|
 |
Ayurveda- A
Oldest Medication in the World
Ayurveda is believed
as the oldest treatment method in the world (more than
3500 years old). The Plants are used for preparing as
medicines. Nowadays Ayurveda has become very popular among
the tourist especially foreigners. Patients from all over
the world are coming here for Ayurveda treatment.
The literal meaning of
Ayurveda is 'Science of Life'. The system is passed
through traditionally from master to disciples orally. 'Thaliyola',
palm leaf, was used for writing medical details. 'Narayam',
an iron pin, was used as pen. The disciples used to stay
in master's house, which is known a 'Gurukula'. |
|
The overall treatment outlook of
Ayurveda is broadly classified into two.
1. Preventive Therapy (Swasthasya swasthya samrakshanam)
|
Ayurveda believes that
"Prevention is better than cure". A person who maintains
his health will not be afflicted by diseases. A number
of measures have been explained for this purpose.
-
Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenative Therapy)
-
Ajikarana Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac)
-
Dinacharya (Daily routines to be practiced)
- Rithucharya
(Seasonal regimes to be practiced)
|
SHIROVASTHI |
2. Curative Therapy (Athurasya
vikara prasamanam)
Mainly two methods have been explained for curing the
diseases.
a. Samana Chikitsa (Pacificatory therapy)
By using
medicines and other measures, the imbalanced and
vitiated humors such as "Vatha", "Pitha" and "Kapha" (Doshas)
are brought to a balanced state, thus curing the
disease.
b. Sodhana Chikitsa-Panchakarma Therapy (Purificatory
therapy)
The increased
and vitiated doshas are expelled from the body by means
of various Panchakarma therapies. These therapies are
very significant as with these treatments not only the
disease is cured but also prevent relapse.
There are no complete
treatment in other systems of medicines like allopathy for
diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis,
frozen shoulder, slip disc, sciatica, cervical and lumbar
spondylitis, paralysis, obesity, depression, stress
related and other psycho-somatic problems, insomnia,
migraine, sinusitis, asthma, piles, a number of skin
diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc. A number of
procedures are available in Ayurveda namely Uzhichil,
Pizhichil, Kizhi, Njavarakizhi, Udhwarthanam, Sirodhara,
Sirovasthi, Tharpanam, Vamanam, Virechanam, Vasthi, Nasyam,
etc. for treating these problems.
|
|
The 8 branches
of Ayurveda : -
Kayachikitsa
(General Medicine)
Describes ailments of adults
not treated by other branches of Ayurveda. Hence known as
general medicine.
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.
Graha
Chikitsa (Psychiatry)
The study of
mental diseases and their treatments. Treatment methods
include medicines, diet regulation and yogic methods for
treatment of mental diseases and improving psychic power.
Salakya Chikitsa (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.
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.
Visha Chikitsa (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.
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.
Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac
treatment)
This branch
deals with the means of increasing sexual vitality and
efficiency. Besides these 8 branches, Ayurveda also brings
diseases affecting plants and animals into its ambit of
consideration.
Vrukshayurvedam
It deals with the diseases of
the plant kingdom and their treatments (known as
Agriculture).
Mrugayurvedam
This Science deals with the
diseases of animals and their treatments (known as
Veterinary Science). |
