Vaidhyo Narayana Harihi
One who dispenses medicine is God

Revolving around the principles of treating the human body as a microcosmic model of the universe, Ayurveda believes in the delicate balance of the five elements of nature - Panchabhoota (air, fire, water, wind and earth) that represent body, senses, self, soul and mind. When this equilibrium is disturbed, diseases originate. Ayurveda believes in restoring the balance.

Ayurvedic treatment is done based on an assessment of the condition, which is broadly classified into three categories, Cause, Location, and Imbalance of Doshas.

1. Nijam – or occurrence due to natural causes
2. Aganthukam – by traumatic or accidental causes

• Location of the Disease

1. Kayikam – referring to diseases of the physical body
2. Mansikam – referring to the diseases afflicting mental state

• Imbalance of the Doshas

1. Ekadosham – vitiation of one Dosha
2. Dwidosham – vitiation of two Doshas
3. Thridosham – vitiation of all three Doshas

When the Doshas are aggravated, drugs dissimilar in composition are given and when the Doshas are alleviated, drugs similar in composition are prescribed.

Constitution - Prakrithi

Due to the fact that Ayurveda treats every individual based on his mental and physical make up as well as condition, first an assessment of his constitution or Prakrithi is made. Prakrithi is the natural thridosha constitution of the body that results from the predominance of the Doshas right from the conception of a human being. Based on the permutation combinations of the three Doshas, there are seven types of constitutions possible and these are:

• Vatha
• Pittha
• Kapha
• Vatha Pittha
• Vatha Kapha
• Pittha Kapha
• Sannipatha or Sama Prakrithi

Seldom is a single Dosha constitution found and a balanced constitution while being extremely beneficial, is also rare.

Diagnosis – Pareeksha

When a patient walks into MIA, he is subjected to a thorough examination and analysis. Treatment is based on the diagnosis. This examination is called Pareeksha and is categorized into two:

Rogi Pareeksha – Examination of the patient. This is further divided into:

1. Darsanam – Inspection and Observation
2. Sparsanam – Palpation, Percussion and Ausculation
3. Prasnam – Interrogation

Roga Pareeksha – Examination of the disease, done by the following five factors:

1. Nidanam – Causative Factors of the Disease
2. Purvaroopam – Secondary Symptoms
3. Roopam – Primary Signs and Symptoms
4. Upashayam – Alleviating Factors
5. Samprapthi – Pathogenesis

Diagnosis and treatment are also based on the sources of Knowledge which are classified as being of four different types (Chaturvida Jnanas):

1. Pratyaksham – from what is observed
2. Anumanam – what is inferred
3. Aptopadesam – from authority
4. Yukthi – according to logic

In Ayurveda, the treatment takes into chief consideration, the uniqueness of an individual and evolves around him/her. To produce in an individual the state of niramaya (well being), the physical as well as psychological aspects are assessed. Therefore, each and every treatment or therapy is unique.

Treatment is not simply providing a cure for the ailment – rather it is in determining the cause, preventing recurrence and building up immunity and stamina. In order to facilitate this, a thorough diagnosis is done and the symptoms are evaluated. Treatment involves diagnosis of conditions, assessment, various ayurvedic techniques like application of herbal medicines, nutritional evaluation and guidance and incorporation of a special regimen.

Treatment - Chikitsa

Treatment or Chikitsa in Ayurveda is divided into Oushadham – Medicine and Padhyam – Regimen (again divided into Ahara – Food and Vihara - Activities) Both Padhyam and Oushadham are required to eliminate a roga (disease). Treatment forms include Samaana Chikitsa (Palliative Therapy), Sodhana Chikitsa (Purificatory Therapy), Rasayana Chikitsa, Kayakalpa Chikitsa and Vajeekarana Chikitsa.

Madras Institute of Ayurveda has a full-fledged out-patient department with facilities for consultation in different specialties, regular check-ups, etc. It also possesses an in-patient department with up-to-date, well-equipped Panchakarma theatres. Successful treatment programs for an entire spectrum of diseases are offered.