Ayurveda is the ancient surviving complete medical system arising in India thousands of years ago.
The word, Ayurveda derived from ancient Indian language where "Ayur" signifies life and the word "Veda" signifies the basic principles of knowledge.
So, Ayurveda means the knowledge of life, in other words the "Science of Life".
the particularly history of ayurvedic medication founds when the Vedas(Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda) were created.
Rigveda the first known Veda indicates certain features and extracts of Ayurveda, which states that Ayurveda existed even before Rigveda.
Ayurveda consider the concept of Atharvaveda which is 4th Veda mentions about a lot of ailments and Ayurvedic methods of medication to cure the diseases, which indicates that Ayurveda is sequel of Atharvaveda.
Also Ayurveda is considered to be the fifth Veda of epics apart from Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda.
Ayurveda is not only insisting the methods of curing the ailments but also how to take necessary precautions from
disease and now to get good life, as prevention is better than cure.
FUNDAMENTALS OF AYURVEDA
As per Ayurveda there are three main energies that combine to form all things in the universe. These are recognized as being fundamental to all life and are seen in the processes of growth, maintenance, and decay.
Their actions are named anabolism, metabolism, and catabolism in the western sciences.
There are three Doshas or Tri-Energies forces control the activities of the body are:
• Vata
• Pitta
• Kapha
VATA
The Vata dosha is the most important of the three doshas. In the classic Ayurveda books, it is quoted that other doshas are lame without the help of vata. The elements combine with Ether and Air in dominance to form what is known in Ayurveda as Vata dosha. Vata dominates the lower part of the body, which is below umbilicus. The movements of body fluid, metabolism, elimination of waste products, relaying stimulus to brain and response to organs and tissues, heartbeat, respiration, body movements etc are assisted by VATA. Vata dominated regions are intestines, lumbar region, ears, bones and skin.
PITTA
The elements with Fire and Water in dominance combine to form the Pitta dosha . The Pitta dosha is responsible for the process of transformation or metabolism. The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a Pitta function. Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism.
KAPHA
Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements, which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. It also offers protection, for example, in form of the cerebral-spinal fluid, which protects the brain and spinal column. The mucosal lining of the stomach is another example of the function of Kapha dosha protecting the tissues.
When the three doshas are well harmonised and function in a balanced manner, it results in good nourishment and well-being of the individual. But when there is imbalance or disharmony within or between them, it will result in elemental imbalance, leading to various kinds of ailments. The Ayurvedic concept of physical health revolves round these three doshas and its primary purpose is to help maintain them in a balanced state and thus to prevent disease.
Ayurvedic Treatments
In diseased condition, the doshas manifest their particular symptoms. These symptoms denote malfunctioning of the doshas. The purpose of treatment of all diseases is to keep the doshas in equilibrium. In Ayurveda there is three steps in treating any diseases, they are samsodhana - cleansing process, samsamana - palliative measures and nidanaparivarjana - treating the causes.
Panchakarma as the word suggests is a five tier Ayurvedic therapy. This natural detox is one of the best ways of detoxifying the body and healing the physiological entity in the most natural way possible.
Panchakarma treatment consists the following 5 process:-
• Vamana- According to Ayurveda, our body is comprised of three doshas that govern our body (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Vamana is the process under Panchakarma therapy that helps to eliminate the vitiated doshas through internal and external oleation of the body.
• Virechana- This is the second step to flush out the toxins from the body through the consumption of natural laxante. The stomach releases the toxic substances through which the waste is eliminated through the rectum.
• Nasya- It is a nasal clearing technique with the help of oil, or milk or warm water or even herbal decoctions. Following which a gentle Ayurvedic massage is given for a relaxing effect.
• Basti- This is too a waste removal technique from the body through the introduction of herbal oils, medicinal powders that are converted into liquid and given to the patient, which later helps them to get rid of the toxins.
• Raktamokshana- This is one of the complex stages of a Panchakarma therapy, as it endeavours to eliminate the impurities from the blood.
ABHYANGAM
Normally known as the general massage, in which we have two masseurs stand on the either side of the person and apply oil on the head and massage gently. The massage is continued on the neck, ears, shoulders, chest and back. The person lies down and the massage is continued in a synchronized manner from head to toe in various positions followed by a steam bath. Our specialized steam treatment allows for detoxification naturally through perspiration, as it stimulates the immune system. If this massage is done once in a week it is the best preventive medicine to lead a healthy life.
DHARA
This is one of our special massage therapies for stress and strain. In this a nonstop, continuous stream of the medicine (medicated oil, herbal decoction, milk or other materials) is made to drop gently on the forehead from a particular height through a specially made apparatus.
There are various types of Dhara to name some:
Oordhanga Dhara : for the diseases of the eyes, ears and skin.
Thakradhara : for memory loss, severe headache, insanity
Sarvanga Dhara : for ailments of both head and body
Sirodhara : for chronic headaches, insomnia, mental tension, hysteria, and insanity.
Dhara when undertaken relaxes and invigorates the body and improves the immune system. It equalizes circulation and increase metabolism and improves elimination of toxins. It enhances penetration of nutritional substances from the oils and other herbal materials. Increases muscle tone and nerve functioning.
PIZHICHIL
Pizhichil or the oil bath is a therapy in which a piece of linen dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed over on to the body and massaging the body with the hand all the time. This massage is very slow and light without exerting much pressure; it builds up the immunity in the body and thereby de-stressing the body. This also relives muscle tension, reduces inflammation and soothes Sourness.
ELAKIZHI
This is a special herbal treatment in which Herbal poultices or bundles are prepared with various herbs and medicated powder. These poultices are warmed in medicated oils and the whole body is massaged. This is one of the most superb massages for relaxing and also used for our famous programme ‘the Weight Reduction Programme’. This is the most effective lymphatic drainage treatment used to cleanse the body of toxins and waste. While inducing relaxation and well being. The medicated oils and herbs relieve muscle aches and pains and also increase circulation and relieve joint pains.
The treatment helps to stimulate lymphatic flow and circulation aiding in the removal of unwanted stored water and toxins. This treatment will stimulate the immune system to promote better health.
The special oil and fresh herbs, which are utilized, stimulates the body’s ability to burn fat.
Concentration is given more on the waistline stomach, thighs, buttocks and upper arms.
Netra Dhara
This is washing of the eye with medicated decoction or oils. This helps in relieving tension in the eye, pain and fatigue, it brings luster to the eyes and soothes away wrinkles.
Netra Tharpanam
This is allowing clarified butter to stagnate in the eyes by which optic nerves are strengthen and eyesight is improved.
SIROVASTI
Keeping the prescribed medicated oil at a bearable temperature on the head by fitting a leather cap around it is Sirovasti. The course of treatment is effective for sinus, migraine, deafness, diseases affecting cranial nerves, facial paralysis, insanity diseases of head and eyes, chronic cold also for rheumatism, arthritis abscesses, wounds etc. in fact it is good for all diseases.
NAVARAKIZHI
Navarakizhi is giving massage to the body with small linen bags filled with cooked Navara rice after liberal application of medicated oil over the whole body. The rice is cooked in cow's milk mixed with certain herbal decoction. These bags are dipped in the same mixture and applied over the whole body of the patient.
NASYAM
The patient's upper body from shoulders up is massaged and made to perspire. The medicine in exact doze is measured and poured into the nostrils, which is blown in while the patient draws it. During the process the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palm & feet are rubbed. This is very effective in ailments like sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold and chest congestion.
UDHWARTHANAM
In this therapy the massage is done with a mixture of herbal powders in upward directions. It is effective in case of Obesity and certain conditions of Hemiplegia, Kapha dominant diseases etc. It helps to strengthen the body and is good for skin also.
PICHU
In this “Vartti” or a cloth band is tied round the head just above the ears. Layers of cotton to cover the head is prepared in a circular manner and covered with muslin cloth. This is placed over the head and oil is constantly poured on the head till the whole material is soaked in oil. This is retained on the head for an hour or so.
KHADIKIZHI
Herbal bundles are prepared with dried powdered herbs in muslin cloth. These bundles are steamed in herbal decoction. Medicated oils are first applied all over the body. With the steamed bundles the body is then massaged. Every part of the body is taken care of during massaging with these bundles. This therapy is very good for rough and effected skin problems, high blood pressure and diluting emphatic nodes.
TALAPOTHICHIL
Herbal oil is applied on the head and massaged. Varti (a special cloth) is tied around the head and thereafter the herbal paste is applied with uniform thickness all over the head. After 45 minutes the paste is removed and the head is wiped clean. This treatment is very good in the case of hair loss, dandruff, greying, insomnia, low blood pressure (BP) and chronic sinusitis.