About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the system of traditional medicine in India. It is based on many centuries of experience in medical practice, handed down through generations. Composed of two Sanskrit words, "Ayu" or life, and "Veda" or knowledge, Ayurveda is regarded as "The Science of Life" and the practice involves the care of physical, mental and spiritual health of human beings. Ayurveda is also based on sound ecological awareness of the place of animals, birds and plants in relation to human life. The time honored, well tested ancient formulas of Ayurvedic medicines use natural herbs, minerals and even gems, to cure disease
and to promote immunity and there are no deadly experiments on animals in the lab.
The Vedas, Ayurveda and Hippocrates:
As with the tradition of hippocrates in Western medicine, the Ayurvedic tradition derives its inspiration from an ancient lineage. The practitioners of this tradition believe that at differentcycles of Creation, the supreme Creator Brahma inspired the sages to compose the vedas, of which Ayurveda is one of the branches. The Vedic writings have become the commandment like scriptures of Indian civilization and are regarded as the eternal source of knowledge. It is likely that the writings of Ayurveda are the earliest medical writings known to humanity. The moral emphasis in this discipline is that the knowledge is to be used for the
benefit of humanity. Hence you will often find the practitioners of Ayurveda talk in terms personal matters and use terminology like God, the Spirit and Nature as opposed to money matters, insurance policies and patient turn around time.
The names of famous medical practitioners in Ayurveda are sages like Charak, Shusrut, Vagbhatt, and Atrey. Side by side with the intense study of biology and botany, these early masters perfected the system of Yoga, which is a common household word in the West and an integral part of Ayurvedic medical practice. Due to its long history, in-depth clinical experience, and a dedicated sense of service, Ayurveda can be regarded as a kind of science of life. In search of balance and harmony in the complicated personality of the human being, the practitioners of Ayurveda look for the control and direction of the 'vital breath of life', where the spirit, the body and the mind are in harmony. Thus Ayurveda emphasizes the psychology of emotional adjustment in conjunction with drugs, diet, and other habits meant for healthy living. "Prevention is better than cure," is a strong principle in this practice and preventive medicine and self-control are given prime importance in Ayurveda.
The names of famous medical practitioners in Ayurveda are sages like Charak, Shusrut, Vagbhatt, and Atrey. Side by side with the intense study of biology and botany, these early masters perfected the system of Yoga, which is a common household word in the West and an integral part of Ayurvedic medical practice. Due to its long history, in-depth clinical experience, and a dedicated sense of service, Ayurveda can be regarded as a kind of science of life. In search of balance and harmony in the complicated personality of the human being, the practitioners of Ayurveda look for the control and direction of the 'vital breath of life', where the spirit, the body and the mind are in harmony. Thus Ayurveda emphasizes the psychology of emotional adjustment in conjunction with drugs, diet, and other habits meant for healthy living. "Prevention is better than cure," is a strong principle in this practice and preventive medicine and self-control are given prime importance in Ayurveda.
The philosophy of Ayurveda :
According to a Hindu philosophy, the evolution of a human being becomes possible after he/she has lived through 840,000 previous births. This symbolic figure is meant to emphasize the uniqueness of our humanity. It implies that the human race is special and that our goal is to rediscover and cherish our existence upon this earth. Ayurveda accepts this symbolism. It also emphasizes the connection between humans and other worlds, making our race a part of the larger universe. Ayurveda subscribes to these values of cherishing life and discovery of meaning in our existence.
Another goal in Ayurveda is to achieve Nirvana or liberation from all kinds of "wants". This is primarily achieved through good health, which is regarded as the supreme foundation of life. A healthy and happy person is no burden to anyone and with the right attitude can contribute to the welfare of others as well as his own. This state of being is called Virtue in Sanskrit meaning leading a virtuous life. Its opposite is Kamma or temptation, which is accompanied by irregular living and disease. With this view, Ayurveda cultivates the awareness that balanced living leads us to being virtuous or to Nirvana and freedom from all "wants".
Another goal in Ayurveda is to achieve Nirvana or liberation from all kinds of "wants". This is primarily achieved through good health, which is regarded as the supreme foundation of life. A healthy and happy person is no burden to anyone and with the right attitude can contribute to the welfare of others as well as his own. This state of being is called Virtue in Sanskrit meaning leading a virtuous life. Its opposite is Kamma or temptation, which is accompanied by irregular living and disease. With this view, Ayurveda cultivates the awareness that balanced living leads us to being virtuous or to Nirvana and freedom from all "wants".
Balance in Ayurveda :
In clinical terms, Ayurveda advocates that our health is regulated by three fundamental values, called vata, pitta, and kapha. Vata governs movement, Pitta is concerned with functions of heat, metabolism, and energy production and Kapha, governs physical structure and fluid balance. As a group they are known as the quality of "dosha", or imperfections. These three factors govern all the activities of our mind and body and they have to be balanced through intelligent choices for optimal health. The main purpose of Ayurvedic treatments is to establish the balance in these three fundamental qualities.
The sub branches of Ayurvedic medical knowledge.
The sub branches of Ayurvedic medical knowledge.
Ayurveda has eight specialized branches as follows :
- Kaya chikitsa or Internal medicine
- Salya tantra or Surgery
- Salakya tantra or Management of diseases of Eye & ENT
- kaumar bhutya or Pediatrics
- Bhutavidya or Psycho-therapy including Seizures by evil spirits
- Agada tantra or Toxicology
- Rasayana tantra or Geriatrics
- Vajikarana tantra or the Science of aphrodisiacs
Ayurveda includes the Astronomical science, Astrology including Indian philosophy. Health is the supreme foundation of Virtue, Wealth, Kamma and diseases are the destroyers of Life and Shreyas. According to Hinduism after eighty four lacs of births, a human being is evolved; hence human form is the only stage when man can liberate himself from this cycle of births and deaths. Thus, man's life is the most significant and precious in which he has to strive hard for Liberation-Nirvana.
With this view in mind Ayurveda denotes that this body, the media to Nirvana is to be cared for, just as a Mayor takes care of the city and charioteer daily oils his axle and keeps clean, similarly one has to take care of his body.
Ayurveda prescribes "dos and don'ts" for the preservation as well as promotion of positive health and prevention as well as cure of diseases.
What you need for a balance :
Your health can be simplified to three fundamental principles of nature called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha [these three are called Dosha]. These three factors govern all the activities of your mind and body. When they are in balance , health is optimal. The main purpose of all Ayurvedic treatments is to establish balance in these three fundamental principles.
Basic Functions:
Vata: Governs bodily functions concerned with movement.
Pitta: Governs bodily functions concerned with heat, metabolism, and energy production
Kapha: Governs bodily functions concerned with physical structure , and fluid balance
Pitta: Governs bodily functions concerned with heat, metabolism, and energy production
Kapha: Governs bodily functions concerned with physical structure , and fluid balance
Qualities : ( Which is Your Dosha ? Diagnose Yourself )
Vata: Moving quick, light, cold, minutes, rough dry, leads the order Doshas.
Pitta: hot, sharp, light, acidic, slightly, oily.
Kapha: heavy, oily, slow, cold, steady, solid, dull.
Pitta: hot, sharp, light, acidic, slightly, oily.
Kapha: heavy, oily, slow, cold, steady, solid, dull.
Results of balance Vata :
- Mental alertness.
- Proper formation of body tissues
- Normal alimentation.
- Strong immunity
- Sound sleep
- Sense of exhilaration
Results of balance Pita :
- Normal heat and thirst mechanism
- Strong digestion
- Sharp intellect
- Lustrous complexion
- Contentment
Results of balance Kapha :
- Results of balance Kapha
- Strong immunity
- Affection, generosity, courage, dignity
- Healthy ,Normal, Joints
- Vitality and stamina
- Stability of mind
RESULTS OF IMBALANCE
Imbalanced Vata :
- Dry or Rough Skin
- Constipation
- Common fatigue ( non-specific cause )
- Tension headaches
- Underweight
- Insomnia
- Intolerance of cold
- Anxiety, worry
Imbalanced Pitta :
- Rashes, skin inflammations
- Heartburn
- Premature graying, baldness
- Hostility, irritability
- Visual problems
- Excessive body heat
Imbalanced Kapha :
- Oily skin
- Sinus congestion
- Obesity
- Slow digestion
- Nasal allergies
- Lethargy, dullness
The six tastes and examples :
- Sweet: Sugar, milk, butter, rice, breads, Pasta
- Sour: Yogurt, lemon, cheese
- Salty: Salt
- Pungent: Spicy foods, ginger, hot peppers,Cumin
- Bitter: Green leafy vegetables, Turmeric
- Astringent: Beans, Lentils, Pomegranate
How to use the six tastes :
- To Decrease Vata- Sweet, Sour, Salty
- To Increase Vata- Pungent, Bitter, Astringent
- To Decrease Pitta- Sweet, Bitter, Astringent
- To Increase Pitta- Pungent, Sour, Salty
- To Decrease Kapha- Pungent, Bitter, Astringent
- To Increase Kapha- Sweet, Sour, Salty
