Critical analysis of Upashaya as a diagnostic tool in Annavahasroto Vikaras - A literary study

Abstract

Trisutra Ayurveda emphasized in the classics – Hetu, Linga, Aushadha Gnana forms the baseline for analyzing and evaluating the health and disease in an individual. The diagnosis of a disease is to be done by examination of the disease as well as the patient. Roga Pariksha is through Nidana Panchakas- Nidana, Purvarupa, Rupa, Upashaya, Samprapti. Upashaya is an apparatus which is used to consider the obscured clinical condition which is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Annavahasroto Vikaras ascend from the Mula Sthana -Amashaya and Vamabhaga of Parshva due to faculty practice of food regimen, as Annavahasroto Vyadhis- Amalapitta, Grahani, Shula, Atisara, Chardi etc are encountered day in out of clinical practice it is indispensable to scrutinize the etiological factors, signs and symptoms, its diagnosis for accurate management. Exploration of Annavahasroto Vyadhis by means of Upashaya is vital as the diseases has to be understood by the Dosha, Sthana, Prathyatma Lakshana, Dosha Gati, Roga Marga as the symptomatology of the same concurs. Hence an effort is made in the present work to understand scientifically the concept of Upashaya stated in the classics which can be readily applied in the clinical practice.