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Clinical Examination: Complete Reference Guide
(Modern Medicine + Ayurvedic - Ashtavidha Pariksha)
AYURVEDIC FOUNDATION: Ashtavidha Pariksha (Eight-Fold Examination)
In Ayurveda, the eight standard methods of patient examination are collectively called Ashtavidha Pariksha:
| # | Sanskrit | Meaning |
|---|
| 1 | Nadi | Pulse examination |
| 2 | Mutra | Urine examination |
| 3 | Mala | Stool examination |
| 4 | Jihva | Tongue examination |
| 5 | Shabda | Voice/speech examination |
| 6 | Sparsha | Touch/skin examination |
| 7 | Drik (Chakshu) | Eye examination |
| 8 | Akrti | Size/appearance examination |
Each examination reflects the state of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
1. BLOOD PRESSURE (Rakta Chap)
Definition
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of arteries. It is expressed as systolic/diastolic in mmHg.
Normal Values
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|
| Normal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | < 80 |
| Stage 1 Hypertension | 130-139 | 80-89 |
| Stage 2 Hypertension | ≥ 140 | ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | > 120 |
| Hypotension | < 90 | < 60 |
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
Hypertension (high BP):
- Primary (essential) - most common, no identifiable cause
- Secondary - renal disease, endocrine disorders (Cushing's, pheochromocytoma), coarctation of aorta
- Complications: stroke, heart failure, renal failure, retinopathy
Hypotension (low BP, SBP < 90 mmHg):
- Hypovolemic (dehydration, blood loss)
- Cardiogenic (heart pump failure)
- Distributive (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic shock)
- Orthostatic (drops >20 mmHg systolic on standing)
- Signs: dizziness, syncope, poor peripheral perfusion, cold extremities
Instrument and Parts: Sphygmomanometer
Mercury Sphygmomanometer:
- Manometer (mercury column with scale)
- Inflatable cuff (bladder inside)
- Rubber bulb (inflation)
- Control valve (release)
- Tubing
Aneroid Sphygmomanometer:
- Dial gauge (mechanical spring)
- Cuff and bladder
- Bulb and valve
- Stethoscope (separate, used to hear Korotkoff sounds)
Digital/Electronic BP Monitor:
- Oscillometric sensor
- LCD display
- Memory function
- Automated cuff inflation
Ancillary instrument: Stethoscope - placed over the brachial artery to auscultate Korotkoff sounds.
Methods of Measurement
Auscultatory Method (most standard):
- Patient seated, arm at heart level
- Wrap cuff around upper arm (2-3 cm above antecubital fossa)
- Inflate to ~20-30 mmHg above expected systolic
- Slowly deflate (2 mmHg/sec)
- Systolic = first Korotkoff sound (K1)
- Diastolic = disappearance of sounds (K5)
Korotkoff Sound Phases:
- K1: first tapping sound (systolic BP)
- K2: swooshing sound
- K3: louder thumping
- K4: muffling of sound
- K5: complete disappearance (diastolic BP)
Other Methods:
- Palpatory method (less accurate, gives only systolic)
- Oscillometric (digital devices)
- Ambulatory BP Monitoring (ABPM) - 24-hour monitoring
- Automated Office BP (AOBP)
- Invasive arterial line (ICU/surgical setting - most accurate)
Ayurvedic View
Blood pressure is linked to Vyana Vata (the vata responsible for circulation). Hypertension correlates with Vata-Pitta aggravation causing excessive force on vessel walls.
2. PULSE EXAMINATION (Nadi Pariksha)
Definition
Pulse is the rhythmic expansion and recoil of an artery wall caused by each heartbeat. It reflects heart rate, rhythm, volume, and character.
Normal Values
| Age Group | Normal Pulse Rate (bpm) |
|---|
| Newborn (0-3 months) | 100-150 |
| Infant (3-6 months) | 90-120 |
| Infant (6-12 months) | 80-120 |
| Child (1-10 years) | 70-130 |
| Adults | 60-100 |
| Trained athletes | 40-60 |
Normal pulse characteristics:
- Rate: 60-100 bpm
- Rhythm: regular
- Volume: normal/full
- Character: smooth upstroke
- Tension: normal
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
Tachycardia (> 100 bpm): fever, anemia, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, heart failure, shock
Bradycardia (< 60 bpm): athlete's heart, hypothyroidism, heart block, raised intracranial pressure, vagal stimulation
Abnormal pulse types:
- Pulsus parvus et tardus - slow upstroke, low amplitude (aortic stenosis)
- Water-hammer/Corrigan's pulse - bounding, rapidly collapsing (aortic regurgitation)
- Pulsus alternans - alternating strong/weak beats (severe LV dysfunction)
- Pulsus paradoxus - drops >10 mmHg on inspiration (cardiac tamponade, severe asthma)
- Dicrotic pulse - double palpable beat (shock, vasoconstriction)
- Bisferiens pulse - two peaks in systole (mixed aortic valve disease)
Sites of Pulse Examination (Modern)
Radial, brachial, carotid, femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial, dorsalis pedis, temporal
Instrument
- Stethoscope (apical pulse / auscultation)
- Pulse oximeter (detects pulse + SpO2)
- Clock/watch with seconds
Method
- Patient relaxed, forearm slightly pronated
- Palpate radial artery with 2nd, 3rd, 4th fingers
- Count for 60 seconds (or 15 sec x 4)
- Note: rate, rhythm, volume, character, vessel wall
Carotid artery: examined with finger pads, identifying amplitude and contour - most useful for assessing waveform character (tardus/parvus, bounding, etc.) - Fuster and Hurst's The Heart, 15th Edition
Ayurvedic Nadi Pariksha
Site: Radial artery (wrist), 3 fingers placed just below the thumb base
- Index finger = Vata (Sarpa/cobra gait - quick, irregular, cold)
- Middle finger = Pitta (Manduka/frog gait - jumping, elastic, hot)
- Ring finger = Kapha (Hamsa/swan gait - slow, broad, cool)
| Dosha | Gati (Movement) | Vega (Rate bpm) | Bala (Force) | Character |
|---|
| Vata | Sarpa (Cobra) | 80-95 | Low | Cold, rough, irregular |
| Pitta | Manduka (Frog) | 70-80 | High | Hot, elastic, regular |
| Kapha | Hamsa (Swan) | 50-60 | Moderate | Warm-cool, soft, regular |
Best time: early morning, empty stomach
3. URINE EXAMINATION (Mutra Pariksha)
Definition
Urine examination (urinalysis) is the physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis of urine to detect disease.
Normal Values
| Parameter | Normal |
|---|
| Color | Pale yellow to amber |
| Clarity | Clear |
| pH | 4.5-8.0 (average 6.0) |
| Specific gravity | 1.005-1.030 |
| Protein | Negative (< 150 mg/day) |
| Glucose | Negative |
| Ketones | Negative |
| Blood | Negative |
| Bilirubin | Negative |
| Urobilinogen | 0.1-1.0 EU/dL |
| WBCs | 0-5/HPF |
| RBCs | 0-3/HPF |
| Casts | Occasional hyaline |
| Bacteria | None |
| Volume (24hr) | 800-2000 mL |
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
| Abnormality | Significance |
|---|
| Proteinuria | Nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, diabetes |
| Glycosuria | Diabetes mellitus, renal glycosuria |
| Hematuria | UTI, stones, tumor, trauma |
| Ketonuria | Diabetic ketoacidosis, starvation |
| Bilirubinuria | Hepatitis, obstructive jaundice |
| Oliguria (< 400 mL/day) | Dehydration, acute kidney injury |
| Polyuria (> 2500 mL/day) | Diabetes mellitus/insipidus, diuretics |
| Anuria (< 100 mL/day) | Severe renal failure, obstruction |
| Pyuria | UTI, pyelonephritis |
Instruments
- Urinometer (specific gravity - float in urine)
- Refractometer (specific gravity - more accurate)
- Dipstick/reagent strips (chemical analysis)
- Microscope (microscopic analysis)
- pH meter or litmus paper
- Centrifuge (sediment preparation)
- Graduated cylinder (volume)
Methods (Modern)
- Physical examination - color, clarity, smell, volume
- Chemical examination - dipstick (protein, glucose, blood, pH, SG, ketones, bilirubin, nitrites, leukocyte esterase)
- Microscopic examination - centrifuge sample, examine sediment for cells, casts, crystals, bacteria
- Bacteriological - midstream clean-catch for culture and sensitivity
Ayurvedic Mutra Pariksha (Tailabindu Pariksha)
The oil drop test (Tailabindu Pariksha) is the classical Ayurvedic urine examination:
- Collect urine in early morning in a clean vessel
- Place a drop of sesame oil on the surface
- Observe the spread and movement
| Oil Drop Pattern | Interpretation |
|---|
| Spreads immediately, thin | Vata disease, easily curable |
| Spreads in middle, pearl-like | Pitta disease |
| Sits on surface, breaks into pearls | Kapha disease |
| Sinks immediately | Very serious/incurable condition |
| Moves towards east | Curable |
| Moves in all directions | Difficult to cure |
Normal urine color in Ayurveda: golden yellow (like gingelly/sesame oil)
4. STOOL EXAMINATION (Mala Pariksha)
Definition
Stool (fecal) examination is the physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis of feces to detect gastrointestinal, hepatic, and parasitic disease.
Normal Values
| Parameter | Normal |
|---|
| Color | Brown (due to stercobilin) |
| Consistency | Formed, soft |
| Odor | Characteristic (not offensive) |
| Blood | Absent |
| Mucus | Absent |
| Pus | Absent |
| Parasites | Absent |
| Fat | < 7 g/day (no gross steatorrhea) |
| Frequency | 3/day to 3/week |
| pH | 7.0-7.5 |
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
| Finding | Significance |
|---|
| Melena (black, tarry) | Upper GI bleed (peptic ulcer, varices) |
| Hematochezia (fresh blood) | Lower GI bleed (hemorrhoids, colitis, carcinoma) |
| Pale/clay-colored | Obstructive jaundice, bile duct block |
| Steatorrhea (greasy, bulky) | Malabsorption, chronic pancreatitis (neutral fat + muscle fibers) |
| Mucus + blood | Ulcerative colitis, amebic dysentery |
| Rice water | Cholera |
| Occult blood | Silent GI bleeding - tested by Guaiac/FOB test |
| Parasites | Worm infestations (roundworm, hookworm) |
| Diarrhea | Infection, IBD, malabsorption |
| Constipation | Low fiber, hypothyroid, obstruction |
Instruments
- Collection container (clean, wide-mouth)
- Microscope (microscopic examination)
- Guaiac/FOBT card (occult blood)
- Glass slides and coverslips
- Centrifuge
- Formalin (preservation)
Methods (Modern)
- Macroscopic - color, consistency, blood, mucus, parasites
- Microscopic - RBC, WBC, parasites (ova and cysts), fat globules, muscle fibers, undigested food
- Chemical - occult blood (Guaiac test/FOBT), fat estimation
- Bacteriological - culture for pathogens
- Concentration techniques - for detecting parasites
- S Das Manual on Clinical Surgery: "Melena indicates peptic ulcer with haemorrhage. In chronic pancreatitis there will be neutral fat (steatorrhoea) and striated muscle fibres (creatorrhoea) in the stool. Blood and mucus is a feature of ulcerative colitis."
Ayurvedic Mala Pariksha
| Dosha | Stool Character |
|---|
| Vata | Dry, hard, dark, scanty, constipated, gas, painful |
| Pitta | Loose, yellowish/greenish, foul-smelling, burning sensation |
| Kapha | Mucoid, slimy, pale, heavy, sticky |
5. EYE EXAMINATION (Drik/Chakshu Pariksha)
Definition
Eye examination is clinical assessment of the visual system and ocular structures to detect local and systemic disease.
Normal Values
| Parameter | Normal |
|---|
| Visual acuity | 6/6 (20/20) |
| Visual fields | Full (peripheral ~180°) |
| Pupils | Equal, round, reactive to light (PEARL) |
| Pupil size | 2-6 mm in normal light |
| Eye movements | Full in all 6 directions |
| Intraocular pressure | 10-21 mmHg |
| Fundus | Clear disc, cup:disc ratio < 0.5 |
| Cornea | Clear |
| Sclera | White |
| Conjunctiva | Pink, moist |
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
| Finding | Significance |
|---|
| Jaundiced sclera | Liver disease (jaundice) |
| Pale conjunctiva | Anemia |
| Roth spots (fundus) | Infective endocarditis |
| Papilledema | Raised ICP |
| Kayser-Fleischer rings | Wilson's disease |
| Arcus senilis | Hypercholesterolemia (if < 45 years) |
| Proptosis | Hyperthyroidism (Graves'), tumor |
| Miosis (small pupils) | Opioid toxicity, Horner's syndrome |
| Mydriasis (dilated) | Anticholinergic drugs, 3rd nerve palsy |
| Nystagmus | Cerebellar/vestibular disorders |
| Fundal changes | Hypertensive/diabetic retinopathy |
Instruments
- Ophthalmoscope (direct/indirect) - fundus examination
- Slit lamp - anterior segment
- Tonometer (Schiotz/Goldman) - IOP measurement
- Snellen chart - visual acuity
- Ishihara plates - color vision
- Pen torch - pupil reflexes, general inspection
- Prism - strabismus measurement
Methods (Modern)
- Visual acuity - Snellen chart (each eye separately)
- Visual fields - confrontation, perimetry
- Pupillary reflexes - direct and consensual light reflex
- Eye movements - versions (pursuit), saccades, convergence, ductions
- External examination - lids, conjunctiva, cornea, sclera
- Fundoscopy - disc, vessels, macula, periphery
- Slit lamp - anterior chamber, lens
- Intraocular pressure - tonometry
- Bradley and Daroff's Neurology: Components include visual acuity, versions (pursuit, saccades, muscle overaction), convergence, ductions, alignment, pupils, lid examination, vestibulo-ocular reflexes, and Bell phenomenon.
Ayurvedic Drik Pariksha
| Dosha | Eye Appearance |
|---|
| Vata | Dry, dull, small, sunken, dark circles, twitching |
| Pitta | Red, inflamed, burning, sensitive to light, yellowish tinge |
| Kapha | Moist, oily, large, white sclera, heavy/droopy lids, mucoid discharge |
6. TONGUE EXAMINATION (Jihva Pariksha)
Definition
Tongue examination involves inspection of the tongue's color, surface, coating, moisture, and movement to assess systemic and local disease.
Normal Values
- Pink, moist, smooth dorsal surface
- Thin white coating (normal)
- No ulcers, no tremors
- Midline protrusion (no deviation)
- Papillae normal (filiform, fungiform, circumvallate)
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
| Finding | Significance |
|---|
| Pale tongue | Anemia |
| Red/beefy tongue | B12/folate deficiency (glossitis) |
| Central cyanosis | Cardiac/respiratory failure |
| Yellow coating | Liver disease, jaundice |
| Dry tongue | Dehydration |
| Furred/coated | Fever, GI disturbance, smoking |
| Deviated tongue | Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) palsy |
| Tremors | Hyperthyroidism, neurological disease |
| Strawberry tongue | Scarlet fever, Kawasaki disease |
| Geographic tongue | Benign migratory glossitis |
| Leukoplakia | Pre-malignant |
| Macroglossia | Hypothyroidism, acromegaly, amyloidosis |
| Smooth (atrophic) | Iron deficiency, B12 deficiency |
Instrument
- Pen torch (illumination)
- Tongue depressor
- Mirror (for indirect examination)
- Gloves
Methods (Modern)
- Ask patient to protrude tongue in midline
- Note: color, shape, symmetry, deviation
- Inspect surface: coating, papillae, lesions, ulcers
- Assess moisture
- Note any tremors or involuntary movements
- Palpate if lesion present (gloved finger)
Ayurvedic Jihva Pariksha
| Dosha | Tongue Appearance |
|---|
| Vata | Dry, rough, cracked, dark/brownish, thin, trembling |
| Pitta | Red, inflamed, burning, yellowish coat, sharp sensation |
| Kapha | Pale, thick white/gray coating, moist/slimy, swollen |
| Ama (toxins) | Thick, sticky coat, foul smell |
| Niram (no toxins) | Clean, thin coat, no odor |
7. TOUCH EXAMINATION (Sparsha Pariksha)
Definition
Sparsha Pariksha refers to tactile examination of the patient's skin and body, assessing temperature, texture, moisture, tenderness, and turgor.
Normal Values
- Skin warm, smooth, moist
- No pitting on pressure
- Normal turgor (skin snap back <2 sec)
- No tenderness on palpation
- Capillary refill < 2 seconds
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
| Finding | Significance |
|---|
| Cold, clammy | Shock, hypoperfusion |
| Hot, dry | High fever, hyperthermia |
| Cold extremities | Peripheral vascular disease |
| Pitting edema | Cardiac/renal/hepatic failure, hypoalbuminemia |
| Reduced turgor | Dehydration |
| Tenderness | Inflammation, infection, organ pathology |
| Crepitus | Subcutaneous emphysema, fractures |
| Lymphadenopathy | Infection, malignancy |
Instruments
- Stethoscope (tactile fremitus)
- Percussion hammer
- Tuning fork (vibration sense)
- Pin/cotton (sensory testing)
- Thermometer (objective temperature)
Methods (Modern)
- Palpation - superficial and deep
- Skin temperature - dorsum of examiner's hand
- Skin turgor - pinch test
- Capillary refill - compress nail bed
- Tactile fremitus - vocal resonance on chest
- Lymph node palpation
- Tenderness assessment - rebound, guarding
Ayurvedic Sparsha Pariksha
| Dosha | Skin Character |
|---|
| Vata | Dry, rough, cold, thin, cracked, dark |
| Pitta | Hot, soft, oily, reddish, sweaty, sensitive |
| Kapha | Cool, smooth, moist, oily, thick, soft, pale |
8. SIZE EXAMINATION (Akrti Pariksha)
Definition
Akrti Pariksha is assessment of the patient's general physique, body build, proportions, and overall appearance.
Normal Values
- BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
- Waist circumference: Men < 90 cm, Women < 80 cm
- Normal body proportions (arm span ≈ height)
- No gross deformity, normal gait and posture
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
| Finding | Significance |
|---|
| Underweight (BMI <18.5) | Malnutrition, malabsorption, malignancy, TB |
| Overweight (BMI 25-30) | Metabolic risk |
| Obese (BMI >30) | Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease |
| Short stature | Growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroid, Turner syndrome |
| Tall stature | Marfan syndrome, gigantism |
| Cachexia | Cancer, chronic infection |
| Disproportionate limbs | Rickets, achondroplasia |
| Cushinoid features | Corticosteroid excess |
| Acromegalic features | GH excess (large hands, jaw, feet) |
Instruments
- Weighing scale
- Stadiometer (height)
- Measuring tape (waist, limb length)
- BMI chart
Methods (Modern)
- General inspection - nutritional status, pallor, jaundice, cyanosis, clubbing, edema
- Height and weight - calculate BMI
- Waist circumference
- Arm span measurement
- Body proportions (upper to lower segment ratio)
Ayurvedic Akrti Pariksha
| Dosha | Body Build |
|---|
| Vata | Thin, light, dry skin, small frame, variable weight, poor muscle mass |
| Pitta | Medium build, moderate muscle, warm skin, athletic |
| Kapha | Large frame, heavy, strong bones, thick skin, slow metabolism |
9. NOSE EXAMINATION (Nasika/Ghrana Pariksha)
Definition
Nasal examination assesses the external nose, nasal passages, mucosa, septum, turbinates, and olfactory function.
Normal Values
- Patent bilateral airway
- Pink, moist nasal mucosa
- Intact, midline septum
- No discharge, no polyps
- Normal olfaction (smell)
- Turbinates non-congested
Hypo and Hyper Conditions
| Finding | Significance |
|---|
| Anosmia (loss of smell) | COVID-19, head injury, Parkinson's, cribriform plate fracture |
| Hyposmia | Upper respiratory infection, zinc deficiency |
| Epistaxis | Hypertension, trauma, bleeding disorders, nasopharyngeal carcinoma |
| Nasal polyps | Allergic rhinitis, aspirin sensitivity, chronic sinusitis |
| Deviated septum | Trauma, developmental |
| Flared nostrils | Respiratory distress |
| Saddle-nose deformity | TB, Wegener's granulomatosis, congenital syphilis, trauma |
| Purulent discharge | Sinusitis, foreign body |
| Clear watery discharge | Allergy, CSF rhinorrhea |
| Rhinophyma | Rosacea, chronic alcoholism |
Instruments
- Nasal speculum (Thudichum's) - widens nostrils for inspection
- Pen torch/headlight
- Mirror (warmed, for airway patency - Glatzel mirror test)
- Nasoscope/Rhinoscope
- Endoscope (rigid/flexible) - for detailed posterior examination
- Tuning fork (olfaction testing with standard odors)
Methods (Modern)
- External inspection - shape, symmetry, deformity, skin lesions
- Anterior rhinoscopy - nasal speculum + light: septum, inferior/middle turbinates, floor, discharge, polyps
- Posterior rhinoscopy - mirror examination of nasopharynx
- Nasal endoscopy - detailed view of all structures
- Olfactory testing - identify common odors (coffee, cloves, vanilla)
- Glatzel mirror test - fogging pattern tests airway patency
- Nasal airflow - separate each nostril
Ayurvedic Nasika Pariksha (Ghrana)
| Dosha | Nasal/Olfactory Signs |
|---|
| Vata | Dry nasal mucosa, loss of smell, dry crusting |
| Pitta | Inflamed mucosa, nosebleeds, hypersensitivity to strong smells |
| Kapha | Congestion, excess mucus, reduced sense of smell, polyps |
Nasya (nasal oil instillation) is a key Ayurvedic therapeutic intervention for nasal and brain health.
QUICK SUMMARY TABLE: All Examinations
| Examination | Modern Instrument | Normal Value | Hypo Condition | Hyper Condition |
|---|
| Blood Pressure | Sphygmomanometer + Stethoscope | 120/80 mmHg | Hypotension (<90/60) | Hypertension (≥140/90) |
| Pulse | Watch + fingers / Pulse oximeter | 60-100 bpm | Bradycardia (<60) | Tachycardia (>100) |
| Urine | Urinometer, dipstick, microscope | See table above | Oliguria/Anuria | Polyuria |
| Stool | Microscope, FOBT | Brown, formed | Constipation | Diarrhea |
| Eye | Ophthalmoscope, Snellen chart | 6/6 vision, PEARL pupils | Amblyopia/vision loss | Raised IOP (glaucoma) |
| Tongue | Torch, depressor | Pink, moist, midline | Atrophic glossitis | Macroglossia |
| Touch/Skin | Hands, tuning fork | Warm, elastic, no edema | Cold/clammy (shock) | Pitting edema |
| Size/Appearance | Scale, stadiometer | BMI 18.5-24.9 | Underweight | Obese |
| Nose | Nasal speculum, torch | Patent, pink mucosa | Anosmia | Rhinitis/polyps |
Sources:
- Fuster and Hurst's The Heart, 15th Edition - arterial pulse examination and abnormal waveforms
- Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice - eye examination components
- S Das Manual on Clinical Surgery - stool examination
- Smith and Tanagho's General Urology, 19th Edition - urine examination
- Ayurvedic framework from PMC Ashtavidha Pariksha review and Tailabindu Pariksha study