Critical Review and Analysis of Nadi Vigyan: A Boon to Ayurvedic Methodology

Abstract

Ayurvedic medicine has been using Nadi Pareeksha as a tool of diagnosis for Roga Rogi Pareeksha, since 2500 years ago. Charaka Acharya has mentioned “Rogamaadou Pareekshayet Tato Anantaram Aushadham” as an approach for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Acharya Sharangadhara was the first to describe about Nadi Pareeksha. The traditional text Sharangdhara Samhita, Yogaratnakara, Basavarajeeyam, Bhavaprakash Samhita, Kanada Samhita and Ravana Samhita have discussed the details of Nadi Pareeksha. In the 17^th century, Yogaratnakara takes a special place in Nadi Vigyana as he explains about Vega (rate), Gati (movement), Sthiratva (stability), Tala (rhythm), Akruti (volume and tension) and Kathinyatva (consistency) of Nadi useful for Nadi Pareeksha. Also, he explains Nadi Pareekhsa under Ashtavidha Pareeksha. The root cause for all diseases is imbalance of Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). A Vaidya should examine the Nadi in the initial consultation to know about the extent of Doshas imbalance. According to Yogaratnakara, all the diseases can be diagnosed from Nadi and it was compared with strings of Veena playing all the Ragas, similarly, the Nadi of hand highlights Prakruti of Dosha vitiation. The speed, stability and Gati of Nadi varies with Dosha vitiation and assessing is an Art and Science of its own. Although, Nadi Pareeksha is an important part of investigation, still, it is not practiced by many Vaidyas due to insufficient knowledge. In relation to modern science, Nadi Pareeksha needs more growth and development. Hence, it is the need of the hour for Vaidyas to develop Nadi Pareeksha for globalization of Ayurveda.