Ayurveda

Ayurveda (Ayu + Veda) means the "science of life". It is the oldest codified form of medicine known to mankind. The documentation of Ayurveda is referred to in the Vedas. The origin of Ayurveda is linked with the origin of the universe and developed from the various Vedic hymns describing fundamentals and philosophies about the world and life, diseases and medicines. The knowledge of Ayurveda was comprehensively documented in Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha, the three great treatises of Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, health is considered a pre-requisite for achieving the goals of life, i.e., dharma, artha, kaama & moksha (salvation). Ayurveda takes an integrated view of the physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects of human beings.

The philosophy of Ayurveda is based on the theory of Pancha Maha Bhuta (five primordial elements) of which all objects and living bodies are composed. Functionally, a combination of these five elements is represented in the form of tridosha viz. vata (ether + air), pitta (fire) and kapha (water + earth) in living beings. In other words, the three dosha (humours) are physiological entities in living beings, whereas the mental and spiritual attributes are described in terms of satva, rajas and tamas. The doctrine of Ayurveda aims to keep these structural and functional entities in a state of equilibrium which signifies good health — swasthaya. Any imbalance due to internal or external factors causes disease, and restoring the equilibrium through various techniques, procedures, regimen, diet and medicine constitutes the treatment.

Ayurveda considers human beings as a microcosm (mini-universe) of the macrocosm (universe). This means that humans are part of the universe and hold within themselves a miniature universe. The treatment in the Ayurveda system is individualized, with two components: preventive and curative. The preventive aspect of Ayurveda is called Swasthavritha, which includes personal hygiene, daily/seasonal regimen, appropriate social behaviour and the use of rejuvenating drugs/procedures (rasayana).

The curative treatment consists of (i) oushadha (drugs), (ii) kriyakrama (procedures) which can be classified as pre-operative procedures (sneha, sweda etc.), panchakarma (five cleansing processes), surgical procedures, para-surgical procedures (jalooka avacharana, kshara karma, agni karma etc.) and post-operative procedures (peyadi, tharpana etc.), (iii) anna (diet) and (iv) vihara (exercise and daily routine). During the samhita period, Ayurveda developed into eight branches of specialties, which is why it is also called Ashtanga Ayurveda.

Who created Ayurveda?

The sages of India received the gift of Ayurveda from the Hindu gods at least 5,000 years ago. New research shows that Ayurveda was alive and well 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. The three major books of Ayurveda are authored by Charak, Vagbhat and Sushrut. The three minor books of Ayurveda are authored by Sharngadhara, Bhavamishra and Madhava.

What are ayurvedic treatments?

The main focus of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of a healthy person and then cure the ill person. There are many treatments in Ayurveda for rebalancing health. They include:

• Lifestyle changes like going to bed at a regular time
• Diet changes like eating more warm foods, oils or greens
• Herbs — in many forms: loose powder, capsules, teas, medicated ghee/oil, tinctures, honey balls
• Body treatments
• Panchakarma — deep cleansing and rejuvenation process
• Yoga and meditation
• Aromatherapy and colour therapy

Why is Ayurveda important?

Ayurveda treats the root cause of disease, while allopathic methods treat symptoms. Ayurveda goes after the root cause, which has a more longstanding effect. Ayurveda allows you to take the reins of your own health — you don't have to wait for a prescription or undergo unnecessary tests. For example, if you normally get a little constipated in autumn, prior to that season you could start eating more warm, cooked, moderately spiced foods, ingest more healthy oils, take in more water and warm herbal teas, return to a more regular routine, and avoid cold and drying foods.

Does Ayurvedic medicine have side effects?

There can be a detox effect which can take the form of mild flu-like symptoms or a rash. This is usually a normal reaction and means the herbs are doing their job. Sometimes the reaction can be stronger, and the practitioner will usually make an adjustment to the dosing.

Can Ayurvedic medicine be taken along with chemotherapy?

Ayurveda can help minimize side effects and symptoms from cancer treatments and keep the digestive fire strong. Herbal juices, teas and digestive spices on foods can be used during chemotherapy and radiation. Manjishtha tea decoction and cilantro leaf juice are particularly helpful. Herbs and medicated oils can be used in the intervals between treatments to support and enhance cancer treatment therapies. Meditation, breath exercises and a practice called yoga nidra again provide immense support during this phase. Ayurveda uniquely offers support for the body to let go and allow deep healing to occur.