Ayurveda and statistics

Dr Chetan
MD PhD
• Statistics is a study of knowledge, which deals with
different methods of collection, classification,
presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data. It is
a scientific method to make inference and to draw
conclusions from numerical data.
• Biostatistics is the term used when tools of statistics are
applied to the data that is derived from biological
sciences such as medicine.

• related to collection, classification, presentation, analysis

and interpretation of the Data respectively.
• The relation between Nidana and Roga, Kayagni and
Dhatu will be signifying the concept of correlation in
Ayurved.
• Sankhya shastra
• Ayurvedic knowledge base on mainly experiential,
observational and inferential.
• in modern science there number of advancements in the
methodology and technology , now a time has come to
validate these ancient concepts of Ayurveda present day
research works the utility of the statistics,
• statistical principles are very crucial and necessary.
• Charaka Samhita, numerical values are used for a
particular data. Right from the beginning of the principles
there are numerical values use to denote five
Mahabhutas (five basic elements), three Doshas (bodily
humors), three Upakramas (three line of treatment).
• Vimaanasthaana is developed around the focal theme of
measurable variables and methods of measurement. A
Vaidya must be well versed with method of measurement
of all the variables like Dosha, drug, strength, diet etc. to
be able to treat the diseases successfully.
• In panchakarma karma, kala and yoga basti (different
types of enema therapies) are classified based on
numbers. While mentioning about virechana vegas
(maaniki and vaigiki) and vamana vegas (purificatory
procedures) the concept of sankhya is used.
• Data: It refers to given sort of information. There are two types of the
data namely Qualitative, Quantitative.
• Qualitative data is also called as attribute/ character, or those Data
which cant be measured- Dosha Vedana, Toda, Aruchi, Angamardha
• he measurable type of Data is Quantitative Data, which can be
considered as the Anguli, Anjali Pramana

• Tabulations Tabulations are the devices for representing

data from a mass of statistical data. The concepts of
Ganas (collections of drugs) like salasaradi gana,
aragvadhadi gana explained in Sushruta samhita, 50
maha kashayas
(medicated decoctions).
• Collection of Data- herbs tribal, folklore people
• Classification of Data-Division of the Data on the basis of
similar and dissimilar characteristics is Classification.- Dosha
prakruta rasabheda
• Presentation of Data – Systematic representation of the Data
is called as presentation of Data. –samhita
• Analysis of Data – The method of onslaught, transforming,
remodeling the Data is called analysis of Data. Agnivesha,
charka, chakrapani
• Interpretation of Data – In simple words it can be
considered as the analysis of analysed Data or rather
approaching towards conclusion regarding the analysed
Data. - each
• chapters ends with the verse – ‘Bavanthi Cha Atra’ (finally
I conclude) continued by few verses which will be
intended upon the conclusion of that particular chapte.
Rasa types -punarvasu
• Mean
• – In simple word it can be said as Average. In different contexts
concept of average is being used in
• Ayurveda. For example - one Anguli is said to be as an average
transverse length of index finger (ones own), one Anjali is said to be
as an average quantity of fluid that can be hold when two hands are
hold together in the form of saucage, one Binduis considered as an
average quantity of fluid that drops down when an individual lift
theindexfinger which is submerged in fluid.
• Median
• – The middle value or it can be considered as the one
which divides the Data into two equal halves.
• Dashavidha Pariksha- Madhyama’ is being used which
indirectly signifies the middle way, in this context the
middle way between Pravara and Avara.
• Mode – Dictionary meaning of mode is common, usual. In
Ayurveda the word
• Bhuyistam will be signifying the concept of Mode.-
Jangalam Vata Bhuyistam, In Jangala Desha, people
commonly suffer from VataVyadhi
• It is defined as the relation between two variables. This concept also being
highlighted in Ayurveda in many of the instances.
• The first line of treatment for any disease is told as to avoid the Nidana(cause) of
the Roga(disease).
• A decrease of it (Below the normal) makes for an increase of the Dhatus, while an
increase of it (Above the normal) makes for a decrease of a Dhatus. This will
indirectly signify the negative correlation between Kayagni and Dhatu.
• The concept of vyadhi sankara wherein if anubandhya
is given treatment the anubandha also gets treated.
Karya karana sambandha
• Measure of variability It is also called as the measure of dispersion. It
describes about the spread or scatteredness of individual
Obsevarvation around the central tendency.
The concept of Ashta nindita purusha (eight
contraindicated persons for treatment) atidheerga
(Gigantism), atihrusva(dwarfism), atisthoola (obese),
atikrusha (lean)15 etc describes the deviation from the
normalcy.
• Vital statistics It is the data which gives quantitative
information of vital events. i.e. migration, births,
marriages and death in a given population. Expectancy of
longevity i.e, alpayu and dirghayu lakshanas (symptoms
of short and long life span), kala and akala mrutyu (timely
and untimely death) gives the knowledge about the vital
statistics.
• Scope and limitations
• For proper use of statistics or statistical methods, it is good
and necessary to know the scope and limitations in the field of
health, nutrition, medical, biochemical
• According to Ayurveda, every individual is unique. Not only
each individual has different size and shape, their physiological
and even psychological characters are different. The dasha
vidha pareeksha (ten methods of examination of patients).
Hence it becomes difficult for an Ayurvedic research scholar to
apply statistical methods in research. In majority of the diseases,
the lakshanas are subjective than objective. Hence it is difficult to
apply the statistical parameters of the present science while
conducting research in Ayurveda which involves lots of variables.