Ayurveda

The word Ayurveda is composed of two words, Ayu i.e. life and Veda i.e. science. Thus, Ayurveda means the science of life, which encompasses and connotes the art of living life in a healthy way. Ayurveda is a combination of sharira (body), indriya (sensory organs), sattva (mind) and aatma (soul). One of the differentiating factors between Ayurveda and other systems of medicine is that it incorporates Atma or soul, which is meta-physical aspect of one’s being, into its framework of principles.

Ayurveda not only cures the disease, but also prescribes the ways and means for prolongation and maintenance of a happy and healthy life. Ayurveda has prescribed certain daily routine principles, namely Dincharya (daily routine), Ratricharya (night routine), Ritucharya (seasonal routine) and Sadvritta (ethical routine).
The objective of Ayurveda is the proper maintenance of metabolic equilibrium of the human psycho-somatic elements and restoration of the same in the body.

Ayurveda treats the disease as a whole and the holistic view of the individual being is taken into consideration, giving far more effective, long lasting and all-encompassing results. Ayurvedic drugs are cheaper than the modern medicines and their preparation is easier. These drugs have no toxic side effects on the body, if they are properly purified and administered. While treating the patient, the ayurvedic physicians often prescribe certain diet andamp; lifestyle regimens. These regimen and restrictions support faster recovery of the patient.

All doshas are essential part of a living organism and govern its physiology of the organism. These are Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

The vata dosha originated from the Aakash and vayu mahabhoot. It is the upholder of both structure and functions of the body. It is present in body in five forms – Prana, Samana, Vyana, Udana and Apana. It is responsible for all internal and external movements of the body and within it and is the controller and conductor of mind. The pitta dosha originates from the Agni mahabhoot. It is responsible for the generation of body heat and is also responsible for appetite and thirst. There are five types of pittas – Pachaka, Ranjaka, Sadhaka, Alochaka and Bhrajaka.
The kapha dosha is originated from water and earth mahabhoot. It is a potential source of strength and produces resistance against diseases. It is also responsible for the biological strength of the body. There are five type of kaphas – Kledaka, Avalambaka, Bodhaka, Tarpaka and Shleshaka. Functions of kapha are parallel to the functions of cell protoplasm. It promotes cohesion of various units and structure of the body and joints.