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Ayurveda in Sanskrit means the "Science of Life". It is an ancient, unfailing system of treatment based on medicines prepared from herbal plants found in abundance in India. This ancient knowledge system of medicine has gained global acceptance especially for alternative ways of preventive, curative and rejuvenative processes making life a more pleasurable experience. This has a holistic approach and it helps maintain the balance of the physiological systems and plays a vital role in preventing diseases and revitalizing the entire life system body, mind and soul.
Ayurveda owes its origin to the sacred Atharva Veda written by Srila Vyasadeva, some five millenniums ago. In ancient times the Gurus or Maharishis as the teachers were called, passed on their knowledge to the new generation by word of mouth (oral or verbal) teaching. And as per legend Lord Brahma, the Creator, taught Ayurveda to Prajapatis verbally. In course of time saints like Agnivesa started scripting it in the form of shlokas (verses or hymns) on the leaves of the palm tree. The oldest of these revered texts currently available are the Charaka Samhita, Susrutha Samhita and the Ashtanga Samgraha. And it is from these ancient texts we have the science of Ayurveda.
According to Ayurveda, every living or non-living being in this universe is a combination of five basic eternal elements called the Panch Maha Bootas. These elements are – Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apa), Fire (Tejas), Air (Vayu) and Space or Ether (Akash). Moreover, there are three basic principles that govern all biological, physiological and physio pathological functions of the body, mind and consciousness.
These are:
- Vatha Principle: Kinetic Biological Mode, compared to Air
- Pitha Principle: Transformative Biological Mode, compared to Fire
- Kapha Principle: Structive Biological Mode, compared to Mucus and Water
Ayurveda deems that a living body can function normally only if the Tridoshas, the three principle conditions given above are in equilibrium. And this comes only when the body’s Dhatus (tissues), Malas (metabolic waste) and Agni (enzymes) are well balanced.
Ayurvedic remedy is principally an eight-fold classification of knowledge. This covers – general medicine, psychiatry, ENT and ophthalmology geriatrics, toxicology, surgery, rejuvenation, pediatrics and gynecology.
Health according to Ayurveda can be defined as a state of equilibrium of the action of Doshas (disorder), Dhatus (tissues), Malas (metabolic waste) and Agni (enzymes) accompanied by a sensation of Tranquility (well being) of body and the sensory organs, mind and soul.
The Tridoshas can be vitiated mainly by two ways – normally and abnormally. The normal vitiation is produced by the inevitable and natural factors like seasonal variations, diurnal variations, and various stages of digestion. This type of vitiation is easy to treat and often it does not require any treatment as the conditions subside automatically.
Abnormal vitiation of Doshas is caused by deliberate exposure to specific etiological factors, both external and internal. That is abuse of functions of the sensory organs; wrong bodily habits, suppression of body urges, ill food habits and avoidance of seasonal and daily regimes. It may be due to incompatible combination of food, lack of body care and preservation of health, constant exposure of the mind to bad feelings like greed, jealousy, anger etc.
Depending on one's Prakriti (nature of constitution) and disproportion in the Tridoshas, the Ayurveda practitioner structures the diet and herb plan. Individuals with identical infirmity, at times, receive disparate diet and herb plans.
The basic aim of treatment in Ayurveda is to eliminate the internal disease causing factors and bring the vitiation of the Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni to the normal functioning state. The objective of Ayurveda is to establish prime health in every living being–physically, mentally and spiritually.
Ayurveda or the 'science longevity' is the system of nature cure. It is known to promote positive health, natural beauty and long life. Although rooted in antiquity, Ayurveda is based on universal principles and is a living, growing body of knowledge - as useful today as it was in earlier centuries.
It is said that Ayurveda is as old as the world itself. Its very basis is the spiritual knowledge of the ancient seers of India and the cosmic consciousness in which they lived. Into its ancient well of profound healing wisdom, some of the greatest doctors and sages over time have poured their finest insights and discoveries, transforming it into one of the oldest systems with a consistent theoretical basis and practical clinical applications.
Its strength lies in its broad, all encompassing view of all dynamic inter-relationship between organic philological processes, external factors including climate, life works and diet along with internal psychological and spiritual condition. Very much like various other systems of cure based on naturopathy, Ayurveda believes that disease occurs not as an arbitrary phenomenon but for definite reasons which if correctly understood could help to cure and, more importantly, prevents recurrence of the disease. Ideally human being and nature should be in perfect harmony. Disease occurs when the equilibrium between these two disrupted. Restoration of this fundamental balance, through the use of nature and its products, is main goal of this medical system. "The object of Ayurveda", said Susruta the famous physician some 2600 years ago, "is the restoration to health of those who are afflicted with diseases and preservation of sound health of those who are well".
Evidently Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. The stress is on prevention of bodily ailments and not just curing them. There are no distressing
side effects and it has, today, become and internationally acclaimed form of healing, rejuvenation and
healthy living.