DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF DREAMS IN AYURVEDA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF CLASSICAL CONCEPTS

Ayurveda provides a unique and detailed framework for understanding dreams (Swapna) as a significant tool for health assessment. This article presents a critical appraisal of the classical concepts surrounding the diagnostic and prognostic role of dreams. Through a comprehensive review of the Brihattrayi and other fundamental Ayurvedic texts, the study systematically compiles the principles of dream interpretation. It examines how dreams are viewed as reflections of one’s Prakriti and Dosha, and also details the specific description of Purvaroopa (prodromal symptoms) for various diseases such as Jwara, Raktapitta, Prameha, etc. The article further explores the classification of dreams into fruitful and fruitless types, auspicious and inauspicious signs, and even remedies for negative dreams. This article highlights the eternal Ayurvedic concept of Swapna as a deep mind-body connection and suggests that this classical wisdom holds value as a holistic, personalized tool for understanding patient psychology and potential psychosomatic disturbances, thereby calling for further interdisciplinary exploration in the future.