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.
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 humors 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 make the imbalance make to cause illness.
Each person has their own natural body state or the natural combination of these three elements vatha, pitha and kapha, it 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 cold season we are getting coughs and cold, which are increasing our mucus (Kapha), according to the science of Ayurveda cold can be reduced by heating, for this purpose heat can be created in our body by using of hot nature herbs like Black pepper, Long pepper, Ginger etc., thus it can reduce excess kapha and make a balance.
In Ayurveda, "Nadi" refers to the concept of energy channels or pathways through which vital life force energy (prana) flows. Nadi is a Sanskrit term that translates to "flow" or "motion." According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the body is believed to be composed of a complex network of these energy channels that influence overall health and wellbeing.
There are said to be thousands of nadis in the body, but there are three primary nadis that hold particular significance:
1. **Ida Nadi:** This nadi is associated with the lunar energy and is related to the cooling, calming, and nurturing aspects. It is often referred to as the "mental channel" and is connected to the left side of the body.
2. **Pingala Nadi:** This nadi is associated with the solar energy and is related to warmth, energy, and stimulation. It is referred to as the "vital channel" and is connected to the right side of the body.
3. **Sushumna Nadi:** The sushumna nadi runs along the spinal column and is considered the central channel for the flow of energy. It is associated with spiritual growth and is said to be activated through practices like meditation and yoga.
These nadis are believed to intersect at various points in the body, creating energy centers known as "chakras." The proper flow of energy through these nadis and chakras is considered essential for maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual health. When there are imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy, Ayurveda suggests that it can lead to various physical and psychological ailments.
Practices such as yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and specific Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance and enhance the flow of energy through these nadis. Ayurvedic practitioners assess a person's constitution (dosha), current imbalances, and overall health to determine the best approaches to restore the proper flow of energy and promote holistic well-being.
In Ayurveda, "Mootra" refers to urine. Urine analysis is considered one of the diagnostic methods in Ayurvedic medicine to assess a person's health, imbalances, and overall constitution. Ayurveda believes that the qualities, color, odor, and other characteristics of urine can provide insights into the state of a person's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), their current health condition, and any potential imbalances.
Ayurvedic practitioners often examine various aspects of urine to gather information about a person's health, including:
1. **Color:** Different colors of urine are associated with different dosha imbalances. For instance, dark yellow urine might be linked to excess Pitta, while cloudy urine could indicate a Kapha imbalance.
2. **Odor:** The smell of urine can also indicate dosha imbalances. For example, a strong and pungent odor might be associated with excess heat or Pitta imbalance.
3. **Frequency and Volume:** The frequency of urination and the volume of urine passed can provide insights into the balance of Vata dosha. Excessive urination might indicate a Vata imbalance.
4. **Consistency:** The consistency of urine, whether it's thin or thick, is also considered in Ayurvedic diagnosis.
5. **Foam:** The presence of foam or bubbles in urine might suggest a disturbance in the body's fluids or dosha balance.
6. **Sediment:** The presence of sediment or particles in urine can indicate certain imbalances or health conditions.
It's important to note that while urine analysis is a part of traditional Ayurvedic diagnosis, it's just one component of a comprehensive assessment that takes into account a person's overall constitution, lifestyle, diet, and other factors. Ayurvedic practitioners use this information to recommend personalized dietary and lifestyle adjustments, herbal remedies, and other treatments to restore balance and promote well-being.
It's advisable to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner if you're interested in exploring Ayurvedic practices for health and wellness. Keep in mind that Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine and may not always align with modern medical practices and perspectives.
3. Mala (Stool)
4. Jihva (Tongue)
5. Shabda (Speech)
6. Sparsha (Touch)
7. Druk (Vision)
8. Aakruti (Appearance)
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)
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 to eradicate unwanted substances (Ama-Toxins) from our cells, so it can be called purification method of Ayurveda treatments which includes five cleansing method called Shodhanas. There are different types of Ayurvedic treatments are available according to the nature of diseases………read more
The backbone of Ayurveda medicine is herbal plant; medicines are prepared from roots, leaves, fruits, barks and seeds, or from some minerals and metals, some animal substances may also be used in some medicines and treatments. For example, milk of different animal (or its by-products like butter, Ghee, curd etc.), bones, teeth, horns, urine and dung of different animals, civet, shellac and shells of creatures, etc. There are different types of Ayurvedic medicines are available, for example, Arishtas, medicated oils-(Thilam, Enna, Keram) Asavas, Bhasmas etc.
Various oils could be used in a number of ways for example massage oils, hair oil intake 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 harmful to us.
Traditional practitioners of Ayurveda in Kerala (South India) are called Vaidyas, who practiced this method for centuries were the healing system for the people in Kerala. Kerala is the one of the richest medicinal plant hub in the world. The good climate of Kerala helps to grow and survive medicinal plants without any damage; 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 which keeps the people in a 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, were written thousands of years ago.
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