Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India is one of the oldest scientific medical systems of the world with a long record of clinical experience. It is a science based upon the observation of living being and their actual response and reactions to their environment. It encompasses not only science but religion and philosophy as well. It speaks to every element and facet of human life offering guidance that has been tested and refined over many centuries, to all those who seek greater harmony peace and longevity.
More than a medical system, Ayurveda is a way of life, a way of co-operating with nature and living in harmony with her. It is concerned with eight principle branches of medicine - general medicine, surgery, orto-rhino-larynogo-opthalmology, demoniacal science(psychiatry), pediatrics, toxicology, science of rejuvenation, aphrodisiacs. Each of these medical specification is addressed according to the theories of living elements, the three doshas, three malas, seven dhathu, trinity of life, body mind and spiritual awareness. The three basic biological pillars of Ayurveda are three subtle energies known as Vata, Pitha and Kapha. These are commonly called as thrigunas in health and three doshas in diseases. These energies account for all form of matter(Kapha), the force and direction they move (Vata) and the transformation they go through (Pitha). As all life forms possess these qualities, the purpose of Ayurveda is to bring these forces into harmony, so that they promote physical, emotional and spiritual health.
To keep the internal environment in harmony one should follow proper diet, proper sleep and proper sexual life. These are three legs of the tripod that is health. Like the internal environment, the external environment also is important to keep one’s health. Due to the vitiation, the micro organisms are given a space for their growth and multiplication by any or all of these media. In these situation the ‘NIDANAA PARIWARJANAM’ or removal of causative factors are advanced, which involves purification of air(Dhoopana) with Bhootha Nashaka Drawas(anti-microbials) etc, likewise cleaning the environment and keeping one’s house clean also is important in this conditions.
Health in Ayurveda means harmony and there is really no end to the degree of harmony one can achieve if one set himself to the task. This method of living emphasis prevention over cure without neglecting cure. Ayurvedic system focuses on causes rather than symptoms. Ayurvedic treatments are person-specific rather than disorder-specific and such approach has proven effective over centuries.
Treatment according to Ayurveda is not only relief from disease but bringing the patient back to his normal constitution. It includes not only medicine but diet, daily routine, atmosphere and mental health as well. Some complain that ayurveda works slowly. But this slowness is often part of the remedy, especially today,when many of us suffer from the disease of haste. Ayurveda balances and rejuvenates an organism, reducing it’s susceptibility and empowering its immunity to prevent new disease from developing. The ayurvedic remedies are represented by its vast pharmacopoeia of herbs ,minerals and products of animal origin. These remedies are deep acting inducing metabolic changes through various systems to bring about cure or long term regressions from the ailment.
In addition to the general line of treatment, there is a special form of treatment in Ayurveda, which is known as PANCHAKARMA THERAPY or five-fold purification procedures. This process are 1.Vamana(Herb induced ems’s). 2. Virechanam(Herb induced purgation). 3.Vasti (medicated enema). 4.Nasya (Nasal intake of medicines). 5. Raktamosha (Blood letting). This entire group of purification procedures is based upon promoting the body’s natural methods of elimination of unwanted substances.
DR K Sreekumar (BAMS) is an ayurvedic doctor working with SN Pharmacy, Odakkali.