Ayurveda is an ancient medical science which has originated from Indian subcontinent. The term ayurveda comprises of ‘ayus’ which means life and ‘veda’ which means science. Collectively it is comprehended as ‘science of life’.
It is evident from the main description that ayurveda is far more vast than to limit it into the boundaries of medical science. The main principle of ayurveda is attaining and preserving the healthy status and curing the ailment of an individual. Ayurveda is a health-centric science which considers maintaining health as important as treatment of the ailment.
Health is a balanced combination of physique, mind and spirit. Healthy physique is attained through eating proper diet (aahar) and leading an active life in sync with the external environment (vihaar). The description is carried ahead by citing various regimes to be inculcated in diurnal and seasonal variations.
It is evident from the main description that ayurveda is far more vast than to limit it into the boundaries of medical science. The main principle of ayurveda is attaining and preserving the healthy status and curing the ailment of an individual. Ayurveda is a health-centric science which considers maintaining health as important as treatment of the ailment.
Health is a balanced combination of physique, mind and spirit. Healthy physique is attained through eating proper diet (aahar) and leading an active life in sync with the external environment (vihaar). The description is carried ahead by citing various regimes to be inculcated in diurnal and seasonal variations.
Healthy mind is keeping one’s thought process stress free and lively. This can be attained through various breathing techniques which have been defined in context of asanas. These two- the healthy body and mind are then merged into supreme legacy- the spirit. The final step is facilitated by meditation.
Disease is a result of faulty equilibrium in metabolic processes of the body. Whenever, there is an imbalance between the three basic components of the body- the vata (air/ ether), pitta (bile) and kapha (the phlegm); disease will occur.
Treatment in ayurveda is based on individual’s body type and traits. Medicine is prescribed primarily focusing on patient and his body type. This explains the concept of prakriti. It defines the main traits of an individual and his vulnerability to various ailments.
The main aim is to eradicate or cure the cause of the disease which supersedes the symptomatic relief. This requires patience and an active participation from the diseased individual. The treatment followed is classified as: shodhan (purification), shaman (eradication of the cause), rasayan (fortifying process) and satavajaya (harmony of mind).
Disease is a result of faulty equilibrium in metabolic processes of the body. Whenever, there is an imbalance between the three basic components of the body- the vata (air/ ether), pitta (bile) and kapha (the phlegm); disease will occur.
Treatment in ayurveda is based on individual’s body type and traits. Medicine is prescribed primarily focusing on patient and his body type. This explains the concept of prakriti. It defines the main traits of an individual and his vulnerability to various ailments.
The main aim is to eradicate or cure the cause of the disease which supersedes the symptomatic relief. This requires patience and an active participation from the diseased individual. The treatment followed is classified as: shodhan (purification), shaman (eradication of the cause), rasayan (fortifying process) and satavajaya (harmony of mind).
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