WHAT IS AYURVEDA?
“A traditional system of medicine, originated India, which uses herbs etc. as medicines and also includes massage etc”.
This is the general perception about Ayurveda. But does that give a clear picture?
The word Ayurveda literally means “The Science of Life”. The word originated from two Sanskrit words “Ayus” and “Veda”. Ayus means Life and Veda meaning attaining knowledge.
It is not only a system of medicine but also a sacred precept that guide us through every aspect of life.
ORIGIN
The exact time period of the origin of life in this universe is unknown. But it’s sure that the primitive men might have developed some natural methods to cure their ailments. The evolution of most sciences might be from these methods.
The exact origin of Ayurveda is not known. There are no recorded evidences to trace back exact time period of its origin.
Veda, are ancient Indian literature, written in the Iron Age. The medical knowledge of that era is recorded in a scattered manner in the Vedas. Ayurveda is the Upaveda or a part of the Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA
According to Ayurveda, our body is composed of 5 elements or Panchamahabhutas:-
- Akasa – Ether or free space
- Vayu – Air
- Agni – Fire
- Jala – Water
- Prithvi – Earth
The English terms given above do not convey full and exact implication of the corresponding Sanskrit terms. But for a common man to understand we can correlate those terms.
The human body made of Panchamahabhutas is controlled by 3 humors or Tridoshas:-
According to Ayurveda the equilibrium of these 3 factors results in health and any imbalances will result in disease.
BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA
The division of the Ayurveda itself shows, even before five thousand years, how seriously it deals various topics. The eight branches of Ayurveda are:-
- Kaya Chikitsa – General Medicine.
- Bala Chikitsa – Paediatrics
- Bhutavidya – Psychiatry and mental well being
- Urdhwangachikitsa/Shalakyatantra – Treatment of neck and head related diseases
- Shalyatantra – Surgery
- Rasayana Chikitsa – Rejuvenation therapy
- Vajeekarana Chikitsa – Science of Aphrodisiacs
- Agadatantra – Toxicology
WHAT DOES AYURVEDA TEACH US?
Life is a combination of the body, organs (mainly sense organs), mind and soul. To have a perfect life we should have this perfect combination.
Ayurveda helps us to understand the mysterious physical and mental factors of our life. It not only teaches us to cure diseases but also helps to prevent them and guide us how to stay healthy.
हिताहितं सुखं दुखमायुस्तस्य हिताहितं │
मानं च तच्च यत्रोक्तमायुर्वेद स उच्यते ││
(Caraka Samhitha: Sutra Sthana: Chapter 1: Verse 41)
One of the greatest treatises in Ayurveda, Caraka Samhitha’s definition shows the relevance and the importance of Ayurveda. The Samhitha defines Ayurveda as the science where the:-
- Hitha (advantageous) and Ahitha (disadvantageous)
- Sukha (happiness) and Dukha (Unhappiness)
- Hithayu (good life) and Ahithayu (bad life)
along with their measures and life itself are described.
The elaborate description about the regimens to be followed daily and seasonally makes this science unique. Along with that it helps us to understand the norms towards well being. The one who follows the above said can attain health and happiness.
