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Ayurveda, the science of life and
longevity has a history as long as a human civilization and even
beyond. Ayurveda was perfected by astute minds and adept hands and
is aimed at the physical, mental and spiritual well being of human
beings. Ayurveda is one of the great gifts of the sages of ancient
India to mankind and is accepted as the oldest scientific medical
system, with a long record of clinical experience. Ayurveda is the
original contribution of India (Bharatha) to the world and treats
man as a whole - which is a combination of body, mind and soul.
Its written history takes definite shape with the
codification of hundreds of slokas of Ayur-Vedic wisdom into
'Samhitas'. Its highly integrated approach is evident from the way
Ayurvedic treatment wes divided into eight segments such as Kaya
Chikitsa (General medicine), Bala Chikitsa (Pediatrics), Graha
Chikitsa (Psychiatry), Urdgwanga Chikitsa (ENT, Ophthalmology),
Salya Chikitsa (Surgery), Damshtra Chikitsa (Toxicology), Jara
Chikitsa (Geriatrics) and Vrisha Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac treatment).
It offers simple, effective and practical principles of
preventive medicines (Swasthavritha) with Dinacharya (daily
regimens), ritucharya (seasonal regimens) along with sound dietary
(nutritional) practices / regulation as also with principles of
satvrita (good conduct) (mental approach).
In addition to
the above, Ayurveda offers other modalities for preservation and
promotion of good health and to mention a few |
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PANCHAKARMA :
Purification process . |
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Rasayana Concept and practise
(rejuvenation) to take not only diseases but the address
effects of aging. |
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Rasayana can also assist in
countering the harmful effects of stress, environmental
pollution, long term chemotherapy, immunological defficiencies
etc.. |
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The essence of ayurveda is that
it offers in this modern technological age a whole new way of
life to find harmony and balance not only within one self but
also in relating to environment, nature, society and fellow
beings. |
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Vedas are regarded as the oldest
scripts or records of knowledge known to man. They are stated to
be of divine origin and given to mankind through the Rishis or
seers of wisdom and thereafter transmitted from generation to
generation.
There are 4 Vedas namely: Rig, Yajus, Sama,
Adharva, which have come down to us through several thousands of
years of oral transmission before finally being recorded in
writing.
Ayurveda is considered as the branch of
Adharvaveda. Ayurvedic scholars from subsequent generations
collected the materials scattered in the Vedas and arranged them
symmetrically to form Samhithas (Collections). Some of them are:
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Authors |
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Charaka Samhitha |
Maharishi Charaka |
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Sushrutha Samhitha |
Maharishi Sushrutha |
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Ashtanga Hrudaya |
Maharishi Vagbhata |
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Asthanga Samgraha |
Maharishi Vagbhata |
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Madhavanidana |
Maharishi Madhava |
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Sarngadhara Samhitha |
Maharishi Sarngadhara |
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Kasyapa Samhitha |
Maharishi Kasyapa |
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The
8 Branches of Ayurveda |
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Kayachikitsa (General
Medicine)
Describes ailments of adults not treated by
other branches of Ayurveda. Hence known as general medicine.
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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. |
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Graha Chikitsa (Psychiatry)
The study of mental diseases and their treatments.
Treatment methods include not only medicines and diet but also
yogic methods for improving psychic power. |
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Salakya Chikitsa (Eye
Diseases, 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. |
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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. |
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Agada Tantram (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 |
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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. |
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Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac
treatment)
This branch deals with the means of
increasing sexual vitality and efficiency. |
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Besides
these 8 branches, Ayurveda also brings diseases
affecting
plants and animals into its ambit of consideration. |
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Vrukshayurvedam
It
deals with the diseases of the plant kingdom and their
treatments (known as Agriculture). |
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Mrugayurvedam
This
Science deals with the diseases of animals and their
treatments (known as Veterinary Science). |
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