|
Ayurveda literally means the "Science of Life". According to astronomical records in ancient vedic texts, the vedic system, including Ayurveda, was in practice before 4000 BC. This time proven system of medicine has its origins in ancient India and is still being practiced today in many parts of the world with proven results.
Aspects which distinguish Ayurveda in its approach to health care:
1. It focuses on establishing & maintaining balance of the life energies within us, rather than focusing on individual symptoms.
2. It recognizes the unique constitutional differences of all individuals & therefore recommends different regimens for different type of peoples.
3. Ayurveda is a complete medical system which recognizes that ultimately all intelligence & wisdom flows from one absolute source (Parmatma). Ayurveda assists Nature by promoting harmony between the individual & Nature by living a life of balance according to her laws.
4. Ayurveda describes three fundamental universal energies which regulate all natural processes on both macrocosmic & microscopic levels .These are known as Tridosha.
5. Finally, the ancient Ayurvedic physicians realized the need for preserving the alliance of the mind & body & offers mankind tools for rembering & nurturing the subtler aspects of our humanity. Ayurveda seeks to heal the fragmentation & disorder of mind-body complex & restore wholeness & harmony to all people.
6. Panch Mahabhutas - The Basic of all things.
A distinguishing feature which sets Ayurveda apart from other alternative systems of medicine is the fact that Ayurvedic treatment treats patient as a "whole" i.e. a combination of the body, the mind and the soul.
This Vedic system of medicine repeatedly emphasizes the common origin of mankind and the universe. Our relationship with our environment is intrinsic. The elements which compose the universe also constitute the human body and therefore the laws which govern the universal elements also govern the human realm.
These profound concepts based upon an astute understanding of the universal laws and practical observations about the world around give us the indication about the holistic approach of Ayurveda and its potential in alleviating many health related problems afflicting the whole of humanity.
Health is essential for enjoyment of all the worldly pleasures in a righteous manner. Ayurveda goes much beyond the realms of ordinary medicine and gives practical measures on how to maintain and protect one's health and well -being and promote longevity of life. Ayurveda is thus not just a system of medicine; rather it's a way of life!
Illness, according to Ayurveda is a condition of imbalance which originates from some fundamental deficiency and something more than symptomatic relief is needed for its cure. Ayurvedic medicines predominantly being plant based are in close harmony with nature and hence easily assailable by the human body. Ayurveda thus helps maintain the integrity of the unique elemental balance in each individual and treats the ailment at its root cause
Three Dosha
The five elements can be seen to exist in the material universe at all scales both organic and inorganic, form peas to planet. When they enter into the biology of a living organism, man for example, they acquire biological form. This means that the five elements are coded into three biological forces which govern all life processes. These three forces are known as the three doshas, or simply as the tridosha.
Vata Dosha
The term vata stems from a Sanskrit word "vaayu" which means “that which moves things"; it is sometimes translated as wind. It is composed of the element space or the air--the lightest and subtlest of the five elements. It is considered in some ways to be the most influential of the three doshas because it is the moving force behind the other two doshas, which are incapable of movement without it. Vata dosha is responsible for all the somatic activities and sensations. It is the intelligence which channels perceptions (temperature, pressure, sweetness, lightening, violin music, etc.) through the appropriate sensory organs, converts them into internal psychological events, and then orchestrates the appropriate response via the organs of action. It is responsible for all movements in the mind and body; the movement of the air in and out of the lungs, the flow of blood through the circulatory system, nutrients through the alimentary tract, and thoughts through the mind. Vata promotes a healthy balance between the through and emotion and gives rise to creativity, activity and clear comprehension. Because among other function, Vata regulates the nervous processes involved with movements, thought, emotions, eating, drinking, elimination, and our general functioning.
Pitta Dosha
The term pitta comes from the Sanskrit word pinji meaning "to shine" (according to Sir Monier Williams its exact entomology is a mystery). It carries the meaning of "that which digests" and is associated with the idea of being yellow-tinged or bilious. In its widest sense, Paittika digestive function includes all chemical and metabolic transformation in the body as well as processes which promotes heats production (i.e. conversion of iodine to triiodotyrosine in the thyroid gland). Pitta also governs our ability to digest ideas and impression and to therefore perceive the true nature of the reality. It stimulated the intellect and creates enthusiasm and determination. Pitta is often regarded as the "fire" within the body. Think of it as the energy stored in the chemical bonds of all the organic substances which makes us up; its encoded in our hormones, enzymes, organic acid, and neurotransmitters. Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, teaches that pitta functions in digestion, heat production, providing color to the blood, vision and skin luster.
Kapha Dosha
The term Kapha derives from the Sanskrit word "shlish" which means "that which holds things together; to embrace; coherent;". In fact, one of the other designations for kapha appearing in some of the older literatures is shleshma. It is the force which provides structure to everything from an individual atom or the cell to the sturdy musculoskeletal frame. It gives strength, stability and endurance--both physical and psychological--and promotes human emotion and capacities such as love, compassion, empathy, understanding, forgiveness, loyalty and patience. One very important function of kapha dosha in the human body is that it governs immunity and resistance against disease; it's energy promotes self-healing and the ongoing processes of self-repairs of which we are largely unaware. Where a vata and pitta effect becomes active in the body, kapha acts to limit and control these two forces and prevent their excessive activity. The two mahabhuta which compose kapha are water and the earth. Together these two prototypical elements from the fundamental protoplasm of life. Kapha imparts mind-body-spirit stability and resilience. It is the anabolic force in the body which governs the formation of neuropeptides, stomach lining and all new cells and tissues of the body which are constantly being destroyed and re-created.