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AYURVEDA |
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The other name for the source
of perfect health. Health -represents not only physical,
mental & spiritual wellbeing as well.
Ayurveda (Science of life)is not confined to medicine but
encompasses the total sweep of life science and pursues the
quest for understanding the life in all its ramifications.
"The Science of life shall never attain finality. therefore
humility and relentless industry should characterize your
every endeavour and your approach to knowledge .The entire
world consists of teachers for the wise and enemies for the
fools . Therefore, knowledge , conductive to health
,longevity , fame , and excellence , coming even from an
unfamiliar source , should be received , assimilated and
utilized with earnestness". (Ch.Vi.8/14) |
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Ayurveda as
a Life Science |
One is impressed by the vast conceptual canvas and frame
work of Ayurveda. It is important to realise that Ayurveda
is not confined to Medicine only, it tackles the whole
subject of life in its various ramification .This can be
seen by the variety of topics in literature , such as
re-birth, renunciation, salvation (Moksha),soul(Atma) , etc.
The purpose of life is four fold , to achieve dharma
(virtue), arth (wealth), kama(enjoyment), and moksha
(salvation). In order to attain success in this four- fold
purpose of life , it is essential to maintain life not only
in a disease - free state but also in a positively healthy
state of body ,mind , and spirit .
The emphasis on the maintenance of positive health or
Swastha Vratta , is a distinguishing feature of Ayurveda.
The word Ayurveda (as study of ayu or life) in itself
signifies its importance.
Ayurvedic system of medicine contributes as an ultimate
provider of stable health.
The main source of Ayurveda
is - Veda.
Vedas are regarded as the oldest scripts or records of
knowledge known to man. They are stated to be of divine
origin and given to mankind through the Rishis or seers of
wisdom and thereafter transmitted from generation to
generation.
There are 4 Vedas namely: Rig, Yajus, Sama, Adharva, which
have come down to us through several thousands of years of
oral transmission before finally being recorded in writing.
Ayurveda is considered as the branch of Adharvaveda.
Ayurvedic scholars from subsequent generations collected the
materials scattered in the Vedas and arranged them
symmetrically to form Samhithas (Collections). Ayurveda
initially was divided in to 8 branches old as ASTANG
AYURVEDA it covered all the modern days (so called)
speciality branches like --
(1) Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
This branch deals with general medicinal part of human
body's complete illness either chronic or acute .
(2) Kaumarbhratya or Balachikitsa (Paediatrics)
This branch deals with the prenatal and postnatal baby care
as well as the care of a woman before and during pregnancy.
It also elaborates various diseases of children and their
treatments.
(3) Graha Chikitsa (Psychiatry)
The study of mental diseases and their treatments. Treatment
methods include not only medicines and diet but also yogic
methods for improving psychic power.
(4) Shalakya Tantra (Eye Diseases,
ENT and Cephalic Diseases)
This branch deals with the diseases of ear, nose, throat and
head and their treatments including special techniques for
curing these diseases.
(5) Shallya Tantra (Surgery)
Maharishi 'Sushrutha' is the first surgeon who is also the
author of Shallya Tantra, the foremost speciality of
Ayurveda. He describes various surgical operations using
different surgical instruments and devices.
(6) Agada Tantram (Toxicology)
This branch deals with the toxins from vegetables, minerals
and also toxins from animal origins. The concept of
pollution of air and water in certain places and seasons has
been given special consideration. Such pollution is also
said to be the cause of various epidemics.
(7) Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy)
This branch which is unique to Ayurveda, deals with
prevention of diseases and promotion of a long and healthy
life. It acts as immunomodulator. It also advises how to
increase our health, intellect and beauty.
(8) Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac
treatment)
This branch deals with the means of increasing sexual
vitality and efficiency.
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