Ayurveda – An Overview
“Ayurveda” is a traditional healthcare system originated in Indian subcontinent. The word “Ayurveda” is a Sanskrit word made up of two words Ayu + Veda. ‘Ayu’ meaning ‘Life’ and ‘Veda’ meaning ‘Knowledge’ or ‘Science’, thus “Ayurveda” literally means ‘Science of Life’. The earliest concepts of medical or healthcare science are found in ‘Veda’, which are believed to be composed around 5000 B.C. The classical texts of “Ayurveda” containing fundamental, exhaustive and exclusive knowledge on healthcare and disease are thought to came around 1000 B.C. onwards. The doctrines of “Ayurveda” are elaborated mainly in two ancient books called ‘Charaka Samhita’ and ‘Sushruta Samhita’. Over a period of time “Ayurveda” passed through political and socio cultural phases and got enriched.
Ayurveda is perhaps the oldest system of healthcare on globe which is not disease or symptom based. It not only treats disease but also teaches us living healthy in accordance with nature. Thorough instructions are given on following specific ‘Dincharya’ (Daily routine) and ‘Ritucharya’ (Seasonal regimen). “Ayurveda” has mainly three aims – first to preserve the health, second to promote the health of healthy person and third to cure the disease of a patient. For fulfilment of these aims it has 8 branches- Kayachikitsa (Medicine), Shalyatantra (Surgery), Shalakya Tantra (Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology), Kaumarbhritya (Paediatric and Obstetric), Rasayana (Rejuvenation & Revitalisation therapy) and Vajikarna ( Vrishya chikitsa deals with aphrodisiacs, virility and improving health of progeny). It also includes ‘Swasthvratta’ which means preservation and promotion of healthy person’s health.
Panchamahabhuta
As per Indian philosophical point of view whole matter on this universe of which human are also a part is made of ‘Panchmahabhuta’ (Five basic Elements). These are ‘Prithvi’ (the basic earthy or gross Element), ‘Jala’ (the basic aqueous element), ‘Tejas’ or ‘Agni’ (the basic fire or thermal element), ‘Vayu’(the basic gaseous or airy element) and ‘Akasha’ (the basic ethereal or space element).
Swasthya
“Ayurveda” defines health as a state of equilibrium of ‘Dosha’, ‘Dhatu’ ‘Mala’ and ‘Agni’ and loss of this equilibrium results into manifestation of ‘Roga’ (Disease).
Dosha
The concept of Dosha has been evolved by ‘Rishis’ or ‘Sages’ of ‘Ayurveda’ basically to separate non-livings from living beings. Though ‘Sharira’ or ‘Body’ is made up of ‘Panchamahabhuta’ but it attains life only when ‘Atma’ (spirit), ‘Indriya’ (Senses) and ‘Mana’ (mind) join it.
The word ‘Dosha’ is derived from the verb ‘Dusa’ which literally means to vitiate. These ‘Doshas’ are regulatory and functional entities of the body. Which work as biological controller for smooth functioning of human body. ‘Vayu’ and ‘Akasha’ Mahabhuta form ‘Vata’ Dosha, ‘Agni’ Mahabhuta forms ‘Pitta’ Dosha and ‘Prithvi’ and ‘Jala’ Mahabhuta form ‘Kapha’ Dosha. When they are in normal state of equilibrium human body is healthy and when vitiated they produce disease. ‘Dosha’ play very important role in Ayurvedic Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Manas Roga
As ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’ are ‘Dosha’ which create diseases in human body and similarly ‘Rajas’ (Passion) and ‘Tamas’ are ‘Manas Dosha’ responsible for ‘Manas Roga’ (Mental illnesses).
Alongwith
Dhatu
The matters which hold the body are termed as ‘Dhatu’. They are basically structural entities which hold the body. As per Ayurvedic concept they are seven in number and are solely responsible for maintaining human body in compact and composed state. They are: ‘Rasa’ (Nutrient liquids), ‘Rakta’ (blood), ‘Mansa’ (Muscle mass), ‘Meda’ (fatty tissue), ‘Asthi’ (bone and connective tissue), ‘Majja’ (bone marrow) and Shukra (vital substance and reproductive tissue).
Updhatu
It is actually supporter and extension of ‘Dhatu’. They are also mentioned as by products of ‘Dhatu’. They are ‘Stanya’ (Breast Milk), ‘Artava’ (Menstrual blood), ‘Kandara’ (Tendons), ‘Shira’ (Vessels), ‘Vasa’ (Fat), ‘Tvak’ (Skin tissue) and ‘Snayu’ (Ligaments). These are also vitiated alongside ‘Dhatu’.
Dushya
In the disease forming process once ‘Dosha’ are vitiated, they in return vitiate ‘Dhatu’ and ‘Mala’. When ‘Dhatu’ and ‘Mala’ get vitiated by ‘Dosha’ they are called ‘Dushya’. In normal condition ‘Dosha’, ‘Dhatu’ and ‘Mala’ support the body but when vitiated produce the body.
Mala
The structural and functional entities followed by excretory functions are called ‘Mala’. These include: ‘Mutra’ (Urine), ‘Purisha’ (Stool), ‘Sweda’ (Sweat). Excretions from eyes, ear, oily discharge from skin and ‘Nakha’ (Nails) also fall under ‘Mala’.
Agni
Apart from ‘Dosha’, ‘Dhatu’ and ‘Mala’, ‘Agni’ is also very important entity to keep and run human body. ‘Agni’ is responsible for smooth digestion, metabolism and forming of ‘Rasa’ (Nutrient fluid).
Ama
‘Ama’ is defined as toxins formed in the body mainly due to undigested food due to lower ‘Jatharagni’ (Digestive fire), overeating, consumption of non-compatible food items, accumulation of excretions and diminished power of gastric juices.
In nutshell ‘Ama’ may be produced at any level of digestion and metabolism and thus correction of digestion is given prime importance in Ayurvedic texts for wellbeing of body.
Vyadhi
The condition which causes uneasiness to Shareera (Body) or Mana (Mind) is defined as Vyadhi (Disease).
Classification of Vyadhi (Disease)
All the diseases are broadly classified into three major categories:
Nija Roga: The diseases caused by vitiation of ‘Dosha’ fall in this category.
Agantuja Roga: the diseases caused by external causes such as bite, accident and trauma are called ‘Agantuja Roga’.
Manas Roga: Emotional disturbance, stress & other mental factors cause ‘Manas Roga’.
Chikitsa (Treatment)
Disease management in Ayurveda involves two parts: ‘Nidana’ or ‘Diagnosis’ and ‘Chikitsa’ or ‘Treatment Regimen’.
‘Nidana’ or ‘Diagnosis’ is further divided into two categories: ‘Rogi Pariksha’ (Clinical Examination of Patient and ‘Roga Pariksha’ (Diagnosis of Disease). ‘Nidana’ is basically done to establish status of ‘Dosha’, ‘Dhatu’, ‘Mala’ and ‘Agni’.
‘Chikitsa’ or ‘Treatment’ is aimed to restore equilibrium of ‘Dosha’, ‘Dhatu’, ‘Mala’ and ‘Agni’ and is broadly divided into three parts:
‘Sanshodhana Chikitsa’ which means ‘Detoxification therapy’ or ‘Biological Cleansing’ which is achieved though ‘Panchakarma’.
‘Sanshmana Chikitsa’ or ‘Palliative Therapy’ for alleviation of acute condition. It is achieved through ‘Ahara’ which means necessary regulation of ‘Dietary Habits’ and necessary change in consumption of food articles by patient. Next is ‘Vihara’ meaning regulating habit, habitat and lifestyle of patient. It plays one of the most important roles to play while the person is suffering from lifestyle borne ailments of modern times. And the last part is ‘Dravya’ or the ‘Drug’. Ayurveda believes that everyone of the substance on earth has some or the other Therapeutic or Prophylactic value if used intelligently by a competent ‘Vaidya’.
‘Nidana Parimarjana’ means removal of causes responsible for the disease.
Prakriti
As per Ayurvedic concepts and philosophies every individual has a unique ‘Prakriti’. In other words ‘Prakriti’ is a ‘Psychosomatic Constitution’ of every individual responsible for the structural and functional attributes of body and mind. Ayurvedic concept of determination of ‘Prakriti’ helps ‘Vaidya’ (Physician) in understanding and prescribing individualised lifestyle, treatment regimen and diet for successful recovery of patients and those who wish to remain healthy.
