Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the oldest system of health- care, which traces its roots to the Vedas. It is considered as one of the best alternative system of medicine. The word Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Ayuh' meaning life and 'Veda' meaning 'Knowledge'. Hence Ayurveda is called 'The science of life'.
Ayurveda is the Vedic system of health care that developed in India over 5000 years ago. A gift of the Gods, it was codified by the sage-physician Charaka and the sage-surgeon Shushruta. This ancient science is health, not disease, specific and takes into account the patient's entire personality - body, mind and spirit.

History of AyurvedaThe true history of Ayurveda starts from the time of the Holy books, the Vedas. Ancient mythology contends that the concept and essence of Ayurveda was revealed by the creator of the world himself – Lord Brahma.
There are four Vedas. They are –
• Rigveda
• Yajurveda
• Samaveda
• Atharvaveda
The Vedas date back to about five thousand years. They preach the philosophy of life. The Atharvaveda contains the principles of healing on which Ayurveda is based. 'Ayur' means 'life' in Sanskrit. Ayurveda is the most ancient science of healing which enhances longevity. It has influenced many of the older traditional methods of healing including Tibetan, Chinese and Greek medicine. Hence, Ayurveda is considered by many as the 'mother of healing.'
The hymns, the mantras and the medical information contained in the Vedas were contributions of Rishis and munis or sages, over a period of time. Many of these sages were learned saints who devoted their life to understanding the world.
Astanga Ayurveda




Aryavarta, the native land of Aryans, covers a large area surrounding the Himalayas and is believed to be the place where the Rishis and Munis lived. At present it covers areas in countries like Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Tibet. The civilizations of these countries are deeply influenced by the unique intellectual contributions of these Rishis and Munis.

The practical tenets of Ayurveda are divided into eight sections or branches. These sections include:
• Internal medicine,
• Surgery,
• Organic medicine,
• Pediatrics,
• Toxicology,
• Rejuvenating remedy,
• Aphrodisiac remedies and
• Spiritual healing.
These eight sections are called "Astanga Ayurveda".

Ayurveda is a complete or holistic system that integrates the mind, body and spirit. For a few centuries, the tradition of Ayurveda was dimmed due to the natural and human calamities and also by the invasion of foreign cultures into India. The sacred texts were either destroyed or stolen. However there were many ‘Vaidyas’ or doctors in India who managed to preserve some of the knowledge available in these Holy Scriptures. Divine plants that sustain long life and good health are now being rediscovered. Many renowned families of Vaidyas, who are specialized in certain branches of Ayurveda, have started functioning again in India. Today there is a revival of the ancient culture and traditions inherent to Ayurveda, which is a true gift of the ancient civilization to the modern world.


Principles of Ayurveda

1. Panchamahabhutas


Charaka Samhita says that
The human body is made up of five elements namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Man is the Microcosm in the Macrocosm- the universe.
The sun and moon control - the activities of the universe; likewise Agni (heat principle) and Soma (cold principle) control the physiological activities of the human body. This principle is called "Agnishomeeyam".
• Charaka says, a person is equal to a universe as earth is represented by shape, fluids represent water, fire represents temperature, air represents respiration and channels present in the body represent ether. Brahma is represented by consciousness. Hence Charaka refers to man as a microcosm.
• When these five elements are in balance, normalcy is maintained, when there is imbalance in the state of the 5 elements, disease is caused.
• Ayurveda aims in maintaining the balance of Panchamahabootha.

2. Tridosha


They are the basic concepts of Ayurveda. They are the three energetic forces that control the activities and govern the physical, mental and intellectual structure and functions in an individual. They are vata, pitta and Kapha

• Doshas are derived from Panchmahabhutas.
• Doshas cannot be detected by our senses.
• Each dosha is a combination of two of the five Panchamahabhutas with the predominance of any one
• When the doshas are balanced we remain healthy as they support and sustain the dhatus (structural units o the body).
• When they are imbalanced, they disturb the structure and cause disease.
• They are the sole responsible functional units for health and disease.
• These three doshas are forces, not substances.
• The doshas within any person keep changing constantly due to lifestyle, foods and environment.
Vata Dosha
• Vata is a Sanskrit word that means "wind" or "that which moves".
• It is the dosha of movement or change.
• Vata Combination of Vayu (Air) + Jala (Water)
• When imbalanced it produces pain in various parts of the body. They have inability to sleep through the night, inability to concentrate and stay on task.
• A balanced person with Vata dosha can be very creative.
• It is the leader of doshas, so it is very important to keep it in balance
• Vata is very powerful among the three doshas because:
• It produces more diseases in the body
• It imbalances other doshas
• It is the only doshas, which has movement while pitta and kapha cannot move on their own
• It is fast -acting
• It spreads all over the body
• It produces chronic diseases
Pitta Dosha
Pitta is often translated as "Fire" or "Heat". It is responsible for transformation, metabolism. Pitta is a combination of Agni (Fire) + Jal (Water).
This functional unit is often characterized by heat, temperature and digestion in the body when it is out of balance, it makes a person sarcastic, sharp tongue and fidgety. When in balance, a person shows signs of being competitive, assertive, and self-confident. bin balance, it has power and energy to transform the life of an individual and also lives of others. This dosha sustains the body when it is in balance, but creates many diseases when imbalanced.
Kapha Dosha
It is one of the three doshas, which can be translated as "that which holds things together". This is made of earth and water in our body and is characterized by fluidity, strength and nourishment. When imbalanced, it produces heaviness and phlegm in the body.
When Kapha dosha is in balance, a person tends to be slow and stable and excel in jobs and situation that require logical analysis. When out of balance, a person can't sleep and gets easily intimidated.