About Ayurveda

Among the various branches of alternative medicines that have become popular Ayurveda deserves a special mention. Although its root lies in India yet in recent times its popularity has spread to other parts of the world. It has a rich heritage and in many ancient scriptures and myths its healing powers have been praised in lavish terms.

The earliest mention of Ayurveda is found in Vedic literature. Two important works on Ayurveda that underlines all its basic principles are Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The practitioners of Ayurveda believe in the methodology of natural healing. The proponents of Ayurveda feel that human body is made up of five basic elements that constitute the universe. Understanding and analyzing these elements lead to proper diagnosis and eventual healing of the patient. As per the Charaka Samhita, a tenfold examination is required for proper diagnosis

Once the aliment is identified natural healing methods can be employed to cure the malaise. Ayurveda does not advocate any chemical based drugs and in fact it is the adverse effect of the chemical based drugs that has induced the western world to find solace in natural healing methods as Ayurveda.

Ayurveda stresses on hygienic living practices for leading a healthy and better life. The prerequisites of healthy living include cleansing of teeth, regular bathing, eye washing and skin care. Supplementing the body with oils from time to time is also recommended.

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in Ayurvedic cure. In Ayurveda person is advised to eat certain nutritious and beneficial vegetables and herbs. Animal products like milk are also prescribed. In some cases the use of alcohol has been suggested as a narcotic substance during operations. Various ways of oil application has been prescribed in its methods. The channels that exist in human body and perform the task of transporting fluids are given special importance in Ayurveda. Blockage and resultant malfunction of these channels can bring several maladies and diseases in humans. Hence it is quite important to ensure that the channels are free to enable harmful toxins to be released from the body.

Over the years Ayurveda has exerted a significant influence on other important branches of medicine like Greek humoral medicine, Unani medicine and Chinese systems of medicine. Vagbhatta's Astanga Hridaya, and Susruta Samhita have acted as the primary source for the modern form of Ayurveda that is being practiced. These books are vast repositories of medical and lifestyle information that indicate the tremendous progress mankind made thousands of years ago.

Ayurveda seeks to establish a harmony between mind, body and spirit. It categorizes the fundamental composition of the human physiology in three humoral sections- Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Each of them has distinct function and imbalance in any one section affects the constitution of the body and overall health. Ayurvedic medicines and therapeutic measures are given to stabilize the balance between these three systems and detoxify the human body.

Overall the discipline of Ayruveda seeks a holistic cure and believes in the natural healing powers of the human body by adhering to the basic rules of wellbeing pertinent to universe.