The Globe as we know it is rapidly shrinking. In an era where the race is on for newer technology, and faster cars, speed is the key word. Mankind’s quests have also taken on new dimensions. Health, which was something taken for granted before has become revered. Contemporary lifestyle takes a heavy toll and every day new maladies are discovered and with it newer techniques to refresh and rejuvenate are invented. Subsequently there is a trend to revert to our past to correct our future and with this a rediscovery of timeless traditions and thus AYURVEDA….

What Is Ayurveda?

AYURVEDA = AYU – life (time form birth to death) + VEDA – knowledge or learning.
The science of well being and longevity.

According to Ayurveda, every human is a unique entity, an embodiment of primal elements existing in a sublime harmony, a cohesive force. When the balance or equilibrium of the forces within the body is upset, disease occurs. Ayurveda seeks to restore this equilibrium, with natural herbs, meditation and a regimen most suited to that individual which incorporates the rules prescribed for healthy living. Ayurveda’s interpretation of health is not the absence of disease, rather, a physical, mental and spiritual state of well-being.

Origin & History

Originating before the dawn of recorded history, Vedas are the oldest texts known to man, passed on to us from time immemorial. Essentially there are 4 Vedas - Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. These are stated to be of divine origin, given to mankind through seers of wisdom and thereafter orally transmitted through generations before finally being recorded in writing.

Ayurveda is a branch of the Atharva Veda and it is based on the principle that the human body is actually a miniaturized version of the entire cosmos – a microcosmic model. According to Ayurveda, all things existing, living or non-living, are considered to be composed of PANCHABHOOTA or the five primal elements of nature – air, fire, water, sky, and earth. In the human body, these constitute the body, senses, mind, self and soul. The holistic harmony of these elements - a delicate equilibrium so to say, is the perfect state of health. When this sublime balance is disturbed or altered by extraneous or intrinsic factors, it results in ailments and afflictions. Ayurveda deals with the discovery of this disturbance or disequilibria and restoring normalcy.

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Dhanwanthari

According to Hindu mythology, when the Ocean of the Universe was churned, 14 gems or “Ratnas” emerged – the fourteenth being Dhanwanthari. He was the founder of the form of medicine called Ayurveda. Dhanu meaning medicinal knowledge and Antari meaning one who has reached the pinnacle. It is from him that the knowledge of Ayurveda has been passed on.

The philosophy of Ayurveda believes that there is no substance in this world that has no medicinal value, provided you know how to use it. This has been asserted in the various texts associated with Ayurveda – compilations called “Samhitas” by various physicians. Susrutha Samhita by Acharya Susruta, Charaka Samhita by Acharya Charaka, Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashatangahrudaya by Vagbhata are the important Samhitas.

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Principles

When analyzed in depth, it is seen that Ayurveda derives its principles from Hindu mythology wherein the Trinity or three divine Gods (Lord Brahma – the creator, Lord Vishnu - the protector and Lord Shiva – the destroyer) are associated with the creation, sustenance and destruction of life in the Universe. They represent the Thrigunas, the three primary qualities Satwa, Rajas and Thamas that are omnipresent behind all material forms in nature.

Lord Brahma - Satwa – That which is illuminating, inferred as pleasure.
Lord Vishnu - Rajas – That which is active and energizing, inferred as pain.
Lord Shiva - Thamas – That which is passive and offers resistance, inferred as delusion.

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Dohas, Dhatus & Malas

There are three somatic or biological humors referred to as Doshas in the Body. These are modeled on the Hindu Trinity. Kapha – the cohesive humor that is the energy of lubrication and structure, concerned with creation, Pitta – the thermogenic humor that is the energy of metabolism that organizes body activities and Vatha – the energetic humor of responsible movement and destruction. There are seven Dhatus (Rasa - Chyle, Rakta - Blood, Mamsa - Muscle, Medas - Fat, Asthi - Bone, Majja - Bone Marrow, Shukra - Reproductive) or tissues of the human body and four Malas (Pureesha - Faecal matter, Moothra - Urine, Sweda - Sweat, Dooshikadimala - excreta from the eyes, ears and nose) or waste products from the metabolic cycle of the human body.

Doshas, Dhatus and Malas represent the five Bhutas of the human body. These are responsible for maintaining the delicate balance in the body. When this balance is affected, diseases occur.

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Diagnosis - Pareeksha

Ayurveda involves effective diagnosis of the Roga or ailment and treatment of the condition. Basically the diseases are categorized into three – 1) According to the nature – by natural causes or by traumatic circumstances 2) According to the location or site of occurrence - Physical or Mental and 3) According to imbalance of the Doshas i.e. how many doshas are affected. Imbalance of Doshas is also termed as Vikruthi.

The drugs for the cure are selected on the basis of similarity or dissimilarity i.e. an aggravated dosha is treated with a drug dissimilar in composition whereas an alleviated dosha is treated with a drug similar in composition. The selection of drug is done with inference of their pharmacological properties.

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Classification

Ayurveda has been broadly classified into eight branches called as Ashtangas. They are: Kayachikitsa - General Medicene, Koumarbhrithya - Pediatrics, Manasikam - Psychiatry, Salakya - ENT & Eye, Salya - General Surgery, Angadha Thanthram - Toxicology, Rasayana - Geriatrics and Vajeekarana - Aphrodisiac. Kayachikitsa also deals with detailed pre and postnatal care for women.

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Treatment

Ayurveda takes into account that every individual is a separate entity and therefore possesses unique personalities and psychosomatic peculiarities if any making the patient an active partner in the restoration process. Benefits of Ayurveda extend beyond just immediate relief. Treatment is customized and integrates the age-old traditions and methods into daily routine (Dinacharya) to cure and prevent recurrence of the disorder.

Ayurvedic treatment involves judicious application of herbal medicines, nutritional guidance, exercise therapy, meditation and other special purification and rejuvenation therapies. However a personal healing experience is the only testimony to an Ayurvedic imbibed transformation of our life.

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Reason for Popularity

After having had a stronghold for many centuries, Ayurveda debilitated in recent times due to foreign cultural overtures, but has survived and revived itself and is steadfastly finding increased acceptance globally. The “Go Green” fad has popularized our heritage and has promoted an insight to its advantages, thereby bringing to light its worth and caliber.

Mortal man’s constant quest has been “NIRAMAYA - a state of perfect health - a malady free state of mind and body.

Sarve bhavantu sukhina
Sarve santu niramaya

Ayurveda seeks to achieve this objective through the use of time old traditions. Natural ingredients, herbal cures and ageless techniques are all a part of Ayurveda. The fact that the prescribed medications have no untoward or unpleasant side effects, also contribute to the demand and satisfaction level attained. Besides just treating the ailment, Ayurveda assists in improving the quality of one’s life through diet, regimen and detoxification of the human body. Practice of Ayurveda provides a stress free, natural lifestyle wherein one can re-experience the tranquility that was before life itself became so hectic.

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