About Ayurveda
Ayurveda, the ancient medical science is developed over a long period of time by scholars and learned men of India. The word Ayu means life and Veda translates to knowledge. Ayurveda is the knowledge of life which deals with various aspects of shareera(body), Indriya(organs), Manas(mind) and Aatman (soul). For healthy body & mind, all of the above should be in a perfect state of harmony.
Objectives of Ayurveda
Is to maintain and promote the health of all living beings.(people, animals & plants)
Maintenance and promotion of health through natural remedies is the essence of Ayurveda. The properties and functions of various herbs, cereals, meats, liquids, pharmaceutical and food preparations etc; various exercises, natural urges, sleep, sex etc. have been explained in detail as to their healthy & unhealthy practices.
Ayurveda considers human body as the subtle form of universe. There are 3 basic forces in the universe. They are Air, Sun & Moon – which represent Air, Fire & Water respectively in our body. These 3 basic forces in the body are termed 'DOSHAS' and named as Vaata, Pitta & Kapha respectively. Their balanced condition maintains the healthy state of body and the imbalance results in disorders. In order to maintain the balance of 3 Doshas, all the daily and seasonal regimens with respect to food and activities are adopted.
Panchakarma
These are the set of five major procedures which are to be followed at regular frequencies by both healthy and unhealthy persons, to maintain or to correct his/her health issues. These Panchakarmas are very important and are the integral part of Ayurveda as they are the purificatory procedures.
After following these procedures, (Wherever necessary & possible) there are many special preparations, which pur ancient sages have gifted, should be used for proper nourishment and to improve the immnne system of our body.
Panchakarma procedures are as follows.
1. Vamana: Emesis (medically induced vomiting) will be done so as to cleanse the body from Kapha & Pitta. Diabetes, Skin, respiratory disorders etc. can be treated very effectively by this therapy.
2. Virechana: Medicines are given to induce purgation to eliminate Pitta from the body and to take control over Vata effectively. By this procedure, problems related to digestive system, skin, respiratory system, neuro-muscular disorders, diabetes, obesity etc can be treated effectively
3. Basti: Medicated decoctions and/or oils are introduced through anal orifice into the body. Application of Basti can treat very effectively , various types of Vaata disorders like neuromuscular, orthopedic, digestive disorders etc. Sages have appreciated Basti as the most powerful among all Ayurvedic treatments.
4. Nasya: The medicines are introduced through nasal orifice. It is highly effective in treating head and neck disorders and neuromuscular disorders of upper limb.
5. Raktamokshana: Here bloodletting is done by various methods like venupuncture, pricking, leech application etc. By this various types of skin disorders, joint pains, herpes(Shingles) and non-healing wounds can be treated effectively.
It is important to prepare the body before carrying out these Panchakarmas. The preparations involves following steps.
a) Snehana: Here the medicated oil / ghee is used externally and/or internally. Externally it can be given as Abhyanga(whole body oil massage), Shirodhaara or Sarvaangadhaaraa (continuous drip/flow of oils over the forehead and whole body respectively).
b) Swedana: The body is to made sweat so as to cleanse the system. It reduces stiffness, heaviness and cold/chillness of the body. This procedure is done by using various herbs, leaves, medicated mud, navara (a special type of rice) etc. depending on their suitability to the particular condition.
After preparing the patient few or all of the panchakarma procedures are administered to the patient according to the need, under the supervision of well trained ayurvedic physicians in addition to proper food and activities. |
