Correlation of Jivhā Lakṣaṇa with Tridoṣa Imbalance in Systemic Diseases: A Classical and Clinical Ayurvedic Interpretation

Abstract

This review examines the correlation between specific Jivhā Lakṣaṇa (tongue features) and imbalances of the Tridoṣa (Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha) in systemic diseases, synthesizing knowledge from classical Ayurvedic texts and clinical interpretation. Ayurvedic diagnosis is fundamentally based on assessing the state of Doṣa, Dhātu (tissues), Mala (waste products), Agni (digestive fire), and Srotas (channels). Jivhā Parīkṣā (tongue examination) is a sensitive component of Aṣṭavidha Parīkṣā (eightfold examination) that reflects internal physiological and pathological states, particularly the equilibrium of Agni and Doṣas. Examination of Jivhā Lakṣaṇa is especially useful for identifying the nature, dominance, and chronicity of Doṣic derangements associated with systemic diseases. Interpretation relies on correlating the inherent qualities (guṇa) of the Doṣas (e.g., Vāta's dryness, Pitta's heat, Kapha's unctuousness) with observable tongue signs.