Know Ayurveda

‘Ayu: paripalanam vedam’ is ayurvedam(that which protects life)
The word Ayurveda is composed of two sanskrit terms - Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. Therefore Ayurveda means the knowledge of life or science of life. It is defined as the science, through which one can obtain knowledge about the useful and harmful ways of life, happy and miserable types of life, conditions that lead to the above types of life, as well as, the very nature of life. According to Ayurvedic medicine, human body comprises of three major life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas are called the ‘Tridoshas’. Equilibrium between these life forces is vital for apposite physical condition. Any disproportion among the tridoshas causes a condition of unhealthiness or disease.

Additional fundamental perceptions of Ayurvedic system are the Saptha Dhathus (the bodily tissues), Srotas (Channals), Ama (toxins and filthy matter) and the trinity of life - body, mind and spiritual awareness. The primary step in the process of analysis in Ayurvedic form of medicine is to determine the constitution of the individual. The primary step in the process of analysis in Ayurvedic form of medicine is to determine the constitution of the individual. That means it is the patient who is diagnosed first and not the disease.

The same disease might emerge in diverse forms in two persons because their constitution is dissimilar. Due to this disparity in constitution the medicines and treatment may be different for two people with the same sickness. This variation in treatment methods according to the constitution is necessary to bring back the normal poise of the biological humors. The constitutional approach is the core of the Ayurvedic system. Understanding ones constitution helps one to lead a life style that is most befitting his constitution, thus optimizing his health and resourceful potential. Ayurvedic treatments can be classified under two groups - tonification and reduction. Reduction therapies reduce excesses in the body while tonification methods nurture insufficiency in the body.

Reduction therapy has two parts called pacification and purification. Pacification is done with herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification is a special form of therapy for removal of the disease causing humors. It consists of five parts - The ‘Pancha Karmas’ - cleaning enemas, nasal medication, Purgation, Emesis and blood letting. All these require preliminary Ayurvedic practices of oleation and sweating. Kerala a southern state of India, has developed its own Ayurvedic treatment modalities like Dhara, pizhichil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Sirovasthi, Thalapothichil etc which are extremely effectual in a number of diseases which include Motor neuron diseases, Arthritis of various kinds, Skin diseases, Heart diseases, Peptic ulcer, Asthama, Peripheral vascular diseases and Gynecological disorders. Knowledge about Ayurvedic type of medicine is alienated into eight branches. The branches are

• Kaya chikilsa (General medicine)
• Shalya (Surgery)
• Shalakya (ENT and Ophthalmology)
• Graha (Psychotherapy)
• Damshitra (Toxicology)
• Bala (Pediatrics and Gynecology)
• Jara (Rejuvenation)
• Vrishya (Aphrodisiacs)

Of the above the seventh one, which is rejuvenation therapy is a unique method which Ayurveda performs. Until death our body is engaged in a continuous struggle against the aging process. Hence the body is called Shareeram - something that degenerates.

Ayurveda is a simple, practical science of life, the principles and practices of which evolved through many centuries. Ayurvedic science is based on eternal wisdom of people who acquired the knowledge from experience and meditation. Ayurvedic system is applicable universally to all those seeking harmony and peace. The Classical Ayurvedic texts discuss all forms of science like biology, toxicology and subjects like philosophy and theology. Ayurveda has its own views about principles and philosophy of life. Ayurvedic system describes man as a universe within himself which is a child of the cosmic forces. His existence is inextricably intertwined to the total cosmic manifestation