Introduction

Ayurveda, a traditional medical system from India, has shaped health practices for over three millennia. It emphasizes harmony among physical, mental, and spiritual elements through preventive care and natural treatments. The practice is categorized into eight branches, including internal medicine (Kayachikitsa), pediatrics (Kaumarabhritya), surgery (Shalya Tantra), and rejuvenation (Rasayana). Rooted deeply in Indian culture, Ayurveda promotes personalized wellness through herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and therapeutic routines. It continues to influence global health by offering alternative solutions to modern medical challenges, reflecting its enduring cultural and practical relevance.

Ayurveda as Medical System

Ayurveda, the ancient method of healing, has been derived from a Sanskrit term, made up of the words "Ayush" meaning life and "Veda" meaning knowledge or science. The term "Ayurveda" thus means the "knowledge of life" or the "science of life".

History of Ayurveda

History of Ayurveda is long, copious and loaded with a rich past, deeply seated in the antiquities. Nearly 5,000 years ago the great sage, Vyasadeva for the first time penned downs the Vedas.

Concepts of Ayurveda

According to the concept of Ayurveda, an individual is a bundle of "Spirit" The individual is desirous of expressing itself hence uses subjective consciousness or "Satwa" to manifest sense organs and a mind.

Principles of Ayurveda

Principles of Ayurveda aim at establishing such a state in which the function and structure of an individual operates optimally and that individual attains a state of mental, physical and spiritual equilibrium.

Branches of Ayurveda

There are eight branches of Ayurveda known as the "Asthanga Ayurveda". With support of these eight branches, Ayurveda promises a healthy living during the entire life span whilst combining the body, mind and spirit with that metaphysical cord of "ayus"(life) and "veda"(knowledge).

Ashtanga Ayurveda

Ashtanga Ayurveda deals with the eight branches of Ayurvedic specialization. In accordance with Charaka Samhita, a scientific creation of Charaka, the science of Ayurveda is divided into eight different parts, collectively known as Ashtanga Ayurveda.

Prakruti in Ayurveda

Prakruti or Constitution in Ayurveda is the particular arrangement of energies present at birth is known in Ayurveda. Its utilization is up to us. It is the sourcebook for our health, strength and well-being and can also be the facilitator toward difficulties.

Elements of Ayurveda

In Ayurveda the origin of all aspects of existence is consciousness and this is categorized under different elements of Ayurveda. Matter and Energy are one. Matter is manifested in five elements i.e. Ether (Space), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water and Earth.

Seven Dhatus in Ayurveda

Seven Dhatus in Ayurveda are the foundation structure of our body and the basis of growth and survival. The food that we consume is assimilated in our body in the form of "Ahar Rasa" which helps in survival, growth and fortification.

Malas in Ayurveda

Mala in Ayurveda are the substances or waste matters that need to be eliminated from the body. They are in fact excretory derivatives formed as a result of various physiological activities going in the body.

Panchabhuta in Ayurveda

Panchabhuta in Ayurveda are said to be in balance and the same thing applies to the human beings too. Ayurveda states that the human body is also made up of the 5 elements.

Panchakarma in Ayurveda

Panchakarma is Ayurveda's primary purification and detoxification treatment. Panchakarma literally signifies the "Five Therapies". It is an all-inclusive system of knowledge and practices to remove toxins from the body and restore the body's harmony with nature.

Gunas in Ayurveda

Guna of stillness or tamas, reload the universe and its beings. It is the main principle of support within the material universe.  The principle of self-organizing activity or rajas gives motion and co-ordination to the universe and human life.

Tridosha System in Ayurveda

Tridosha System in Ayurveda demonstrates the life cycle of an individual. According to Ashtanga Ayurveda, the body is constituted of five elements or Panch Mahabhutas - space, air, fire, water and earth.

Doshas in Ayurveda

Doshas in Ayurveda is one of the most significant components of the human psychology. This particular aspect of the body is really of vital importance as it is responsible for coordinating and directing all the substances and structures of the body.

Ahara in Ayurveda

Ahara is one of the three significant pillars of Ayurveda. It means that it is one of the basic principles upon which health, happiness and harmony along with the natural law rest.

Tastes in Ayurveda

Tastes in Ayurveda have a prominent role in the digestive and metabolic processes (Vipaka) of an individual. Digestion of heavy tastes needs more energy generation, while lighter tastes can be easily assimilated.

Diseases in Ayurveda

Diseases in Ayurveda are the state of body and mind in which a person experiences discomfort, pain and injury. The fundamental cause of disease is the imbalance of the Tridoshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

Diagnosis is a very vital aspect of Ayurvedic treatment. Diagnosis according to Ayurveda is to find out the root cause of a disease. Unless the proper diagnosis is done, it is difficult to provide medicine and cure the disease.

Treatment in Ayurveda

There are several types of treatment in Ayurveda. The procedure of treatment varies according to the patient's mental and physical capability or strength. The kind of disease is the integral factor to choose the types of treatment.

Parinama in Ayurveda

Parinama or kala also refers to the effects of time, and the natural physical transformation that are affected as time progresses. In short, kala or parinama is defined as "being out of harmony with the rhythms and cycles of Nature".

Vihara in Ayurveda

Vihara is defined as the second most important pillar of the Ayurveda. It means activity which highly influences the daily scheduled life that is full of stress and confusions.

Rutucharya in Ayurveda

Rutucharya in Ayurveda implies seasonal routine exercises. Human beings are integral parts of the nature. It is said that whatever takes place in the environment also happens inside the body.