Ayurveda in detail

What is Ayurveda ?

• Thousands years ago Indian Yogis Invented its on treatment for common diseases. It was the god of medicines ( Dhanvantari) who gaves this terminology as Ayurveda. The oldest book on this subject is “Charak Sanhinta” apart this with the change of the time many of the treatments were invented by Indian saints towards Ayurveda.

• Ayurveda is the science which treats of what is advantageous and what is harmful for the body and also the happy and unhappy states of life. It explains what is good and what is bad for the human life, its measurement and other related matters.

• The word Ayurveda is composed of two terms, Ayush meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge of science. Thus, etymologically, Ayurveda means the science of life or biology-has it’s root in antiquity and has been practiced in our country for centuries, but the western culture and education and English - regime pushed this ancient science in the shades. It was only after freedom that physician started thinking of reviving this ancient science.
  

• It is in the connection that one thinks of Ayurveda, which is more than a system of medicine. Even though, etymologically, it may be loosely translated as the science of life, but Ayurveda provides rational help for the treatment of many internal diseases which are considered to be obstinate and incurable in other system of medicine. Simultaneously it lays a great deal of emphasis upon the maintenance of positive health of an individual. Thus it aims at both the prevention and cure of diseases.

• Ayurveda is also studies basic human nature, and natural urges like hunger, thirst, sleep, sex, etc., and provides measure for a disciplined, disease-free life for human beings.

• Ayurveda is a science of healing, it concentrates on the techniques of a healthy normal life, and it believes that every human is comparable to the cosmos. He is a minuscule image of the great cosmos. According to it’s panch bhuta (five elements) theory, all animate and inanimate things in the universe are made of panch bhutas,(the five forms of matter_ earth, fire, water, air and ether). These matters become organized in the form of living creatures who constantly absorb the five elements in the environment.

• The body transforms the nutrition in the environment into Prasad and kitta or mala ; out of this transformation are born in the seven physiological elements__ blood, bone, flesh, fat, marrow, and semen. The body, like nature with its ceaseless transformation of matter is in a state of constant flex. “ Every thing in it is in a state of ceaseless change. According to this theory death is the reversion of matter constituting the organism to its original state.”

• Ayurveda has 8 distinct branches__

1. General Medicine
2. Major Surgery
3. Ear, Nose, Throat, Eye, and Mouth
4. Psychiatry
5. Midwifery, Pediatrics
6. Toxicology
7. Rejuvination
8. Aphrodiasics.

Because of these eight-fold development Ayurveda is also known as ‘Ashtanga Ayurveda’. The practitioner of Ayurveda is known as ‘Vaidya’.

• According to Ayurveda three things are responsible for the health of any human being. i.e.Vata (wind), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm).

• Vata is a combination of the two elements of the universe, namely, air and ether. Pitta is an amalgam of fire and earth. Kapha is the combination of ether and water. Of these three Vata or wind occupies a prominent position. Food which we take is moved into the stomach and blood circulated through all parts of the body by the power of the prana vayu, air of life.

• The apan vayu (unwanted air) is in the region of the anus and acts downwords to expel the faeces, urine, semen, and fetuses. The saman vayu (air of equal) located in the region of the navel helps in digestion of food and transforms all into blood, semen and urine.

• During different seasons of the year, these doshas undergo certain changes. For example, vayu gets aggravated during at the end of the summer, i.e, June-August. Pitta gets aggravated between October-December, i.e, during autumn, and kapha gets aggravated between during spring i.e, February-April.

• Health according to Ayurveda, is a state of balance of the three doshas and also a condition in which the three aspects of a human body_ body, mind and the soul are in a natural state.

• The main aim of Ayurveda is to restore the balance in times of sickness and to maintain it for a healthy and long life. That is exactly why the Ayurveda emphasized a regimen of diet (pathya) as much as they emphasized the use of appropriate drugs.

• Touch, inspection and interrogation are the main points of diagnosis adopted by the Ayurvedic practitioners. In addition, they would inspect the pulse and sometimes, urine of the patient and, then medicines are supplemented with diet prescribed according to the dosha from which the patient suffers. The regimen of diet is as important as the remedies prescribed since the former help to restore the balance as much as the latter.

• The food we take gets itself converted into different tissue elements and for all the tissue elements there is a fixed time. This time of conversion of the food ingredients and production of a particular type of tissue can be changed through medicines.

• A disease is caused by the obstruction of the channels of circulation. the obstruction is caused by the accumulation of waste products. These waste products or the undigested material can be converted or eliminated if the enzymes of that locality are stimulated. This is the role that Ayurvedic medicines play to control and cure the diseases.

• Ayurveda recognize 13 channels in the human body. These channels of circulation play an important role in producing the diseases. If the movement of the circulation in these channels is stopped or impaired because of some external or internal factors, then, this results in the accumulation of substance being carried in that particular channel and the metabolism of the tissue is affected, thus giving rise to immature or uncooked products. These uncooked products may circulate throughout the body being diverted to other channels which are still functioning and thus they may impair the activities of those channels which results in the manifestation of a disease. To keep the channels patent or in a state of proper functioning, many prescriptions and prohibitions are given in Ayurveda. The important ones are, timely taking of food, passing out of excreta, attending to the natural urges of the body, and physical exercises.

• After determining the effect In the equilibrium of the three doshas, the “ vaidya ” goes deeper still to find out the type of imbalance and describes the phases, namely, waning, aggravating, and expanding.

• The physician who knows the different diagnosis between the curable and incurable disease conditions and begins treatment with the full knowledge of the case and in time, obtain success for his effort without fail… when the diagnosis is correct, the remedy would invariably be effective.

• The Normal function of vata of vayu(air) is to sustain the body and that is why it is the originator of every kind of action of the body it has been called Tantra-Yantra dhara, in other words, the maintainer of the human machinery, keeping it in proper shape.

• Vayu occupies the important place in the three doshas. It has been defined in five kinds: prana, udana, vyana, samana and apana. Prana vayu is responsible for breathing and swallowing of food and also for the functioning of heart and part of the body directly connected with it. Its normal function is to maintain the functioning of heart, the mind, the sense, the intellect, the arteries, the veins and all the nerves.

• Udana vayu is responsible for the production of the various sounds and speech the action and efforts to keep this strength of the body and especially for giving strength to mind and memory.

• Samana vayu helps the flow of liquids of the body and the action of the digestive enzymes. It separates the essences vital for the nourishment of the body and sense the wastes to the large intestine.

• Apana vayu’s function are to hold the faeces, urine, menses, and semen upto a normal period and then to expel them through the various orifices of body.

• Vyana vayu flows in the whole body and carries the food juice and blood throughout the body. It helps the secretion of perspiration and control the opening and closing of eyelids and other several movements of the body.

• Like the vayus, pittas are also of five kinds: Pachak, Ranjaka, Sadhaka, Alochaka, Bhrajaka.

• The first, is mainly responsible of the digestion of food. It divides the food juice into the fine and waste parts and then helps the other four types of pittas to function normally in the body.

• Ranjaka pitta, gives color to the food juice when it goes from the stomach to the liver.

• Sadhaka pitta has its place in the heart and it’s the finest of all the pitas. It helps in the normal functioning of the intellect and memory.
  

• Alochaka pitta is responsible for the maintenance of normal vision in the eyes.

• Bhrajaka pitta is situated in the kin of the body and it controls the normal color of the skin.

• Kaphas (phlegm) are also of five types. The first of these is Kledaka, is responsible for moistening the food in the stomach. It nourishes the other kaphas by its special humid properties.

• The second Kapha, Avalambaka, is the thorax and protects the heart from excessive heat by its cooling influence and gives a supporting power to the heart.
  

• Bodhaka Kapha moistens any substance when its comes in contact with the tongue and helps to know the taste to substance ingested. It extends from the root of the tongue to the throat and plays an important part in increasing appetite.

• The Tarpaka the fourth Kapha cools the organs of the senses of sight and hearing.

• Shleshaka Kapha is situated in the joints of the body and keeps them in good order so that the various parts of the body remains firm and free to move.

• According to Ayurveda, the human body in health has a fine balance of the Tri Doshas, the Dhatus and the Malas. The tri Doshas have the pride of the place and then come the Dhatus and Malas. Ill-health or disease id the result of the disturbance in the balance between them.

• Ayurveda believes that any disturbance, physical or mental, must manifest itself both in the somatic and in the psychic spheres, through the vitiation of the Doshas.

• Thus Ayurveda provides national methods for the treatment for any diseases which are considered to be obstinate and incurable in other systems.

Ayurvedic ways to stay Healthy and Young

• In so many books written by famous sages many ways have been described to stay healthy and young for a long time. Early to rise before sunrise ,ie, Early in the morning the time remains as auspicious one as there is already fresh air and a minimum noise in the atmosphere,hence one should get up from bed at this time. Before getting down from bed one should offer prayers according to one’s own religion after this one should perform the following acts.

1. Cleaning the face: One should wash one’s face with water. This helps in the cleaning of the dirt accumulated on the face during night and gives freshness, in winter season, Luke warm water may be used.
2. Protecting eyesight : After washing the face, one should take a mouth closed and keeping the eyes open as far as possible, sprinkle fresh water over the eyes. This is very useful for preserving and promoting eyesight. After wards eyelid should be gently rubbed and a tender massage should be given to eye-balls.
3. Drinking pure water : After this one should take a glass of water. This helps in the smooth passing of stool and urine. Taking cold water is, however, prohibited if one is suffering from cold, cough or sore throat. It is advised not take the tea before evacuation of bowels. Taking tea on bed may develop constipation later on. Tea being hot stimulate the intestines so strongly that it’s stimulating effect loses its significance.
4. Evacuation of bowels: one should make a regular habit of evacuating bowels immediately after getting up from bed. In the beginning it may not be possible but one should try this and after some-days it will become a regular habit. Drinking a glass of water every morning will help in this matter. Some people have the habit of going to toilet for 2 to 3 times in the morning for the final evacuation of bowels. This should be stopped. One should control him for this. After sometime this position will come to an end if controlled properly. If necessary care is taken about food, drinks and sleep then this situation will not occur. Evacuation of bowels should not take more than five minutes. Smoking at this time is very harmful, hence this should be avoided, other wise many disease may grip one self
5. Cleaning teeth: the twig of neem, or babool should be used cleaning teeth. The top of twing should be crushed by teeth to make it soft so that the gums are not affected while rubbing teeth. Cleaning the teeth removes the foul smell and tastelessness. It removes the dirt of the tongue, teeth and mouth.
6. Scraping the tongue: The above twing after cleaning the teeth may be used as tongue scrapers by folding it in two parts. Other scrapers made of copper, stainless steel or plastic may also be used. So the tongue should be scraped regularly otherwise it gives rise to foul smell.
7. Gargling: Many people do the gargling while cleaning the mouth by simple water only. This is good but Til oil gargling is more beneficial for jaws, depth of voice and good taste for food. By doing this gargling one never gets cracked lips, bad odor, sore throat and tooth-ache.
8. Bathing: After all this one should take bath. Bath removes dirt, sweathing and fatigue and brigs freshness to the body. Before bath Til oil massage is very beneficial to skin. One who does this massage regularly enjoys a good physique and becomes strong.
9. Application of oil: One who applies Til oil on his head regularly does not suffer from headache, baldness or graying of hair. They remain black, and deep-rooted. Dropping the Til oil regularly into the ears prevents the hardness of hearing and deafness. It also prevents the ear diseases. One or two drops of the oil in nostrils will keep the nose clean. There will be no nose-wetting. Til oil is very helpful for making one’s body strong. It also makes the skin smooth and charming.
10. Exercise : Physical exercise as specially. Yoga Asans bring lightness to the body ability, to work, stability, resistance to discomfort and stimulate the power of digestion. After taking bath some Yoga Asans should be done to circulate the blood properly and to gain extra-strength for the day. One can do his own desired Yoga Asans. Atleast one Asan known as ‘Sheersha Asan’ should be done for 2-3minutes. According to ‘Ayurveda’ this is the most beneficial Asan for human-beings.
11. Dress : Wearing clean and good tailored dress adds to the bodily charm, reputation and prevents inauspiciousness. It puts grace, competence and good looks and brings praise.
12. Perfumes: Use of perfumes, produces good smell and charm. It gives pleasure not only to one’s mind but to other persons alos with whom contact is made. A flower of Champa or Red-rose may be attached to the button-hole. It also increases one’s personality.
13. Ornaments : Wearing of gems rings adds grace, and prevents evil spirits,etc. It is pleasant and charming. Wearing of gems-ring according to one’s sun-signs auspiciousness, prosperity and longevity.
14. Hair and nails: The dressing and cutting hair moustaches, beard and nails of hand and feet etc, add cleanliness and beauty to one’s personality.
15. Food: One should take the food in proper quantity. The quantity of food to be taken again depends on the power of one’s digestion. The proper amount of food, gets digested as well as metabolized in proper time. One must not over-eat any thing and should drink water in good quantity. Ayurveda recommends vegetarian foods which give more nourishment to the body than the non-vegetarian foods. Animal’s meat, fish, eggs disturb the digestion systems. Harm the body and may give birth to diseases of different kinds. Therefore Ayurveda recommends simple food, bread, oats, milk or ghee must be taken during meal. Butter is also a good tonic. Simple food makes the body strong and discords diseases. After taking food a rest, at least of 10minutes must be taken. No food should be taken in hurry. After proper chewing It must be swallowed. If no rest is taken after taking meal then many diseases may grasps the body. The food should be cooked neat and clean properly with proportional manner and should be tasty and easily digestable. Food should be taken 2 times a day. One at about 10 A.M, other upto 7, 7 ½ P.M. in morning a cup of milk or some snacks with tea may be taken. In lunch light snacks may be taken including some seasonal fruits. Chewing or eating something every time is not a good habit. Over eating may cause obesity and may invite diseases. Fresh lukewarm food should be taken according to limit. One should not be talkative at the time of consumption of foods.: One should not study if there is insufficient light, and during important festivals, or during important festivals, or during the solar or lunar eclipse, on a new moon date and during the dawn or dusk. One should not study without being initiated by heart. While studying, one should not recite words incomplete in sounds and also not high or harsh voice. One should not neither too fast or too slowly.
16. Night Meals: Food should be taken 2to3 hours before going to bed. There should be sufficient gap between the time of intake of food and the time of going to bed. This will help in proper digestion of food. Proper digestion of food gives good and sound sleep. Milk, ghee, butter, curd, fruits should be taken in meal. Seasonal vegetables should also be consumed also be consumed. One should keep a fast once a day in a weak. This will keep the body in good health. On the day of fast only milk or fruits may be taken.
17. Sex : Sexual activity in any organ other than the genital organ is prohibited. One should not indulge in sexual intercourse with a woman during her menses or one who is suffering from a disease or is impure or is having infection with or a woman who is not friendly or has no passionate desire or is passionately attached to somebody else or is married to somebody else or a woman of another caste or over raged. After taking food no sex should be performed immediately. Later this act may be performed with the immediately. Later this act may be performed with the willingness of woman in a pleasant atmosphere and only in night time. Sex done in day time is harmful to health.
    

Ayurvedic Treatments