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==Preamble of Indriya Sthana (Section on Determinants of Remaining Lifespan of Patients)==
==Preamble of Indriya Sthana (Section on Determinants of Remaining Lifespan of Patients)==
This section of [[Charaka Samhita]] called [[Indriya Sthana]] deals with the signs and symptoms useful in determining the remaining lifespan of patients (also called ''arishta lakshana''). In the present era, because of advancements in medical sciences, many ''arishta lakshanas'' are well treatable and cannot be considered as "predictors" of death as they used to even a few centuries back. However, these signs and symptoms could serve as important indicators of prognosis of disease and therefore, would be helpful in the management of patients.
<div style="text-align:justify;">This section of [[Charaka Samhita]] called [[Indriya Sthana]] deals with the signs and symptoms useful in determining the remaining lifespan of patients (also called ''arishta lakshana''). In the present era, because of advancements in medical sciences, many ''arishta lakshanas'' are well treatable and cannot be considered as "predictors" of death as they used to even a few centuries back. However, these signs and symptoms could serve as important indicators of prognosis of disease and therefore, would be helpful in the management of patients.
Life begins with the association of consciousness, or the ''atma'', with the five fundamental elements (earth, air, fire, ether, and water, or the ''panchamahabhuta'') and ends in the dissolution of this association. Since this union (that results in a living being) is by no means permanent and since there is always a possibility of dissolution or death anytime, Ayurvedic texts emphasized on identifying certain signs and symptoms that could forebear, with some level of certainty, imminent death. This section is dedicated to such determinants and is structured in the form of 12 chapters:
Life begins with the association of consciousness, or the ''atma'', with the five fundamental elements (earth, air, fire, ether, and water, or the ''panchamahabhuta'') and ends in the dissolution of this association. Since this union (that results in a living being) is by no means permanent and since there is always a possibility of dissolution or death anytime, Ayurvedic texts emphasized on identifying certain signs and symptoms that could forebear, with some level of certainty, imminent death. This section is dedicated to such determinants and is structured in the form of 12 chapters:
It is important to note here that [[Indriya Sthana]] deals with the predictors of life, and not just determinants/symptoms of death. There are, therefore, not titled ''Arishta Sthana'' but [[Indriya Sthana]] for a reason. ''Indra'' means ''prana'' (life). The seat of ''prana'' in the body is ''Sneha'' or ''Ojus''. ''Indriya'' (sense organs) are said to be the ''linga'' (organs) of ''prana''. An important concept discussed in the [[Indriya Sthana]] is termed ''Indriyadushti'' (damage to the sensory system). A state of perfect health is ''Anirvedovarta Lakshanam'' (i.e., life without any indication or perception of being alive).
It is important to note here that [[Indriya Sthana]] deals with the predictors of life, and not just determinants/symptoms of death. There are, therefore, not titled ''Arishta Sthana'' but [[Indriya Sthana]] for a reason. ''Indra'' means ''prana'' (life). The seat of ''prana'' in the body is ''Sneha'' or ''Ojus''. ''Indriya'' (sense organs) are said to be the ''linga'' (organs) of ''prana''. An important concept discussed in the [[Indriya Sthana]] is termed ''Indriyadushti'' (damage to the sensory system). A state of perfect health is ''Anirvedovarta Lakshanam'' (i.e., life without any indication or perception of being alive).
Even though all of the determinants (i.e., signs and symptoms) cannot be explained by rational scientific parameters (as evident by the references above to paranormal and occult sciences), some of these signs and symptoms have been documented and reported as having been experienced by people in various parts of the world. Within the treatise ([[Charaka Samhita]]), physicians have been instructed to thoroughly examine the patient for certain telltale signs that indicate terminal illness and investigate using biomarkers. The treatise then advises physicians to stop any therapeutic treatment being given to such terminal patients and provide them palliative care instead.
Even though all of the determinants (i.e., signs and symptoms) cannot be explained by rational scientific parameters (as evident by the references above to paranormal and occult sciences), some of these signs and symptoms have been documented and reported as having been experienced by people in various parts of the world. Within the treatise ([[Charaka Samhita]]), physicians have been instructed to thoroughly examine the patient for certain telltale signs that indicate terminal illness and investigate using biomarkers. The treatise then advises physicians to stop any therapeutic treatment being given to such terminal patients and provide them palliative care instead.</div>