|
Ayurveda started more than 5000 years ago. There are
glimpses of Ayurvedic treatments and medicines in various ancient scripts. The word Ayurveda is derived from two words - Ayu
meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge or science. It literally means knowledge about life.
The formation of living organisms is described in the principles
of Ayurveda. The focus is on obtaining a balance among the Tridhoshas, i.e. Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. Illness is the result
of imbalance of the Tridhoshas.
Like
modern medicine, Ayurveda is also divided into several important branches of treatment dealing with various human aspects.
Each branch follows various methods for regenerating the equilibrium of body, mind and soul.
Branches in Ayurveda
Kaya
Chikitsa: The Ayurvedic equivalent to general medicine, this branch deals with the routine diseases that are likely to
affect human beings, and their treatment.
Bala Chikitsa: This branch, equivalent to paediatrics, deals with
prenatal and postnatal baby care as well as the care of a woman before and during pregnancy. It also covers various diseases
of children and their treatment.
Graha Chikitsa: This Ayurvedic branch is the same as Psychiatry in modern medicine. It focuses on the detection and effective
treatment of mental disorders. It also treats psychosomatic disorders.
Salakya
Chikitsa: Corresponding to the E.N.T. field of
modern medicine, this branch of Ayurveda diagnoses and treats diseases affecting organs like the ear, nose and head.
Salya
Chikitsa: The great Maharishi, Susruta was the
inventor of this branch of Ayurveda. He even wrote a book on surgery titled 'Salya Chikitsa'. This book describes various
surgical operations and the devices associated with them.
Visha Chikitsa: This branch deals with the toxins that enter the body from vegetables,
minerals and animal origins. It is equivalent to toxicology in modern medicine. Pollution is said to be the cause of various
epidemics.
Rasayana Chikitsa: In addition to do's and don'ts for better living, this branch of Ayurveda contains various treatments
for improving beauty, health and intellectual power. Rasayana Chikitsa is equivalent to rejuvenation therapy in modern medicine.
Vajeekarana
Chikitsa: Equivalent to the aphrodisiac treatment in modern medicine,
this branch of Ayurveda helps to stimulate the production of sexual hormones in one's body, thus increasing sexual activity.
Treatments in Ayurveda
Ayurveda has been practised for thousands
of years in India. In ancient times Rishis were involved in making of medicine and treating people. Several researches and studies have
been undertaken in this field of medicine. Today, these treatments are very popular all over the world. Some of the treatments
are Pizhichil, Njavarakizhi, Dhara, Vasthi, Sirovasthi, Nasyam, Kizhi etc
|
