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About Ayurveda
The Origin of Ayurveda
Ayurveda, one of the oldest systems of medicine, originated thousands of years ago as an oral
tradition, long before being transcribed into texts. Its roots are believed to trace back over 5,000
years to the Vedic civilization of Southeast Asia. This civilization split into two significant
branches: one migrating south to develop Ayurveda and the other heading north to establish
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy.
The foundational knowledge of Ayurveda emerged through the meditative practices of ancient
rishis – enlightened sages or saints regarded as vessels of divine wisdom.
It is said that these
rishis received insights directly from the divine, gaining a deep understanding of natural laws,
human rhythms, and the interconnectedness of life. They observed nature meticulously,
understanding that imbalance in the connection between humans and their environment led to
disease. Initially passed orally from generation to generation, this profound wisdom was
eventually recorded in the Charaka-Samhita, a foundational Ayurvedic text that remains one of
the most authoritative works on Ayurveda.Ayurvedic physicians, known as vaidyas, treated ailments by focusing on restoring balance
through dietary changes, herbal remedies, therapeutic massages, and purification practices.
Over time, this holistic knowledge spread across the world. However, during British colonial rule
in 1835, Ayurveda was suppressed in favor of Western medicine. Despite the ban, Ayurveda
survived quietly, kept alive by dedicated practitioners. Following India’s independence in 1947,
Ayurveda began to regain recognition. In 1971, it was officially integrated into India’s state
healthcare system. Since then, Ayurveda has flourished globally, influencing healthcare in
regions such as Europe, Greece, Japan, Australia, Russia, and the Americas.
The Ayurvedic Concept of Health
According to renowned Ayurvedic scholar Dr. Vasant Lad, health is not merely the absence of disease but a state of perfect balance between mind, body, and consciousness. Ayurveda defines health through the following Sanskrit verse: “Sama dosha, samagnish cha, Sama Dhatu, Malah Kriyah, Prasanna Atmendriya manah Swastha!” This translates to: Health is a state of equilibrium in the doshas (mind-body energies), balanced metabolic fire (agni), harmonious tissues (dhatus), proper elimination of waste (malas), and a state of blissful soul, senses, and mind.The Five Elements (Mahabhutas)
To understand Ayurveda, one must first grasp its foundational principle: the five elements that constitute all living beings. Known as the Mahabhutas, these elements determine our unique nature based on their proportions within us. Each element embodies specific qualities that influence our physical and mental constitution:1. Air (Vayu): Governs movement, including breath and circulation.
2. Space (Akasha): Represents emptiness and the body’s channels.
3. Fire (Agni): Symbolizes metabolism, digestion, and transformation.
4. Earth (Prithvi): Provides structure, stability, and form.
5. Water (Jala): Represents fluidity, moisture, and cohesiveness.
These elements are not literal substances but qualitative forces that shape an individual’s unique characteristics.
The Three Doshas (Mind-Body Types)
Ayurveda classifies individuals into three primary doshas, which are combinations of the five elements. A person’s dosha determines their physical, mental, and emotional tendencies.1. Vata (Air + Space): Vata types are energetic, creative, and excitable but prone to anxiety and dryness. To balance Vata, individuals benefit from calming routines, warm cooked foods, and practices like yoga, particularly poses that enhance digestion and hip mobility.
2. Pitta (Fire + Water): Pitta types are determined, organized, and passionate but can become irritable under stress. Cooling foods, relaxation techniques, and yoga practices involving spinal twists help restore Pitta balance.
3. Kapha (Earth + Water): Kapha types are calm, compassionate, and steady but may struggle with lethargy and congestion. Movement, standing exercises, and light, dry foods help maintain their balance.
The Eight Branches of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Ayurveda)
The knowledge of Ayurveda, as passed down by Lord Divodas Dhanvantari to Sage Sushruta,
is divided into eight distinct branches:1. Kaya Chikitsa (Internal Medicine): Focuses on treating diseases of the physical body and is detailed in the Charaka Samhita.
2. Bala Chikitsa (Pediatrics): Addresses the unique health needs of children, with guidance found in the Kasyapa Samhita.
3. Graha Chikitsa (Psychiatry): Explores mental health, recognizing the role of emotions and thoughts in physical well-being.
4. Urdhvanga Chikitsa (ENT): Treats conditions affecting the head, neck, eyes, ears, and throat.
5. Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery): Describes surgical procedures, as detailed in the Sushruta Samhita.
6. Damshrta Chikitsa (Toxicology): Deals with detoxification and the treatment of poison-related disorders.
7. Jara Chikitsa (Geriatrics): Focuses on anti-aging therapies, longevity, and the treatment of degenerative diseases.
8. Vrushya Chikitsa (Reproductive Medicine): Enhances reproductive health and vitality to promote the birth of healthy progeny.
