A critical appraisal of Lakshanadhyaya of Kashyapa Samhita with special reference to pediatric examination

Abstract

Kashyapa Samhita is the only Ayurveda classical text, which deals exclusively with pediatric anatomy, physiology, pathology, and its management. Out of which, chapter number 28 - Lakshanadhyaya has a detailed description of anatomical and physiological features of the child and correlated it with clinical, professional, social, and spiritual fortunes. But, Lakshanadhyaya is incomplete at the end. Objective: To reveal the clinical importance of features mentioned in Lakshanadhyaya and to provide probable justification for particular future predictions given in Lakshanadhyaya. Data Source: Lakshanadhyaya of Kashyapa Samhita published by Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi. Materials and Methods: Relevant materials were searched from sources such as published books, journals, and the Internet. A critical review was done over the same. Result: Acharya Kashyapa has predicted the quality and quantity of life by assessment of anatomical and physiological features of the child from birth till adolescence. All clinical points such as signs of gestational maturity (by examining the skin, hair, movement, and genitals), anthropometry (size of body parts), secondary sex characters (such as pubic hair, breast, and genitals), and systemic examinations (such as per vaginal, per rectal, musculoskeletal, and per abdomen examinations) are covered in Lakshanadhyaya. Conclusion: This article highlights that time to time examination of a child helps to predict their future life. The abdomen, vagina, nail, scrotum, penis, hair, joints, back, gait, etc., are important areas of examination for early detection of impending clinical manifestation.