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Other basic concepts 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 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 consists
of three primary life forces or biological humors,
which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas
are called the tridoshas. A balance among these
life forces is essential for proper health. Any
imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of
unhealthiness or disease.
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. The
entire universe, as well as the body is made up
of five basic elements. These elements are Earth,
Water, Fire, Air and Space.
Ayurvedic system says that this imbalance is the
effect of the constant reaction of the internal
environment of body to the changes in external environment.
It is only required that we bring back normalcy
to the balance of these doshas, to bring back the
state of healthiness.
The first step in the method of diagnosis in Ayurvedic
form of medicine is to determine the constitution
of the person. That means it is the patient who
is diagnosed first and not the disease.
The same disease might appear in different forms
in two persons because their constitution is different.
Due to this variation in constitution the medicines
and treatment may be different for two people with
the same illness. This difference in treatment methods
according to the constitution is essential to bring
back the natural balance of the biological humors.
The constitutional approach is the essence 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
creative potential.
According to Ayurvedic system, human body consists
of three primary life forces or biological humors,
which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three doshas
are called the tridoshas. A balance among these
life forces is essential for proper health. Any
imbalance among the tridoshas causes a state of
unhealthiness or disease. Ayurvedic treatment measures
include internal medicine, external medicine, surgical
treatment and psychotherapy.
Ayurvedic treatments can be classified under two
groups - tonification and reduction. Reduction therapies
decrease 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 elimination of the
disease causing humors. The power of Ayurvedic elimination
therapy is its system for guiding the toxins to
their sites for elimination. It consist of five
parts - The pancha karmas - cleaning enemas, nasal
medication, Purgation, Emesis and blood letting.
All these require preliminary Ayurvedic practises
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 highly
effective 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.
Ayurvedic pharmacology is based upon the concepts
of rasa, veerya and vipaka. A vast variety of plants,
metals, minerals, animals, birds and even mud and
sand are used as medicines in Ayurveda.
Knowledge about Ayurvedic type of medicine is divided
into eight branches. The branches are 1. Kaya chikilsa
(general medicine), 2. Shalya (surgery), 3. Shalakya
(ENT and Ophthalmology), 4. Graha (Psychotherapy),
5. Damshitra (toxicology), 6. Bala (Pediatrics and
Gynecology), 7. Jara (rejuvenation) and 8. Vrishya
(Aphrodisiacs).
Of the above the seventh one, that 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.
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