Ayurveda

The description of Ayurveda in the Vedas is scattered and disorganized, even though it contains the detailed information of various branches of medicine. When ancient physicians gained the knowledge of Ayurveda, they decided to classify it into eight branches renaming it as 'Ashtanga Ayurveda'. This consists of eight classifications, viz.,

Internal Medicine (Kaya chikitsa),
Gynaecology and Pediatrics (Bala Chikitsa or Kaumar bhrutya),
Demonology (Graha Chikitsa or Bhuta vidya),
ENT and Ophthalmology (Urdhvanga Chikitsa or Shalakya tantra),
Surgery (Shalya tantra),
Toxicology (Danshtra Chikitsa or Agad tantra),
Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana), and
Aphrodisiac Therapy (Vajikaran).

The three main textbooks, which include Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita and Ashthang Hridya, known as Bruhattrayee, contain the details of all these branches. Some interesting and amazing description about all the eight branches of Ayurveda from Bruhattrayee is given below.

1.Internal medicine (Kayachikitsa)

Charak Samhita is the most important scripture of Internal medicine. It provides precise information on basic principles of treatment, various types of therapies, including the purification methods, i.e., Panchakarma; detailed account of diagnosis and various diagnostic methods, differential diagnosis along with the comprehensive management of diverse diseases like diabetes mellitus, hepatobilliary disorders, fevers, infectious diseases, arthritic conditions including the conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; asthma, tuberculosis and many others.

2. Surgery (Shalya Tantra)

Surgery is not an invention of modern medicine. It was highly advanced in several ancient cultures, including those of India, Greece and Egypt. But Ayurveda is the pioneer in the art of surgery. A number of surgical procedures like resection of the obstructed intestinal loop, surgical removal of bladder stone, surgical management of ascites, excessive hemorrhage etc. have been described in Sushrut Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya.

3. ENT and Ophthalmology (Shalakya Tantra)

This branch includes the description and treatment of diseases of head, ear, nose, throat, and eye. Sushrut Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya stipulate drug therapy of different types of conjunctivitis and glaucoma, along with surgical procedure of the removal of cataract and cosmetic surgery such as rhinoplasty and auroplasty (reformation of traumatized nose and ear). Apart from these complicated diseases, a simple home remedial approach of these ancient scholars towards minor problems like wax in ear, dryness of eyes due to fatigue, coryza, migraine, mouth ulcers etc. form a base for the home remedies, which are successfully administered even today.

4. Pediatrics' Kaumarabhritya)

This branch gives detailed information of pediatrics (prenatal and postnatal baby care) and gynecology. Ayurveda describes a special method called "Punsanvan Vidhi" for having a child of the desired sex, intelligence and constitution. It describes the description and treatment of various disorders of children such as gastro intestinal diseases, teething disorders, rickets, etc. Also, the conduct for women during pregnancy and after delivery, various causes and treatment of infertility (inability to have a child), and other common disorders of women like white discharge, excessive bleeding during periods, endometriosis etc. are described in detail.

5. Toxicology (Agadatantra)

This branch deals with various natural poisons/toxins originating from minerals, plant and animal kingdoms as well as artificial poisons prepared from poisonous drugs. The description is available in all the three treatises i.e. Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita and Ashtang Hridaya. It also includes description and disadvantage of food of opposite qualities, drugs and food causing chronic poisoning symptoms, and different methods used in ancient times to administer poison in an enemy's body system. Interestingly, the concept of pollution of air and water has also been considered. Such pollution is said to be the cause of various epidemics and the reason for the collapse of several civilizations.

6. Demonology (Bhutavidya)

This unexplored branch of Ayurveda deals with the effects of various super-natural forces on human mind and body. The description of these so-called super natural powers resemble to that of viral and bacterial infections in some instances. Also, the mention of use of many disinfectant plants under the title of 'Graha Vidya Dravya' for fumigation, to make the atmosphere germ free also supports this comparison. This subject needs much study and research.

7. The Science of Rejuvenation (Rasayana)

It is described in detail in Charak Samhita and a brief account is given in Ashtanga Hridaya and Sushrut Samhita. This therapy is used to prevent diseases and promote a long, healthy life by delaying old age and increasing longevity. The rejuvenation process requires that we observe the Right conduct in life. This is described under the title of Aachara Rasayana.

8. Aphrodisiacs (Vajikaran)

This branch discusses the therapeutic use of various aphrodisiacs for enhancing the vigor and sexual capability of males. It also includes the description of drugs, which improve sexual capacity by controlling premature ejaculation or/and by curing other male sexual disorders.

In contrary to the popular misbelief, Ayurveda is not a mere alternative therapy but a way of life, which, if followed religiously, can help one attain a better physical, emotional, social and spiritual life through which one can attain:

Dharma (One's duty towards one's own self)

Artha (One's duty towards one's family)

Kama (Fulfillment of all the worldly desires)

Moksha (Salvation)

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Philosophy of ayurveda:

How we connect to our environment?

Three Gunas - Components of the universe

The philosophy of Ayurveda believes in the common origin of all material forms of the universe. Ayurveda defines three primary qualities (referred to as 'gunas') which are responsible for the creation of all substances in the Universe. These are :

Sanskrit Term - 3 Qualities	English equivalent - 3 Qualities
Sattva	Consciousness or intelligence
Rajas	Motion or Action
Tamas	The Inertia which resists these

These 3 gunas jointly manifest themselves in human beings in the form of one's temperament, constitution, and behavior.

The Five Basic Material Constituents

The theory of the Pancha Mahabhutas forms the basis of the entire Indian Philosophy including Ayurveda. As per this theory, the entire universe is nothing but the group of various permutations and combinations of these Pancha Mahabhutas or the five basic material constituents, viz.,

Prithvi (the earth element),
Jala (the water element),
Tejas (the fire element),
Vayu (the air element) and
Aakasha (the ether element).

Practically all the living and non-living forms in the universe, and on this earth including all the animals are created by the manifested forms of these basic elements. Also, the five human sense organs are said to be the receiving organs of these five basic elements. The nose has the capacity to grasp the sensation of smell, which is the quality imparted by Prithvi Mahabhuta. The tongue has the capacity to grasp the sensation of taste, the quality imparted by Jala Mahabhuta; eyes grasp vision, the quality of Tejas Mahabhuta; skin having the quality of touch received from Vayu Mahabhuta; and ears have the quality of hearing, which is developed due to the hollow space that they contain, received from Aakash Mahabhuta.

As per this theory, each and every cell of the body is also created as a result of the combination of these Mahabhuta. Therefore, when there is any imbalance in their normal ratio, the pathological process is initiated causing disease in the physique as well as psyche of the individual. For this reason, Panchbhautik Chikitsa is one of the therapeutic regimens described in the Ayurvedic scriptures.

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Tridosha theraphy:

It is essential to know about the concept as well as the basic structure and function of a living cell in order to understand the detailed anatomy and physiology of the human body from the point of modern medicine. Similarly, to understand the method of diagnosing diseases, the patho-physiology of any disease and modes of actions of various herbo-mineral formulations as per the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the knowledge of the basic Ayurvedic principles or tenets is inescapable.

TRIDOSHAS

The entire human physiology as per Ayurveda is dependent upon the three basic factors known as Doshas. . The prime aim of the Ayurveda is to restore the balance of the three Doshas and hence ensure good health. In order to derive any benefit from Ayurvedic medicines, it is of utmost importance that we evaluate our constitution on the basis of these three Doshas. The term Doshas means the ones, which are capable of corrupting the body tissues and organs if they are solitarily, or collectively increased, decreased or vitiated. These are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are equally important in maintaining the mental health of a person also, by working in coalition with two constituents, which are known to control mind, i.e., the Rajah Guna and the Tamo Guna.

Vata Dosha or Vayu literally means the wind or air in the external atmosphere. In the human body, it governs all the actions and the energy of the body and also acts as a vehicle for proper functioning of Pitta and Kapha Dosha and also for all the bodily actions and movements.

The principle characteristics of the Vata Dosha are dryness, coldness, lightness, roughness, mobility and the capacity to extend in the infinitesimal body channels. Vata is divided into five types depending upon the site and specificity of its action.

These are:

Prana (main location in the head; controls the five senses),
Udana (located in chest region; controls speech and intellect),
Vyana (situated in heart; controls all the intentional body movements),
Samana (situated in the stomach; controls digestion), and
Apana (located in the anal region; controls the expulsion of semen, menstrual blood excreta, and also fetus).

Pitta Dosha has evolved from the functions of fire in nature. As fire cooks, digests or destroys every thing that it comes across according to its strength; similarly, Pitta is the basic energy-generating constituent necessary for all the metabolic operations of the body. The principle features of Pitta are minimal viscosity, heat, strength, liquidity, sourness and bitterness. It is also divided in five types. These are:

Pachak (located in the duodenum; major function is digestion of food),
Ranjak (situated in stomach and forms blood or Rakta),
Sadhak (located in heart; controls the proficiencies of the mind such as intellect, genius, and others),
Aalochak (present in the eyes; provides vision), and
Bhrajak (located in the skin; imparts pigment to skin).

Kapha Dosha literally means the adhesive material which in the body acts as the assembling constituent. Principle characteristics of Kapha Dosha are heaviness, coldness, softness, smoothness, sweetness, stability and viscosity.

The five types of Kapha Dosha are:

Avalambak (located in chest; works as lubricant for throat, heart),
kledak (located in stomach; assimilates food),
Tarpak (present in the head; dominates intelligence),
Shleshak (present in all the joints; works as the joint lubricator) and
Bodhak (located in tongue; imparts the perception of taste).

DHATUS AND MALAS

The main tissue components of the body are described as the Dhatus, the literal meaning being the ones, which sustain the body. These are Rasa (lymph), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscles), Meda (body fats), Asthi (bones), Majja (bone marrow) and Shukra (semen). All these Dhatus, when in their normal qualitative and quantitative status, support various body functions. They all are susceptible to vitiation caused due to the derangement of any one or all the three Doshas; either quantitative increase or decrease (Kshaya and Vriddhi) or pathological changes (Dushti); manifesting different signs and symptoms as per the change.

MALAS

This is the common term applied to:

The waste material products i.e., urine, stools and perspiration,
Waste product thrown out by eyes, ears and other orifices of the body and
The by products formed by the seven Dhatus, which include hair, bile, etc.

Ayurveda has given lot of importance to following eight factors regarding food, which are called "Ashtavidha samskaras".

1. The nature of food (Prakruti) - Depending on whether the food is easily digestible or not, food can be classified in the categories of heavy and light food items. For e.g., meat is heavy for digestion while rice and vegetables are light. This is the basic quality of any food recipe and should be thought about before consuming.

2. Processing (Karana) -. In general, cooked food is more nutritious than uncooked food. However, some foods like fruits and salads are healthier when eaten uncooked. Microwave cooking is not helpful from the Ayurvedic point of view, since it destroys all the important nutrient ffactors present in the food. Depending on the method of processing or cooking, i.e., roasting, frying, baking, directly heating on fire, barbeque, mixing, drying, churning, etc., the qualities of the food change. It can become lighter or heavier for digestion.

3. Combination (Samyoga) - Combination of certain food ingredients is beneficial for us. In a similar manner, some combinations can be harmful. Combining sour fruits with milk or curds is, for example, harmful and can cause chronic indigestion. Therefore, it is necessary to have only the combinations, which can blend well.

4. Quantity (Rashi) - The quantity of the individual ingredients as well as the total quantity of food consumed by an individual should be decided according to the qualities of the food as well as the individual's digestive capacity.

5. Place (Desha) - Ayurveda has classified places into different types such as marshy, dry and normal. The place should also be chosen in relation with different climatic conditions. If the surroundings are good, the food is better absorbed and exerts positive effects on the body and mind.

6. Time or period (Kala) - Food should be consumed at proper intervals. Only when the previously eaten food is properly digested should the next meal be eaten. The type of the food as well as its quantity and quality should be altered depending on the seasonal changes. The main meal must be taken between 11 to 1 in the afternoon.

7. Rules for eating (Upayoga Sanstha) -

Food must be consumed while it is hot, as this will naturally increase the secretion of the digestive enzymes.
Meals must be eaten in a relaxed, calm and cheerful atmosphere, One should not eat when nervous, angry, anxious or in a disturbed state of mind.
Eating too slowly or too rapidly, talking, laughing, thinking or watching television during meals is not advisable.
One must concentrate on the food with the thought that this food is going to benefit the body and mind.
Smoking, drinking too much water or any other liquid after eating, is not advisable.
It is recommended that one take a shower and wear clean clothes, prior to cooking.
In the Indian social environment, guest is treated like a god. The food should be served to him and the children first.
Chanting of mantras and offering prayers to God is always advisable.
When you finish the food, show gratitude towards the person who has given you the food.

8. The Consumer of the food (Upabhokta ) - Every person must observe the above mentioned rules, and eat as per his/ her constitution, the digestive capacity, the season, the time of the day and the digestion status of the last meal consumed.

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Daily regime:

Even though the detailed therapies and complex drug formulae are available plentifully in Ayurvedic literature, yet, prevention of diseases is given much more importance than an attempt to cure them after they manifest with all the signs and symptoms. This is because if the fundamental rules of personal and social hygiene are followed religiously, building up the immunity against most of the ailments in order to enhance the quality of life and increase longevity is a task achievable even in the present lifestyle.

The healthy person is defined in the Ayurvedic scriptures as the one who not only possesses the balanced Tridoshas and all the tissue components, but who also exhibits a balance of emotions, intellect and a sense of peace. The entire practice of maintaining health is raised on the pillars of three essential concepts. These are:

Diet: Diet is given maximum importance in healthy as well as diseased status. It is said in ancient Indian literature that if dietetics is followed, medicine is not needed and if dietetics is not observed, even medicines are not useful.

Sleep: Dinacharya (Daily Performances): Right from waking up in the morning till sleeping at night, all the daily routines have been given the ceremonial importance in Charak Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya.

The detailed rules for the daily regimen are described in brief as follows:

Waking Up Hours

A healthy person should get up two hours before sunrise. After emptying the bladder and bowels, one should meditate for half an hour and then do Yoga exercises.

Care of the Teeth

The teeth should be cleansed with medicated powders mixed with oil and salt, or various medicated powders having astringent, bitter and slightly pungent taste, such as mixture of the powder of catechu, rock salt, black pepper, long pepper, camphor, turmeric and margosa bark in equal proportions, along with small amount of cloves and honey; either with a brush or with fore finger. Sweet toothpastes are not recommended as they might precipitate the dental caries and other dental disorders.

Care of the Tongue

The tongue should be cleaned with a flexible and long and polished strip made of metal (steel or copper) or wood. Cleaning of the tongue should be done without exerting much pressure as excessive pressure might hurt the soft and hyperaemic tongue tissue. Cleansing of the tongue freshens up the mouth and also stimulates the secretion of the digestive enzymes.

Care of the Mouth

Gargling with a quarter-cup of warm undiluted sesame oil gives strength to the teeth, improves the voice, and imparts proper taste to the food that is eaten.

Care of the Face

Every morning, the face and the eyes should be washed with cool water. A medicated paste containing powder of chebulic myribalan (Haritaki), sandalwood and milk should be applied on the face and kept on for ten minutes, before washing off with water. This paste helps tighten the skin and prevents wrinkling. Other herbal and facial oils can also be used as moisturizing agents.

Care of the Eyes

Collyrium or Kajal made from the decoction of barberry, liquorice and three myrobalans (Triphala) in equal parts along with honey should be applied on the outer edge of the lower eyelid everyday. This helps remove dirt and dust, and relieves excessive watering or burning of the eyes due to strain. Regular use of Collyrium increases the brightness of the eyes and protects them from photophobia. This can be applied to the eyes. Medicated ghee made with Triphala is also good for the eyes.

Care of the Nose

Medicated oil should be put into both nostrils or applied in the inner mucosa of the nasal cavity with the help of the fingers each day. A few drops can be put on the end of the little finger and gently applied inside the nose. For this purpose, a medicated oil known as Anu Taila, or sesame oil, or ghee should be used. The procedure of putting nasal drops is known as Pratimarsha Nasya and it improves the efficiency of the sense organs like eyes, ears and brain. It also helps to prevent diseases of the neck and head region and strengthens the voice.

Exercises

Regular light exercises help the body to shape up, increase muscle strength, improve appetite and maintain health. It gives the body the ability to withstand exertion, fatigue, and changes in the climate such as fluctuations in temperature. Exercise is most beneficial in winter and spring. It is best when done to the extent of half the exercising capacity. When sweat appears on the forehead and armpits, respiration speeds up and one starts breathing through the mouth, the exercise should be stopped. While doing any exercise, factors such as age, strength, physical condition, time, season of the year and diet must be taken into consideration. If exercise is done without paying attention to these factors, or if performed in excess, it might lead to a number of health problems. Similarly, those suffering from chronic organic diseases or who are too old, debilitated and exhausted should not do any strong exercises.

Smoking

Smoking a cigarette made of medicinal herbs (without tobacco) is useful for maintaining good health and treating certain diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis etc. Medicinal herbs such as Harenu, Priyangu, Keshar, Sandalwood, Cinnamon leaf, Cardamom, liquorice, Jatamansi, Guggul, Agaru, Udumbara, Ashwattha, Plaksha, Lodhra, resin of Vateria indica, lotus, resinous extract from Pinus roxburghii, and Sallaki. While smoking the medicinal cigarettes, smoke should not be exhaled through the nose because this can irritate the eyes.

Bath

A hot water bath should be taken after oil massage and proper exercise. For washing the head, the water should not be too hot. A hot water bath relieves fatigue, increases strength, cleans the body, improves appetite and generates a feeling of freshness in the body as well as in the mind.

Rest and Sleep

To carry out various tasks with full strength and vitality, one should get enough amount of sleep every day. Before going to bed one should meditate, and critically examine one's own conduct. Usually six to seven hours of sleep give sufficient rest to the body and mind.

Also, the scientific laws of personal hygiene are specified, such as:

Regular trimming of nails, beard and hair;
Daily cleansing of nostrils, eyes, ears and feet;
Use of perfumes and garlands made of fragrant flowers;
Putting on clean clothes;
Use of umbrella and shoes to protect from heat and dust;
Covering the mouth while sneezing, laughing or yawning;
Avoid seeing the sun directly;
Avoid sleeping under a tree at night, etc.

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Ethical regime:

In order to live a healthy and active life, a sound mind in the sound body is very essential. Since the times of the Vedas, the importance and interrelationship of the mind and the body is well known. The mind influences all the physiological actions and if in an unhealthy state, is capable of initiating the pathological processes in the otherwise healthy body tissues. Therefore, to maintain the healthy status of the mind, Ayurveda prescribes a code of social as well as personal conduct, known as "Sadvritta". These are not the moral principles limited to a particular cultural sect. Rather, these principles are applicable to every human being, and practicing these helps one maintain a balanced mental state and imparts peace of mind and violating or ignoring these puts one into a state of agitation and distress. The Ethical Principles mentioned under the title of Sadvritta by the ancient scholars are as follows:

One should always speak the truth.
One should not lose your temper under any circumstances, control your passions and observe self-control.
Do not become addicted to sensory pleasures.
One should not kill small helpless insects and other harmless creatures just for fun, but always exhibit respect towards the smallest and the most unimportant expressions of Life.
Prompt help should be offered to the jobless, emotionally depressed and to the sick.
One should remain composed in good times as well as in the unfavorable circumstances.
Avoid overeating, drinking too much alcohol, too much sexual activity and too much or too little sleep.
Never eat food at an unhygienic place, at an improper time or with unhealthy people.
Do not disclose other people's faults or secrets.
Do not steal another person's wealth or property.
Avoid company of people who do not follow the rules of good conduct.

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Importance of food:

Diet plays a vital role in the maintenance of good health and in the prevention and cure of diseases. In ancient Indian scriptures, food has been compared with the god, (Annam Brahmam) since it is the main factor, which sustains and nourishes life. In Shrimad Bhagvad Geeta, Lord Krishna has compared himself with the digestive fire, which assimilates and digests all the four types of food in order to maintain the life.

Type of diet:

As per Ayurveda, food affects the mind also by causing either an increase or decrease in the three qualities of mind, i.e., SatvaGuna, RajoGuna and TamoGuna. The food recipes can be classified as Satvik, Rajasik or Tamasik depending upon the effects that they exert on the mind.

Satvik diet

It consists of fresh fruits like pomegranates, apples, bananas, oranges, grapes; grains like basmati rice, wheat in small quantity and dairy products like milk and ghee (clarified butter). It keeps the body lean and agile and mind calm and quiet. Fresh buttermilk, fresh green vegetables like spinach, green beans and green grams are good examples of satvik food. Although a mild sweet taste is considered satvik, a strong sweet taste as in chocolates and sweets increases the tamasik quality.

Rajasik diet

It consists of food recipes of spicy, salty and sour taste. Vegetables like onions, garlic and their spicy and sour preparations like ketchup and vinegar have rajasik quality. Wines, pickles, meat- especially red meat, and stimulating drinks like coffee and tea, and all types of alcoholic drinks are rajasik in nature. These foods aggravate Pitta and Vata and increase restlessness, anger and irritability.

Tamasik diet

This food comprises stale, over-heated, oily, heavy to digest, canned meat and fish products containing lot of preservatives as well as cold pasteurized dairy products like milk and yogurt. These foods increase Kapha and lethargy, ignorance and apathy. Frozen and preserved foods as well as hybrid foods also increase the tamasik quality.

Thus, food not only influences physical activities but also psychological activities. The digestive fire requires food to maintain its constant activity. However, improper, excessive, heavy, and cold food can extinguish this fire and produce endotoxic substances called Ama. Therefore, care should be taken before consuming any food item in order to maintain the digestive capacity.

Thanks to the Ayurvedic tradition, many herbal combinations based on centuries of accumulated knowledge are available to today's eclectic herbalists and natural health enthusiasts. Ayurvedic herbal formulations, like Chinese herbal formulations, are combinations of many different herbs that work synergistically. Single herbs are rarely if ever employed. Even though there are competent Ayurvedic physicians in practice today, one does not have to see an Ayurvedic physician to use an Ayurvedic herbal combination, as long as the recipe of an Ayurvedic master is carefully followed.