Classification of Morbidity (Nosology) - Understanding and interpretations from Ayurveda and Biomedicine

Abstract

The term Nosology refers to the science of classification of disease. Developments in area represent heterogeneous process spanning across long timelines and geographical areas. Descriptions of Classification of disease are well documented in Ayurveda codified texts and presents compact classification methodology from the very division of medical specialties in to 8 types (Ashtangas) which include kayacikitsa (general medicine), Shalya (surgery), Shalakya (ear, nose, throat, dental and diseases of head), Balaroga (Pediatrics), etc., The same is followed for the categorization of diseases too. Apart from this the basis of understanding diseases is pathophysiological (dosha-dhatu-mala) and the analysis is based up on Triskandha (three arms) 1. Hetu (cause), 2. Linga (presentation) and 3. Aushadha (suitable regimen). This is a distinct feature which carves out a niche for Ayurveda in terms of Nosological advantage. Greeco roman medicine started documenting classification of diseases from 16^th century The events showcae a transition from Magical remedies to Biographical approach and finally to the Nosological approach which has finally lead to the development of current Biomedicine. Now we are heading for a major revision of ICD-10, which is going to be functional from the year 2014, which is likely to be followed by another major revision ICD-11 (to include standard terminology of some of the alternative medical systems like Chinese and Korean medicine.) An attempt is made in this article to document the chronicle of developments which has led to current International Classification of Diseases (ICD).