Ayurveda is a medicine of understanding. Before a treatment plan is drawn up, the question is always: Who is the person sitting opposite me - with their unique constitution, lifestyle habits, stresses and inner balance?
The basis: anamnesis and observation
Every diagnosis begins with a thorough anamnesis - a detailed discussion in which lifestyle, diet, emotions, digestion, sleep, previous illnesses and personal preferences are recorded. This forms the basis for differentiating between individual constitutional characteristics (prakriti) and current disorders (vikriti) - a key element for any further therapy.
The eight classical diagnostic procedures
Ayurvedic medicine recognizes eight central methods of examination(Ashta Sthana Pariksha), which together provide a differentiated picture of the person:
- Pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha): This is considered the most subtle and at the same time the most sophisticated method. Energetic qualities and dosha imbalances can be detected via the pulse, as well as indications of agni, ojas and the mental state.
- Tongue diagnosis (Jihva Pariksha): The tongue reflects the state of digestion and metabolism. The color, shape and coating provide information about ama (toxins), dosha disorders and emotional stress.
- Urine and stool diagnosis (Mutra and Mala Pariksha): Changes in color, smell or consistency show how well the metabolism and excretory functions are working.
- Examination of eyes and skin (Netra and Twak Pariksha): Both are considered visible indicators of inner processes. Bright eyes and clear skin stand for vitality, while cloudiness or discoloration indicate imbalances.
- Assessment of voice and external appearance (Shabda and Akriti Pariksha): Voice, posture, gestures and charisma are also expressions of inner balance or, for example, exhaustion.
These methods are always interpreted in combination and compared with the results of the anamnesis. Only through this holistic approach does a complete picture of the person emerge.
Diagnosis as a process of knowledge
An Ayurvedic diagnosis is not a purely technical examination, but a dialogical process - based on mindfulness, perception and experience. It requires in-depth theoretical knowledge as well as training in intuition and perception. This is why the training at the European Academy of Ayurveda teaches how to read people - with head, heart and hand.
Because Ayurvedic diagnostics is ultimately more than just recognizing disorders: It is essentially about identifying which characteristics disrupt the individual's balance and self-healing. The aim is to select a therapy based on this analysis that balances and avoids the excess characteristics. - This is holistic medicine. That is Ayurveda.
