What is Ayurveda Medicine?

Published March 19, 2024 by Harsh Dubey

Ayurveda is the most ancient and renowned system of medicine in India. Ayurveda is made up of two words ‘Ayu’ which means life and ‘Veda ‘which means knowledge. It is also known as the of science of life.

Ayurveda medicine is an ancient holistic healing system that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is considered one of the world's oldest medical systems and has evolved into a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. Ayurveda, which translates to "knowledge of life," encompasses a wide range of practices and principles that aim to promote balance and harmony in the mind, body, and spirit.

The history of Ayurveda can be traced back to the ancient texts known as the Vedas, specifically the Atharva Veda. These texts contain detailed descriptions of various diseases, their causes, and treatments. Over time, Ayurveda developed into a comprehensive system of medicine, offering not only physical healing but also guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing disease.

Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique and therefore requires personalized care. It classifies people into three main constitutional types, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas represent different combinations of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and govern various aspects of our physical and mental well-being. By understanding our dosha, Ayurveda helps us make choices that support our individual needs.

Within Ayurveda, there are eight branches of medicine known as Ashtanga Ayurveda. These branches cover various aspects of health and well-being, providing a comprehensive approach to healing. Here's a brief overview of each branch:

Eight Branches of Medicine in Ayurveda (Astaang Ayurveda):

1. Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine): This branch focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and ailments affecting the internal organs.

2. Shalya Tantra (Surgery): Shalya Tantra deals with surgical interventions, including procedures for the treatment of injuries, tumors, and other conditions.

3. Shalakya Tantra (Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology): Shalakya Tantra specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

4. Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics): This branch focuses on the care of infants, children, and adolescents, including their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

5. Bhuta Vidya (Psychiatry): Bhuta Vidya deals with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, including the understanding of the impact of spiritual and supernatural factors on mental health.

6. Agada Tantra (Toxicology): Agada Tantra specializes in the management of poisoning and the treatment of toxic substances.

Concept of Ayurveda

Panchmahabhuta Theory

According to this theory everything in this universe is made up of five elements:

1) Earth (Prithvi) - Forms the shape

2) Water (Jal) - Maintains Liquidity and moisture

3) Fire (Agni) - produces energy

4) Air (Vayu) - Vital force that controls respiration

5) Ether (Akash)- Responsible for transportation of nutritional elements

These 5 elements or panchmahabhuta combines in the body to form the three doshas, seven dhatus and Three malas. These panchmahabhuta are balanced in the human body and the imbalance of these leads to various types of illness.

Concept of Tridosha (Three Doshas)

The five elements or panchmahabhuta combines to form three dosas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Health is maintained when these Tridosha are in harmony. Imbalance of these tridosha leads to illness.

Vata or Vayu - It is responsible for all movements and sensations

Pitta - It is responsible for all physiological activities of human body

Kapha - Maintains compactness, cohesiveness

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

Diagnosis of disease is described in the nidana sthan of the Charak Samhita. An Ayurvedic physician diagnoses any disease according to the dominance of dosha and pulse.

Ayurveda Treatment

Ayurveda has two types of treatment:

1) Detoxification (Shodhana karma) -

There is a 5 step detoxification method called Panchkarma. Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word that means Five (pancha) and procedures (karma), therefore Panchkarma is a 5 step detoxification procedure.

In Ayurveda, panchakarma helps in detoxification and purification of body by removing ‘ama’ toxins from the human body. It consists of the following steps:

• Emesis (Vaman)

• Therapeutic Purgation (Virechana)

• Medicated Oil Enema (Basti)

• Nasal Medication (Nasya)

• Blood Letting (Rakta mokshana)

2) Shaman karma -

Shaman karma is usually done with the help of drug formulations and rasayana. Rasayana is a Sanskrit term that is defined as “path of essence” or “anti-aging”. The term Rasayana is used to define herbal medicines that act as promoters of normal health, such as boosting energy levels, immunity and general health. One example of a rasayana is Triphala, which is a combination of three fruits: Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amla (latin names terminala chebula, terminalia billerica and emblica offinalis).

Check other posts to learn more about the doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha and how they relate to our everyday health balance or imbalances (disease).