice contradicting this, arise from the improper learning of the principles of diagnosis in Ayurveda. Added to this, is the inclination towards the Western concepts. Ayurveda never denies other ways of understanding, off course. These has to be well incorporated to our own thought process.

Real solution to these problems is the reproduction of the ideas in a way suited to the current students and practitioners.

This academic venture is attempted by the Dr. P.M. Madhu, Lecturer, Department of Rogavijnana, Govt. Ayurveda College, Pariyaram, Kannur, Kerala. The Postgraduate Studies and research in Rogavijnana were initiated in the State at Govt. Ayurveda College Kanuur.  Dr. Madhu is one of the earliest products of the Department. He is ardent leaner of Ayurveda especially the principles behind each and every applications. Dr. PM Madhu often visits me during his student days for discussions and I could appreciate the scholastic and innovative approach he maintains while learning. No wonder he has own several competitions of academic nature during his studentship.

The present work unveils the principles of diagnosis in a new format. It well suited to the current students of Ayurveda. The salient feature of this book is that it focuses on the applicability and adaptability of our principles. For each part, there are evaluation, exercise and theam activities.  All these presentation instills confidence in the learner on the theoretical foundations of Ayurveda. The current work also incorporates well the structural basis of the disease, the so called ‘modern’ understanding. The dilemma felt by the student when the ‘modern’ and ‘ancient’ taught as a heterogeneous mixture of ideas is really alarming. This makes the student to deviate from the Ayurvedic way of thought and he relays upon more on the ‘modern’. Dr. Madhu’s effort in many a way prevents this landslide.

I wish Dr. Madhu, success in all his scholastic ventures and expect more from him to the Ayurvedic world. Let this book have wide popularity leading to more enlarged editions.

Vijayadashami 1186                                                           K. Raghavan Thirumulpad