Ayurveda in Sanskrit means the 'Science of Life'. It is an ancient, unfailing system of treatment based on medicines prepared from herbal plants found in abundance in India. This ancient knowledge system of medicine has gained global acceptance especially for alternative ways of preventive, curative and rejuvenative processes making life a more pleasurable experience. This has a holistic approach and it helps maintain thebalance of the physiological systems and plays a vital role in preventing diseases and revitalizing the entire life system body, mind and soul.

Ayurveda owes its origin to the sacred Atharva Veda written by Srila Vyasadeva, some five millenniums ago. In ancient times the Gurus or Maharishis as the teachers were called, passed on their knowledge to the new generation by word of mouth (oral or verbal) teaching. And as per legend Lord Brahma, the Creator, taught Ayurveda to Prajapatis verbally. In course of time saints like Agnivesa started scripting it in the form of shlokas (verses or hymns) on the leaves of the palm tree. The oldest of these revered texts currently available are the Charaka Samhita, Susrutha Samhita and the Ashtanga Samgraha. And it is from these ancient texts we have the science of Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, every living or non-living being in this universe is a combination of five basic eternal elements called the Panch Maha Bootas. These elements are - Earth (Prithvi), Water (Apa), Fire (Tejas), Air (Vayu) and Space or Ether (Akash). Moreover, there are three basic principles that govern all biological, physiological and physio pathological functions of the body, mind and consciousness. These are -

• Vatha Principle - Kinetic Biological Mode, compared to Air
• Pitha Principle - Transformative Biological Mode, compared to Fire
• Kapha Principle - Structive Biological Mode, compared to Mucus and Water

Ayurveda deems that a living body can function normally only if the Tridoshas, the three principle conditions given above are in equilibrium. And this comes only when the body's Dhatus (tissues), Malas (metabolic waste) and Agni (enzymes) are well balanced.

Ayurvedic remedy is principally an eight-fold classification of knowledge. This covers - general medicine, psychiatry, ENT and ophthalmology geriatrics, toxicology, surgery, rejuvenation, pediatrics and gynecology.

Health according to Ayurveda can be defined as a state of equilibrium of the action of Doshas (disorder), Dhatus (tissues), Malas (metabolic waste) and Agni (enzymes) accompanied by a sensation of Tranquility (well being) of body and the sensory organs, mind and soul.

The Tridoshas can be vitiated mainly by two ways - normally and abnormally. The normal vitiation is produced by the inevitable and natural factors like seasonal variations, diurnal variations, and various stages of digestion. This type of vitiation is easy to treat and often it does not require any treatment as the conditions subside automatically.

Abnormal vitiation of Doshas is caused by deliberate exposure to specific etiological factors, both external and internal. That is abuse of functions of the sensory organs; wrong bodily habits, suppression of body urges, ill food habits and avoidance of seasonal and daily regimes. It may be due to incompatible combination of food, lack of body care and preservation of health, constant exposure of the mind to bad feelings like greed, jealousy, anger etc.

Depending on one's Prakriti (nature of constitution) and disproportion in the Tridoshas, the Ayurveda practitioner structures the diet and herb plan. Individuals with identical infirmity, at times, receive disparate diet and herb plans.

The basic aim of treatment in Ayurveda is to eliminate the internal disease causing factors and bring the vitiation of the Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni to the normal functioning state. The objective of Ayurveda is to establish prime health in every living being - physically, mentally and spiritually.

PRIME TREATMENTS IN AYURVEDA

This holistic healing science facilitates a personal level of understanding of each individual and recommends a comprehensive portrayal about diet plan and lifestyle. It educated on improvising our approach to life without upsetting the natural balance.

Let us comprehend some simple remedial procedures prescribed by Ayurveda -

PRIZHICHIL

This is one unusual and special treatment for rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and mental disorders. This treatment is done on a unique table made from a single piece of Strychnos Nuxvomica wood. Herein tepid herbal oils are applied all over the body in a singular rhythmic fashion incessantly for about 60 to 90 minutes a day for a period of 7 to 21 days.

NJAVARAKIHI

This is a process for the treatment of all types of rheumatism, joint pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and certain skin diseases. Herein the whole body or any particular part is made to perspire by topical application of certain medicinal puddings in the form of boluses tied up in a muslin bag. The procedure is repeated for about 60 to 90 minutes a day for 14 days.

SIRODHARA

This treatment is primarily for insomnia, amnesia, headache, stress, tension and certain skin ailments. Sira means head and Dhara implies a continuous liquid flow. Herein some herbal oils, medicated milks and emulsions are poured on the orehead in a singular fashion for 30 to 40 minutes a day for 7 to 21 days.

SIROVASTHI

This treatment is extremely effectual for facial paralysis, headache and dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat. Herein certain tepid oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head and held for 15 to 20 minutes a day for 7 days.

UDVARTHANAM

This treatment is popularly known as 'Powder Massage'. It is an effective remedy for obesity, hemiplegia, paralysis, skin ailments and even impaired blood circulation. Herein inimitable powders are applied in a characteristic style all over the body for 30 to 40 minutes a day for 14 to 28 days.

KIZHI

This is a very effective procedure for osteo-arthiritis, spondylosis and sports injuries. Herein herbal leaves or powders are applied after dipping it in lukewarm medicated oils. This is done for 45 minutes a day for 7 to 14 days.

DHANYAMLA DHARA

This treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, paralysis and rheumatic ailments. Balmy herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic manner using a unique vessel. This is done for 45 to 60 minutes daily.

KATIVASTHI

This is a very effective procedure for back pain and spinal disorders. Herein tepid medicated oil is kept over the lower back with an herbal paste boundary for 45 to 60 minutes.

UROVASTHI

This is a one time effective remedy for respiratory disorders, heart disorders and muscular chest pain. Tepid medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes.

YONI PRAKSHALANAM

This is a good treatment for gynecological disorders and for purification of genitalia. Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. It is a treatment plan for 7 days.

KSHEERADHOOMAM

This is a one-time treatment for facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, speech and nervous disorders. Herein fomentation is done with medicated cow's milk.

THALAM

This is a one-time treatment helpful for E. N. T. problems, insomnia, headache and migraine. Herein a medicated paste of oil and powder is applied on the head.

LEPANAM

This is a one-time remedy for inflammations. Herein a medicated paste is applied topically on the afflicted region.

NASAYAM

This is a good curative procedure for headache, paralysis, nervous disorders and skin diseases. Herein specific herbal extracts and oils are injected through the nasal cavity for 7 to 14 days.

ABHYANGAM

This is a healing technique for obesity and diabetic gangrene.

SNEHAPANAM

This is a good remedy for osteo-arthiritis and psoriasis. Herein medicated ghee (fat) is given internally for 14 days.

VASTHI

This is a healing therapy for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia and constipation. Certain herbal extracts are injected through the rectum daily for 10 to 25 days.