CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS IN AYURVEDA: CONCEPTS, CURRENT PRACTICE AND PROSPECTS

A physician's job is to know the human body and its functions in terms of Prakritisthata (homeostasis). The four cornerstones of diagnostic medicine, each essential for understanding homeostasis, are: anatomy (the structure of the human body), physiology (functions of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala), pathology (what can go wrong with the anatomy and physiology) and psychology (thought and behavior). Once the doctor knows what is normal and can measure the patient's current condition against those norms; she or he can then determine the patient's particular deviation from homeostasis and the degree of deviation. This is called diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been reached, the doctor is able to propose a management plan, which will include treatment as well as plans for follow-up. From this point on, in addition to treating the patient's condition, the doctor educates the patient about the causes, progression, outcomes, and possible treatments of his ailments, as well as providing advice for maintaining health.