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| '''<big>Preamble of Indriya Sthana(Section on assessment of lifespan of patients)</big>''' | | '''<big>Preamble of Indriya Sthana(Section on assessment of lifespan of patients)</big>''' |
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− | Indriya sthana deals with study of specific signs related to Prana (vital life force) perceived by sense organs. | + | Indriya sthana deals with study of specific signs related to prana (vital life force) perceived by sense organs. |
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| ===Fundamental principles=== | | ===Fundamental principles=== |
| <div style="text-align:justify;"> | | <div style="text-align:justify;"> |
− | [[Indriya Sthana]] deals with the observation of signs predicting lifespan and signs indicative of reduced duration of remaining life (also called ''arishta lakshana''). The word [[Indriya]] literally means organ, sense, force, vigor.<ref>Sanskrit-English Dictionary available from http://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?mode=3&script=hk&tran_input=Indriya&direct=au retrieved on April 19, 2019</ref>. In the present context, it means [[Prana]] or vital life force. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Indriya Sthana]] 1/1-2] The seat of [[prana]] in the body is [[Sneha]] or [[Ojas]]. [[Indriya]] (sense organs) are said to be the ''linga'' (organs) of [[prana]]. An important concept discussed in this section is termed ''Indriyadushti'' (damage to the sensory system). A state of perfect health is ''Anirvedovarta Lakshananam'' (i.e., life without any indication or perception of being alive).[Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40] | + | [[Indriya Sthana]] deals with the observation of signs predicting lifespan and signs indicative of reduced duration of remaining life (also called ''arishta lakshana''). The word [[Indriya]] literally means organ, sense, force, vigor.<ref>Sanskrit-English Dictionary available from http://spokensanskrit.org/index.php?mode=3&script=hk&tran_input=Indriya&direct=au retrieved on April 19, 2019</ref>. In the present context, it means [[prana]] or vital life force. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Indriya Sthana]] 1/1-2] The seat of [[prana]] in the body is [[sneha]] or [[ojas]]. [[Indriya]] (sense organs) are said to be the ''linga'' (organs) of [[prana]]. An important concept discussed in this section is termed ''Indriyadushti'' (damage to the sensory system). A state of perfect health is life without any indication or perception of being alive (''Anirvedovarta Lakshananam'').[Cha.Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40] |
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| ===Logical sequencing of chapters=== | | ===Logical sequencing of chapters=== |
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| ===Glimpses of Chapters=== | | ===Glimpses of Chapters=== |
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− | * Signs and symptoms ([[arishta]]) of imminent death can be perceived by specific changes in sensory system (e.g., [[varna]] (color), [[swara]] (voice), [[gandha]] (smell), [[rasa]] (taste), [[sparsha]](touch),along with [[chhaya]] (complexion) and [[prabha]] (radiance)) are addressed in chapters [[Varnasvariyam Indriyam Adhyaya]], [[Pushpitakam Indriyam Adhyaya]], [[Parimarshaneeyam Indriyam Adhyaya]], [[Indriyaneekam Indriyam Adhyaya]], [[Pannarupiyam Indriyam Adhyaya]] and [[Yasyashyavanimittiyam Indriyam Adhyaya]]. | + | * Signs and symptoms ([[arishta]]) of imminent death can be perceived by specific changes in sensory system (e.g., [[varna]] (color), [[swara]] (voice), [[gandha]] (smell), [[rasa]] (taste), [[sparsha]](touch),along with [[chhaya]] (complexion) and [[prabha]] (radiance)) are addressed in chapters 1,2,3,4,7 and 9. |
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| * Clinically useful early warning signs have been mentioned in [[Purvarupeeya]]. | | * Clinically useful early warning signs have been mentioned in [[Purvarupeeya]]. |
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− | * [[Gomayachurniyam Indriyam Adhyaya]], [[Anujyotiyam Indriyam Adhyaya]], [[Katamanisharireeyam Indriyam Adhyaya]], [[Avakshiraseeyam Indriyam Adhyaya]] and [[Sadyomaraneeyam Indriyam Adhyaya]] are chapters that give examples of [[arishta]] that could be perceived on the physical level (or, are ''Bahyakarana'') as well as on the mental, intellectual, and emotional levels (or, afflicting the ''Antahkarana'' ), with references to ''shakun''( good / bad consequential happening)), [[doota]]( messenger), [[swapna]] ( dreams) and miscellaneous occult sciences. The evidences laid down in these chapters may establish an [[Ayurveda]]-based clinical diagnostic methodology. | + | * Chapters 6, 8, 10, 11,12, give examples of [[arishta]] that could be perceived on the physical level (or, are ''Bahyakarana'') as well as on the mental, intellectual, and emotional levels (or, afflicting the ''Antahkarana'' ), with references to ''shakun''( good / bad consequential happening)), [[doota]]( messenger), [[swapna]] ( dreams) and miscellaneous occult sciences. The evidences laid down in these chapters may establish an [[Ayurveda]]-based clinical diagnostic methodology. |
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| ===Scope and Importance=== | | ===Scope and Importance=== |
− | 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 [[Charak Samhita]], physicians are instructed to thoroughly examine the patient for certain 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 ref. Within the treatise [[Charak Samhita]], physicians are instructed to thoroughly examine the patient for certain 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. |
| In the present era, with advancements in medical sciences, many [[arishta]] [[lakshana]] 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 prompt management to save life of patients. | | In the present era, with advancements in medical sciences, many [[arishta]] [[lakshana]] 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 prompt management to save life of patients. |
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