A review on Purisha Pariksha in Ayurveda

Stool examination is an important laboratory investigative tool in medicine, which is used to understand the health and disease condition of a person. It is also included in Ashtasthana Pariksha. The factors which are described under Ashtasthana Pariksha indicate that these are the body parts or metabolic products, where there will be changes when a person suffers from diseases. Observing these changes, the diagnosis can be made, or these can help as tools in diagnosing a disease. The changes pertaining to Purisha (stool) have been described under various disease conditions in Brihattrayi but are scattered. Hence, a study is aimed to compile all such scattered data related to changes in stool in various disease conditions by following the scheme of Sushruta's Shadvidha Pariksha (6-fold examination). This will provide the first-hand information about the changes in stool and will act as a guide to diagnose the disease. Jala Nimajjana Purisha Pariksha is also another tool through which the status of Agni and the presence of Ama can be detected.