‘Ten factors’ in the Ayurvedic Diagnosis and treatment (DASA - TATWA – NIRUPANA)

In Ayurveda, careful observation of 'Ten Factors' are considered essential for diagnosis and treatment. (1) Dusyas: Under this come the seven basic tissues of the body namely Rasa (lymph) Rakta (Blood) Mamsa (muscle tissue) Medas (fat tissue) Asthi (bone tissue) Majja (bone marrow) and Sukla (germ tissue) and also mainly the three malas namely 'Mutra' (Urine) 'Sakrt' (faeces) and 'Sweda' (Sweat). Changes occurring in these pathological conditions have been vividly described in treaties and they are to be carefully observed by the physician. (2) Desas: Broadly Desas are classified under two heads. (I) " Desa " (Anatomical part of the body which is the seat of diseased process) and (2) 'Bhudesa' i.e., the nature of the place where the patient resides. Also there are different types of Desas described with their characteristics. Each type of Bhudesa has affinity to particular type of Dosha or humour. Similarly certain portions of the body are also likely to get a disease predominantly caused by the vitiation of a particular Dosha or humour. Hence its importance. (3) Balam or strength of the person should be ascertained. This is divided into three categories. 'Sahaja Bala' or the inherited strength depending on the mental and body build up of the individual. 'Kalaja Bala' or the nature of the strength depending on the age of the patient and type of the season. The third one is known as the 'yukti Krta Bala' or strength acquired by good food, pleasant surroundings and also by the usage of medicines intened to increase the strength or immunity. (4) Kalam or the nature of the season at which the disease occurs is to be considered. Each one of the three doshas has got a phasic increase or decrease according to the seasonal conditions. Sometimes seasonal conditions become important in the prognosis of the disease too. (5) Prakrti or constitutional nature of the body requires a very close observation. There are different types of prakrtis and persons having each type of prakriti are more prone to have a particular type of disease. Consideration of prakriti is also invaluable in ascertaining the prognosis of a disease. (6) Analam or the condition of 'body fire' which governs the process of digestion and metabolism requires careful consideration. As the proper action of the drug used and assimilation of vital factors depends on the proper functioning of the 'Analam'. In diseased processes the 'analam' may become …