Defination Normal value Hypo and Hyperr condition Instrument and their part Different method of Ayurvedic and modern part of Blood pressure Pulse examination Stool examination Urine examination Eye examination Tongue examination Touch examinationm Size examination Nose examination

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Ayurvedic examination nadi pariksha tongue eye pulse urine stool normal values

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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:
#SanskritMeaning
1NadiPulse examination
2MutraUrine examination
3MalaStool examination
4JihvaTongue examination
5ShabdaVoice/speech examination
6SparshaTouch/skin examination
7Drik (Chakshu)Eye examination
8AkrtiSize/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

CategorySystolic (mmHg)Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal< 120< 80
Elevated120-129< 80
Stage 1 Hypertension130-13980-89
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):
  1. Patient seated, arm at heart level
  2. Wrap cuff around upper arm (2-3 cm above antecubital fossa)
  3. Inflate to ~20-30 mmHg above expected systolic
  4. Slowly deflate (2 mmHg/sec)
  5. Systolic = first Korotkoff sound (K1)
  6. 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 GroupNormal 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
Adults60-100
Trained athletes40-60
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

  1. Patient relaxed, forearm slightly pronated
  2. Palpate radial artery with 2nd, 3rd, 4th fingers
  3. Count for 60 seconds (or 15 sec x 4)
  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)
DoshaGati (Movement)Vega (Rate bpm)Bala (Force)Character
VataSarpa (Cobra)80-95LowCold, rough, irregular
PittaManduka (Frog)70-80HighHot, elastic, regular
KaphaHamsa (Swan)50-60ModerateWarm-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

ParameterNormal
ColorPale yellow to amber
ClarityClear
pH4.5-8.0 (average 6.0)
Specific gravity1.005-1.030
ProteinNegative (< 150 mg/day)
GlucoseNegative
KetonesNegative
BloodNegative
BilirubinNegative
Urobilinogen0.1-1.0 EU/dL
WBCs0-5/HPF
RBCs0-3/HPF
CastsOccasional hyaline
BacteriaNone
Volume (24hr)800-2000 mL

Hypo and Hyper Conditions

AbnormalitySignificance
ProteinuriaNephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, diabetes
GlycosuriaDiabetes mellitus, renal glycosuria
HematuriaUTI, stones, tumor, trauma
KetonuriaDiabetic ketoacidosis, starvation
BilirubinuriaHepatitis, 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
PyuriaUTI, 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)

  1. Physical examination - color, clarity, smell, volume
  2. Chemical examination - dipstick (protein, glucose, blood, pH, SG, ketones, bilirubin, nitrites, leukocyte esterase)
  3. Microscopic examination - centrifuge sample, examine sediment for cells, casts, crystals, bacteria
  4. 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:
  1. Collect urine in early morning in a clean vessel
  2. Place a drop of sesame oil on the surface
  3. Observe the spread and movement
Oil Drop PatternInterpretation
Spreads immediately, thinVata disease, easily curable
Spreads in middle, pearl-likePitta disease
Sits on surface, breaks into pearlsKapha disease
Sinks immediatelyVery serious/incurable condition
Moves towards eastCurable
Moves in all directionsDifficult 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

ParameterNormal
ColorBrown (due to stercobilin)
ConsistencyFormed, soft
OdorCharacteristic (not offensive)
BloodAbsent
MucusAbsent
PusAbsent
ParasitesAbsent
Fat< 7 g/day (no gross steatorrhea)
Frequency3/day to 3/week
pH7.0-7.5

Hypo and Hyper Conditions

FindingSignificance
Melena (black, tarry)Upper GI bleed (peptic ulcer, varices)
Hematochezia (fresh blood)Lower GI bleed (hemorrhoids, colitis, carcinoma)
Pale/clay-coloredObstructive jaundice, bile duct block
Steatorrhea (greasy, bulky)Malabsorption, chronic pancreatitis (neutral fat + muscle fibers)
Mucus + bloodUlcerative colitis, amebic dysentery
Rice waterCholera
Occult bloodSilent GI bleeding - tested by Guaiac/FOB test
ParasitesWorm infestations (roundworm, hookworm)
DiarrheaInfection, IBD, malabsorption
ConstipationLow 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)

  1. Macroscopic - color, consistency, blood, mucus, parasites
  2. Microscopic - RBC, WBC, parasites (ova and cysts), fat globules, muscle fibers, undigested food
  3. Chemical - occult blood (Guaiac test/FOBT), fat estimation
  4. Bacteriological - culture for pathogens
  5. 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

DoshaStool Character
VataDry, hard, dark, scanty, constipated, gas, painful
PittaLoose, yellowish/greenish, foul-smelling, burning sensation
KaphaMucoid, 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

ParameterNormal
Visual acuity6/6 (20/20)
Visual fieldsFull (peripheral ~180°)
PupilsEqual, round, reactive to light (PEARL)
Pupil size2-6 mm in normal light
Eye movementsFull in all 6 directions
Intraocular pressure10-21 mmHg
FundusClear disc, cup:disc ratio < 0.5
CorneaClear
ScleraWhite
ConjunctivaPink, moist

Hypo and Hyper Conditions

FindingSignificance
Jaundiced scleraLiver disease (jaundice)
Pale conjunctivaAnemia
Roth spots (fundus)Infective endocarditis
PapilledemaRaised ICP
Kayser-Fleischer ringsWilson's disease
Arcus senilisHypercholesterolemia (if < 45 years)
ProptosisHyperthyroidism (Graves'), tumor
Miosis (small pupils)Opioid toxicity, Horner's syndrome
Mydriasis (dilated)Anticholinergic drugs, 3rd nerve palsy
NystagmusCerebellar/vestibular disorders
Fundal changesHypertensive/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)

  1. Visual acuity - Snellen chart (each eye separately)
  2. Visual fields - confrontation, perimetry
  3. Pupillary reflexes - direct and consensual light reflex
  4. Eye movements - versions (pursuit), saccades, convergence, ductions
  5. External examination - lids, conjunctiva, cornea, sclera
  6. Fundoscopy - disc, vessels, macula, periphery
  7. Slit lamp - anterior chamber, lens
  8. 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

DoshaEye Appearance
VataDry, dull, small, sunken, dark circles, twitching
PittaRed, inflamed, burning, sensitive to light, yellowish tinge
KaphaMoist, 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

FindingSignificance
Pale tongueAnemia
Red/beefy tongueB12/folate deficiency (glossitis)
Central cyanosisCardiac/respiratory failure
Yellow coatingLiver disease, jaundice
Dry tongueDehydration
Furred/coatedFever, GI disturbance, smoking
Deviated tongueHypoglossal nerve (CN XII) palsy
TremorsHyperthyroidism, neurological disease
Strawberry tongueScarlet fever, Kawasaki disease
Geographic tongueBenign migratory glossitis
LeukoplakiaPre-malignant
MacroglossiaHypothyroidism, acromegaly, amyloidosis
Smooth (atrophic)Iron deficiency, B12 deficiency

Instrument

  • Pen torch (illumination)
  • Tongue depressor
  • Mirror (for indirect examination)
  • Gloves

Methods (Modern)

  1. Ask patient to protrude tongue in midline
  2. Note: color, shape, symmetry, deviation
  3. Inspect surface: coating, papillae, lesions, ulcers
  4. Assess moisture
  5. Note any tremors or involuntary movements
  6. Palpate if lesion present (gloved finger)

Ayurvedic Jihva Pariksha

DoshaTongue Appearance
VataDry, rough, cracked, dark/brownish, thin, trembling
PittaRed, inflamed, burning, yellowish coat, sharp sensation
KaphaPale, 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

FindingSignificance
Cold, clammyShock, hypoperfusion
Hot, dryHigh fever, hyperthermia
Cold extremitiesPeripheral vascular disease
Pitting edemaCardiac/renal/hepatic failure, hypoalbuminemia
Reduced turgorDehydration
TendernessInflammation, infection, organ pathology
CrepitusSubcutaneous emphysema, fractures
LymphadenopathyInfection, malignancy

Instruments

  • Stethoscope (tactile fremitus)
  • Percussion hammer
  • Tuning fork (vibration sense)
  • Pin/cotton (sensory testing)
  • Thermometer (objective temperature)

Methods (Modern)

  1. Palpation - superficial and deep
  2. Skin temperature - dorsum of examiner's hand
  3. Skin turgor - pinch test
  4. Capillary refill - compress nail bed
  5. Tactile fremitus - vocal resonance on chest
  6. Lymph node palpation
  7. Tenderness assessment - rebound, guarding

Ayurvedic Sparsha Pariksha

DoshaSkin Character
VataDry, rough, cold, thin, cracked, dark
PittaHot, soft, oily, reddish, sweaty, sensitive
KaphaCool, 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

FindingSignificance
Underweight (BMI <18.5)Malnutrition, malabsorption, malignancy, TB
Overweight (BMI 25-30)Metabolic risk
Obese (BMI >30)Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease
Short statureGrowth hormone deficiency, hypothyroid, Turner syndrome
Tall statureMarfan syndrome, gigantism
CachexiaCancer, chronic infection
Disproportionate limbsRickets, achondroplasia
Cushinoid featuresCorticosteroid excess
Acromegalic featuresGH excess (large hands, jaw, feet)

Instruments

  • Weighing scale
  • Stadiometer (height)
  • Measuring tape (waist, limb length)
  • BMI chart

Methods (Modern)

  1. General inspection - nutritional status, pallor, jaundice, cyanosis, clubbing, edema
  2. Height and weight - calculate BMI
  3. Waist circumference
  4. Arm span measurement
  5. Body proportions (upper to lower segment ratio)

Ayurvedic Akrti Pariksha

DoshaBody Build
VataThin, light, dry skin, small frame, variable weight, poor muscle mass
PittaMedium build, moderate muscle, warm skin, athletic
KaphaLarge 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

FindingSignificance
Anosmia (loss of smell)COVID-19, head injury, Parkinson's, cribriform plate fracture
HyposmiaUpper respiratory infection, zinc deficiency
EpistaxisHypertension, trauma, bleeding disorders, nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Nasal polypsAllergic rhinitis, aspirin sensitivity, chronic sinusitis
Deviated septumTrauma, developmental
Flared nostrilsRespiratory distress
Saddle-nose deformityTB, Wegener's granulomatosis, congenital syphilis, trauma
Purulent dischargeSinusitis, foreign body
Clear watery dischargeAllergy, CSF rhinorrhea
RhinophymaRosacea, 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)

  1. External inspection - shape, symmetry, deformity, skin lesions
  2. Anterior rhinoscopy - nasal speculum + light: septum, inferior/middle turbinates, floor, discharge, polyps
  3. Posterior rhinoscopy - mirror examination of nasopharynx
  4. Nasal endoscopy - detailed view of all structures
  5. Olfactory testing - identify common odors (coffee, cloves, vanilla)
  6. Glatzel mirror test - fogging pattern tests airway patency
  7. Nasal airflow - separate each nostril

Ayurvedic Nasika Pariksha (Ghrana)

DoshaNasal/Olfactory Signs
VataDry nasal mucosa, loss of smell, dry crusting
PittaInflamed mucosa, nosebleeds, hypersensitivity to strong smells
KaphaCongestion, 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

ExaminationModern InstrumentNormal ValueHypo ConditionHyper Condition
Blood PressureSphygmomanometer + Stethoscope120/80 mmHgHypotension (<90/60)Hypertension (≥140/90)
PulseWatch + fingers / Pulse oximeter60-100 bpmBradycardia (<60)Tachycardia (>100)
UrineUrinometer, dipstick, microscopeSee table aboveOliguria/AnuriaPolyuria
StoolMicroscope, FOBTBrown, formedConstipationDiarrhea
EyeOphthalmoscope, Snellen chart6/6 vision, PEARL pupilsAmblyopia/vision lossRaised IOP (glaucoma)
TongueTorch, depressorPink, moist, midlineAtrophic glossitisMacroglossia
Touch/SkinHands, tuning forkWarm, elastic, no edemaCold/clammy (shock)Pitting edema
Size/AppearanceScale, stadiometerBMI 18.5-24.9UnderweightObese
NoseNasal speculum, torchPatent, pink mucosaAnosmiaRhinitis/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
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