Benefits of Ayurveda

The benefits of Ayurveda are many:

• The Ayurvedic approach to an illness is holistic and therefore after an Ayurvedic treatment a person will find an improvement in their physical, mental and psychological conditions. 
• The ingredients used in Ayurvedic medicines are mostly derived from herbs, plants, flowers, fruits etc. making it a remedy close to nature. 
• There are practically no side effects for Ayurvedic medicine. 
• Ayurveda has been found to be an effective cure for many chronic diseases. 
• An Ayurveda treatment can bring about wellness to the entire body and will be in effect for a longer time than Allopathic treatment. 
• Ayurveda not only helps in treating diseases but also in preventing the occurrence of diseases. 
• Ayurveda gives guidelines on how to keep away diseases by means of simple dietary and lifestyle changes. 
• Ayurvedic medicines are good even for healthy people since they are restorative in nature and helps in nourishing the body and enhancing mental ability. 
• Ayurvedic treatment and medicines are comparatively cheaper than other systems of medicine. 
• Ayurveda recommends readily available herbs and spices for minor ailments. 
• Ayurvedic therapies can give relief from stress and rejuvenating the body.

Ayurveda in Kerala

Kerala, located in the south-western part of the Indian Peninsula, is known throughout the world as the land of coconut trees, a place with many rivers and backwaters and of course, as the land of Ayurveda. With the backing of rich cultural background and traditions, Kerala has been able to preserve authentic Ayurveda as well as make some impressive contributions of its own.

During the thriving period, Ayurveda was dominated by eight families who considered it as their family profession. They were called the Ashtavaidyas(Eight physicians) and were well-versed in Vaghbata’s Ashtanga Hridaya. Each of them specialized in one of the eight branches of Ayurveda and helped in keeping the traditional art of healing alive and dynamic. Even now there are families in Kerala which have the history of offering Ayurvedic treatments for generations.

Kerala’s masters of Ayurveda who practiced Shodhana Chikilsa developed treatment methods such as Dhara, Pizhichil and Njavarakizhi. The introduction of 'Dharapati' is a contribution of Kerala. Moreover, Kerala was secular in its healthcare system like the present day and was successful in transcending the caste barriers in the medical field scenario.

Probably due to the influence of Buddhism, many temples of Kerala became centres of healing. The visitors from other parts of the world were fascinated by Kerala’s achievements in medicine and astrology. Marcopolo, a great explorer from Italy, was known to have great reverence for the physicians and astrologists of Kerala. Hortus Malabaricus, the Dutch work of literature, gives a detailed analysis of the medicinal properties of plants in Kerala and is a testament of the development of Kerala in the field of medicine.

One of the many available Ayurvedic therapies in Kerala is massaging. Massaging is offered here as a method of rejuvenation as well as a treatment. It gives relief from pains and aches, increases blood circulation, enhances immunity, rejuvenates the body and relaxes the mind.

Marma chikilsa, a procedure similar to the Chinese acupuncture, is an advanced form of massage and is widely utilized by Kalaripayattu (Kerala’s martial art) experts for improving flexibility.

The physicians in Kerala were also proficient in Vishachikilsa or Toxicology, what with the large number of snake bites in the state. Medicines like gorochanadi Kompanchade used in the cure of fever, epilepsy, treatment for smallpox and other infectious fevers, Gajachikitsa (Treatment for elephants) are also some of the unique contributions of Kerala to Ayurveda.

Kerala has also assisted the growth of Ayurveda by means of the many comprehensive books and treatises such asRasavaiseshikam, Rasopanishat, Tantrayukthivichara, Vaidyamanorama implying the level of knowledge possessed by Kerala physicians.

Masters of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the ancient Science of life, is believed to be the knowledge handed down from the Gods themselves. It was developed into what it is today by great sages and rishis of vast wisdom and knowledge.

A lot of research followed with physicians studying the anatomy of the human body by dissection, examining the various conditions of patients as well as investigating the cause and cure for every malady. Consequently Ayurveda developed and the interest in this phenomenal way of healing grew exponentially.

Ayurveda soon emerged into two- the school of medicine and the school of surgery. The school of medicine was propounded by the physician Charaka and of surgery by Susrutha.

Susrutha who lived in the 6th century BC is considered to be the father of modern surgery. He is credited to be the author of ‘Susrutha Samhitha’, a treatise covering all aspects of Ayurveda and which is referred to by physicians even now.

Evidence shows that Susrutha possessed deep and thorough knowledge of the functioning of the human body and complicated surgical procedures. He understood the causes behind ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity etc. He is also known to have performed cataract surgeries, plastic surgeries and so on.

Famed to be the ‘Father of Anatomy’, Charaka authored the Ayurvedic treatise Charaka Samhitha covering various aspects of physiology, embryology, pathology and etiology. He was well acquainted with the principles of anatomy, metabolism, immunity, genetics and so on. It was as per his scheme that Ayurveda was divided into eight branches.

Vaghbata, who is supposed to have lived in the 7th century AD, wrote the treatises named Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridaya Samhitha. Ashtanga Hridaya combined the teachings of Charaka and Susrutha and revised it with up-to-date observations in herbology, surgery and treatment methods. The three texts, Susrutha Samhitha, Charaka Samhitha and Ashtanga Sangraha, are considered to be the oldest texts in Ayurveda and which laid the foundation of medicine.

The next notable contributor to Ayurveda is Madhavacharya who specialized in the diagnosis of diseases and came up with the book ‘Madhava Nidana’ in the 12th century. Sharangadhara, in the 14th century, became well-known as the authority on pharmacology and as the author of ‘Sharangadhara Samhitha’. Considered to be among the best physicians in the 16th century, Bhavamishra combined his learning and observations in the book ‘Bhava Prakasha’. These three books are regarded as the Laghu Traya or Junior Triad of Ayurveda classics.

Kaya Chikilsa

Kaya Chikilsa or General Medicine is the most important branch among the eight specialized branches of Ayurveda. It deals with causes, condition, symptoms, progress of disease, cure of ailments affecting the body and its diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics.

‘Kaya’ means body and ‘chikilsa’ means treatment, and therefore the term literally means treating diseases affecting the body. This branch of medicine mainly involves the correction of abnormalities in the element of Agni (the element of fire) which is responsible for all the metabolic activities of the body.

Ayurvedic treatment methods give more importance to the internal causes of the disease rather than the external pathogens. Every disease is diagnosed and treated by analyzing Prakruthi (Physical constitution), Tridoshas(predominance of biological humors) and Trigunas (mental qualities) of the patient. Ayurveda treats body as a whole with importance to mind and the soul.

Charaka, sometimes referred to as the Father of Anatomy, is the author of the most famous book on medicine, theCharaka Samhitha. It contains detailed information on the physiology, pathology, anatomy, causes and treatment of diseases.

Salya Chikilsa

Salya Chikilsa is a branch of Ayurveda which deals with the removal of foreign matter through surgery (the termSalya means foreign body). This branch, otherwise known as Dhanwantariya Sampradaya and one of the two main schools of Ayurveda, was founded by Divodasa Dhanwanthari. It was later developed by his student the great Maharishi Susrutha.

The first known surgeon in the world and the father of surgery, Susrutha was the first to describe the anatomy of the human body by dissecting cadavers. He also documented his knowledge in Susruta Samhita, the magnum opus of ancient Indian surgery. It gives a clear picture of the theory and practice of surgery at that time.

His book on surgery, ‘Salya Chikilsa’, describes various surgical operations and the devices used in performing them. In it he classified surgical instruments into two: yantra (blunt) and shastra (sharp). The yantras were further divided into one hundred and one instruments and classified into six types.

• Svastika (Curved) 
• Samdamsa (Forceps) 
• Tala (Flat edged) 
• Nadi (Tubular) 
• Salaka (Rod – like) 
• Upayantras (Accessories)

He also defined eight kinds of surgical techniques or Sastrakarma:

• Incising 
• Excising 
• Scraping 
• Puncturing 
• Probing 
• Extracting 
• Draining 
• Suturing

Even now, all surgical operations are performed by making use of one or more of these eight techniques.

Susrutha made use of wine as an anaesthetic to make the patient insensible to pain. This is considered by many to be one of the oldest references to the use of Anaesthesia. He is also credited with dividing operative procedures into three distinct stages:

1. Pre-operative or Purvakarma 
2. Operation proper or Pradhana karma 
3. Post-operative procedure or Paschatkarma

The concept of postoperative wards, where the patients were taken care of in a sterile environment, was first recommended by Susrutha. This showed his understanding of the possibilities of complications that could arise otherwise. He also described 14 kinds of bandages suitable for different parts of the body.

Parasurgical measures conceptualized by him show that Susrutha was not keen on recommending surgery as the immediate resort and advocated safer and simpler techniques.

Susruta’s contribution to plastic surgery is outstanding. Reconstruction of mutilated nose (Rhinoplasty), ear (Otoplasty) and lips (Oroplasty), grafting of healthy skin from cheek, rotation of the pedicle flap transfer to the nose, ear or lips and reconstruction- all have been described by Sushruta in vivid detail. Susrutha’s concept of Rhinoplasty is used even now.

Ayurveda also has surgical treatment for diseases like

• Hemorrhoids 
• Fistula inano or bhaganda 
• Urinary calculi or Asmari 
• Hernia or anthravriddhi 
• Intestinal obstruction or baddhadara 
• Perforation of abdominal viscera or Chidrodara 
• Tumors or Gulma 
• Benign tumors or Granthi 
• Obstructed labour or mudhagarbha

Bala Chikilsa

Bala Chikilsa or Kaumara Bhrithya in Ayurveda is similar to Paediatrics in modern medicine and deals with complications related to pregnancy and child delivery as well as the treatment and diagnosis of diseases affecting children. It also deals with the care of women before and during pregnancy.

References to this branch of medicine can be seen in a number of ancient texts such as Charaka Samhitha, Susrutha Samhitha, Ashtanga Samgraha and Ashtanga Hridaya. Atharva Veda and Kausikasutra also have mentions of the common causes of ailments in children. Acharya Kasyapa is considered to be the foremost connoisseurs in this field.

Even though Ayurveda originated in the earliest of times, it clearly understood the importance of the mother’s well-being, both physical and mental, during pregnancy. Accordingly it suggests the proper diet, exercise and routine that needs to be followed during this crucial time.

Kaumara Bhrithya also deals with the methods to purify breast milk, treatment of diseases caused by vitiated milk and grahas. It also proposes treatment for various diseases affecting children such as teething problems, rickets etc. Nursing new born babies and the study of infertility also come under this branch of medicine.

Visha Chikilsa

Visha means poison. Visha Chikilsa or Agada Tantra involves the treatment of diseases caused by the impact of poisons and toxins, such as spoilt food, animal, reptile and insect bites, poisonous minerals and unsuitable food combinations, on the body. It is equivalent to toxicology in modern medicine.

Visha Chikilsa describes the action of harmful elements on the body functions and how it can destroy the body tissues. Specific antidotes for poisons were prescribed for nullifying its effects. Ancient texts such as Charaka Samhitha, Susrutha Samhitha and Ashtanga Samgraha offer exhaustive information on this branch of Ayurveda.

Graha Chikilsa

This Ayurvedic branch, also known as Bhuta Vidya, is the same as Psychiatry in modern medicine. It focuses on the diseases and problems caused due to disturbances in the mental health of an individual.

According to Ayurveda, mental disorders are caused by spirits, micro-organisms, past Karma and other unexplained factors. Ayurvedic medicines, diet control, Yoga and meditation usually form part of the treatment. In order to cleanse and make the atmosphere germ free, Ayurveda advocates the use of certain herbs and plants as well as fumigation. Chanting of Vedic and Tantric mantras was also considered to have positive effects on the mental state.

Rasayana Chikilsa

The concept of Rasayana Chikilsa is believed to have originated from Vedic hymns which explain the guidelines for rejuvenation and regeneration of dhatus, longevity, mental well-being, immunity, eternal transformation and healthy living.

Rasa means essence and in this context it stands for the essence of food we consume. Ayana or channels carry out the function of transporting this essence. The proper functioning of ayanas is necessary to adequately nourish our body. Rasayana Chikilsa or Rejuvenation Therapy helps in this process and revitalizes the cells and tissues of the body to bring about harmony of the body, mind and soul. Rasayana Chikilsa is particularly effectual in reducing the signs of ageing.

Contrary to common interpretation, this branch is not just limited to drug therapy and includes codes of conduct for controlling the senses and describes several procedures, rejuvenative recipes, dietary regimen etc.

Classification

Rasayana Chikilsa can be broadly divided into two:

1. Kamya Rasayana 
2. Naimittika Rasayana

Kamya Rasayana helps in improving and maintaining the physical and mental health of a healthy individual. There are three classifications under this:

1. Pranakamya - (Promoter of life's vitality and longevity) 
2. Medhakamya - (Promoter of Higher mental faculty) 
3. Srikamy - (Promoter of complexion and luster)

Naimittika Rasayana deals with curing specific diseases and restoring the body’s vitality through various procedures. Depending on the place where the treatment is carried out, Naimittika Rasayana can be divided into two:

1. Vathatpika Rasayana - (Outdoor therapy) 
2. Kutipravesika Rasayana - (Indoor therapy)

As per diet and lifestyle, there are three types of Naimittika Rasayana:

1. Ausadha Rasayana - (Drug Rasayana) 
2. Ahara Rasayana - (Dietary Rasayana) 
3. Achara Rasayana - (Lifestyle Rasayana)

Vathatapika Rasayana
In this case, there are no rigorous treatment procedures involved and the patient s can continue with their routine practices while undergoing the therapy.

Kuti Praveshika Rasayana
Kuti Praveshika Rasayana is a type of Rasayana treatment for slowing down the ageing process and reinvigorating the body. During the treatment, the patients will be under the observation of a specialist and have to follow a strict daily routine.

The role of Rasayana Chikilsa is very significant even today. Many drugs and medicines prescribed in Ayurvedic texts have proved to give better prognosis for the treatment of cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart diseases etc.

Salakya Chikilsa

The branch of Ayurveda corresponding to the E.N.T. (Ear, Nose and Throat) in present day medicine, Salakya Chikilsa treats diseases affecting the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

Susrutha Samhitha written by Susrutha, the disciple of Divodasa Dhanwanthari, has detailed information on the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment procedures in Salakya Chikilsa. This book contains the description of around 72 eye diseases and the surgical procedure for the treatment of cataract, eyelid diseases etc. The use of various instruments, therapeutic effects of herbs etc. are also included in the book.

This discipline does not however find mention in the Vedas. The Panchakarma procedure associated with this discipline of Ayurveda is Nasya (application of medicine through nasal orifices). Both Agnivesa School (Medical) andDhanwanthiri School (Surgical) acknowledge the therapeutic importance of Nasya. A number of curative and prophylactic Nasyas have now been added as a result of continuous research and development.

Vajeekarana Chikilsa

Vajeekarana Chikilsa or the Science of Aphrodisiacs is a branch of Ayurveda which deals with the treatment ofsexual ailments. As a discipline which can help an individual produce a healthy progeny, Vajeekarana Chikilsa also deals with boosting virility, treating infertility and improving the quality and quantity of semen.

The use of aphrodisiac to ensure sexual satisfaction was known to the ancient masters of Ayurveda. Susrutha, the father of surgery explained the benefit of aphrodisiac as ‘vajikara yogah prityapatyabalapradah’- that is, aphrodisiac can provide pleasure, progeny and stamina.

According to Ayurveda, the attitude of the partners is very important in sex. Remedies which can rejuvenate and increase stamina are suggested by analysing the patient’s physical and mental constitution. Herbal, metallic and animal preparations are prescribed as medicines. Snehapana, Panchakarma etc. form the treatment modalities.

Vajeekarana Chikilsa can be broadly divided into three:

1. Dehabalakara Janaka - Promoting physical strength including semen 
2. Manobalakara Pravartaka - Enhancing mental power 
3. Dehamanobalakara Janaka - Pravartaka - Acting again

Another classification is as follows:

1. Sukravrddhikara - Increasing semen 
2. Sukrasrutikara - Prompting the discharge of semen 
3. Sukrasruti vrddhikara - Covering both the above aspects

Ancient Texts and Treatises

In the ancient times, Ayurveda was learnt and taught only orally. Later on, scribes started documenting it on dried, smoothed and smoke-treated leaves of palm trees, otherwise known as Thaliolas, in order to preserve this precious wisdom for the future generations.

Ayurveda originated in the Vedic period. Believed to be the teachings of the Almighty himself, the Vedas are among the oldest records of spiritual knowledge in the world. All the four Vedas - Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Adharva Veda- have served as the basis of Indian Philosophy and have references to the principles of Ayurveda.

Rig Veda, the oldest of all Vedas, describes certain fundamental principles of Ayurveda. The three great cosmic forces namely Indra (God of Air and Prana, the vital force), Agni (God of Fire) and Soma (the Moon) represent the three main elements in Ayurveda: Vayu, Pitha and Kapha. This Veda also has over 60 preparations that could be used for healing as well as for spiritual upliftment.

Yajur Veda, describes several rituals and ceremonies which could help a person to have good health and a long life. The concepts of Dhatus (tissues) and the Pranas are also discussed in this Veda.

Basically a text concentrating on hymns, chants and verses, Sama Veda explains the therapeutic effects of chanting mantras with devotion.

Adharva Veda, the fourth book of ancient knowledge is known to have the largest number of references to Ayurveda. In fact, Ayurveda is considered to be the sub-branch or Upaveda of Adharva Veda. Ranging from medicinal values of herbs to treatment of diseases, Adharva Veda covers the essential and practical aspects of Ayurveda.

After the Vedic period, the knowledge contained in the Vedas was studied extensively, tested for correctness and compiled systematically to form Samhithas or compilations. Of these, three main Samhithas are known to have survived: Charaka Samhitha (Treatise on Medicine), Susrutha Samhitha (Treatise on Surgery) and Ashtanga Samgraha (Treatise on the basic principles). Called collectively as ‘Brihattrayi’, they are also considered to be the oldest surviving documents on Ayurveda.

Some of the famous texts written between 9th and 16th century AD include Sharangadhara Samhita (Treatise on Ayurvedic Recipes), Bhavaprakasha (History and classifications), Madhava Nidana (Treatise on Diagnosis) etc.

Origin of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, considered to be the oldest system of medicine in the world, had its origin in India about five thousand years ago. A holistic method of healing using remedies offered by nature, Ayurveda which when followed can restore, rejuvenate and revitalize body, mind and soul.
Mention of Ayurveda can be found in the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavat Gitaand other ancient texts of wisdom. Of the four Vedas, namely Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Adharva Veda, Ayurveda is said to be the Upaveda or the sub branch of Adharva Veda.
The word Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: 'Ayu' which means ‘life’ and 'Veda' which means ‘the knowledge of’. According to Charaka, "ayu" consists of four essential parts- mind, body, senses and the soul. In short, Ayurveda is the knowledge of life.


Ayurveda is said to have been created by Lord Brahma (the Creator of the Universe and one of the Trimurthis) himself and handed down to mankind through Gods and great sages who possessed extensive knowledge and extraordinary insight. Initially, this knowledge was taught and learnt orally and it was much later that it was documented in palm leaves and thaliolas.


As the thirst for knowledge grew, extensive research and observations were made and Ayurveda developed swiftly. Two schools of Ayurveda emerged, namely the School of Medicine and the School of Surgery. With this amazing progress, India saw some of the greatest minds in history such as Charaka, sometimes referred to as the father of anatomy and Susrutha, the father of plastic surgery.

Ayurveda is more than just a medical system. It is based on India’s culture and a profound philosophy which gives instructions for attaining health, both physically as well as spiritually and also discovering our unknown potential by following optimal lifestyle regimes. It is also a discipline which tells us the proper way to do the simplest of day-to-day activities such as breathing, drinking, eating, working, exercising and even thinking.
Ayurveda helps to maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because we have always been governed by nature’s laws.