A Brief History of Ayurveda

For thousands of years in antiquity, remains a science that is today gaining wide acceptance and popularity. It is a system of medicine with natural remedies that can treat most of the so called incurable diseases. 

The science, the mystery, that is “Ayurveda” was preached and practiced in ancient times by the omniscient sages, as revealed to them in their spiritual pursuit. It evolved into a complete health-care system over many millenia. Although modern medicine has put this science in the shade, albeit temporarily. the failure of modern medicine to counter ailments without side effects has again brought this science into the limelight.

The name Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words, Ayur meaning life and longevity, and Veda meaning knowledge or science. In other words Ayurveda means "the Science of Life" that teaches us to live life in a true and natural balance. It is the traditional natural healing system of India, being practiced here for over 6000 years.

The overall treatment outlook of Ayurveda is broadly classified into two.

1. Preventive Therapy (Swasthasya swasthya samrakshanam)
Ayurveda believes that "Prevention is better than cure". A person who maintains his health will not be afflicted by diseases. A number of measures have been explained for this purpose.

1. Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenative Therapy)
2. Ajikarana Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac)
3. Dinacharya (Daily routines to be practiced)
4. Rithucharya (Seasonal regimes to be practiced)

2. Curative Therapy (Athurasya vikara prasamanam)
Mainly two methods have been explained for curing the diseases.

a. Samana Chikitsa (Pacificatory therapy)
By using medicines and other measures, the imbalanced and vitiated humors such as "Vatha", "Pitha" and "Kapha" (Doshas) are brought to a balanced state, thus curing the disease.

b. Sodhana Chikitsa-Panchakarma Therapy (Purificatory therapy)
The increased and vitiated doshas are expelled from the body by means of various Panchakarma therapies. These therapies are very significant as with these treatments not only the disease is cured but also prevent relapse.

There are no complete treatment in other systems of medicines like allopathy for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, frozen shoulder, slip disc, sciatica, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, paralysis, obesity, depression, stress related and other psycho-somatic problems, insomnia, migraine, sinusitis, asthma, piles, a number of skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc. A number of procedures are available in Ayurveda namely Uzhichil, Pizhichil, Kizhi, Njavarakizhi, Udhwarthanam, Sirodhara, Sirovasthi, Tharpanam, Vamanam, Virechanam, Vasthi, Nasyam, etc. for treating these problems.

Panchakarma :The treatments consist of five different natural ways, or “Panchakarma” viz.

1. Nasya
2. Vaman
3. Virechana
4. Vasthi and
5. Raktha Moksha

which eliminate all the toxic elements from the body and mind. This medical system emphasizes the holistic approach where the whole person body, mind and soul should be considered and not just the affected part.

Ayurveda is based on "Panchabhutha" and "Tridosha" theories. This unique living system considers that a human being is a balanced composition of body, mind and soul. Life styles which are based on the true principles of Ayurveda will resist diseases, arrest premature ageing and retain youthfulness for a long time.

The Uniqueness in Ayurveda Treatment
Ayurvedic treatment is unique in its approach to health and disease. Instead of suppressing the main symptoms, the root cause is eliminated and thus gives permanent relief. The treatment is mainly carried out using powders, tablets, decoctions, medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals, massages and enemas etc.

The 8 branches of Ayurveda : -

Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
Describes ailments of adults not treated by other branches of Ayurveda. Hence known as general medicine.

Balachikitsa (Paediatrics)
This branch deals with the prenatal and postnatal baby care as well as the care of a woman before and during pregnancy. It also elaborates various diseases of children and their treatments.

Graha Chikitsa (Psychiatry)
The study of mental diseases and their treatments. Treatment methods include medicines, diet regulation and yogic methods for treatment of mental diseases and improving psychic power.

Salakya Chikitsa (ENT and Cephalic Diseases)
This branch deals with the diseases of ear, nose, throat and head and their treatments including special techniques for curing these diseases.

Salya Chikitsa (Surgery)
Maharishi 'Sushrutha' is the first surgeon who is also the author of Salya Chikitsa, the foremost speciality of Ayurveda. He describes various surgical operations using different surgical instruments and devices.

Visha Chikitsa (Toxicology)
This branch deals with the toxins from vegetables, minerals and also toxins from animal origins. The concept of pollution of air and water in certain places and seasons has been given special consideration. Such pollution is also said to be the cause of various epidemics.

Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy)
This branch which is unique to Ayurveda, deals with prevention of diseases and promotion of a long and healthy life. It also advises how to increase our health, intellect and beauty.

Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac treatment)
This branch deals with the means of increasing sexual vitality and efficiency. Besides these 8 branches, Ayurveda also brings diseases affecting plants and animals into its ambit of consideration.

Vrukshayurvedam
It deals with the diseases of the plant kingdom and their treatments (known as Agriculture).

Mrugayurvedam
This Science deals with the diseases of animals and their treatments (known as Veterinary Science).

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