Utility of Pramana in Ayurveda – A Review

Abstract

Ayurveda has inculcated many principles from darshana shastra. Pramana is one such principle which is widely used in Ayurveda with certain modifications in its applicability. With the keen observation and analytical skill the ancient sages identified the pramana as the tool to gain thorough knowledge. Ayurveda has adopted pramana namely aptopadesha, pratyaksha, anumana, yukti along with other types. The word pramana and pariksha are used synonymous in Ayurveda. Systematical analysis and gaining the exact knowledge is pariksha. Vast application of these can be seen in the treatises. Thus a literary review is taken up as an attempt to understand the utility of pramana in Ayurveda with respect to understand the basic concepts, field of research, diagnosis and treatment of disease is done.