AYURVEDA-A Science of Life
AYURVEDA is a 5000 year old Science of health care and herbal treatment. AYURVEDA, is highly effective in common and complicated ailments, assures long term relief and has no side effects. AYURVEDA is now backed by modern scientific research and technologies and provides its gentle healing touch to millions around the world.
Ayurveda (Devanāgarī: आयुर्वेद, the 'science of life') is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian Subcontinent and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of medicine. In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning 'life', and Veda, meaning 'related to knowledge' or 'science’. Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia. The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared during the Vedic period in India. The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita were influential works on traditional medicine during this era. Ayurvedic practitioners also identified a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for curing various ailments and diseases.
Ayurveda" is an Upaveda or annexure to the four main Vedas (knowledge systems). The famous treaties of Ayurveda are Charaka Samhita by Sage Charaka, which details the prevention and treatment of disease, and Sushruta Samhita of Sage Sushruta, which deals with Ayurvedic surgical procedures. In the Ayurvedic system, the prevention of all types of disease has a prominent place in treatment, including restructuring a patient's lifestyle to align with the course of nature and the four seasons to guarantee complete wellness.
Dhanvantari is an avatar of God Vishnu from the Hindu tradition and God of Ayurvedic medicine. Dhanvantari was an early Indian medical practitioner and one of the world’s first surgeons. Based on Vedic traditions, he is regarded as the source of Ayurveda. He perfected many herbal-based cures and natural remedies and was credited with the discovery of the antiseptic properties of turmeric and the preservative properties of salt, which he incorporated in his cures.
Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the western world, where several of its methods, such as the use of herbs, massage, and Yoga as exercise or alternative medicine, are applied on their own as a form of CAM treatment.
People from numerous countries came to Indian Ayurvedic schools to learn this medical science.
They came from China, Tibet, Greece, Rome, Egypt, Afghanistan, Persia etc. to learn the complete wisdom and bring it back to their own countries. Ayurvedic texts were translated in Arabic and physicians such as Avicenna and Razi Sempion, who both quoted Ayurvedic texts, established Islamic Medicine.
This medicine became popular in Europe and helped to form the foundation of the European tradition in medicine. In the 16th Century Europe, Paracelsus, who is known as the father of modern Western medicine, practiced and propagated a system of medicine that borrowed heavily from Ayurveda
AYURVEDA-In Its Early History:
Consequently, Ayurveda grew into a respected and widely used system of healing in India. Around CA.1500 Before. Common Era. Ayurveda was delineated into eight specific branches of medicine and there were two main schools - Atreya, the school of physicians, and Dhanvantari, the school of surgeons. These two schools made Ayurveda a more scientifically verifiable and classifiable medical system. The main vehicle of the transmission of knowledge during that period
was by oral method. The language used was Sanskrit — the Vedic language of that period (2000-500 BC).
The most authentic compilation of his teachings and work is presently available in a treatise called
Sushruta Samhita. This contains 184 chapters and description of 1,120 illnesses, 700 medicinal plants,
64 preparations from mineral sources and 57 preparations based on animal sources.
Rig Veda CA.3000 Years Before. Common Era. : Verses on the nature of existence, on nature of health and disease, pathogenesis and principles of treatment. Among the Rig-Veda are found discussions of the three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha and the use of herbs to heal the diseases of the mind and body and to foster longevity.
Atharva Veda CA.800 Years Before. Common Era. : Lists the eight divisions of Ayurveda - Internal Medicine, Surgery of Head and Neck, Opthalmology and Otorinolaryngology, Toxicology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Gerontology or Science of Rejuvenation and Science of Fertility.Charaka Sanhita CA.600 Years Before. Common Era: A major work on internal medicine, written by the physician Agnivesa, modified byCharaka.
Sushrutha Sanhita CA.500 Years Before. Common Era. :
Sushrutha, a surgeon who developed the operative techniques of rhinoplasty (plastic surgery), wrote the Sushrutha Sanhita that describes a highly developed surgery.
Samhitas of Vagbhata CA.600 Years A.D.:
This text deals with all aspects of life, health, disease and treatment. It is because
these texts contain the original and complete knowledge of life, Ayurveda is known today as
the only complete medical system still in existence. From the last decades, Divya Sanjivni
Gram Udyog Sansthan is playing the same role in treating the people to the cure.
Principles of Ayurveda
Ayurveda aims at making a happy, healthy and peaceful society. The two most important aims of Ayurveda are:
*To maintain the health of healthy people.
*To cure the diseases of sick people.
A Person is seen in Ayurveda as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. These elements are ether (space), air, fire, water and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements are imbalanced in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the influence of these elements. While we are a composite of these five primary elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions.
The elements combine with Ether and Air in dominance to form that is known in Ayurveda as Vata Dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force, which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration and elimination etc.
The elements with Fire and Water in dominance combine to form the Pitta Dosha. The Pitta Dosha is responsible for the process of transformation or metabolism. The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a Pitta function. Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism.
Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements, which combine to form the Kapha Dosha. Kapha is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. It also offers protection, for example, in form of the cerebral-spinal fluid, which protects the brain and spinal column. The mucosal lining of the stomach is another example of the function of Kapha Dosha protecting the tissues.
Other important basic principles of Ayurveda that are briefly mentioned here are:
1. Dhatus-
These are the basic tissues, which maintain and nourish the body. They are seven in number namely- rasa (chyle), raktha (blood), mamsa (muscles), meda (fatty tissue), asthi (bone), majja (marrow) and sukla (reproductive tissue). Proper amount of each dhatu and their balanced function is very important for good health.
2. Mala-
These are the waste materials produced because of various metabolic activities in the body. They are mainly urine, faces, sweat etc. Proper elimination of the malas is equally important for good health. Accumulation of malas causes many diseases in the body.
3. Srotas
These are different types of channels, which are responsible for transportation of food, dhatus, malas and doshas. Proper functioning of srotas is necessary for transporting different materials to the site of their requirement. Blockage of srotas causes many diseases.
4.Agni
These are different types of enzymes responsible for digestion and transforming one material to another.
All these factors should function in a proper balance for good health. They are inter-related and are directly or indirectly responsible for maintaining equilibrium of the tridoshas.
When the three Doshas are well harmonized and function in a balanced manner, it results in good nourishment and well-being of the individual. However, when there is imbalance or disharmony within or between them, it will result in elemental imbalance, leading to various kinds of ailments.
The Ayurvedic concept of physical health revolves round these three Doshas and its primary purpose is to help maintain them in a balanced state and thus to prevent disease. This hum oral theory is not unique to the ancient Indian Medicine: The Yin and Yang theory in Chinese medicine and the Hippocratic theory of four humors in Greek medicine are also very similar.
The Qualities of the Three Doshas: The three Doshas possess qualities and their increase or decrease in the system depends upon the similar or antagonistic qualities of every thing in gusted.
Vata is: dry, cold, light, mobile, clear, rough, and subtle.
Pitta is: slightly oily, hot, intense, light, fluid, free flowing, and foul smelling.
Kapha is: oily, cold, heavy, stable, viscid, smooth, and soft.
Both Vata and Pitta are light and only Kapha is heavy.
Both Vata and Kapha are cold and only Pitta is hot.
Both Pitta and Kapha are moist and oily and only Vata is dry.
Anything dry usually increases Vata, anything-hot increases Pitta and anything heavy, Kapha.
Puffed rice is dry, cold light and rough - overindulgence in puffed rice therefore is likely to increase Vata in the over indulger.
Mustard oil is oily, hot, intense, fluid, strong smelling, liquid, and increases Pitta in the consumer.Yoghurt, which, being creamy, cold, heavy, viscid, smooth and soft is the very image of Kapha, adds to the body's Kapha when eaten.All Five elements, as expressed through Vata, Pitta and Kapha, are essential to life, working together to create health or produce disease. No one dosha can produce or sustain life - all three must work together, each in its own way.
Factors responsible for increasing Vata:
Eating too much bitter, astringent and pungent tasted foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts,
beans, dry fruits, mushrooms and raw foods.
Too much traveling by any means of transportation.
Staying awake until late night or not sleeping at all.
Eating of junk food, frozen foods and food that have been microwaved.
Excessive exposure to high noise level or high sounds.
Watching too much television and over exposure to computers or any other kind of electric gadgets from strong waves are emitted.
Indulging in too much sexual activity.
Excessive imagination, overworking or too much sport.
Taking medicinal, recreational and stimulating drugs.
Suppression of natural urges like urination, defecation, sneezing, cough, tears etc..
Emotions like fear and grief.
Aggravation of vata weakens the nervous system. Other symptoms caused by excess of vata in the body are joint pains, constipation, dry skin, loss of memory, palpitation, insomnia, stiffness of muscles, weight loss, loss of strength, migraine, vertigo, tremors, grief and fear etc.
Factors responsible for increasing Pitta:
Drinking too much tea, coffee, alcohol.
Excessive smoking.
Eating salty, sour, hot and spicy food, eating too much chilies, tomatoes, eggplant or onions.
Too much exposure to heat and sun.
Anger.
Some of the symptoms caused by excess of Pitta in the body are hyperacidity, skin diseases, burning sensation, fever, infections, ulcers, liver disorders, malfunction of sense organs, fatigue, loss of taste and sleep disturbances.
Factors responsible for increasing Kapha:
Eating sweet, salty and sour tastes in excess, fats, oily and fried foods, ice creams, meats, dairy
products, and nuts.
Too much, sleep, especially during daytime.
Not doing much physical activity.
Some of the symptoms caused by excess Kapha in the body are asthma, cold, and congestion in the chest, anorexia and obesity.
Thus, we can relate every aspect of our life with these three doshas.If we have proper knowledge, we can maintain a balance of these three doshas and avoid many serious problems and can thus stay healthy. The treatment according to Ayurveda is to balance the tridosha. While making a diagnosis the Ayurvedic physician finds out which dosha is out of balance and tries to make the balance by prescribing some natural medicines, diet and life style
The Basic Principles of Ayurvedic Treatment
AYURVEDA is a 5000 year old Science of health care and herbal treatment. AYURVEDA, is highly effective in common and complicated ailments, assures long term relief and has no side effects. AYURVEDA is now backed by modern scientific research and technologies and provides its gentle healing touch to millions around the world.
The essence of treatment is the removal of the cause and avoidance of causative factors.Ayurvedic treatment does not mean suppressing the main symptoms and creating some new ones as side effects of the main treatment. It is to remove the root cause and give permanent relief. The medicines for the treatment mainly comprises of powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals. Because the medicines are from natural sources and not synthetic, they are accepted and assimilated in the body without creating any side effects and on the other hand, there may be some side benefits.
The famous Ayurvedic physician Charaka identifies four factors that are essential for successful medical treatment:
The Physician, the remedy, the nurse and the patient. The physician should be an expert in theory and in practice, skilful, and pure in body and mind. Easy availability, appropriateness, utility in a variety of forms and high quality characterize the optimal remedy. The best nurse is knowledgeable, skilful, sympathetic and pure. The ideal patient is courageous, able to describe what he or she is feeling, and remembers all the physician's instructions and follows them carefully; all these qualities help the patient get well more easily.
The essence of treatment is the removal of the cause and avoidance of causative factors.Ayurvedic treatment does not mean suppressing the main symptoms and creating some new ones as side effects of the main treatment. It is to remove the root cause and give permanent relief. The medicines for the treatment mainly comprises of powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals. Because the medicines are from natural sources and not synthetic, they are accepted and assimilated in the body without creating any side effects and on the other hand, there may be some side benefits.
Your mind and body have become habituated to these poisons, which have become part of your equilibrium equation. Removing them all at once would seriously imbalance your physical body and confuse your mind so that you no longer felt like 'yourself' .Purifying the system is a long, slow process, requiring many cycles to expunge the many layers of dirt. You must be patient with the process and with the newly developing you, just as you would be patient with a slowly growing tree.When you backslide and return temporarily to your old unhealthy ways, you must learn to always pick yourself up, like a child learning to walk, and begin again.
The basic principles of Ayurvedic treatment are immutable: how they are applied differs from case to case. "Treatment is rooted in measure" : the effect of any particular therapy on any particular patient depends on its dosage, which again depends upon the climate, the doshas involved , the strength of the patient versus the strength of the disease, the patients age and constitution , the specific syndrome, the patients social environment , the goal of treatment and so on. Time cycled, including 'disease time' and the joints of seasons are especially important, because the doshas are controlled differently at different times, depending upon both external time and the disease's momentum within the microcosm.
Treatment is very individualized, and so different diseases may sometimes share a single therapy, while a single disease may be treated differently in different patients according to the measure of the factors involved.
Thus, we find that the methods of treatment are based on simple and natural principles. To conclude we can say that, Ayurveda teaches a very systematic and scientific way of life, which is important to pursue both materially and spiritually. Fundamental principles, health rules, knowledge of individual constitution of our body, use of various herbs, minerals and specially Panch Karma therapy can be very safely used by everyone, all over the world to, promote good health, prevent diseases and acquire longevity.
Ayurveda-For Health Promotion
Ayurveda proposes three stages in the quest for good health: daily routine and seasonal activities to prevent illness, purification therapy and medications for diseases and rejuvenation of the system to enhance health and quality of life. Ayurvedic preventive medicine is called Svasthavrtta 'establishing oneself in good habits’ and its main principle is that one must reject excess in everything. Harmony and health are possible only when everything in life is enjoyed at the proper moment in the proper amount.Daily and seasonal routines try to ensure that the body's needs are satisfied no matter where the mind may roam, since most people are unable to develop the perception necessary to know what is happening within their bodies. Neither activity nor rest should be excessive, the body requires moderation in all things. A healthy routine establishes moderation and order in both body and mind, helping you to flow in the direction most appropriate for you.
Guidelines for maintaining Good Health:
Daily Routine:
Awaken before sunrise
Evacuate bowels and bladder after awakening
Bathe every day to create a sense of bodily freshness
Exercise (preferably Yoga) and meditate
Wash hands before and after eating
Brush teeth after meals
Fast one day a week to help reduce toxins from the body
Sleep before 10 PM
Diet and digestion:
Food should be fresh, warm, tasty and easy to digest
Eating should not be too rushed or too slow. Chew your food nicely.
Do not eat while watching TV or while reading.
Eat in peaceful and pleasant surroundings.
Do not drink water one hour before or after meals. You can have it in small quantities with meals.
Do not take too many items in one meal. The items taken should also not be contradicting one another
For example yogurt and milk or ice cream and hot coffee.
Fruits should not be mixed with meals. Either take a separate meal of fruits or eat between two meals.
If you feel tired or heaviness in the stomach after eating, this is improper eating. Eat according to your
digestive power.
One teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with a pinch of salt is a good appetizer
A glass of warm milk with ginger at bedtime is nourishing and calms the mind
Excess intake of cold drinks reduces resistance and creates excess mucus
Taking a nap after lunch will increase kapha and body weight.
Taking a nap after lunch will increase kapha and body weight.
Physical Hygiene:
Oil massage promotes circulation and relieves excess Vata.
If possible, gaze at the rays of the sun at dawn for five minutes daily to improve eyesight.
Gazing at a steady flame, morning and evening for ten minutes, improves eyesight.
Do not repress the natural urges of the body, i.e. defecation, urination, coughing, sneezing, yawning, belching and passing gas.
Cracking the joints is injurious to the body.
Avoid physical exertion, such as yoga or running during menstruation.
Bad breath may indicate constipation, poor digestion, unhygienic mouth and toxins in the colon.
Body odor indicates toxins in the system.
Rubbing the soles of the feet with sesame oil before bedtime produces a calm, deep sleep.
Reading in bed will injure the eyesight.
Application of oil to the head calms the mind and induces sound sleep
Dry hair immediately after washing to prevent sinus problems.
Mental Hygiene:
Fear and nervousness dissipate energy and aggravate Vata.
Possessiveness, greed and attachment increase Kapha.
Worry weakens the heart.
Hate and anger create toxins in the body and aggravate Pitta.
Excessive Talking dissipates energy and aggravates Vata.
Even after strictly following the above-mentioned precautions, it is natural that some toxins accumulate in the body because of various metabolic activities. It is necessary to eliminate these toxins from the body, which the body is doing largely. However, some toxins still remain in the body and are causing many diseases when their quantity increases beyond a certain limit. To maintain proper functioning of different body systems and to stay healthy a regular elimination of these toxins is required. Ayurveda gives an elimination therapy called Pancha Karma.
Another important factor for maintaining good health and staying active even in the old age is called rejuvenation therapy. Therefore, a healthy person should take rejuvenating preparations to maintain good health and stay young. There are many such Ayurvedic preparations available, which can be taken according to season, and you are personal constitution.
Good social conduct, morality, good manners and good character are some other factors, which are necessary to stay away from diseases. Thus, Ayurveda approaches the complete individual while giving instructions about maintaining the health.
Ayurveda-A Purification Therapy
Purification therapy is a unique feature of Ayurveda by which the complete cure and non-recurrence of disease is made possible.
The functional components (doshas, namely vatha, pitha & kapha) move all around the body through the channels of circulation to do the normal physiological activities. The disease is the result of imbalance in the quantity and quality of the doshas. During the disease process, the unbalanced doshas are lodged in the weak parts of the channels of circulation and produce the disease symptoms. If the channels of circulation are pure and healthy, even the aggravated doshas cannot locate anywhere and produce disease
Ayurveda offers two measures in the management of a disease:-
1. Pacifying therapy: -
In which the unbalanced doshas are pacified with in the body itself. As this therapy does not cleanse the channels of circulation, there is the possibility of reprovocation when exposed to similar causative factors. This therapy is suited in conditions in which there is not much vitiation of the doshas.
2. Purification therapy:
It is aimed at the complete expulsion of the unbalanced doshas and the purification of the channels of circulation. As the channels are cleansed and strengthened by this process, the chance of recurrence is nil.
Purification therapy can be implemented not only for curing diseases, but also to maintain health. No other systems of medicine can offer such an effective treatment measure. Therefore, we can proudly declare our superiority of Ayurveda to any other systems because of its purification therapy.
The purification otherwise called 'Pancha karma therapy' is implemented in five ways:
1. Enema therapy: - It is best for vatha imbalance.
2. Purgation therapy: - Best for pitha imbalance.
3. Emesis therapy: - For kapha imbalance.
4. Nasal drops: - For all diseases above the neck.
5. Blood letting: - Best for removing blood impurities.
Stages of the treatment:
First stage: - This includes the external and internal application oils followed with fomentation or sudation. By this, the unbalanced doshas lodged in the weak parts of the channels are liquefied and loosened.
Main or second stage: - In this stage, the loosened and liquefied doshas are expelled out of the body by the appropriate purification procedure
Post therapy: - This includes the regimens to be practiced after the purification. This is mainly intended to augment the digestive fire.