About Ayurveda

 

What is Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words. (Ayur and Veda) Ayur means Life and Veda-means-Science of Wisdom or knowledge. It is considered the oldest treatment system of the world, originated from ancient India about 3000 to 5000 years ago. This system of treatment is adapted according to nature’s law to maintain health and prevent illness and keeping the body, mind and soul in a perfect equilibrium.

According to Hinduism, the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma (One of Tri Murtis), granted this to Daksha who granted to mankind through the Gods and sages (Rishies). According to Aryan culture, there are 4 vedas, which includes four tentacles which is given by Lord Brahma in the beginning at the time of Kaliyuga, which introduced 4 Upavedas.

 

Dharma Sasthra (The science of Law)

Dhanur Veda (The science of Bow)

Gandharva Veda (The Science of Music)

Atharvaveda Veda (The Science of knowledge )

Ayurveda is said to be a sub-branch of Adharva Veda, one of the Four Vedas which gives the solution to all kinds of diseases and distresses of the body. This system of medication practiced in many centuries and developed by experience was handed over to generations. Ayurveda medicine is the oldest surviving, healing system of the world. This system of medication was practiced for thousands of years.

The practices of this method include health care of physical, mental and spiritual of human, through a natural method and it is the main attraction of this alternative treatment method, so this method do not process any side effects compared to any other chemical treatments.

Major cause of illness

According to Ayurveda, the Major cause of illness is the imbalance of our body type (Nature-Prakrit) by the influence of five elements (Air, Water, Fire, Space, and Wind) of three factors of body humor called ‘Tri doshas’ which is ‘Vatha’, ‘Pitha’ and ‘Khapha’. The meaning of the Sanskrit word Vatha is Air, Pitha is Body bile chemicals and Kapha is Mucus. It can be changed by the influence of climate or any other reasons that make the imbalance cause illness.

Each person has their own natural body state or the natural combination of these three elements Vatha, Pitha, and Kapha, they should seek balance by modulating their behavior or the environment. Because they are not in their natural state of equilibrium, This can be explained through an example, in the cold season we are getting coughs and colds, which increase our mucus (Kapha), according to the science of Ayurveda colds can be reduced by heating, for this purpose heat can be created in our body by using of hot nature herbs like Black pepperLong pepper, Ginger, etc., thus it can reduce excess Kapha and make a balance.

 

Diagnosis method of Ayurveda

Ayurveda employs a unique diagnostic approach that integrates observation, inquiry, and assessment. Practitioners consider a person's constitution (Prakriti), current imbalances (Vikriti), and the interplay of three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) to determine their state of health. Pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha), tongue examination (Jivha Pariksha), and visual inspection are key techniques. Additionally, assessing bodily waste (Mala), including urine, stool, and sweat, provides vital insights. This holistic methodology aims to identify underlying causes and imbalances, paving the way for personalized treatment and restoration of equilibrium...Learn more

 

The eight types of treatment in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes holistic well-being and offers eight distinct types of treatments known as "Ashtanga Ayurveda." These therapies aim to restore balance and promote health in the body and mind.

1. Kaya chikilsa (Internal medicine)

2. Graha chikilsa (Demonology)

3. Shalya chikilsa (Surgery)

4. Urdhvanga chikilsa (ENT)

5. Baala chikilsa (Pediatrics)

6. Visha chikilsa (Toxicology)

7. Jara chikilsa (Rejuvenation)

8. Vajikarana chikilsa (Aphrodisiac therapy)

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Methods of Ayurveda treatments

In Ayurveda treatments, there are four basic forms, i.e., medicine or drug therapy, Panchakarma, Control of diet & control of lifestyle. Panchakarma can play a crucial role in eradicating unwanted substances (Ama-Toxins) from our cells, so it can be called the purification method of Ayurveda treatments which includes five cleansing methods called Shodhanas. There are different types of Ayurvedic treatments available according to the nature of diseases...Learn more

 

Ayurvedic Medicines & Medicinal plants

The backbone of Ayurveda medicine is herbal plants; medicines are prepared from roots, leaves, fruits, barks, and seeds, or some minerals and metals, some animal substances may also be used in some medicines and treatments. For example, milk of different animals (or its by-products like butter, Ghee, curd, etc.), bones, teeth, horns, urine, and dung of different animals, civets, shellac, and shells of creatures, etc. There are different types of Ayurvedic medicines available, for example, Arishtas, medicated oils-(Thilam, Enna, Keram) Asavas, Bhasmas, etc.

Various oils could be used in several ways for example massage oils, hair oil intake, and medicated oils for Snehapanam treatments. For the preparation of some Ayurveda medicines, preserves herbal medicines (Angady Marunnu) also can be used. It would be better to consult an Ayurveda Doctor or an Ayurveda Medical Practitioner before taking medicines, Improper use of some Ayurveda medicines may be harmful to us.

Ayurvedic Combinations of Medicinal Plants

 

Traditional practitioners of Ayurveda

Traditional practitioners of Ayurveda in Kerala (South India) are called Vaidyas, who practiced this method for centuries as the healing system for the people in Kerala. Kerala is one of the richest medicinal plant hubs in the world. The good climate of Kerala helps to grow and survive medicinal plants without any damage; the natural abundance of forests is another reason.

The specialty of the soil keeps the potency of herbal medicines than other places. In Kerala Ayurveda is a lifestyle that keeps the people in good health in a natural way. We can see this treatment system and methods are described in old texts like Ashtanga Hridaya, Charaka Samhitha,  and Sushrutha Samhita, which were written thousands of years ago.

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