Traditional practices and recent advances in Nadi Pariksha: A comprehensive review

A comprehensive review on technological advancements for sensor-based Nadi Pariksha: An ancient Indian science for human health diagnosis

Nadi Pariksha is a significant, rather symbolic term for Ayurveda. Ancient Ayurvedic literature has prominently stated its importance in the judgment of Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) which are the base of ailment diagnosis and prediction. The knowledge about Nadi Pariksha is uncovered in various ancient Ayurvedic literature like Ravansamhita, Bhavprakash, Nadivigyan by Kanad, Sharangdhar, and Yogratnakar. The various Nadi parameters are indicative of the diagnosis of diseases. These techniques were used as popular diagnostic tools in Indian culture from ancient days. Still, nowadays, these are not being used explicitly due to the lack of expertise, so it is necessary to establish their results once gained so that they can be used along with technical aspects in today's era. Ayurveda believes that all the elements of the Universe are present in any human body in minute, proportionate quantity, and the Nadi represents these elements, that is, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (VPK). To facilitate the Nadi Pariksha using appropriate sensors may help the Ayurveda practitioners diagnose Prakriti and predict some diseases, making the Nadi Pariksha more reliable and faster. This review paper lists, 2 books and 67 research papers, mostly from countries like India, China, Japan, Korea, etc., from various reputed databases. The review primarily concentrates on six research themes: sensors and devices used for Nadi signal acquisition, signal pre-processing methods, feature extraction methods, feature selection approaches, classification practices, diseases diagnosed, and results attained. The paper also reviews the challenges in implementing the automated Nadi Pariksha with technological aid, which is a necessity of this period and is a very vibrant research arena. Yet significant work remains to be done, like bridging the gaps between technical and commercial development, and the procedure standardization is also required.

Diagnostic Validity of Āyurvedic Pulse Assessment: Maharishi Nādi-Vigyān in Cardiovascular Health

This study is the first of its kind to systematically investigate the relationship between the clinical practice of Maharishi ᾹyurVeda pulse assessment and cardiovascular health. Given that cardiovascular disease is a major threat to the health of people in many countries, the question of diagnostic validity of a traditional, non-invasive method of health assessment is an important one for prevention and therapeutics. For this reason, we investigated the diagnostic validity of examining the pulse of patients using the technique of Maharishi Nādi-Vigyān compared to an objective measure of blood pressure and to self-reports of other cardiovascular risk factors. The study sample consisted of 160 participants at a Maharishi ᾹyurVeda clinic in the United States and assessed consistency of diagnoses between Maharishi Nādi-Vigyān and hypertension as measured by blood pressure using a standard sphygmomanometer, and patient self-reports of elevated cholesterol, insomnia, and psychological stress (operationalised in this study as 'state of mind'). Our findings showed diagnostic validity of 95% for hypertension by Maharishi Nādi-Vigyān compared to objectively measured hypertension. For elevated cholesterol, insomnia, and psychological stress, the agreement was 76%. Previous studies assessed the reliability of conventional forms of pulse examination in ᾹyurVeda and found relatively low levels of both inter-rater and within-rater reliability, whereas the present study of Maharishi Nādi-Vigyān found generally higher levels. These findings have implications for the use of Maharishi Nādi-Vigyān as a diagnostic approach in the context of holistic, integrated, and preventive healthcare offered by Maharishi ᾹyurVeda. We conclude the study with a discussion of key theoretical domains which underpin the findings, namely the traditional forms of ᾹyurVeda and Nādi-Vigyān, and the introduction of next generation Maharishi ᾹyurVeda and Maharishi Nādi-Vigyān. Finally, we consider the influence pulse assessment might have on the future of cardiovascular healthcare.

Management of acute calculus cholecystitis with integrated Ayurveda and Yoga intervention: A case report

Acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC) is a frequently reported medical condition in general practice. Approximately 20% of patients with gallbladder stones experience ACC in their lifetime. Ayurveda and Yoga are ancient traditional systems of medicine used for treatment of diseases and improving and maintaining health. There has been an increased use of Ayurveda and Yoga in the management of several health conditions in India and worldwide. The present case study is of 34 years female patient who had ACC. Post diagnosis of ACC patient was advised to undergo cholecystectomy; however, she approached alternative therapies with c/o vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, and abdominal bloating with deranged liver functions. Ayurveda and Yoga intervention protocol was designed. Ayurveda treatment consisted of mild purgation (mruduvirechana) with trivrittalehyam for consecutive seven days, followed by oral administration of Tab Liv 52, Bhunimbadi Kadha twice daily, and Amalaki Rasayana in the morning for 45 days. Patients received 8 teleyoga sessions over a period of 45 days. A therapeutic diet was advised during treatment period. After two months patient reported complete recovery in symptoms, and all laboratory investigations reached to normal range. This case study suggests the positive role of Ayurveda and yoga intervention in the management of ACC. This case report warrants future clinical studies on integrative medicine in ACC.

Can the vagus nerve serve as biomarker for vata dosha activity?

This 'discussion paper' raises 'provocative questions' to identify physiological systems underlying vata dosha and candidate biomarkers for vata activity. We explained the strong correlations between survival and homeostatic functions of the parasympathetic vagus nerve, and functions governed by the five major sub-types of vata dosha (Praana, Udana, Vyaana, Samaana, and Apana). Four reasons were provided to hypothesize that vagal activity is a reliable candidate biomarker of important vata dosha functions. First, normal vata dosha and the vagus maintain neural, respiratory, and digestive homeostasis, and dysfunctions in both entities cause very similar diseases. Second, vata dosha regulates higher neural functions such as mental health and behaviour, and the 'polyvagal theory' proposes similar functions for the vagus. Third, the similar roles of vata dosha and vagus in maintaining gut homeostasis, suggest that vagal activity in the 'gut-brain' link is a candidate biomarker of pakwashaya (lower gut), a primary regulatory site for vata dosha. Fourth, the vagus is the only vital nerve whose activity can be reliably measured and manipulated. Indeed, vagal nerve stimulation is a USA-FDA approved therapy for certain ailments attributed to impaired vata dosha. No other nerve or dosha, has such multi-functional and life-sustaining properties. These arguments position vagal activity as a suitable candidate biomarker for certain functions of vata dosha.