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Concepts Of Ayurveda
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Ayurveda is a vast medicinal science. It is said to have been originated in India about 5000 years back. Unlike other medicinal systems, Ayurveda focuses more on healthy living than treatment of diseases. The main concept of Ayurveda is that it personalizes the healing process. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of four basics-the dosha, dhatu, mala and agni. There is immense significance of all these basics of the body in Ayurveda. These are also called the Mool Siddhant or the basic fundamentals of Ayurvedic treatment.
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Basic Concepts Of Ayurveda
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Dosha
The three vital principles of doshas are vata, pitta and kapha, which together regulate and control the catabolic and anabolic metabolism. The main function of the three doshas is to carry the byproduct of digested foods throughout the body, which helps in building up the body tissues. Any malfunction in these doshas causes disease.
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Mala
Mala means waste products or dirty. It is third in the trinity of the body i.e. doshas and dhatu. There are three main types of malas, e.g. stool, urine and sweat. Malas are mainly the waste products of the body so their proper excretion from the body is essential to maintain the proper health of the individual. There are mainly two aspect of mala i.e. mala and kitta. Mala is about waste products of the body whereas kitta is all about the waste products of dhatus.
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Agni
All kinds of metabolic and digestive activity of the body takes place with the help of the biological fire of the body called Agni. Agni can be termed as the various enzymes present in the elementary canal, liver and the tissue cells.
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Diseases
Disease is defined as the state of mind wherein a person experiences discomfort, pain and injury. Fundamentally, a disease is caused by the imbalance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. However, the diseases are also categorized into those that can be cured and the one that cannot be cured by Ayurvedic treatment. Moreover, the texts of Ayurveda suggest that diseases are also classified according to the underlying cause - whether it is psychological, physiological or an external factor.
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Ayurveda Basics
Ayurveda is an ancient medicine system of the Indian subcontinent. The word Ayurveda has been a conjugation of two Sanskrit words ayus, meaning 'life' and veda, meaning 'science', thus ayurveda literally means the 'science of life'. Unlike other traditional medicinal systems, Ayurveda is more focused on simple and logical therapies. It is in fact a set of practical and simple guidelines for long life and good health.
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Dhatu
Dhatu are basically the body tissues which are responsible for the functioning of the systems and organs and the structure of the body. Each of the Dhatus is built out of a previous one and they develop on the nourishment that comes from the digestive system.
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Doshas
Doshas play a vital role in the basic foundation of Ayurveda. They are responsible for coordinating and directing all the substances and structures of the body. According to Ayurveda there are three vital principles, which regulate and control the biological functions of the body. They are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
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Mala
Mala are the substances or waste matter to be thrown out of the body. They are actually by products formed as a result of various physiological activities going on in the body. Purish (stool), Mutra (urine) and Sweda (sweat) are considered as main excretory product of the body. These are also known as Dushya as these tend to be influenced to cause pathology or disease by imbalanced doshas.
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Ayurveda :
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Prakruti & Vikruti
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According to Ayurveda, ‘Prakruti’ means the physical constitution of a person and ‘vikruti’ means the state of disease. Prakruti is the science of nature which determines the innate character, physical constitution or disposition of a person. It helps in deciding the ideal lifestyle and therapeutic regimen for an individual. Depending on the predominance of a single dosha, or different permutations and combinations, Prakruti could be of seven types out of which the three main types are vata, pitta and kapha whereas Vikruti has several types and can be determined only through thorough examinations. Read to explore more about ‘Prakruti’ and ‘Vikruti’.
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Meaning of Prakruti
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The term Prakruti is a Sanskrit word that literally means, ‘nature,’ or ‘basic trait’. The combination of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha which is present in the individual at the time of conception is maintained throughout his lifetime. Different persons can have different combination of Vata, Pitta and kapha as their basic constitution or Prakruti. That is why; two people react differently when exposed to a similar situation. Thus, according to Ayurveda everyone is unique and each one of them has a distinct body constitution, which is totally different from each other.
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Ashtang Ayurveda
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Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word comprises of two words, ayus, meaning 'life' and veda, meaning 'science', thus ayurveda in literal sense means the 'science of life'. It is a system of traditional medicine with its origin in the Indian subcontinent. It has been a popular and influential system of medicine in entire South Asia. The earliest literature of this traditional medicine system is said to have appeared during the Vedic period in India. The most influential of these Ayurveda literatures has been the Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita. Ayurveda is said to be a fully developed medicinal art with a number of unique and exclusive medicinal therapies and surgical procedures for the treatment of various ailments and diseases.
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Eight Branches Of Ayurveda
Ayurveda, being a vast science is divided into eight branches, which are collectively called as Ashtang Ayurveda. Like any other modern medicinal therapies, Ayurveda believes in specialized treatment for different body parts. Thus, the medicinal art have been categorized under branches that deal with psychiatry, internal medicine, treatment of eyes, ears, nose, throat and head, toxicology and gerentorology separately. Ayurveda is the first ever medicine system to categorize pediatrics, aphrodisiacs and surgery as the branches of any medicinal science.
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List of Eight Branches
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Kayachikitsa -Internal Medicine
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Shalya chikitsa -Surgery
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Bala chikitsa- Pediatrics
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Graha chikitsa- Bhoot Vidya - Psychiatry
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Urdhvanga chikitsa-Treatment of eyes, ears, nose, throat and head
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Damstra chikitsa- Agad Tantra -Toxicology
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Jara chikitsa- Rasayana- Gerentorology
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Vrishya chikitsa- vajikarana- Aphrodisiacs
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Agada Tantra
Ayurveda is oldest medical science known to mankind and mainly aims at healthy living and long life unlike other medical science which simply focus on the treatment of ailments and diseases. According to Ayurvedic science, there should be proper balance between the inner constituent elements of the body for a healthy existence.
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Kaumara Bhritya
Ayurveda is a very elaborate and vast medicinal science. It deals with several kinds of complex ailments and surgeries. The science of Ayurveda is divided into eight different categories in order to clearly demarcate the treatment of one ailment from another. That is why the science of Ayurveda is often referred as Astang Ayurveda i.e. the life science with eight branches.
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Graha Chikitsa
Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal science. It originated in the Indian subcontinent about 5000 years ago and is considered to be one of the most advance medical therapies existing in the world till now. In contemporary times, it has also gained popularity in the western world and is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
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Rasayana Chikitsa
Rasayana Chikitsa is the branch of Ayurvedic science, which deals with various aspects of preventive health care. This branch of Ashtang Ayurveda aims at achieving a long and healthy life. It includes longevity, improved memory, health, youthfulness, glow, complexion, generosity, strength of body and senses.
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Kayachikitsa
Ayurveda is the holistic approach, which is mainly concerned with the treatment of the body. In the process, the person undergoes a change in the lifestyle, which includes change in food, clothing and sometimes even residence. Ayam and vyayam, yogasadhana and gati are some of the vital components that are included in an ayurvedic treatment.
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Shalakya Tantra
One out of the eight branches of Ayurveda, Shalakya Tantra deals with the etiology, diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment of diseases that are located above the neck region such as the head, ear, nose, eye and throat. It is responsible for all types of problems in and around the head.
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Shalya Chikitsa
In the ancient India, surgery was principally pioneered by Ayurveda. Shalya Chikitsa is a significant branch of Ayurvedic science. The name of the sage-physician, Susruta, is synonymous with surgery. From his treatise Susruta Samhita, we have become aware of the thousand of years ago sophisticated methods of surgery that were practiced in India.
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Vrishya Chikitsa
Vrishya Chtikitsa is a branch of Ayurveda that explains the art of producing healthy progeny for the creation of a better society. It deals with various diseases like infertility and conditions relating to weak shukra dhatu or the vital reproductive fluids of the body. Vrishya Chtikitsa is also known as Vajikarana, which means the medicine or therapy by which a man becomes capable of copulating with a womanAshtang Ayurveda
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Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word comprises of two words, ayus, meaning 'life' and veda, meaning 'science', thus ayurveda in literal sense means the 'science of life'. It is a system of traditional medicine with its origin in the Indian subcontinent. It has been a popular and influential system of medicine in entire South Asia. The earliest literature of this traditional medicine system is said to have appeared during the Vedic period in India. The most influential of these Ayurveda literatures has been the Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita. Ayurveda is said to be a fully developed medicinal art with a number of unique and exclusive medicinal therapies and surgical procedures for the treatment of various ailments and diseases.
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Nidan
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Diagnosis is a very vital aspect of Ayurvedic treatment. Diagnosis is to find out the root cause of a disease (Nidan). Unless the proper diagnosis is not done it is difficult to provide medicine and cure the disease. It is not always necessary that the root cause is internal. Many times the causes may be external. To give permanent relief the root cause of the disease has to be eliminated. Ayurveda thus believes not only in the treatment of the physical aspect of the disease but completely eliminating the disease. All causative factors of disease, whether internal or external, directly or indirectly create an imbalance (increase or decrease) in these doshas first and only then do the symptoms of the disease manifest.
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The causative factors of diseases can be the food, life style or other activities. Factors affecting your health could be your diet, life style or daily activities. In Ayurveda, the diagnosis and treatment of disease is always individual to each patient. As Ayurveda treats according to the constitution of an individual, it is known as a highly accurate and personalized method of analyzing diseases. All diseases are caused by aggravation of the three doshas i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. The Nidan or the solution of the disease is done in accordance with the doshas.
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Diagnosis of Doshas
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Vatta
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There are various factors responsible for increasing vata:-
Excessive intake of food like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts, beans, dry fruits, mushrooms and raw foods.
Travelling too much by any means of transportation.
Untimely sleeping hours or late nights
Too much eating of junk food, frozen food and micro waved cooked
Exposure to sound pollution
Too much exposure to television and computers or any electric gadgets
Indulging more in sexual activities
Excessive physical labor like sports
Taking too much medicinal, recreational and stimulating drugs.
Symptoms
Symptoms caused by excess of vata in the body are:
Joint Pains
Constipation
Dry Skin
Loss of Memory
Palpitation insomnia
Stiffness of muscles
Weight Loss
Migraine
Vertigo
Tremors
Pitta
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There are various factors responsible for increasing vata:-
Drinking too much tea, coffee, alcohol and excessive smoking increase pitta in the body.
Eating of hot and spicy food
Too intake of chillies, tomatoes, egg plant, spinach, and onions.
Exposure to sun and heat also increases pitta.
Symptoms:
Some of the symptoms caused by excess of pitta in the body are:
Hyperacidity
Skin diseases
Burning sensation
Fever
Infections
Ulcers And Liver disorders
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Kapha
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There are various factors responsible for increasing Kapha:-
Eating too much sugars, fats, oily and fried foods, ice creams, meats, dairy products and nuts
Sleeping during day time and less of physical activities.
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Symptoms:
Some of the symptoms caused by excess of kapha in the body are
Asthma
Cough and cold
Congestion in the chest
Anorexia
Obesity
Ayurveda Pareeksha
Ayurveda is a very logical science based on basic scientific principles. The science of Ayurveda doesn’t only depend upon the symptoms as told by the patient rather it believes in a thorough examination to find out the root cause of the ailment in the patients body.
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Pratyaksha
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Ayurveda is a very logical medical science based on the basic principles of body mechanism and organ functioning. More than healing a particular disease through external means, it focuses more on eliminating the root cause of the disturbances so that the body can regain its normal strength and endurance to function properly.
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Darshana
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Darshana in Ayurveda means complete inspection of the body. It is a way of assessing the nature of the disease through different tests and examination. It is derived from the first triad described in Trividh Pariksha for the assessment of diseases. It is actually the first method of clinical assessment.
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Anumana
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Ayurveda is a very vast medical science. It has several prescribed to various complex ailments that do not find solution in any other modern medical sciences. According to Ayurveda the fundamental cause of diseases is imbalance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and kapha.
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Sparshana
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In Ayurveda, the diagnosis and treatment of disease is always based on the constitution of an individual or on an individual basis. As such, it is known as a highly accurate and personalized method of analyzing every kind of diseases. There are different stages of diagnosis of disease, in ayurveda.
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Panchakarma Treatment
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Ayurveda emphasizes preventative and healing therapies, along with myriad methods of purification and rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul. Apart from being a healing system, it is a science that tells us the art of appropriate living. It tells us how to achieve longevity and live a life that is free of diseases. Panchakarma is Ayurveda's one of the ancient and important purification and detoxification treatments. In Sanskrit, the word 'Panchakarma literally means "five therapies", which suggests that it is a comprehensive system of knowledge and practices to purify the body of toxins and restore it to balance with the law of Mother Nature.
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The five therapeutic means of eliminating toxins from the body, which constitute the Panchakarma, are Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti and Raktamoskshana. The therapies deal with stress related problems and the toxins that may trigger an ailment, at the same time, they concentrate on creating a balance between the doshas (energies that govern all biological functions). Although Panchakarma is a highly effective therapy, it can remain ineffective, if the person doesn't follow a special detoxification diet, along with the treatments. In this section, we have provided comprehensive information on Panchakarma therapy and its significance in Ayurveda.
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Purification Therapy Basti Karma
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One of the main procedures of Panchakarma Chikitsa, Basti karma concentrates on the elimination of the loosened vata dosha out through the rectum. The treatment involves the introduction of medicinal substances, such as, herbal oils and decoctions in a liquid medium, into the rectum of the person. This is because vata is predominantly located in the colon and bones.
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Nasya Karma
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One of the Panchakarmas mentioned in Ayurveda, Nasya therapy is a process wherein the drug (herbalized oils and liquid medicines) is administered through the nostrils. Since nose is the gateway of the head, the therapy is highly effective in curing a number of diseases pertaining to the head, if it is performed systematically.
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Raktamoksha Therapy (Blood Letting)
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Raktamoksha therapy is one of the Panchakarmas of Ayurveda. Literally meaning Blood Letting, Raktamoksha is performed to eliminate the toxins from the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract. It is a safe, painless and highly effective form of Panchakarma. Raktamoksha entails the refinement of blood, hence administered to treat disorders pertaining to skin, such as urticaria, rash, eczema, acne, scabies, leucoderma, chronic itching and hives.
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Vamana Therapy
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The kapha toxins accumulated in the body and the respiratory tract are effectively removed by Vamana, one of the five therapies of Panchakarma in Ayurveda. Vamana is therapeutic vomiting, which is a medicated emesis therapy. People with high imbalance of kapha are given this type of treatment, which loosens and mobilizes the toxins, in an effort to eliminate them from the body.
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Virechana Therapy
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Ayurveda, the science of life, emphasizes on the adoption of a number of preventative and healing therapies, which can purify and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. The medicinal form of science is not just a healing system, but also an art of appropriate, healthy and disease-free living. It aims at increasing the longevity of people of all ages.
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Ayurveda Diet
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A balanced diet is one of the key Ayurvedic tools, for promoting good health. The practitioners of the 'Science of Life' (Ayurveda) suggest that the diets for people are individualized, based on many factors, such as their age, gender, the doshic tendencies, the strength of body tissues and digestive fires and the level of ama (toxins) in their body. This is the reason why Ayurveda is considered the complete system of healthcare, since ages. The effect of right and wrong type of diet is clearly mentioned by the Ayurvedic practitioners. This helps people to have an idea about what to eat and the right way of eating food.
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Apart from a wholesome diet, studies conducted by Ayurveda practitioners also suggest that one should follow some basic rules, when it comes to consumption of food. According to Ayurveda, food should be consumed only after the digestion of the previous meal, because it promotes proper digestion, appetite and the right manifestation of the natural urges. Ayurveda is the complete health guide, which insists that all the six tastes should be included in each main meal that you eat. That is the reason why Ayurveda is referred to as a holistic alternative science.
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Chyavanaprasha
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A pivotal part of Ayurveda, the rasayanas (vitalizers) help a great deal in replenishing the vital body fluids that are necessary for smooth functioning. Intelligence, memory power, youth and luster are also enhanced by rasayanas. Some of the common rasayanas prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners include Chyavanaprasha, Pippali rasayana, Triphala rasayana and Shilajita rasayana.
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Ayurvedic Rasayanas
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The rejuvenator group of herbal medicines in Ayurveda is termed as 'Rasayanas'. The micronutrients, which are one of the key ingredients of Rasayanas, are beneficial to the body, because they improve health, immunity, vigor, vitality and longevity of life. They are great stress busters, which is the reason why Rasayanas like Chyavanaprasha and Pippali Rasayana are recommended for people of different age groups, from children to adults.
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Pippali Rasayana
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The traditional Ayurvedic Rasayanas are formulated to serve as vitalizers or rejuvenators. They are prepared by combining different herbs, spices, clarified butter and honey. The Rasayanas are usually prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners, depending upon the age and health requirements of the person consuming it. Among the Ayurvedic Rasayanas (vitalizers), Pippali Rasayana is the one of the most popular medicines.
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Rasayana Therapy
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The treatment done for the rejuvenation of body and soul is termed as Rasayana therapy (rejuvenation therapy) in the Ayurvedic text books. The therapy is aimed to promote good health and helps a great deal in increasing the longevity of life. It can cure many diseases that are otherwise hard to find treatment for. Rejuvenation therapy enhances the energy and the person's mental and physical capabilities.
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Triphala Rasayana
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Triphala, the well-known traditional Ayurvedic formulation, makes an excellent skin tonic. It is one of the most popular Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, prescribed by a number of Ayurvedic practitioners. Triphala literally means 'three fruits'. The three fruits contained in Triphala are Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry), Haritaki (Indian Gallnut or Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Beleric Myrobalan or Terminalia bellerica).
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Dincharya
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In Sanskrit, the word 'dincharya' means daily routine. According to Ayurveda, one should follow the dincharya in order to lead a healthy and disease-free life. Everyday, two cycles of change pass through the human body, each bringing a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha predominance. Based on the cycles of vata, pitta and kapha, our daily routine should be divided into morning, noon, evening/twilight, dinner and bedtime. In the Ayurvedic texts, it is written that a person should wake up two hours prior to the sunrise, if he/she is not suffering from any diseases such as fever or diarrhea. Very young, very old and sick people are some of the exceptions.
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According to dincharya, the day should be kick-started by eliminating the colon and the bladder, followed by a through cleaning of the senses - ears, eyes, mouth etc. This should be followed by an oil self massage. Exercise(Yogasanas)
in the morning, just after the massage, helps rejuvenate the body and soul. After bathing, one should head towards the dining table for breakfast. The day follows by activities like studying, working or traveling. During the lunch, one should consume nutritious meal. After working for the day, twilight is the time to offer evening prayers. Dinner should consist of a light meal. Before going to bed, one should sit back and relax. By following the dincharya of Ayurveda, one can ensure a healthy life.
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Though it is difficult to follow a stringent dinacharya in this fast moving life, it is highly recommended by Ayurvedic physicians, because a number of health benefits are associated with it. The dinacharya makes one to lead a healthy and disciplined life. According to the latest studies in the field of medical science, people who stick to the daily routine are more fit than those, who do not have a particular time to perform their everyday activities. It is said that dinacharya reduces the stress level to a great extent. In addition to this, the person's body is purified and detoxified. Therefore, barring a few exceptions like sickness, very old and young age, Ayurvedic dinacharya is recommended for everyone.
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Ancient Daily Regime
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The Ayurvedic classics give us detailed descriptions of how to maintain healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Charaka has given a comprehensive and detailed account of the mode of living and rules of good conduct to be followed if we want a good, healthy and happy life. The average span of life for human beings should be one hundred years, but this may decrease if the prescribed good conduct is not adhered to.
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Modern Dincharya
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The Ayurvedic classics give us detailed descriptions of how to maintain a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. According to the science of life, the average span of life for human beings is one hundred years, which may decrease if the prescribed good conduct is not adhered to. The ancient medicinal form suggests that in order to achieve the fourfold objectives of life - dharma (virtuous duty), artha (wealth), kama (enjoyment) and moksha (salvation), we must have good health.
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Ayurvedic Herbology
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The science of Ayurveda is a unique holistic system, based on the interaction of body, mind and spirit. The treatment of Ayurveda is based on Indian herbs, which have a healing energy. Herbs have a unique flavor and intoxicating aroma, which contribute to their medicinal quality. The science of life - Ayurveda - has focused on the use of herbs as to lead a healthy life, free of diseases. Specific emphasis is given on the preparation and storage of herbs, followed since the ancient period, when Indian sages used herbs for curing a number of diseases.
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The herbs used in Ayurvedic are different from each other, in terms of a number of factors. A number of herbs vary according to their taste, while others are categorized according to their medicinal value. There are mainly three different categories of herbs: mild, strong and toxic. Herbalists mainly use mild herbs, because they have nutritive, energetic and therapeutic values without causing reactions or toxic effects. Use of herbs is regarded as the friendly way of treatment, because very less or no side effects are associated with them.
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Today, Ayurveda and its herbal treatment flourishes side by side with Homeopathic, Unani Tibb and Western conventional medicine and is actively encouraged as an inexpensive alternative to drugs. Ayurvedic herbal treatment is one of the most natural ways of curing a disease, as it has no side effects and after-treatment complications. That's why it is regarded as the most safest and inexpensive healing. In this section, we have given detailed description of the medicinal and herbal properties of Ayurvedic herbs.
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Effects of Ayurvedic Herbs
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A number of herbs are used as medicines in Ayurveda - the science of life. Since ages, herbs have been known to help relieve aches and inflammation. The Ayurvedic rishis in the ancient times used herbs and mixed them with other herbs to create medicines that could treat many deadly diseases. Some of them proved to be elixirs. The herbs used in Ayurveda have diverse chemical formation.
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Types of Ayurvedic Herbs
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Ayurveda is the ancient science of life, which aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, free of diseases. The Ayurvedic rishis in the ancient times have discovered the medicinal use of many herbs, which are effective in curing a number of diseases that are otherwise difficult to get rid of. The herbs have been in use since the ancient times, when people were not familiar with allopath and other forms of treatment and resorted to the herbs and Ayurvedic medicines that were available.
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Significance of Ayurvedic Herbs
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Ayurveda is the traditional medicinal form, prevalent in India since 2000 B.C. The Ayurvedic treatment is entirely based on herbs, which have certain medicinal value or property. In the ancient times, the Indian sages believed that Ayurvedic herbs are one-stop solutions to cure a number of health related problems and diseases.
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Properties of Ayurvedic Herbs
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Ayurbveda is a vast and ancient medicine science. The basic principle of Ayurvedic treatment is to cure the causative element of the disease from its root instead of suppressing its symptoms. The Ayurvedic treatment is largely based on the natural elements and herbs. All the Ayurvedic medicines are prepared by using these herbs in prescribed quantities. The properties of herbs and effects of the doshas are taken into account in designing the Ayurvedic herb formulas.
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Kaumarbhrutya
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Ayurveda is a very vast science and it is divided into eight different branches namely Kaaya chikitsaa, Graha Chikitsa, S`aalakya tantra, Agada tantra, Rasayan Tantra, Vajeekarana chikitsaa, S`alya tantra and Baala chikitsaa or Kaumarbhrutya. Kaumarbhrutya is one of the eight specialized branches of Ashtang Ayurveda that mainly focuses on the pediatrics issues. It covers all aspects of child growth from the neonatal phase to adolescence including treatment for problems at every stage. This branch mainly deals on prenatal, natal and postnatal care in addition to gynecology and obstetrics. This specialized branch recognized direct links between the physical and mental health of an expecting mother and that of her progeny. Apart from gynecology and pediatrics, this branch also meticulously deals with the problem of infertility.
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In Kaumarbhrutya, there are detailed descriptions of mother and child care. This branch of Ayurveda also consists of recommendations of particular diet, regimen, nutrition and conduct for women during and after delivery. According to Kaumarbhrutya, it is important for the mother to attain perfect health so that she can feed her child. So, advanced is this science that thousands of years back Charaka, the great physician, through the branch of Kaumarbhrutya described the growth and progress of fetus in minute detail. He even mentioned about a technique called punsanvan vidhi for having a child of one's desired gender, intelligence and constitution. This branch of Ayurveda is beneficial for every mother and her child.
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Child Care
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'Kaumarbhratya', one of the eight branches of Ayurveda, is especially dedicated to the good health of children. Since ages, Ayurvedic preparations have been used in order to build a healthy body and sharp intellect, right from infancy to adulthood. With special emphasis on baby care, Ayurveda emphasizes on the use of certain tonics and medications that can develop immunity power, intelligence in the children and shield them from various kinds of diseases.
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Importance Of Breast Milk
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Breast milk is the first nutrient to an infant. It is the newborn's privilege and the mother's pleasure to breast feed her baby. Termed as lactation, the secretion of milk from breasts is beneficial for both the mother and the child in a number of ways. Breastfeeding is prerequisite for the growth of the newborn. It should never be avoided, because it is considered the most divine way to show love to a newborn.
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Child Diet
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Ayurveda is a kind of medicinal science that focuses more on healthy living than treatment of diseases. According to Ayurveda, a healthy body has lots of immunity to over come the problems caused by some foreign element and that is why instead of focusing on the treatment or cure of a disease one should focus on developing the immunity in the body as well as healthy regulation of body organs.
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Dhatri
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Mother’s milk is considered to be mandatory for a newly born. It is said that the mother’s first milk is helpful in giving immense immunity to a child. Even as he/she grows, for initial few months a child requires nothing except breast milk. It is an ideal diet for a newly born and contains enough nutritive substance to take care of his nutritional requirement as well as sufficient enough to fulfill his gastrointestinal requirements.
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Baby Teething
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A newly born child is sans several features that develop later on in his process of development throughout his life. The coming of teeth or teething is one such feature that normally starts at around 5-6 months in a child. However, this may vary from kid to kid, as in some kids the process of teething starts very early where as some take a little more time. The rate and order of emerging teeth also varies from baby to baby.
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Prasuti Tantra
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Ayurveda, the science of life, is a traditional system of medicine. Ashtang Ayurveda deals with eight branches of Ayurvedic treatment. Prasutitantra, that is the obstetrics and gynecology section, forms one of the main branches of Ayurveda. It is believed that the Ayurvedic methods or practices, if followed during pregnancy, will lead to a complication-free delivery. Ayurveda also states the ideal guidelines to be followed during pregnancy and the most appropriate time of conceiving a baby. It has suggested a very good protocol for that, which is called garbhini paricharya. Garbhini paricharya has given a detailed description of ahar (nutrition), vihar (life style) and vichar (thought process) to be followed by a women during pregnancy.
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According to Ayurveda, the nutrition, lifestyle and thought process of the pregnant woman directly affect the development of the fetus. Apart from the specific emphasis on the three factors, the medications to be followed during the time of pregnancy are also given in some Ayurvedic texts. Peadiatrics is another important branch in Ayurveda, which focuses on the care that needs to be taken after the birth of the baby. Information on what to feed and the right way of feeding the baby is also provided in Ayurveda. In our related section, apart from pregnancy, fetal development and parenthood, the symptoms and remedies of menopause are also discussed.
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Baby Teething
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Pregnancy brings an enormous change to a woman's life. It brings in happiness to the mother-to-be and leaves her with personifications about what her child would be like, from the day one after she breaks the 'good news'. The development of the fetus brings in changes in her physical and mental health, in a number of ways.
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Menopause
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Right from her period of adolescence, a woman undergoes a number of changes, both physically and mentally. One of the natural transitions experienced by every woman, who has attained the menstrual cycle, is menopause. Menopause is defined as the culmination of woman's monthly menstrual periods and ovulation.
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Post Partum Disorders
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According to many doctors, the post partum disorder is not a very serious problem and can be ignored. However, the present statistics reveals the fact that the number of postpartum depressed women are increasing in number in both developing and developed countries in the world. Lots of health problems, such endocrine disorders, excessive weight loss or gain, chronic reproductive problems and even arthritis, start to take seed in this postpartum time.
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Garbhini Vyakaran
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Ayurveda describes the general management of pregnancy under Garbhini Vyakaran. Apart from listing the basic rules for diet, activities, behavior and mental activity (ahar, vihar, achar and vichar respectively), it also discusses the diseases in pregnancy and their treatment and so on. Special care needs to be taken during the time of pregnancy.
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Ayurvedic Approach to Healthy Life
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Ayurveda is not only a medical science but also a way of healthy living. Apart from prescribing treatment to various chronic and complex diseases, Ayurveda also emphasizes on an ideal method of healthy living. A special section of Ayurveda, swasthavritta deals with the science of health and the code for a healthy conduct. ’Swasthavritta’ which literally means 'the regime of abiding in one's own nature' is an individual’s guide to the path of healthy and long life. In Ayurveda, one’s body is regarded as a temple and thus, several ways are prescribed for keeping it healthy and young life long.
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Healthy Living & Ayurveda
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According to Ayurveda, there is no magical remedy or short cut for healthy living. Instead, strict and staunch regulation of the charyas, the principles of healthy lifestyle which include a proper routine regarding ahar, vihar and achars based on hetu (Material cause), kala (Season) and desha (Habitat) are the only ways for healthy living. Ayurveda defines the healthy state as: 'A person, whose somatic and psychic humors are in equilibrium, digestion is uniformly healthy, with normal functioning of the fundamental tissues of the body and body wastes, accompanied by the processes of the soul, cognitive organs and the mind, is said to be a healthy person.'
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The principles of maintaining a proper well being of the body and mind are two-fold, first the consumption of diet and second, the observance of personal, moral, seasonal and spiritual conduct. Swasthavritta mainly emphasizes on following a proper routine regime as well as seasonal regime. Other than these two, Swasthavritta also prescribes Sadvritta, the right ways of living i.e. following good mental, social, religious, personal and moral conduct. Thus, we can sum up Swasthavritta as an ideal lifestyle for a human being. It is actually the crux of Ayurvedic living.
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Public Svasthavrtta
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In olden days, the Rishis initiated the science of ayurveda for the general awareness of the public. Public Svasthavrtta is a very important subject in ayurveda. Attempts were made on a large scale to apply the knowledge of ayurveda and collect medicinal substances to be used in days of scarcity.
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Ritucharya
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Ayurveda is comprised of two words. Ayur means Life, and Veda means Knowledge. Thus, Ayurveda deals with how to live a healthy, balanced life. Ayurveda focuses on living in tune with nature. It recognizes the intimate relationship between the individual and the environment.
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Ayurvedic Diet
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Ayurveda is a very vast and ancient medical science. Unlike other medical sciences, instead of focusing on treatment of any particular disease, Ayurveda focuses more on the healthy living and well being. For healthy living, Ayurveda emphasizes on consuming right kind of diet which is healthy and nutritious.
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Science Of Ayurveda
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Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science, the origin of which can be traced back to the Vedas. It is a holistic science which comprises of both practical and scientific information on various subjects beneficial to mankind like health, philosophy, astrology and engineering.
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Tripods
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In Ayurveda, food (Ahar), sleep (nidra) and brahmacharya (controlled sex) are regarded as the three pillars or tripods of healthy living. It is important for our body to be adjusted to timely intake of good quality and proper food, regular sleeping habits and controlled indulgence in sex because as all this ensures long and healthy life
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Principles of Ayurveda
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Ayurveda represents the ancient Indian art of healing. In it, the human body is not considered just as a mass of organs, systems and tissues; but the complex mechanism' of myriad functions taking place, both at physical and mental level, are evaluated and described. In existence for thousands of years now, the basic principle of Ayurveda has managed to remain the same. The human body is more complex than any other form of life as on date. Purusha - the human body is the aggregate of 25 elements, together with Atma - the spirit or soul. In order to explain the functional complexity of human body, Ayurveda has propounded a few basic doctrines. These doctrines visualize the functional units of the body to be formed by three Dosha (humours), seven Dhatu (tissues) and Mala (metabolic end products) which are in equilibrium.
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All ayurvedic studies conducted on herbal and holistic medicine, in ancient India, were followed from the fountainhead of the two principle Ayurvedic schools. The School of Physicians (Atreya) and the School of Surgeons (Dhanvantari) epitomized the eight main areas of Ayurvedic studies and specialization, during ancient times. The details of these eight branches of this natural alternative medicine are present in the three ancient Ayurvedic texts - Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Astanga Hridaya. One of the most important principles of Ayurveda treatment is that the treatment given is not only to the ailments or the affected parts, but to the person as a whole. This creates an environment for purifying your body naturally, which eliminates all toxic imbalances from your body, enabling you to regain natural resistance from diseases and attain good health. In this section, we deal with the different principles of Ayurveda.
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Bhaijasya Kalpana
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Bhaisajya Kalpana is one of the most important branches in ayurveda, which deals with awareness of drugs, including identification, procurement, processing, preparation and application. The term Bhaisajya Kalpana consist of two words -Bhaishajya stands for 'medicine' and Kalpana means 'forms'.
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Ayurvedic Prakruti
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Ayurveda, states that the basic constitution of a human being is determined at the time of conception. This constitution is called Prakruti. The term Prakruti is derived from Sanskrit word that means, 'nature', 'creativity' or the first creation'. Prakruti is the physical and psychological constitution of the individual, which is determined on the basis of three doshas.
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Rasa Shastra
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Historically, Rasa Shastra or 'Vedic Chemistry' is an offshoot of Ayurveda that was developed around the period, when Buddha existed, i.e. more than 2500 years ago. Derived from Sanskrit, RASA has several meaning attached to it - "Rasyate aaswadyate iti rasa" which stands for taste, "Rasati shariire aasu prsarati it Rasa" meaning juice, "Rasati aharahargachhati iti Rasa" that stands for the first material formed after digestion or liquids, under the transportation system of the body like plasma, chyle or lymph.
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Shalakya Tantra
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A special branch of the Ashtang Ayurvedic tree, Shalakya tantra encompasses the treatment for the diseases affecting the body parts located that are above the neck. This reveals that the branch of the science of life deals with the causes, diagnosis and curative procedures of the diseases pertaining to the head, ear, nose, eye, lips and throat. A number of methods are formulated for the treatment of the organs of the body, according to the shalakya tantra.
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Elements Of Ayurveda
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Ayurveda is the most ancient and traditional science, whose basic principles deal with the natural way of living a healthy life. It basically revolves the five basic elements (pancha bhutam) of existence - earth, water, fire, air and ether. It is believed that the pancha bhutams should be balanced, which when disrupted, a number of natural calamities such as flood, cyclone and earthquakes occur. Ayurveda believes that every living creature in the universe is made up of the five elements, which serve as the building blocks of life. Life doesn't exist without these five elements. This reveals that the ancient medicinal form of Ayurveda is closely related to Mother Nature. The pancha bhutams are also called the five basic elements in Ayurveda.
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Basic Concepts Of Ayurveda
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Earth
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Earth represents the solid state of matter in the planet. It symbolizes stability, permanence and rigidity. The human body consists of bones, teeth, cells and tissues, as the manifestations of the earth. Earth is regarded as a stable substance. Talking about human being, stability is the prerequisite for leading a healthy life, which is focused by Ayurveda.
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Water
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The liquid state is represented by water, another element of Ayurveda. Water is the prerequisite for the survival of living creatures, including humankind. About 70% of human body is made up of water, the very important liquid that is required for smooth functioning. In addition to water, fluids including our blood and lymph move between our cells and through our vessels, thereby providing us the energy required. The body temperature is also regulated. Water is a form without stability.
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Fire
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In order to convert solids into liquids, to gas and back again to the original state, a certain amount of power is required, which is provided by fire. Fire has the power to change the state of any substance. In human body, fire is present in the form of energy that binds atoms together, converts food to fat and muscle. In addition, fire creates impulses of nervous reactions and even our thought process.
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Air
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One of the forms of the pancha bhutam - air - is mobile and dynamic. Within the human body, air is present in the form of oxygen, which is the basis for all energy transfer reactions. Existent without form, air is the prerequisite for fire to burn. Talking about the human body, air is indirectly required to produce energy, which is the basic requisite for one's survival. Air is also the basic element of Ayurveda.
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Ether
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Ether is described as the space, in which, everything happens. All matter exists in space. Ether is the distance that separates matter. Space is everywhere and touches everything. It is the receptivity and non-resistance to what is true. Talking about the human body, space is the considered as the vessel that receives all impressions. In the heart, it is believed that space accepts love.
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