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Ayur Veda

Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) or ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive system of medicine, more than 2,000 years old and based on a holistic approach rooted in Vedic culture. Its conspicuous use of the word veda, or knowledge, reveals its role in early Hinduism and describes its hallowed place in India. Ayurveda also had a tradition of surgery. Two early texts of Ayurveda are the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita.

Brhat Trayi (The greater triad)

The Charaka and Sushruta Samhitās are compendiums of two traditions rather than texts authored by single authors. A third tradition is that of the Kāshyapas. Some plant remedies of ayurveda are also mentioned in the earlier Vedic literature 2nd millennium BC. Both the Sushruta and Charaka Samhitās are the product of several editorial hands, having been revised and supplemented over a period of several hundred years.

The scholar Vāgbhata, who lived in Sind at the beginning of the 7th century AD, produced a grand synthesis of earlier ayurvedic materials in a verse work called Ashtānga Hridayam. Another work associated with the same author, the Asthanga Samgraha, contains much the same material in a more diffuse form, written in a mixture of prose and verse. The relationship between these two works, and a third intermediate compilation, is still a topic of active research. The works of Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata are considered canonical and reverentially called the Vriddha Trayi, "the triad of ancients"; or Brhat Trayi, "the greater triad." In the early eighth century, Mādhav wrote his Nidāna, a work on etiology, which soon assumed a position of authority. In the 79 chapters of this book, he lists diseases along with their causes, symptoms, and complications.

Basic concepts and methodology

Traditonal Āyurveda speaks of eight branches: kāyāchikitsā (internal medicine), shalyachikitsā (surgery including anatomy), shālākyachikitsā (eye, ear, nose, and throat diseases), kaumārabhritya (pediatrics), bhūtavidyā (psychiatry, or demonology), and agada tantra (toxicology), rasāyana (science of rejuvenation), and vājīkarana (the science of fertility).

Apart from learning these, the student of Āyurveda was expected to know ten arts that were indispensable in the preparation and application of his medicines: distillation, operative skills, cooking, horticulture, metallurgy, sugar manufacture, pharmacy, analysis and separation of minerals, compounding of metals, and preparation of alkalis. The teaching of various subjects was done during the instruction of relevant clinical subjects. For example, teaching of anatomy was a part of the teaching of surgery, embryology was a part of training in pediatrics and obstetrics, and the knowledge of physiology and pathology was interwoven in the teaching of all the clinical disciplines.

The Ayurvedic idea is that the organism adapts to the environment and its food, climate etc. This principle of adaptation is called satyma. Through introducing small amounts of a food or medicine, the organism can adapt to it and learn to resist it.

Qualities

It could be said that the simple essence of ayurveda is knowledge and awareness of the qualities of nature – called gurvadi gunah. By understanding the qualities inherent in the environment, in foodstuffs, in activities, etc., one gains an appreciation of their effects on the individual constitution through the principle of similarities; i.e., that similarities cause increase while dissimilarities cause decrease. Thus hot qualities in the environment or diet will increase hot qualities in the body.

The gurvadi gunah are listed in Vagbhata's Ashtanga Hrdayam as:

Since everything in the material world possesses combinations of the 20 qualities, ayurveda postulates that every material process or object can either harm or heal a person by influencing that person's unique original constitution (called prakrti). An ayurvedic practitioner will assess the qualities of a disorder, the patient's unique prakrti, and his/her influencing factors to arrive at a treatment plan. The treatment plan will consist of using herbs, therapies, diet, etc., with opposite qualities so as to assist the patient in re-establishing their prakrti.

The Five Elements

According to the ancient Sankhya theory of cosmology, on which ayurveda is based, the five elements – panchamahabhuta – combine in different proportions to form the material world. Each element possesses different amounts of the above-mentioned gunas; thus each element has its unique qualitative nature. The elements are:

Some authorities state that the early European concept of five elements evolved as a result of contact with ayurveda.

Doshas

The 3 main doshas (medical humours) are Vata (resembles the classical element air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water).

All bodily processes are believed to be governed by a balance of the 3 doshas. Whichever dosha appears to dominate a person's behavior and physique is called his constitution type. Each constitution type has particular strengths and susceptibilities.

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Kapha is the watery humour. "Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance....Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs and maintains immunity...Kapha is responsible for emotions of attachment, greed and long-standing envy; it is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness and love." Too much Kapha leads to lethargy and weight gain, as well as congestion and allergies.

Analysis

Often a person is a dual dosha (e.g. Vata/Pitta) or even Tridosha (all three doshas).

In sum, Ayurveda represents a system that considers both the states of mind and body in its diagnosis and treatment. Ayurveda took into consideration the fact that many illnesses are caused by foreign agents and small organisms that may require aggressive intervention.

Historically

At the closing of the initiation, the guru gave a solemn address to the students where the guru directed the students to a life of chastity, honesty, and vegetarianism. The student was to strive with all his being for the health of the sick. He was not to betray patients for his own advantage. He was to dress modestly and avoid strong drink. He was to be collected and self-controlled, measured in speech at all times. He was to constantly improve his knowledge and technical skill. In the home of the patient he was to be courteous and modest, directing all attention to the patient's welfare. He was not to divulge any knowledge about the patient and his family. If the patient was incurable, he was to keep this to himself if it was likely to harm the patient or others.

The normal length of the student's training appears to have been seven years. Before graduation, the student was to pass a test. But the physician was to continue to learn through texts, direct observation (pratyaksha), and through inference (anumāna). In addition, the vaidyas attended meetings where knowledge was exchanged. The doctors were also enjoined to gain knowledge of unusual remedies from hillsmen, herdsmen, and forest-dwellers.

In 2001, archaeologists studying the remains of two men from Mehrgarh, Pakistan, made the startling discovery that the people of Indus Valley Civilization, even from the early Harappan periods (circa 3300 BC), had knowledge of medicine and dentistry! The physical anthropologist that carried out the examinations, Professor Andrea Cucina from the University of Missouri-Columbia, made the discovery when he was cleaning the teeth from one of the men.

Today

Ayurvedic physicians were traditionally supported by their patients and the communities they worked in, with a minority gaining royal patronage. Under the centralised governments systems established by the Mughals and subsequent British rule in India, many Ayurvedic physicians were paid small stipends by the state. But when the British government in India began to establish hospitals and organised state-wide healthcare institutions, leading eventually to the Indian Medical Service, Ayurveda was not included. In the early 20th century, Ayurvedic physicians began to organise into professional associations and to promote the case for national recognition and funding. This began to become a reality after Indian independence in 1947.

Today, Ayurveda is gaining lots of interest in the Western countries. Ayurvedic treatments in the West are primarily massage, and dietary and herbal advice, due to the strong regulations surrounding medical practice in Europe and America. Patients are classified by body types, or prakriti, which are determined by proportions of the three doshas. Illness and disease are considered to be a matter of imbalance in the doshas. Treatment is aimed at restoring harmony or balance to the mind-body system.

In India, Ayurveda is gaining a lot of prominence as an alternative to western medicine. However, the traditional methods of teaching ayurveda - such as undergoing a rigourous study of sanskrit - are being discarded and only diseases and cures are being taught in most Ayurvedic colleges across India. For the next generation of Ayurvedic doctors, this reduces the basic understanding of Ayurveda as a comprehensive system and takes away the reasoning powers and knowledge that comes from being able to comprehend the original Vriddha Trayi in Sanskrit.

Prime Treatments in Ayurveda 

PIZHICHIL

Here lukewarm medicated oil is applied on the body of the patient lying on the "Dharapathi". Oil dipped pieces of cloth are squeezed by hand and the oils rubbed smoothly over the body of the patient by masseurs on either side. The medicated oil is pressed out of the cloth uniformly over the body at a defined height and massaged by skillful hands. Fresh medicated oil is used every day and the treatment may last fourteen or twenty-eight days.

This treatment is indicated in stiffness and pain of joints and limbs, dislocation of joints, paralytic conditions and in pregnant ladies with a history of uterine inertia in earlier deliveries. Many persons also undergo this treatment for rejuvenation and preservation of health to offset early aging. Sclerotic changes can be prevented by this treatment.

NJAVARAKIZHI

Navarakizhi is also one of the special forms of treatment widely practiced in Kerala. The body is made to perspire well through massage with puddings in the form of boluses tied up in cloth bags.
Specially cooked rice tied up in boluses are warmed in a mixture of Balamoola Kasaya and cow’s milk and massaged over the body with adequate pressure and movements as required for the patient.The pressure forces out the contents of boluses. The boluses are rewarmed and applied again and again till the Kashaya and contents of the boluses would have been entirely used up.

The main indication are all types of diseases of nervous system, chronic rheumatic diseases, pain to the joints, emaciation of limbs and diseases borne of vitiated blood. It also makes the body strong and sturdy with well developed musculature. Navarakizhi is also one of the special forms of treatment widely practiced in Kerala.

DHARA

Dhara or Sirassekam is also a special treatment practiced in Kerala. Medicated oil, medicated butter milk , cows milk or human breast milk are allowed to freely flow over the upper part of the fore head continuously for specific periods.

The patient will be lying on the Dharapathi and the fluid flows out of a hole in a vessel hung at a prescribed height. The fluid is selected on a diagnosis of the patient’s ailment. Indications of Thakradhara are premature graying of hair, fatigue, headache, lack of vitality, rheumatic complaints, diabetes, dislocation of joints, anorexia, dyspepsia, diseases of eye, ear, nose and throat. Sthanyadhara is indicated in Hyperpyrexia. Tailadhara is done for sinusitis, headache and paralysis. e.g. Bell’s Palsy, Hemiplegia etc.

VASTHI

Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc. are applied throughout the rectum daily for a period of 5 to 25 days. This treatments is for Arthritis, Paralysis, Hemipllegia, Numbness, Gastric complaints associated with Rheumatism and constant Constipation.

SIROVASTHI

In Sirovasti, medicated oil is made to stand on the patient’s head for specific periods. The oil is contained in a close-fitting leather cap, made leak proof with black-gram powder. Constant temperature conditions are maintained throughout.
This treatment is indicated for loss of tactile sensation, facial paralysis, sleeplessness, dryness of nostrils and throat, increased intracular pressure, severe chronic headache etc.

UDVARTHANAM

This is a typical massage with herbal powders for about 30   minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity (excess fat) and certain rheumatic ailments.

ABHYANGAM

Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for Obesity, especially  for Diabetic gangerene (a condition due to lack of blood circulation in the extremities of the body) etc.

NASYAM

Herbal juices, medicated oils etc., are applied through nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis, mental disorders, some types of skin diseases etc.

SNEHAPANAM

Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for osteo arthritis, sporaris, leukaemia etc.

KIZHI

Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for Osteoarthiritis Arthritis with swelling, Spondilosis, sports injuries etc.

DHANYAMLA DHARA

Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatic complaints etc.

YONI PRAKSHALANAM

Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynaecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.

KATIVASTHI

In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

 UROVASTHI

Warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.

 KSHEERADHOOMAM

This is fomentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis, Bell’s palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face.

 THALAM

Special powder mixed with medicated oil applying on the top of the head for 20 to 45 minutes. This treatment is helpful for ENT problems, insomnia, migraine etc

Body Care in Ayurveda

REJUVENATION THERAPY (RASAYANA CHIKILSA)

This treatment includes body massage with hand and foot by two masseurs with medicated oil and cream, internal rejuvenative medicines and medicated stem bath. This therapy is for 90 minutes to 2 hours per day for 7 to 14 days. This therapy is to rejuvenate mind body and soul, to tone up skin, to strengthen all systems so as to achieve ideal health and longevity.

BODY PURIFICATION THERAPY (SHODHAN CHIKILSA)

It is a process of purifying the whole body to attain proper balance of vatha, pitha and kapha based on the panchkarma and swethakarma treatment.
The 15 day package process include body massage, snehapanam, nasyam, virachanam(Medicated purgative), snehavasthi, dhara, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, karnapooranam, tharpanam, sirovasthi, steam bath, Herbal drinks and internal herbal medicines.

BODY IMMUNIZATION /LONGEVITY TREATMENT (KAYAKALPA CHIKILSA)

This is the prime treatment in Ayurveda for reducing ageing processes, arresting the degeneration of the body cells and immunisation of the system. Giving RASAYANA ( Very Special Ayurvedic Medicine) internally is the main part of this programme, based on the panchakarma and swethakarma treatment. The 28-day package process includes body massage, snehapanam, virechanam, nasyam, snehavasthi, dhara, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, tharpanam, sirovasthi, karnapooranam and medicated steam bath. This treatment is best effective if taken before the age of 60, for either sex.

SPORARIS TREATMENT PROGRAMME. (SIDHMA CHIKILSA)

This is an effective treatment for all types of sporaris. This special Ayurvedic treatment programme last for 21 to 28 days. This programme includes special lapanam, abhyangam, snehapanam, pizhichil, medicated steam bath and sirovasthi along with exclusively prepared internal herbal medicines.

 MEDICATED STEAM BATH

Certain precious herbal leaves and herbs are boiled and the steam is passed to the whole body for 10 to 20 minutes. This is good for certain skin diseases, to eliminate impurities from the body, to improve the tone of the body, to reduce fat etc.

BEAUTY CARE PROGRAMME

In this programme herbal face pack, herbal cream massage, herbal oil massage, intake of herbal tea and steam bath are included. This treatment increases the skin complexion, skin tone and beautifies the body figure.

SLIMMING PROGRAMME

This includes two types of massages :-
1) medicated herbal powder massage
2) medicated herbal oil massage.

These two massages will be given for 28 days. This programme also includes medicated steam bath, intake of herbal juices and herbal tea. A very special Ayurvedic diet is advised during the treatment period.

SPINE AND NECK CARE PROGRAMME

This is a special treatment to keep your spine and neck healthy and to cure the problems related with it. This programme includes special massages, kativasthi, snehavasthi, kashayavasthi, pizhichil, njavarakizhi, special exercises etc.

KARNAPOORANAM

This is a process of medicated fumes applied to the ears for 5 to 10 minutes. This process helps to clean the ear and avoids ailments associated to the ear.

THARPANAM

It is a cleaning process of the eyes which gives the cooling effect, prevents eye diseases and strengthens the optic nerve.

MUKHALEPAM

This is a herbal face pack with specially made herbal powder and fresh cream. This prevents and avoids wrinkles and improves the skin tone. This is also good for the eyes.

REJUVENATION MASSAGE

This massage includes body massage with herbal oil or herbal powder by hand and foot, head massage, face massage for 1½ hours. This is good for rejuvenating the body, to reduce mental tension, sexual weakness, to improve vitality etc.

 YOGA AND MEDITATION

Duration of the treatment may vary according to the direction of the doctor and the rates proportionately.
Process may change depending upon the patient’s body conditions.

Body massage course and Yoga-Meditation course will be conducted as per request at a price.
For a single pizhichil, njavarakizhi, thiladhara, sirovasthi etc the rates will be different.

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