Ayurveda
The term ‘Ayurveda' can be explained by splitting it up into two. ‘Ayu' means life and ‘Veda' means knowledge. ‘This knowledge of life,' evolved over a period of five thousand years. Unfortunately, not single original work on Ayurveda is in existence today. Absence of original work has given rise to different schools of thought. But all the schools of thought agree upon the same basic principles and follow the same methods of treatment.
The basic principles
Air, water, fire, ether and earth are the five principle factors that make up everything in this Universe. Humans too are a part of this universe. When these five elements enter the biological form of man they are more appropriately explained as ‘doshas.'
Doshas
Human body is made up of three doshas.
The harmonious existence of these three doshas results in good health and disharmony in ill health. Ayurveda refers to them as ‘prakruti' and ‘vikruti'.
Method of Treatment
This five thousand year old medical knowledge does not look only at the symptoms for offering a cure. It takes into account
The life style of an individual.
Mental or psychological well being.
And Dietary habits of the patient.
Based on these factors the treatment begins. (Treatment is known as Chikitsa)The treatment involves
(shodan) cleansing the body and mind,
(shaman)- to alleviate
(rasayana) - rejuvenating the body
(satvajaya)- promoting mental hygiene which is very important for, a majority of diseases have a body mind relation.
The Ayurvedic medicine
Ayurvedic medicines are extracts from the plant kingdom and derived from other minerals and salts. The powders, tablets, essential oils and decoctions are believed to be free of side effects for they are products of nature.
The Ayurvedic medicines are prescribed for symptomatic cure. Apart from medicines the Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe changes in diet and advocate yogasanas too.
Dietary changes and yogasanas promote mental and physical health that is vital for prevention of further disease.
In short, this age-old science tries to cure the body, mind and the spirit.
Ayurveda: is it really free of side effects?
As mentioned this line of treatment was in existence for the past fifty centuries. No cases of side effects have been reported so far.
But this presents a single sided picture. No side effects are known for; medicines have not been scientifically tested. It is more correct to state that no known side effects exist.
Important Ayurveda facts:
Ayurveda is inexhaustible source of knowledge tested and proved by ancient wisdom. These time old concepts of herbal cure should be studied and incorporated with our medical practices. The dietary recommendations and the yogasanas are relevant to the modern day.