Ayurveda (Science of Life)

  • Ayurveda (Science of Life)

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient medical system that originated more than 5000 years ago. It is a natural healing system which emphasizes on balancing the body and mind. It is considered as the oldest healing science.The word Ayurveda is derived from Sanskrit language and consists of two parts:

“Ayus” means Life and “Veda” means Knowledge or Science. Thus it is also called as “Science of Life”.

The concepts of Ayurveda can be found in ancient Indian texts called the Vedas. According to Ayurveda, everything in universe is made up of five elements: Earth, air, fire, water and space. These

elements in humans are represented by three “doshas” i.e., Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When any of these doshas become imbalanced, the body becomes vulnerable to various diseases. Ayurveda helps in maintaining right balance of the “doshas” by suggesting lifestyle changes and nutritional ideas.

How Ayurveda is better than Allopathy:

  • Allopathic treatment focuses only on providing instant relief by killing germs, virus, etc that caused the disease. This may not cure the disease permanently. On the other hand Ayurveda focuses on healing the person and permanently treating the disease. It does this by suggesting suitable changes in lifestyle thus improving overall health.
  • Ayurvedic treatment is far safer than allopathic treatment in terms of efficiency and safety as they make use of extracts of fruits, plants, etc. On the other hand Allopathic treatment may have adverse effects on the body since they treat diseases using various chemical compositions.
  • Ayurvedic medicines are cheaper as compared to Allopathic medicines as they are mostly made of various natural herbs and plants that are readily available.

Apart from these benefits, Ayurveda can be used in various circumstances in which Allopathy proves to be inefficient.

Ayurveda, a vast and ancient science is categorized into eight different branches:

Kaya Chikitsa (Internal Medicine)

Kaya refers to Agni. It is a digestive fire of a body.Malfunctioning of kaya results in many diseases. This branch of Ayurveda helps to maintain balance of kaya within body.

Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery)

It is a branch of Ayurvedic science which deals surgical procedures. Sushruta is known as a father of modern surgery and majority of modern surgeries are evolved from ancient procedures developed by Sushruta.

Bala Chikitsa (Pediatrics)

This branch is related to child care right from fertilization of the eggs to the development and growth of a child up to an age of 16.

Shalakya Chikitsa (Ears, Nose and Throat)

This branch involves diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the diseases related to eyes, ear, nose and throat.

Vajikarana Chikitsa (Aphrodisiacs)

This branch of Ayurveda is related to producing best offspring which is an important aspect of life and a great gift to our society. This branch also deals with the problems related to infertility and the sexual aspects of life.

Graha Chikitsa (Phychistry)

This branch deals with the prevention and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. This branch effectively treats mental disorders, emotional imbalances and also provides calmness to mind.

Rasayana Chikitsa (Geraitrics)

It is a branch of Ayurvedic science which deals with the rejuvenation of the body, preventive techniques related to ageing, prevention of diseases thus leading to healthy and the energetic life. It also provides details related to our nutrition in order to enhance immune system of the body.

Visha Chikitsa (Toxicology)

This branch of Ayurveda deals with the treatment of poisoning due to various sources such as animals, snakes, food, etc along with their antidotes.