ASSESSMENT OF AGNI AND KOṢṬHA PARĪKṢĀ IN AYURVEDA

Abstract

Ayurveda gives great importance to the individual assessment of Agni and Kostha before planning diet, medicine, Shodhana, and daily regimen. Agni is the main factor responsible for digestion, absorption, metabolism, tissue nourishment, strength, immunity, and maintenance of health. Any disturbance in Agni may lead to improper digestion and formation of Ama, which becomes the root cause of many diseases. Therefore, assessment of Agni Pariksha helps the physician to understand the digestive capacity, appetite pattern, bowel habit, tolerance to food, and tendency toward indigestion. Similarly, Kostha Pariksha is an important clinical examination used to assess the nature of bowel movement and the dominance of Dosha in the gastrointestinal tract. On the basis of bowel pattern, Kostha is mainly classified into Mridu Kostha, Madhyama Kostha, and Krura Kostha. This examination is especially useful before administering Vamana, Virechana, Basti, and other therapeutic procedures. Proper assessment of Agni and Kostha supports individualized treatment planning and helps in deciding the dose, drug selection, diet, and therapeutic approach. Thus, Agni Pariksha and Kostha Pariksha are essential tools in Ayurveda for understanding patient constitution, disease pathology, digestive status, and treatment response.