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Ayurveda,the
oldest system of medicine in the world, traces its roots to the Vedic
period in ancient India. The Vedas contain practical and scientific
information on various subjects beneficial to the humanity like health,
philosophy, engineering, astrology etc.Vedic Brahmans were not only priests
performing religious rites and ceremonies, they also became the Vaidyas
(Ayurvedic Physicians). The Sage- Physician- Surgeons of that time were
the same sages or seers, deeply devoted holy people , who saw health as
an integral part of spiritual life. It is said, that they received
their training of Ayurveda through direct cognition during meditation.
In other words, the knowledge of the use of various methods of healing,
prevention, longevity and surgery came through Divine revelation .
These revelations were transcribed from the oral tradition into book
form, interspersed with the other aspects of life.
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. . 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
which borrowed heavily from Ayurveda..
The
main authentic SACRED BOOKS of Ayurveda in its early
History are:
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 Samhita CA.600 Years Before.Common era.: A major work on
internal medicine , written by the physician Agnivesa, modified by
charaka
Sushrutha Samhita CA.500 Years Before.Common era. : Sushrutha , a
surgeon who developed the operative techniques of rhinoplasty (plastic
surgery), wrote the Sushrutha Samhita which 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 comlete
knowledge of life, Ayurveda is known today as the only complete medical
system still in existence.
Principles of ayurveda
Ayurveda is a holistic healing science which comprises of two words,
Ayu and Veda. Ayu means life and Veda means knowledge or science. So
the literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is the science of life.
Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases
but is a complete way of life.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 dominence to form what 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 elemination etc.,
The elements with Fire and Water in dominence 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 mucousal lining of the stomach is another example of the
function of Kapha Dosha protecting the tissues.
We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata,Pitta and Kapha. These
ratios of the Doshas vary in each individual and because of this
Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our
diversity.
Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup
of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that
specifically address a persons health challenges. When any of the
doshas become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and
nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha
that has become excessive. Also herbal medicines will be suggested , to
cure the imbalance and the disease.
Understanding this main principle of Ayurveda , it offers us an
explanation as to why one person responds differently to a treatment or
diet than another and why persons with the same disease might yet
require different treatments and medications.
vatta,pitta,kapha
Other important basic principles of Ayurveda which 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(reprodutive tissue). Proper amount of each dhatu and their
balanced function is very important for good health.
2. Mala- These are the waste materials
produced as a result of various metabolic activities in the body. They
are mainly urine, feaces, 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.
Balance
and Harmony of the Three Doshas
When the three Doshas are well harmonised and function in a balanced
manner, it results in good nourishment and well-being of the individual
. But 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 humoral theory is not unique to
the ancient Indian Medicine : The Yin and Yang theory in chinese
medicine and the Hippocratic theory of four humours 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
everything ingested.
Vata is
: dry, cold, light, mobile, clear, rough, subtle
Pitta is : slightly oily, hot, intense, light, fluid,free flowing, foul
smelling.
Kapha is: oily, cold, heavy, stable, viscid, smooth, 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 almost always 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 overindulger.
Mustard oil is oily , hot , intense , fluid , strong-smelling and
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 elemets , 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.
Ayurveda helps in
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
1. 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
2. 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.
+ There should be at
least four hours difference between two 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
+ Exess intake of
cold drinks reduces resistance and creates excess mucus
+ Taking a nap after
lunch will increase kapha and body weight
3. 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
+ 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.
+ Cracking the
joints is injurious to the body.
+ Avoid physical
exertion , such as yoga or running during menstruation.
4. 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 aggrevate Pitta.
+ Exessice Talking dissipates energy and aggravates Vata .
Even after strictly following the above mentioned precautions it is
natural that some toxins accumulate in the body as a result of various
metabolic activities. It is necessary to eliminate these toxins from
the body, which the body is doing to a great extent. But 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. So 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 your 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.
Panchkarma
According to Ayurveda,
our natural state is one of health, happiness and an inner sense of
well-being. Health is defined as the body being clear of toxins, the
mind is at peace, emotions are calm and happy, wastes are efficiently
eliminated and organs are functioning normally. In a busy, stressful
and toxic world, our physical and mental systems accumulate toxins
causing deterioration in bodily functioning. This eventually weakens
our systems, which opens the door for chronic, degenerative, and
non-specific diseases to develop. These can evolve into serious
specific diseases, ultimately damaging an individual’s health
and wellness.Panchakarma
can help by reversing these negative effects of daily living. It can
restore your natural state of health and wellness by cleansing your
body of toxins, bringing balance into your system and improving bodily
function. It can also help you sustain this process by making positive
changes in lifestyle.The
Panchakarma therapeutic process appears quite simple in its
application. However, its effects are powerful and effective.
Panchakarma is a unique, natural, holistic, health-giving series of
therapeutic treatments that cleanse the body’s deep tissues
of toxins, open the subtle channels, bring life-enhancing energy
thereby increasing vitality, inner peace, confidence and well-being
Rejuvanation
"those desirous of a
healthy long life! Listen to us explaining the method of rejuvenation
treatment which is like another nectar, having incomprehensible
miraculous effects, promoting life span, providing health, sustaining
youthfulness, relieving sleepiness, drowsiness, exertion, exhaustion,
lassitude and debility, restoring equilibrium of the doshas, bringing
stability, alleviating laxity of muscles, kindling the internal fire
and producing of excellent lustre, complexion and voice". ( Ref
:Charaka Samhitha)
Objectives
of life
Dharma:
- One's duty unto oneself, to the family, society, nation i.e. one's
duty unto humanity.
Artha: -
Reaping of the benefits of duty.
Kama: -
Satisfaction of desires.
Moksha:
- Attainment of salvation.
A
healthy long life is essential for the achievement of these four fold
objectives. Ayurvedic principles are meant for those who want to live a
healthy long life. The qualitative and quantitative balance of the
seven basic tissues (dhathus) is essential for maintaining the body in
a healthy condition. In our life span we need to consider the following
three stages :
1. Up to
the 16 year: - The time of maximum nourishment, In which the
nourishment of the dhathus take place.
2.
Between 16 - 70year: - The generative and degenerative process balance
each other in this period.
3. After
70 year: - The period of aging. The degenerative process overrides the
generative process.
Presently
the modern life with its faster pace, departure from nature's rhythm
and nutritional living initiates the aging process at a much more
earlier age itself.
The
following are the main causes of aging / premature aging:
1.
Excessive use of food & drinks which have sour, salty and spicy
tastes.
2.
Intake of alkalies. (Certain preservatives, baking soda etc.)
3.
Consumption of old food (tinned canned foods).
4. Over
intake of oil fried food.
5.
Excessive intake of non- vegetarian food.
6.
Incompatible / antagonistic food.
7.
Untimely eating schedule.
8. Over
eating.
9.
Intake of food when suffering from indigestion.
10.
Sleep during the daytime.
11.
Excess consumption of alchohol and over indulgence in vices.
12. Over
exertion.
13.
Negetive emotions like greediness, passion, fear, anger, grief etc..
Knowingly
or unknowingly most of us are indulging in some of these activities
which result in aging even in the young or middle ages, with
the following symptoms :
The
person is subdued with malaise, depression, sleep, drowsiness,
lassitude, lack of enthusiasm, dyspnoea,
incompetence in physical and mental activities, loss of memory,
intellect and lustre, and gradually becomes resort to illnesses and
does not enjoy the normal life span.
The
Principles of Rejuvenation Therapy.
Briefly
it is the treatment for the nourishment of the body tissues. This
therapy slows down the aging process by decreasing the degenerative
process. The appropriate time for this therapy is between the
age of
16 - 70 yr.
The
Merits of the RejuvenationTherapy
The
Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana treatment) offers prolonged life span,
great memory, intelligence, perfect health, youthfulness, bright
complexion and colour, bold voice and magnanimity, physical endurance
and strong sense organs, perfection in speech, sexual powers and
brilliance all are obtained from the Rejuvenation Therapy . It is the
best means of keeping the dhathus (tissues) in peak condition.
Many
secret recipes are described in the traditional texts of Ayurveda.
These medicines can be implemented in 2 ways.
1. Kuti
pravesika vidhi: - This is conducted under strict medical supervision
with a strict regimen.
2.
Vathathapika vidhi :- This is more suited for the present day life.
Regimens are not so strict in this approach and treatment can be taken
by anyone at any time.
To
assess your health and to rejuvenate yourself using the
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy, contact us through the on - line
consultation.
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 get 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 don’t 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 to maintain health. No other systems of
medicine can offer such an effective treatment measure. So we can
proudly declare our superiority of Ayurveda to any other systems on
account 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
liquified and loosened.
Main or second stage :- In this stage the loosened and liquified doshas
are expelled out of the body by the appropriate purifactory procedure.
Post therapy :- This includes the regimens to be practised after the
purification. This is mainly intended to augment the digestive fire.
More
about ayurveda and some more principles
* By using ayurvedic
and herbal medicines you ensure physical and mental health without side
effects. The natural ingredients of herbs help bring
“arogya” to human body and mind. ("Arogya" means
free from diseases). The chemicals used in preparing allopathy
medicines have impact on mind as well. One should have allopathy
medicine only when it is very necessary.
* According to the original texts, the
goal of Ayurveda is prevention as well as promotion of the
body’s own capacity for maintenance and balance.
* Ayurvedic treatment is non-invasive
and non-toxic, so it can be used safely as an alternative therapy or
alongside conventional therapies.
* Ayurvedic physicians claim that their
methods can also help stress-related, metabolic, and chronic conditions.
* Ayurveda has been used to treat acne,
allergies, asthma, anxiety, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, colds,
colitis, constipation, depression, diabetes, flu, heart disease,
hypertension, immune problems, inflammation, insomnia, nervous
disorders, obesity, skin problems, and ulcers.
Ayurvedic
Terms Explained
Dosha:
In Ayurvedic philosophy, the five elements combine in pairs to form
three dynamic forces or interactions called doshas. It is also known as
the governing principles as every living things in nature is
characterized by the dosha.
Ayurvedic
Facial: Purportedly, a "therapeutic skin care experience" that involves
the use of "dosha-specific" products and a facial massage focusing on
"marma points."
Ayurvedic
Nutrition (Ayurvedic Diet): Nutritional phase of Ayurveda. It involves
eating according to (a) one's "body type" and (b) the "season." The
alleged activity of the doshas--three "bodily humors," "dynamic
forces," or "spirits that possess"--determines one's "body type." In
Ayurveda, "body types" number seven, eight, or ten, and "seasons"
traditionally number six. Each two-month season corresponds to a dosha;
for example, the two seasons that correspond to the dosha named "Pitta"
(see "Raktamoksha") constitute the period of mid-March through
mid-July. But some proponents enumerate three seasons: summer (when
pitta predominates), autumn, and winter (the season of kapha); or Vata
season (fall and winter), Kapha season (spring), and Pitta season
(summer). According to Ayurvedic theory, one should lessen one's intake
of foods that increase ("aggravate") the ascendant dosha.
Principles once again
Ayurveda is bestowed upon us by our ancestors, who were eminent and
wiser and having insight into our being. Basically Ayurveda is Health
promotive - preventive - curative and nutritive - all self contained.
The two
principle objectives of Ayurveda are :
(a.)
"Swasthyas swasthya rakshanam" - To prolong life and promote perfect
health ( add years to life and life to years )
(b.)
"Aturasya vikar prashamanamcha" - To completely eradicate the disease
and dysfunction of the body.
Ayurveda
takes the individual as whole and seeks to re-establish harmony between
all the constituents in the body. Perfect balance of the tripod - Mind,
Body and Spirit means perfect health.
To
understand Ayurvedic treatment, it is necessary to have an idea how the
Ayurvedic system views the body. The basic life force in the body is
prana, which is also found in the elements and is similar to the
Chinese notion of chi.
In
Ayurveda, there are five basic elements that contain prana: earth,
water, fire, air, and ether. These elements interact and are further
organized in the human body as three main categories or basic
physiological principles in the body that govern all bodily functions
known as the doshas. The three doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha. Each
person has a unique blend of the three doshas, known as the
person’s prakriti, which is why Ayurvedic treatment is always
individualized. In Ayurveda, disease is viewed as a state of imbalance
in one or more of a person’s doshas, and an Ayurvedic
physician strives to adjust and balance them, using a variety of
techniques.
More about doshas
Vata Dosha
The vata
dosha is associated with air and ether, and in the body promotes
movement and lightness. Vata people are generally thin and light
physically, dry-skinned, and very energetic and mentally restless. When
vata is out of balance, there are often nervous problems,
hyperactivity, sleeplessness, lower back pains, and headaches.
Pitta Dosha
Pitta is
associated with fire and water. In the body, it is responsible for
metabolism and digestion. Pitta characteristics are medium-built
bodies, fair skin, strong digestion, and good mental concentration.
Pitta imbalances show up as anger and aggression and stress-related
conditions like gastritis, ulcers, liver problems, and hypertension.
Kapha Dosha
The
kapha dosha is associated with water and earth. People characterized as
kapha are generally large or heavy with more oily complexions. They
tend to be slow, calm, and peaceful. Kapha disorders manifest
emotionally as greed and possessiveness, and physically as obesity,
fatigue, bronchitis, and sinus problems.
How
do we dignosis in ayurveds
Diagnosis
In
Ayurvedic medicine, disease is always seen as an imbalance in the dosha
system, so the diagnostic process strives to determine which doshas are
underactive or overactive in a body. Diagnosis is often taken over a
course of days in order for the Ayurvedic physician to most accurately
determine what parts of the body are being affected.
To
diagnose problems, Ayurvedic physicians often use long questionnaires
and interviews to determine a person’s dosha patterns and
physical and psychological histories.
Ayurvedic
physicians also intricately observe the pulse, tongue, face, lips,
eyes, and fingernails for abnormalities or patterns that they believe
can indicate deeper problems in the internal systems. Some Ayurvedic
physicians also use laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis.
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