Ayurveda

The Knowledge of Healthy Living

Ayurveda consists of two words, Ayur meaning life, and Veda meaning science or study. The knowledge of life or the knowledge of living is Ayurveda.  It is not only about medicating the symptoms of the illness. Its broad holistic approach facilitates to the treatment of the illness and guides the person to a path of good health. Hence, Ayurveda is the Knowledge of healthy living. According to Ayurveda, unhappiness is the primary root cause of any illness and discomfort. Hence, it is essential to understand the physical, mental, and emotional state of the person at the time of illness. The body reacts and responds to the state of mind, hence the overall understanding of the body and mind is required to administer the appropriate cure for the disease. Thus the two-fold objective of Ayurveda is to enable a person to remain healthy and also to cure the disease by understanding the physical, mental, and emotional state of the person at the time of illness.  This approach and philosophy of Ayurveda enable one to lead a balanced and healthy life. The ayurvedic principles are a guide to mankind for healthy living and to be in harmony with the body and mind.

History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, a branch of Vedic Science, dates back to the Vedic period. Vedas are classified as Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva Veda. Atharva Veda is the branch of Veda which has references to medicines, treatments, and descriptions of the different parts of the body. It is Atharva Veda that details the description of medicines for good health. Quoting briefly the ancient mythology “Lord Dhanwantri the Physician of Gods, was sent by Indra to earth to impart knowledge on medicines. Sushrutha, his student dealt with medicines related to surgical treatments called Sushrutha Samhita. Charaka Samhita dealt with medicines related to various diseases. Charaka Samahita and Sushruta Samhita are considered the two main references to Ayurveda.

Fundamentals of Ayurveda

  • A body is constituted of five basic elements found in the universe called the Pancha Mahabhutas,  Space(Akash), Air(Vayu), Fire(Agni), Water(Jala), and Earth(Prithvi-).
  • The universe also is made of these components.
  • These combine in the human body to form three vital energies, called Trioshas.
  • Vata dosha – a combination of space and air
  • Pitta dosha – a combination of  fire and water
  • Kapha dosha – a combination of water and earth. 
  • The Tridoshas in normal proportion, keep the body functioning in a normal manner. It indicates a good state of health.
  • An imbalance of any one or more of the TriDoshas gives rise to ill health.
  • The TriDoshas manage the health of the body and the mind. The body and mind co-exist, to be in a healthy state. 
  • The physical constitution of the body is the combination of the doshas at the time of birth.
  • The physical constitution is also known as Deha Prakriti.
  • The physical constitution of the body remains the same and cannot be changed by any medicine.
  • The physical constitution (Deha Prakriti)determines the physical and mental characteristics of a person. Other factors influencing the physical constitution are country, seasons, environment, hereditary factors.
  • This is the underlying fundamental principle of Ayurveda that facilitates in treating the disease.
  • Two people may be suffering from the same illness, however, the symptom of the illness is determined by their physical constitution(Deha Prakriti). The reasons for the illness could be different, therefore, the treatment of each person will vary according to the physical constitution(Deha Prakriti). 
Ayurveda – A Discipline

 

The “knowledge of Life” as defined by our ancestors, emphasizes understanding our own physical constitution. Our physical constitution determines our tastes, food habits, lifestyle. According to Ayurveda,  LifeStyle and Eating Habits reflect the functioning of our digestive system, which in turn indicates an individual’s health. A good digestive system is an indicator of good health. Ayurveda treats the illness with medicines, and goes beyond medicines, by guiding the individual with proper food habits and lifestyle. The objective is to bring discipline,  be free from illness, and stay healthy.

Did You Know
Ayurveda is a Science and Yoga is a practise of the Science.
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