An introduction to Ayurveda

An alternative system of medicine, Ayurveda uses a combination of
herbal medicines, specialised diets and massage to treatthe root cause
of a disease, and restore balance inside the body.
Origins of Ayurveda
Ayurveda as we all know had its origin in India. One of the oldest
medical systems in the world, it is categorised as an alternative
therapy. This system of medicine is a combination of herbal medicines,
specialised diets and massage.
The term Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words 'ayur', meaning
life and 'veda', meaning science. Thus Ayurveda means 'the science of
life'.
Ayurveda expert Dr Amogh Deshpande says, "Ayurveda aims to treat the
root cause of the disease." To achieve this, this system of medicine
works in rebalancing the body. Ayurveda, stresses Dr Deshpande, works
in attune with nature. For instance, Ayurveda prescribes eating in
accordance with the season.
Key insights into Ayurveda
*. Ayurvedic medicine aimsto integrate and bring about equilibrium in
the body, mind and spirit. Inner balance and harmony is believed to
prevent illness and promote overall wellness.
*. This ancient system of medicine uses many techniques to cleanse the
body and reinstatingbalance in the body, mind and spirit. Also note,
if these techniques and medicines aren't used as directed by the
practitioner it can have side effects. Which is why — your diet,
everyday routine and all — play an important role when you're taking
Ayurvedic medicine.
"It is believed that Lord Dhanawantri (the primordial God of health in
ancient India) is the creator of Ayurveda," says Dr Deshpande. "
Charaka Samhita , Sushruta Samhita and Wagbhata Samhita are the three
main texts ofAyurveda."
The vast information in these texts is divided into eight branches.
*. Internal medicine
*. Surgery
*. Treatment of head and neck disease
*. Gynaecology, obstetrics, and paediatrics
*. Toxicology
*. Psychiatry
*. Care of the elderly and rejuvenation
*. Sexual vitality
Fundamental concepts of Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine rests on the premise of universal
interconnectedness, its treatment is tailored as per an individual's
body constitution, referred to as prakriti in Ayurveda and life
forces, called doshas .
Body constitution ( prakriti )
Ayurveda has its own takeon the body's constitution.Body constitution
refers toan individual's general health, likelihood of the body going
out of balance and an individual's ability to fight infections and
recover from health ailments.
It refers to each individual's physical and psychological aspects and
the way his/her body functions to maintain health. It is believed that
an individual's prakriti remains unchanged in a lifetime.
Life forces ( doshas )
Life forces or energy (doshas) are aspects of an individual's body
constitution that control the body's activities. Ayurveda categorises
bodytypes into three doshas : vata , pitta and kapha .
*. Each dosha is made up oftwo of five basic elements: ether, air,
fire, water and earth.
*. Each dosha has a specific relationship with the body's functions
and can be out of sync due to several reasons.
*. Each individual has a unique combination of these three doshas ,
although one is likely to be dominant. Doshas are continuously being
altered by food, activity and body functions.
*. An imbalance of dosha will produce symptoms specific to that
particular dosha . This imbalance can be a result of unhealthy
lifestyle, diet, levels of mental and physical exertion, seasons, an
individual's age.
The three doshas in Ayurveda:
Vata dosha: This one combines elements of ether and air. It is
considered to be the most powerful dosha and controls fundamental body
processes like cell division, breathing, waste discharge, the heart
and mind. In people with 'vata'as the dominant dosha areknown to be
particularly vulnerable to skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis,
heart disease, anxiety, insomnia and neurological conditions.

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