Ayurveda is the oldest holistic system of medicine in the world that uses constitutional models. It is the art of healthy living that has been helping human beings to create harmony in daily life by using the techniques of self-knowledge and self care. Being ancient the word Ayurveda is derived from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit where; Ayus means life and & Ved means knowledge or science. So, the literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is knowledge or science of life. In short we can say that to know about life is Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic medicines works on the principle that a perfect health condition is achievable through
the psychosomatic integration in a person. Ayurvedic medicine provides us with a unique physical
purification method called panchakarma and various ayurvedic herbal health remedies for mental and
spiritual well-being. The ultimate goal of ayurvedic medicines is to create a state of holistic
health for the individual, to create, consequently, a healthy society and environment with its
herbal health remedies. Ayurvedic medicine recognizes the human body is part of nature, rather a
microcosm of the universe.
According to Ayurveda, life is a combination of four essential parts.
These four essential parts are
MIND
BODY
SENSE
SOUL
It just not limits the knowledge to body or physical symptoms but also provides a thorough knowledge regarding spiritual, mental and emotional aspects. This traditional system of healing is based on the theory of balancing the body, the soul and the mind. This balancing includes eating the right thing at the right time, adapting to daily lifestyle habits, daily mediation and maintaining purity of mind and soul. There is a strong connection between the mind and the body. It not only controls the process of thoughts but also helps the body in day-to-day activities such as respiration, blood circulation, digestion and elimination. Our physiology is regulated by the combined work of mind and body. The senses are used as information gatherers so that the mind can act accordingly to the body. The clarity of senses helps the mind and body to integrate their functions so that the human beings can live a healthy and happier life. Before existing in the physical body we exist in a more fine and delicate form known as the soul. We may take the shape and form of many physical bodies throughout the cycle of life and death but our soul remains unchanged.
Ayurvedic Medicines is the perfect solution for all human needs, wants and desires.There are two main goals of Ayurveda.
These two main goals of Ayurveda are
TO MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF THE HEALTHY ONEAnd TO CURE THE SICK
These goals can be achieved by adopting the right diet, daily regimen, lifestyle, actions and activities. Various problems like depression, anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia are due to sick mind and body. Therefore, a balance is needed in the functioning of both mind and body for good health.
The main textbooks of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, describes how in ancient times the Vedic Rishis or sages became concerned that mankind was suffering from many illnesses. The technique Rishis used to discover Ayurveda does not have any links with the modern scientific age.
The whole science of Ayurveda is based on the five great elements that
Ayurveda termed as panchmahabhuta theory.
These five elements of panchmahabhuta are
EARTH
WATER
FIRE
AIR
SPACE
These elements constitute our universe. These elements change and interact constantly with each other and create a situation of dynamic flux that keeps the world going.
Ayurveda recognizes three main energies that combine to form all the five elements in the universe
These basic energies are
VATTA
PITTA
KAPHA
These energies are seen in the processes of growth, maintenance and decay. Their actions are named anabolism, metabolism and catabolism.
Vatta is composed of air and space.
Pitta is composed of fire and water.
Kapha comprises water and earth.
Ayurveda Elements
There are four other elements that Ayurveda considers
Dhatus
maintains and nourishes the body
Mala
waste products due to the metabolic process of the body
Srota
transports the food
Agni
responsible for various metabolic activities
Ayurveda also has some beliefs about the constitution of body. Constitution refers to a person’s health, his capacity to fight against diseases and also recovery from various health problems. The constitution is known as the Prakriti. The system of human body, which protects it from various infectious agents, is called Immune System and the study of this Immune System is known as Immunology. This fundamental concept of Immune System and their use for the improvement of human health and welfare co-relates with the Ayurveda principals.
