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This section of [[Caraka 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.  

This section of [[Caraka 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. Even though all of these cannot be explained by rational scientific parameters, 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.

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:

 

* Signs and symptoms (''arishtas'') of imminent death specific to pathologies afflicting sense organs that can be perceived by sensory deficiencies (e.g.,  ''varna'' (color), ''swara'' (voices/sounds), ''gandha'' (smell), ''rasa'' (taste), ''sparsha''(touch),along with ''chhaya'' (complexion) and ''prabha'' (radiance)) are addressed in chapters [[Arnaswariya]], [[Pushpitendriya]], [[Parimashneeya]], [[Indriyaneeka]], [[Pannarupiya]] and [[Shyavnimitta]].

 

 

 

Even though all of these cannot be explained by rational scientific parameters, 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.

When a person enters the final stage of the dying process, two different dynamics are at work and are closely interrelated and interdependent. On the physical plane, the body begins the final process of shutting down, which will end when all the physical systems cease to function. Usually, this is an orderly and undramatic progressive series of physical changes, which are not medical emergencies requiring invasive interventions. These physical changes are a normal and natural way in which the body prepares itself for death.  

When a person enters the final stage of the dying process, two different dynamics are at work and are closely interrelated and interdependent. On the physical plane, the body begins the final process of shutting down, which will end when all the physical systems cease to function. Usually, this is an orderly and undramatic progressive series of physical changes, which are not medical emergencies requiring invasive interventions. These physical changes are a normal and natural way in which the body prepares itself for death.