Ashtavidha Pariksha: the eightfold examination, documented
Ashtavidha Pariksha, described by Yogaratnakara, is the eightfold examination of the patient. It turns observation into structured findings that feed Rupa and Samprapti. Recording it the same way every time is what makes it comparable across visits.
The eight examinations
- Nadi: pulse, recorded with rate, rhythm, and the dosha gati observed.
- Mutra: urine, including colour, frequency and any oil-drop observation if performed.
- Mala: stool, including consistency, frequency, and signs of ama.
- Jihva: tongue, including coating, colour, cracks and moisture.
- Shabda: voice and speech.
- Sparsha: touch, including temperature, texture and tenderness.
- Drik: eyes and general appearance.
- Akriti: body build and posture.
Recording findings that stay useful
- Use the same order every visit so changes are easy to spot.
- Separate what you observed from what the patient reported.
- Write 'not examined' instead of leaving a field blank, so the next reader knows it was skipped.
- Link each abnormal finding to the Rupa it supports.
Questions practitioners ask
- Is Dashavidha Pariksha different?
- Yes. Dashavidha Pariksha is Charaka's tenfold assessment of the patient (Prakriti, Vikriti, Sara, Samhanana, Pramana, Satmya, Sattva, Ahara Shakti, Vyayama Shakti, Vaya). It complements the eightfold examination.