Ayurveda is a science based on ancient Indian philosophy. It can apprpriately be called ' The Science of living' .Ayurveda traves its etymolog to ayush meaning 'life ' and Veda, which originated from vid or knowledge . It can be defined as a medical science which helps the human body to keep fit while providing cures from natural herbs and minerals for ailments. It deal not only with what is to be done when one falls ill but also with should be done to maintains one health and vigour. Ayurveda contain details anout body care and the variow foods and drinks which promote health.
In traditional Indian approach to healthy living and longevity, ayurveda means 'Science of Life.' With more and more ayurvedic formulas sold in health food stores, ayurveda is increasingly becoming a Western alternative medicine modality. First mentioned in ancient Sanscrit texts, it is a complete natural health care system, treating both body andmind, using various healing therapies to ensure and maintain health and well-being and ultimately to reach a state of bliss. Ayurveda is thus the first holistic system of diagnosis and treatment, integrating nutrition, herbalism, meditation and awareness.
Basic principles of Ayurveda- According to ancient indian philosophy the universe is composed of five basic elements or pancha bhutas . Prithvi , ap, teja, vayu and akash . Everyting in the universe including food and the bodies we possess, is derived from thes bhutas . A fundamental harmony therfor exists between the macrocosm and the microcosm . As already stated the human being is comparable to the cosmos being a miniscule image of the great entity.
Branches of Ayurveda- Ayurveda maintains that there is a definate relationship between illness and the metaphysical state of an individual. Its approach to medical treatment is to focus on the person rather than the diseases.Ayurveda has eight distinct branches.
Kayachikitsa its general medicines ,Shalya tantra, its major surgery ,Shalakya tantra its ear, nose, throat, eye and mouth diseases, Bhuta vidya - its psychiatry, Bala tantra its obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatriscs , Agadtantra- its toxicology , Rasayana tantra its rehyvenation and Vajikarana tantra its an aphrodisiacs. It is because of this eightfold development that this system of medicine is sometimes called the Astanga Ayurveda.
Tridoshas - Vata , pitta and kapha are the three main constituents of the body. Vata is a combination of two elements of the universe namely air and ether . Second is pitta it is an amalgam of fire and earth and third one is kapha is the combination of earth and water When any of the three doshas becomes excessively agitated or increases disproportionately in relatin to the other and imbalance is created and diseases results. The loss of dynamic equilbrium may be due to the excessive or deficients use of the misuse of the five sense organs the ear, skin, eyes,tongue and nose , action of body , mind, speech, and time that is the different seasons
Vata has five types such as , prana,udana,vyana,samana and apana. . It is responsible for all types of movement in the body .Pitta is a five types such as pachaka,ranjaka, sadhake,alochaka and bhrajaka. They are responsible for digestion in the body and last is kapha is also five kinds such as kledaka, avalambaka,bodhaka,tarpaka and shleshaka . It promotes strength in the body.
It has sapta dhatus- The dhatus are constituents which comprise the basic structure of the body. They are seven in number First is rasa it is essence of food, Rakta - is blood, Mamse muscle tissue , Meda is a fat tissue, Asthi is bones , Majja is bone marrow and Shukra is sperm in males and ova in females.
The wastes of the body ,Malas the other constitiuents of the body . The malas are the byproducts of the various dhatus present in the body . The main malas ate mutra -urine, shakrit- faeces and sweda-perspiration. They are eliminated once their supporting role is finished .
Ayurveda aims at restoring the power of the body to heal itself, thus ensuring that the treatment is effective and permanent. In doing so, ayurveda treats first the patient, not just the symptoms. Ayurvedic medicines include formulations consisting of plants and minerals in fixed, precise proportions according to a vast pharmacopoea. This grain is also known as Inca wheat and was the main staple of the Aztec diet due to its high protein content. It is now cultivated commercially in the American Midwest and is incorporated into some breakfast cereals. The crimson flowers have an astringent property and infusions of these can bemeals, rather than after, as this dilutes gastric juices.