Chikitsya
Padchatushtayam (quadri pods of treatment)
Literal meaning of the term Paada is pods and chatushtaya is four, thus
giving the whole term the meaning of the four pods of treatment.
Importance
The Quadra pods together have an important role to play in the
management and treatment of the patient. The four pods known are:
- Vaidya (doctor)
In ayurveda the doctor must have the following four qualities:
- Shrut
Doctor should be well versed with a clear vision in his
theoretical knowledge.
- Bahusho Drishta Karma
Doctor should have an extensive practical experience in the
fields of clinical diagnosis, pharmacology and treatment.
- Dakshya
Doctor should have a good presence of mind and should render
his services promptly in need.
- Shauch
Doctor should follow the medical ethics whole heatedly.
- Aushad-dravya (medicine)
There are four important things that refer to the medicine:
- Bahuta (abundance)
Easy availability of medicines in large quantities must be
there so that no shortage of medicines is there when required.
- Yogyatvam (applicability)
The medicine should be potent and capable of treating the
disease without any side effects.
- Anekvidh Kalpana (utility in various forms)
The medicine must be capable to form different combinations to
get the desired results.
- Sampati (wholesome)
The medicine must have a potency of not being effected by
seasonal changes, worms etc.
- Upastha (nurse)
Four qualities of the nurse are nurse for the treatment of the
disease and the patient:
- Upchar yogyata
The nurse must be well trained in her nursing profession.
- Dakshata
The nurse should be skillful with a good presence of mind while
assisting the doctor.
- Bhartari
The nurse should render her services to the patients with great
affection.
- Shaucham
The nurse should be sincere in her duties and must follow the
ethics of nursing strictly.
- Rogi (patient)
Similar to the above pods there are certain qualities prescribed
for the patient to:
- Smruti (memory)
The patient should have a good memory as regards to the dos and
don'ts as advised by the doctor.
- Nirdeshkaritvam (obedience)
It means the patient should obey and follow the prescribed dos
and don'ts.
- Abhiruta (courage in facing disease)
The patient must have the courage to fight the disease and not
get disheartened or depressed by the ailment.
- Gyapakatvam (ability in describing the disease)
The patient must give a proper and detailed history of his
present complains, past history of disease (if any), drug
history (if any).
