AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSIS

A skilled Ayurvedic Practitioner uses several techniques to determine your current

condition as well as any imbalances in your doshas. These are used to augment the
questions he or she asks during consultation to determine your dosha type. The
auxiliary diagnostic techniques employed in Ayurveda are:

Pulse Diagnosis
Pulse Diagnosis is a very important tool used by all Oriental Medical Practitioners. It is a
very important tool used by Chinese and Tibetan Health Practitioners as well as
Conventional medical doctors. To a skilled practitioner, taking your pulse is more than
counting the beats. The functioning and health of the entire mind body constitution can
be determined from the pulse, including the balance of the doshas, the health of the
various organs, advance warning signs of potential problems that may crop up later etc.

By detecting early symptoms of imbalance and disease reaction in the body, one can
take preventive steps to correct the problem before it manifests into a major one. Radial
pulse is felt with the first three fingers, the index, middle and ring fingers. Pulse from
both wrists is taken. To get an accurate pulse, the patient should be as close to his
norm as possible. Taking pulse after strong exertion, after exposure to a severe
environment etc. will give wrong indications.

The position of the index finger denotes the Vata dosha. When vata is strong in the
constitution, the index finger will feel the pulse strongly. The pulse will be irregular and
thin moving in waves like the motion of a serpent. This type of pulse is called a snake
pulse.

The middle finger denotes the pulse corresponding to the Pitta dosha. When the person
has a predominant pitta constitution, the pulse under the middle finger will be stronger.
Ayurveda describes this pulse as "active, excited, and move like jumping of a frog." This
pulse is called frog pulse.
When the throbbing of the pulse under the ring finger is most noticeable, it is a sign of
Kapha constitution. The pulse feels strong and its movement resembles the floating of a
swan. Hence, this pulse is called swan pulse.

Tongue Diagnosis
The tongue is the organ of taste and speech. Size, shape, contour, surface, margins,
and colour are the characteristics one can observe on the tongue. A pale tongue may
indicate an anaemic condition or lack of blood in the body. A yellowish tongue may
suggest that excess bile present in the gallbladder or a possible liver disorder. A blue
tongue is normally an indication of problems with the heart.

Different areas of the tongue correspond to different organs of the body. Hence by
correlating the location of the blemishes on the tongue, the Ayurvedic practitioner can
determine which organs of the body are out of balance.

A whitish tongue indicates Kapha imbalance and mucus accumulation. A red or yellow
green tongue indicated a Pitta imbalance. A vata imbalance is manifested by a black to
brown coloration on the tongue.

If the tongue is covered by a coating, it may indicate the presence of toxins in the
stomach, small intestine or large intestine. If the posterior part of the tongue is coated, it
will indicate that toxins are present in the large intestine. If the middle of the tongue is
coated, the toxins are present in the stomach and in the small intestine.

Facial Diagnosis
Ayurveda teaches that face is the mirror of the mind. Disorders and disease is
manifested on the face in the form of lines, wrinkles, etc. For example, horizontal
wrinkling on the forehead indicates the presence of deep-seated worries and anxieties.
A vertical line between the eyebrows on the right side indicates repressed emotions in
the liver. On the other hand, the presence of a vertical line between the eyebrows on
the left side will indicate that the spleen is holding in emotions.

A full and fluffy lower eyelid is an indication of impaired kidneys. A butterfly-like

discoloration on the nose or on the cheeks may signal mal-absorption of iron or the folic
acid and the sign of a low Agni (fire).

The nose can be used to determine the dosha of a person. Vata persons have crooked
nose. Kapha persons have a blunt nose. On the other hand, a sharp nose may denote a
person with Pitta dosha.

Nail Diagnosis
Ayurveda considers nails as the waste product of the bones. If the nails are dry,
crooked, rough and break easily, it indicated a predominance of the vata constitution.
Soft, pink, tender nails that are easily bent are indication of a Pitta constitution. When
the nails are thick, strong, soft and very shiny, then Kapha predominates.

Longitudinal lines on the nails indicate mal-absorption in the digestive system.

Transverse grooves on the nails may indicate the presence of long-standing illness or
malnutrition.

Yellow nails indicate a delicate liver or jaundice. Blue nails are manifestation of a weak
heart. Undue redness shows an excess of red blood cells.

Lip Diagnosis (Ostha)

If the lips are dry and rough, it may indicate dehydration or vata imbalance. Pale lips
indicate anaemia. Repeated attacks of inflammatory patches along the margins of the
lips indicate the presence of herpes and a chronic Pitta derangement. Poor digestion of
worms in the colon is indicated by the presence of multiple pale brown spots on the lips.
A person with jaundice will have yellow lips. Blue lips may signal heart problems.
Eye Diagnosis
Vata eyes are characterized by small, nervous, with drooping eyelids and dry, scanty
lashes. The white of the eye is muddy, while the iris is dark, grey-brown or black. Pitta
eyes are moderate in size. They are sharp, lustrous, and sensitive to light. The lashes
are scanty and oily. The iris is red or yellowish. Kapha eyes are large, beautiful and
moist. They have long, thick, oily lashes. The white of the eye is very white. The iris is
pale, blue or black.

Excessive blinking is a sign of nervousness, anxiety or fear. A drooping upper eyelid

indicates a sense of insecurity, fear or lack of confidence. These are all signs of vata
imbalance.

Prominent eyes indicate thyroid gland dysfunction. A yellow conjunctiva may signal a
weak liver. A small iris indicates weak joints. A white ring around the iris may mean an
excessive intake of salt or sugar. If the white ring is very prominent and very white, it is
an indication of joint degeneration with potential for arthritis and joint pain.

Ayurvedic practitioners also employ other diagnostic techniques such as palpation,

percussion, auscultation along with examination of the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, urine,
stool, sputum, sweat, and speech.
 DISCLAIMER

All information provided here is for educational purposes only.

Statements contained here are reported in an effort to preserve
traditional information. Our aim is to prepare you to ask more
educated questions to your own medical practitioner. Nothing
here should be construed as an attempt to diagnose, prescribe,
or recommend, in any manner, a treatment for any health
ailment or condition. Consult a qualified physician regarding
the treatment of any medical condition. This information is not
a replacement for a thorough consultation and examination
from a licensed health professional. People should not try to
medicate themselves or others with any of the methods
referred to here without the guidance of a qualified practitioner
who is thoroughly familiar with both the remedies and the
individual’s medical status. Some of the herbs listed are
poisonous; some can elicit severe allergic reactions if used
inappropriately. Information about safety and interactions may
not be complete. Do not attempt to self-treat based on
information given above.