E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Mutra Pariksha

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 09 Number 06 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A Critical Review on Tail Bindu Mutra Pariksha in Ayurveda

Rashmi Bairwa1*, Surekha Kamath2, Prabhjot Kaur3, Srinidhi Shetty4, Reetu Sharma5
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.6.27

1* Rashmi Bairwa, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyan, National Institute of Ayurveda De Novo Deemed to Be University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

2 Surekha Kamath, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyan, National Institute of Ayurveda De Novo Deemed to be University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

3 Prabhjot Kaur, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyan, National Institute of Ayurveda De Novo Deemed to be University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

4 Srinidhi Shetty, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyan, National Institute of Ayurveda De Novo Deemed to be University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

5 Reetu Sharma, 5Associate Professor, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyan, National Institute of Ayurveda De Novo Deemed to be University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Ayurveda, as a comprehensive system of medicine, goes beyond merely treating diseases; it encompasses a lifestyle that emphasizes harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Central to this approach is the concept of disease prevention, which is considered the primary goal of Ayurvedic practice. This preventive aspect is woven into every aspect of life, including diet, daily routines, and behavior. In Ayurveda, diagnosis and treatment are not limited to just addressing the symptoms; they involve understanding the root cause of the illness and restoring balance to the individual's constitution (Dosha). Prognosis prediction, therefore, becomes crucial in determining the course of treatment and the likely outcome of the disease. Historically, prognosis prediction has been a significant challenge in medicine, and Ayurveda is no exception. However, ancient Ayurvedic texts and practices reveal a sophisticated understanding of prognosis dating back thousands of years. Tail Bindu Pariksha is an ancient Ayurvedic diagnostic method used to determine the prognosis of a disease. The term translates to Oil drop test, and it involves the use of a single drop of oil in water to predict the nature and severity of a patient's illness. This method is based on observing the behaviour of the oil drop when it is placed in water and assess the progression of diseases and predict their outcomes

Keywords: Ayurveda, Tail Bindu Mutra Pariksha, prognosis.

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Rashmi Bairwa, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidana Evum Vikriti Vigyan, National Institute of Ayurveda De Novo Deemed to Be University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Email: 		Rashmi Bairwa, Surekha Kamath, Prabhjot Kaur, Srinidhi Shetty, Reetu Sharma, A Critical Review on Tail Bindu Mutra Pariksha in Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;09(06):180-183.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3292

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-04-13 2024-05-21
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Authors state no conflict of interest. Non Funded. The conducted research is not related to either human or animals use. 13.12 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2024by Rashmi Bairwa, Surekha Kamath, Prabhjot Kaur, Srinidhi Shetty, Reetu Sharmaand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

रोगमादौ परीक्षेत ततोऽनन्तरमौषधम् | ततः कर्म भिषक् पश्चाज्ज्ञानपूर्वं समाचरेत्||[1]

The recent decade has witnessed many landmark observations, which have added to the scientific credentials of Ayurveda. It is however believed that instead of a retrospective approach of looking into the

Ayurveda through the scientific reappraisals, a prospective approach through primary understanding of Ayurveda followed by a search into scientific linkage would be more appealing. Roga - Rogi Pariksha is very important factor for diagnostic as well as prognostic point of view.

It incorporates various clinical as well as some laboratorial techniques for examination of patient through Pratyaksha and Anumana Pramana. One of these techniques is Mutra Pariksha which is included under Asthasthana Pariksha in some of the medical texts like Yogaratanakar, Basavarajiyam. In this technique, changes in the attributes of Mutra is mentioned which provides diagnostic and prognostic aid in the assessment of different diseases. Tail Bindu Pariksha an important prognostic tool of Mutra Pariskha has been described in very scientific manner.

Ashtavidha Pariksha include the following:

1. Nadi / Pulse
2. Malam / Stool
3. Jihwa / Tongue
4. Mutra / Urine
5. Shabda / Speech
6. Sparsha / Touch
7. Drik / Eye
8. Akrti / Shape

Urine from the patient must be collected for this test in the early morning (about five o'clock) either in a clean glass vessel or an oval-shaped open earthen pot. This needs to be kept in a steady state and checked attentively and closely when dawn arrives.

To do this, slowly and without disturbing the urine's surface, one drop of Tila Taila (Sesame oil) is applied. This is done in direct sunshine. The disease's diagnostic and prognosis characteristics are then ascertained by analysing the patterns and distribution of the oil drop on the urine.

Aim and Objective

To understand Tail Bindu Mutra Pariksha in Ayurveda.

Materials and Methods

Review of literature regarding Tail Bindu Mutra Pariksha is collected from Brihatrayi, Laghutrayi, literature of modern medicine and available commentaries on it and research articles are also searched from various websites.

Characteristics of Normal Urine as described in Ayurveda

Though urine inspection has been accorded significant priority, characteristics of normal urine are not addressed individually in the writings from the medieval times. In Ayurveda, the detailed examination of urine plays a crucial role in understanding a patient's overall health and diagnosing diseases. By observing the colour, smell, clarity, consistency, quantity, and frequency of urination, Ayurvedic practitioners can gain insights into the balance of Doshas and the presence of any underlying health issues.

We can draw the following conclusions from the descriptions included in the texts, which are dispersed among the several Ayurvedic chapters.

Mahabhuta: Charaka states predominance of Apya Bhava.[2] According to Ashtanga Hridaya, urine is Ashraya or seat of Kapha.

Rasa: According to Charaka[2] and Sushruta,[3] Rasa of normal urine is Katu and Lavana and according to Acharya Harita [4], it is Kshara, Katu and Madhura.

Gandha: Only Acharya Kashyapa has mentioned about normal Gandha of urine. According to him, normally urine is Natigandhi i.e., an odour which is not irritating.[5]

Sparsha: Ushna (when freshly passed it is slightly warm), Tikshna Guna (can be attributed to Agneya predominance), Apichhila and Aruksha.[5]

Varna: Normally it is Avivarnam i.e., not having pathological colour. It refers to normal pale-yellow colour of urine.[5] Roughly indicates the degree of hydration and urine concentration.


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Ghanatwa: Normal urine is Drava (liquid), Sara (with low density) and Laghu (light).,[1] Vishada: It is Vishada i.e., transparent in nature.

Parimana: Four Anjali is the normal Parimana of urine as described by Charaka.

Methodology of Taila Bindu Pariksha

Almost all the texts describing this examination have stated the same basic concepts which can be put as Taila Bindu Pariksha.

Procedure

Midstream of first voided urine sample in morning will be collected in a clean container. Taila Bindu Pariksha will be performed within 02 hours after collection.

A Petri dish (Dimension 08 inch diameter) will be kept on a firm surface with black background and will be filled with urine and test will be performed when urine surface becomes calm and quiet. Oil drop of 12 µL volume will be dropped with a micropipette from a height of around 1 cm.

a) Shape of oil after spread: Shape will be recorded after complete spread of oil over urine.

B) Direction of spread: Direction of spread will be recorded by magnetic compass.

C) Rate of spread: Time of spread will be calculated from the video clip with the help of digital clock. Time will be recorded at the time of dropping of oil and then after complete spread.

D) Split time: After sometime the oil film splits. This time will be noted in all readings.

Diagnosis of the disease by the examination of urine

1. By appearance of urine[11-13]

Diagnosis of Dosha involvementColour of urine
In Vata aggravated diseasesPandu Varna (whitish) or slightly ‘Nilam’ (Bluish).
In Kapha dominated conditionsPhenayukta i.e., frothy or Snigdha (cloudy).
In Pitta aggravationYellowish or Rakta Varna (reddish).
In case of Rakta-aggravationSnigdha, Ushna (hot) and resembles blood.
In Dwandaja,combined Dosha aggravation, mixed colours are seen
In SannipatajaKrishna Varna (blackish)

2. Diagnosis of disease involvement

DiseasesUrine colour
Ajirna (indigestion)Tandulodaka (rice water)
Navina Jwara (acute fever)‘Smoky” and the affected passes more urine (Bahu Mutrata)
Vata-Pitta JwaraSmoky, watery and hot.
Vata Shlesmajwarawhitish with air bubbles
Shlesma-Pitta Jwarapolluted and is mixed with blood
Jirna (Chronic) Jwarayellowish and red
Sannipata JwaraMixed shades depending on the Dosha involvement.

By spreading shape and direction of the oil

The shapes related to good prognosis as described in various Ayurvedic texts are Hansa, Karanda, Tadaga, Kamala, Gaja, Chamara, Chatra, Torana etc. and can be broadly classified in to a geometrical shape as circular, semi-circular and triangular in nature. They are normally uniform in all directions.

The shapes related to bad prognosis as described in various Ayurvedic texts are Hala, Sairibha, Kurma, Siravihina nara, Gatrakhanda, Shastra, Khadga, Mushala, Pattisha etc. and can be broadly classified as either irregular linear directing to specific direction or Irregular shapes with projections and so multi-directional in nature.

Directions related to good prognosis include four basic directions i.e. east, west, north, and south (in case of Jwara) whereas directions related to bad prognosis are in between these four basic directions as well as southward direction in case of diseases other than Jwara.

Prognostic Importance

  • Good Prognosis: If the oil drop spreads evenly and remains stable for a considerable time, it is considered a positive sign.
  • Poor Prognosis: If the oil drop disintegrates quickly, shows rapid and erratic movements, or sinks immediately, it is often considered an unfavourable sign.

Discussion

Taila Bindu Pariksha, an ancient Ayurvedic technique rooted in the principles of Mutra Pariksha, offers a unique perspective on disease prognosis. This method involves observing oil drops placed on the surface of urine to glean insights into an individual's health status.


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While promising, its reliance on extensive observations and skilled interpretation poses challenges in instant prognosis estimation for chronic diseases. Despite the absence of laboratory tests for immediate prognosis determination in Ayurveda, there's increasing interest in scientifically validating these traditional diagnostic methods within modern medical science. Through rigorous research, experts aim to assess the reliability and accuracy of Taila Bindu Pariksha, paving the way for its integration into contemporary medical practices.

Conclusion

Taila Bindu Pariksha is a fascinating example of ancient diagnostic wisdom in Ayurveda. It emphasizes the importance of natural observations and provides a non-invasive, cost-effective means of assessing health. Despite its simplicity, the insights gained from this method are profound, reflecting the intricate understanding of the human body and its connection to the elements that form the basis of Ayurvedic medicine.

References

1. Charak Samhita, P. Kashinath Pandey, Dr Gorakhnath Chaturvedi, publishing date 2020, Choukhambha Bharati academy, Varanasi ch.su.20/20

2. Charak Samhita, P. Kashinath Pandey, Dr Gorakhnath Chaturvedi, publishing date 2020, Choukhambha Bharati academy, Varanasi Prakashan. ch.su.1/94

3. Sushrut Samhita, of Susruta. Edited with Ayurvedatattva Sandipika Hindi Commentary, Notes, etc. by Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shastri Su.Su.45/218

4. Harita Samhita, p. Harihar prashad Tripathi, publisher: chowkhaba krishnadas academy, sanskrit text with hindi translation. Ha.Sm.19/11

5. Kashyap Samhita, Hindi translation with commentary edited by Nepal Raj Guru Pandita Hemaraja Sharma commentary by Shri Satyapal Bhishagacharya. Ka.Su.28

6. Babu Suresh. Vol. 1. Varanasi: Choukhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2005. S. Yogaratnakara; pp. 16–9.

7. Chennai: Vavilla Ramaswamy Shastrulu and Sons; 1927. Puvvada Suryanarayana; pp. 9–10.

8. MSS Chikitsasara. NIIMH. p. 5. S-19-49-33.

9. Vangasen, Vangasena Samhita, Edited by Nirmal, Chokambha Sanskrit Samsthana, Varansi, 2004.

10. Vasavraja virachita Vasavrajiyam, edited by Shri Goverdhana Sharma, Ist edition, 1930, Gorakshana Yantralaya Mudritava Parikshana.



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