Ayurveda is one of the most known traditional medical systems that has lasted and developed from ancient times to the present. It has a long history reaching back to the second century BC. The word Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘science of life.’ Ayu means ‘life’ or ‘daily living’ and Veda is ‘knowing.’ Ayurveda is a medical system that deals with health in all its aspects; physical health, mental balance, spiritual well-being, social welfare, environmental considerations, dietary and lifestyle habits, daily living trends, and seasonal variations in lifestyle, as well as treating and managing specific diseases
The extensive knowledge of nature-based medicine, the relationship between the structure and function of the human body and nature, and the elements of the universe that interact and have an impact on living things ensure that this system will keep on growing for centuries to come. Ayurveda believes that the entire universe is composed of five elements:
Vayu (Air)
Jala (Water),
Aakasha (Space or ether)
Prithvi (Earth)
Teja (Fire)
These five elements in different combinations constitute the three body types or Doshas. ie; Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha together, they are referred to as "Tridoshas," and each of the three main doshas has five sub-doshas that regulate the body's fundamental physiological processes.
The vata dosha regulates cellular movement, electrolyte balance, and waste removal, and dryness strengthens its effects. Body temperature, coordination of the optical nerves, and control of appetite and thirst are all regulated by the Pitta dosha. It is believed that Vata regulates the body’s catabolism, Pitta regulates its metabolism, and Kapha regulates its anabolism. Ayurveda further explains that if the balance of Tridosha is not maintained, the waste products of the body are not adequately evacuated, which leads to more difficulties.
Ayurveda also believes that the human body consists of "Sapta Dhatus" refers to the seven different types of tissues that constitute the human body. The complete physiological operation of the human body depends on the cooperation of these seven tissues. The Rakta Dhatu, which resembles blood, regulates the movement of blood cells and the delivery of blood components to the body. The Mamsa Dhatu (Muscle tissue) provides supports in the form of skeletal muscles for the Meda Dhatu (adipose fat). The Majja Dhatu is made up of the bone marrow and fluids necessary for the oleation of the bones and their efficient functioning, whereas the Asthi Dhatu is the body’s bones. Rasa dhatu is primarily involved in the function of Preenana or carrying and providing nutrition and nourishment to all the cells in the body. The reproductive systems of the body are operated by the Shukra Dhatu.
Moreover, three Malas (body waste products), are Sweda, Mutra, and Purisha (sweat).
Practices and Treatments
Ayurveda offers a variety of treatment modalities for promoting health in individuals by taking into account a person’s physical constitution, pathological history, dosha characteristics, lifestyle, and environmental factors in their daily lives. In practice, Ayurveda has eight disciplines called as “Äshtanga Ayurveda”. They are
Vajikarana (treatment through aphrodisiacs and eugenics)
Kayachikitsa (internal medicine treatment)
Bhootavidya (treatment of psychological disorders)
Kaumar Bhritya (pediatric treatment)
Rasayana (study of geriatrics)
Shalya (surgical treatment)
Shalakya (otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological treatment))
Agada Tantra (toxicological studies)
Ayurveda practice the “Pancha karma” method in its therapies. The Pancha karma is composed of five karmas (actions) that are used for removal of toxins from the body tissues and organs. These are:
Vamana (forced therapeutic emesis by use of some medicines)
Virechana (purgation by using powders, pastes or decoction)
Vasti (use of enemas prepared from medicated oils)
Rakta moksham (detoxification of blood)
Nasyam (administration of medicines like decoctions, oils and fumes through nasal route).
Primarily, Pancha karma consists of 3 steps
Poorva karma (preparatory process of the body for the therapy),
Pradhana karma (the main process of therapy)
Paschat karma (consisting of regimens to be followed to restore digestive and other absorptive procedures of the body, back to the normal state).
Swedana (sweating) is brought about by exposure to steam for particular areas of treatment of the body. As the demand for natural remedies, disease prevention, and a more holistic way of life becomes increasingly essential in this ecological era, Ayurveda continues to expand quickly as one of the most significant systems of mind-body medicine, natural healing, and traditional medicine.