Knowledge Base
What is Nadi Pariksha? How Prakriti is Diagnosis in Ayurveda?
by Dr Vaid Ji on Aug 10, 2024
Nadi Pareeksha (pulse diagnosis) is a crucial diagnostic tool in Ayurveda. When performing Nadi Pareeksha, practitioners often ask specific questions that align with the principles of Ayurveda. Here are some common questions and how they relate to Ayurvedic principles:
• How would you describe your overall energy levels throughout the day?
• Do you feel more comfortable in hot or cold weather?
• How do you typically respond to stress?
• Purpose:
• These questions help determine the patient’s Prakriti (natural constitution), which is based on the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Understanding the dominant dosha is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• How is your appetite? Do you feel hungry at regular intervals?
• Do you experience any discomfort or heaviness after eating?
• How often do you have bowel movements, and what is their consistency?
• Purpose:
• These questions assess the state of Agni (digestive fire) and the balance of doshas in the digestive system. Proper digestion is central to health in Ayurveda.
• How many hours of sleep do you typically get each night?
• Do you experience difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night?
• Do you feel refreshed upon waking?
• Purpose:
• Sleep is considered a pillar of health in Ayurveda. These questions help identify imbalances in Nidra, which could indicate a disturbance in the doshas, particularly Vata.
• How would you describe your current mood?
• Do you feel anxious, irritable, or depressed frequently?
• How do you handle challenging situations emotionally?
• Purpose:
• Mental and emotional well-being is closely linked to the balance of the doshas. These questions help determine if there is an imbalance in the mind (Manas) and which dosha might be responsible.
• For women: How are your menstrual cycles—regular, painful, heavy, or light?
• For men: Do you have concerns about libido or sexual health?
• Are you experiencing any fertility issues?
• Purpose:
• These questions address reproductive health, which is governed by Shukra (semen) and Artava (menstrual fluid). Imbalances in reproductive health can reflect deeper doshic imbalances.
• Do you experience dry, oily, or sensitive skin?
• Have you noticed any changes in your hair, such as thinning or loss?
• Do you have any chronic skin issues like eczema, acne, or rashes?
• Purpose:
• Skin and hair health are direct indicators of the state of the doshas. For example, dry skin may indicate a Vata imbalance, while oily skin might point to a Pitta imbalance.
• Do you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat?
• Have you had any recent issues with coughing, wheezing, or colds?
• Do you feel unusually fatigued after minimal exertion?
• Purpose:
• These questions assess the function of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, which can be influenced by all three doshas but particularly by Vata and Kapha.
• How often do you engage in physical activity or exercise?
• Do you feel fatigued or energized after exercising?
• Are there any physical activities you find particularly challenging?
• Purpose:
• Physical activity influences the balance of doshas, particularly Vata. Understanding the patient’s activity level helps in recommending appropriate lifestyle changes.
• What types of food do you usually eat? How often?
• Do you have any food cravings or aversions?
• How do certain foods affect your digestion (e.g., bloating, gas, indigestion)?
• Purpose:
• Diet is fundamental in Ayurveda for maintaining doshic balance. These questions help identify dietary habits that may be contributing to imbalances.
These questions, combined with the insights gained from pulse diagnosis, allow Ayurvedic practitioners to create a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health and tailor treatments accordingly.
1. General Health and Constitution (Prakriti)
• Questions:• How would you describe your overall energy levels throughout the day?
• Do you feel more comfortable in hot or cold weather?
• How do you typically respond to stress?
• Purpose:
• These questions help determine the patient’s Prakriti (natural constitution), which is based on the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Understanding the dominant dosha is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
2. Digestion and Appetite (Agni)
• Questions:• How is your appetite? Do you feel hungry at regular intervals?
• Do you experience any discomfort or heaviness after eating?
• How often do you have bowel movements, and what is their consistency?
• Purpose:
• These questions assess the state of Agni (digestive fire) and the balance of doshas in the digestive system. Proper digestion is central to health in Ayurveda.
3. Sleep Patterns (Nidra)
• Questions:• How many hours of sleep do you typically get each night?
• Do you experience difficulty falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night?
• Do you feel refreshed upon waking?
• Purpose:
• Sleep is considered a pillar of health in Ayurveda. These questions help identify imbalances in Nidra, which could indicate a disturbance in the doshas, particularly Vata.
4. Mental and Emotional Health (Manas)
• Questions:• How would you describe your current mood?
• Do you feel anxious, irritable, or depressed frequently?
• How do you handle challenging situations emotionally?
• Purpose:
• Mental and emotional well-being is closely linked to the balance of the doshas. These questions help determine if there is an imbalance in the mind (Manas) and which dosha might be responsible.
5. Reproductive Health (Shukra and Artava)
• Questions:• For women: How are your menstrual cycles—regular, painful, heavy, or light?
• For men: Do you have concerns about libido or sexual health?
• Are you experiencing any fertility issues?
• Purpose:
• These questions address reproductive health, which is governed by Shukra (semen) and Artava (menstrual fluid). Imbalances in reproductive health can reflect deeper doshic imbalances.
6. Skin and Hair Health
• Questions:• Do you experience dry, oily, or sensitive skin?
• Have you noticed any changes in your hair, such as thinning or loss?
• Do you have any chronic skin issues like eczema, acne, or rashes?
• Purpose:
• Skin and hair health are direct indicators of the state of the doshas. For example, dry skin may indicate a Vata imbalance, while oily skin might point to a Pitta imbalance.
7. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health
• Questions:• Do you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat?
• Have you had any recent issues with coughing, wheezing, or colds?
• Do you feel unusually fatigued after minimal exertion?
• Purpose:
• These questions assess the function of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, which can be influenced by all three doshas but particularly by Vata and Kapha.
8. Physical Activity and Exercise
• Questions:• How often do you engage in physical activity or exercise?
• Do you feel fatigued or energized after exercising?
• Are there any physical activities you find particularly challenging?
• Purpose:
• Physical activity influences the balance of doshas, particularly Vata. Understanding the patient’s activity level helps in recommending appropriate lifestyle changes.
9. Diet and Nutrition
• Questions:• What types of food do you usually eat? How often?
• Do you have any food cravings or aversions?
• How do certain foods affect your digestion (e.g., bloating, gas, indigestion)?
• Purpose:
• Diet is fundamental in Ayurveda for maintaining doshic balance. These questions help identify dietary habits that may be contributing to imbalances.
These questions, combined with the insights gained from pulse diagnosis, allow Ayurvedic practitioners to create a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health and tailor treatments accordingly.
