Conceptual Review of Nidan Panchak as a Diagnostic Framework in Ayurveda

The ancient science of life, Ayurvedic medicine, describes both a holistic and integrative approach to health and illness. The diagnostic process described in Ayurvedic medicine goes beyond the identifying the signs and symptoms of a disease. One key diagnostic system described in the classical texts is called the Nidana Panchaka, which offers a five-part approach to evaluating a patient's disease. This system incorporates Nidana, Purvarupa, Rupa, Upashaya and Samprapti. Each part of the process, used together, provides a clear and systematic way of evaluating a disease, determining a prognosis, and providing a basis for therapeutic planning. The Nidana Panchaka process not only assists a practitioner in identifying the causes of illness and the warning signs of an underlying disease, it also allows for recognition of the interaction between the three Doshas and their pathological influences. Through analysis of the Samprapti process, the practitioner can develop appropriate and targeted strategies to terminate the pathological process. Additionally, the Upashaya process can also be used as a practical tool that confirms the practitioner's clinical judgment based on the therapeutic response of the treatment being conducted.