Wound Exudates and its Analogies – A Prognostic Indicator

Background: Gaining of knowledge about the unknown by the virtue of its similar known object is one of the tools for knowledge perception, i.e, Upamana. Since ancient period, analogies were utilised for medical purposes along with their other poetic, literary applications. Depth based wound exudates and its analogies are an exceptional contribution of Ayurvedic Surgical treatises. Aim: To review the analogies cited for wound from Ayurveda and contemporary sciences text and to review the prognostic aspect of wound exudates and its analogies. Materials & Methods: The study incorporated screening and analysing of the classical texts of Ayurveda and contemporary sciences with regards to mentioning of wounds and its analogies. Observations: Eight levels of affliction of wound has been identified in Ayurvedic text and wound discharge at each level is described with simile of some known object. Number of analogies, cited for various types of wound exudates aids the medico in enhancing better understanding of the subject and to a clinician in prognosis of the condition. Conclusion: Analogies are one of the key diagnostic and prognostic indicators of the wound. The analogies mentioned in Ayurveda are still relevant in current clinical practice. However for the wider clinical application and validation of the same, critical scientific appraisal of the concept is the need of the time.