− | Ayu is the Samskrit term which means 'Life' of an individual. The term 'Ayurveda' is made of 2 parts, the first part is 'Ayu' and thus the entire knowledge of Ayurveda is dedicated for describing this 'Ayu' and the measures to achieve it. | + | Ayu is the Samskrit term which means 'Life' or 'Lifespan' of an individual. The term 'Ayurveda' is made of 2 parts, the first part is 'Ayu' and thus the entire knowledge of Ayurveda is dedicated for describing this 'Ayu' and the measures to achieve it. |
| Ayurveda has given attention towards the psychosomatic approach of Ayu by descrbing Sukhayu, Dukhayu, Hitayu and Ahitayu. | | Ayurveda has given attention towards the psychosomatic approach of Ayu by descrbing Sukhayu, Dukhayu, Hitayu and Ahitayu. |
| having hair appearing in circles (whirls), back is not broad, ears and nose located slightly up than their normal position, gums are visible during laughing or talking and whose sight is unsteady will survive only for 25 years [6]. | | having hair appearing in circles (whirls), back is not broad, ears and nose located slightly up than their normal position, gums are visible during laughing or talking and whose sight is unsteady will survive only for 25 years [6]. |
| + | the physician desirous of ascertaining remaining span of life by Pratyaksa (examination by sense organs), Anumana (inference/ medical history) and Upadesha (scriptural testimony) are as follows i.e., Varna, Svara, Gandha, Rasa, Sparsa, Cakshu, Srotra, Ghranam, Rasana, Sparsana, Sattva, Bhakti, Shaucam, Shilam, Achara, Smiriti, Aakriti, rakriti, Vikriti, Bala, Glani, Medha, Harsa, Rauksya, Sneha, Tandra, Arambha, Gaurava, Laghava, Guna, Aahara Vihar, Aahara Prainama, Upaya, Apaya, Vyadhi, Vyadhi Purvarupa, Vedana, Upadrava, Chaya, Praticchaya, Svapnadarsana, Dutadhikara, Pathi Cautpatikam, Bhesaja Samvritti and Bhesaja Vikara Yukti [9]. Nimittanurupa is one of the sub types of Vikriti. This will serve as a yard stick to measure the span of life [10]. Particular symptoms and signs of imminent death indicate the diminution of the span of life. It is the duty of the physician to have a thorough knowledge of this to ascertain the span of life of an individual otherwise it becomes very difficult phenomenon and physician will get bad name and reputation in the society |