Rog Nidan

As we all know healthy state of body and mind is necessary to attain this and Ayurveda states solution to this also. Early diagnosis of any disease is crucial to avoid any further complications. Failure to identify progression of Dosha results improper diagnosis and thus inappropriate treatment plan. According to Ayurveda, Nidan (etiology) is the causative factors of any disease. The term Nidan is usually translated as pathology, is meant to include factors, which falls within the respective provinces of pathology, aetiology and symtomatology as well. To investigate any specific disease ayurveda has developed its own tool. As many times many Vaidyas fail to diagnose a specific disease which leads to misguidance. Hence in Ayurveda every diagnosis of disease has its own boundaries and parameters. This is facilitated by Ayurvedic Nidan methods, as these practices enables us to know the disease prior of its occurrence and helps in prevention and also guides us to detect stage of disorder in diseased person in order to cure it. It also helps to decide the treatment protocol as per the vitiation of respective Dosha, affected system.

First line to treatment of every disease according to Ayurveda is Nidan-parivarjan means avoid the causative factors. For diagnosis in Ayurveda, we have Panchnidana. Nidan Panchak is a traditional Ayurvedic concept that refers to the five-fold diagnosis of a diseas. To investigate a disease in accordance to Pancha nidan, Acharya Sushrut had mentioned a specific protocol viz; Shat kriya kala. The steps include Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, Stansamshraya, Vyakta and Bheda avastha of disease caused due to vitiation of Dosha. The progressive stage of the disease is known as Samprati, and it is necessary to intervene promptly to prevent its further advancement. Hence in any pathy of line of treatment finding of the root cause and intervene in pathology to prevent further progress is most important.

Coming to research point of view, there are many researches done in Rog nidan by taking any disease into consideration, and analysing its effect by either restricting the causative factors, intervene in its pathology, early diagnosis by purvaroop (early symptoms), by different ayurvedic diagnostic methods such as mala, mutra, jivha , nadi parikshan etc. Mainly life style disorders like obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome etc can be exclusively controlled by Nidan Parivarjan.

In the field of cancer, early diagnosis and treatment is essential. Many ancient Ayurvedic Samhitas make mention of cancer. There are several different words used to characterize the disease, some of which are much more comprehensive than others. The foundation to Ayurvedic cancer treatment is prevention. Acharya Charaka has discussed cancer preventive strategies that work. Maintaining a healthy diet and way of life is part of it, as is avoiding contact with known carcinogens. It can be avoided by adopting a healthy lifestyle such as quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising, avoiding direct sunlight, eating less meat, using whole grains, becoming immunized, and having frequent checkups.

Ayurveda way of lifestyle focuses and management on all of these, under the following headings:

• Nidan parivarjana chikitsa is essential for preventing the disease’s further progression.
• Samanya chikitsa – Acharya Charaka has detailed sarvadehik shodhana karma (full body rejuvenation), which includes shirovirechan and kayavirechana followed by Shaman chikitsa.   
Several overseas studies have shown that certain herbs have anti-cancer potential.
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Ashwgandha (Withania sominifera)
• Basil (Ocimum basilium)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
• Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
• Anti-cancer activity of cow urine
• Aleo vera, saffron, and tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum)