The roots of the Ayurveda go deep into the Indian heritage, and are currently being recognized and studied as a part of medical science. The word Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term – which is the ancient religious language – meaning “the knowledge of life”. Although in these modern times it is mostly utilized for treatment purposes; the knowledge of Ayurveda extends to the whole of the universe. It has its own set of principles and terminologies. The methods devised according to these principles are used for treatments and cures, and for overall health. The most commonly practiced methods include yoga and Ayurvedic diet.
The Ayurvedic system of medication is based on many centuries of experience in medical practice handed down through generations. Ayurvedic medicine originated in the early civilizations of India some 3,000-5,000 years ago making Ayurvedic medicine the oldest surviving healing system in the world. Read on to know how to benefit from Ayurveda in your busy everyday life… The word Ayurveda is formed by the combination of two words - "Ayu" meaning life, and "Veda" meaning knowledge. Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is not only limited to body or physical symptoms but also gives a comprehensive knowledge about spiritual, mental and social health. Thus Ayurveda is a qualitative, holistic science of health and longevity, a philosophy and system of healing the whole person, body and mind.
'AYURVED' is an Indian System of Medicine. The word 'Ayurved' is composed of 'Ayur' and 'Ved' where 'Ayur' means 'Life' and 'Ved' is 'Knowledge'. Ayurved means 'Knowledge of Life' (The science of Life - in Sanskrit). Ayurved is said to be 5000 years old Medical Science. It is an ancient, unfailing system of diagnosis and treatment based on medicines prepared from herbal plants & other elements originated from nature, which are found abundantly in India. Ayurved is the traditional medicine system of India. Ayurved provides an integrated approach to the prevention and treatment of illness. Many renowned Scientist, Scholar & Genius in the respective field consider Ayurved as an oldest ancient Indian healing science. It teaches an individual to live naturally by outlining certain Behavioral, Dietary and Treatment patterns. Ayurveda has been specifically appreciated for its holistic approach to man and non-provocative application of medicine. Ayurved is considered divine in origin and is also 'Upaved' (Branch) of 'Atharvaved'. The Vedas (Veda, "knowledge") are a large corpus of texts originating in ancient India. It forms the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature and the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. According to Hindu tradition, the Vedas are apauru?eya "not of human nature", being supposed to have been directly revealed, and thus are called ?ruti ("what is heard"). Vedic mantras are recited at Hindu prayers, religious functions and other auspicious occasions. These four Vedas are Rigved, Yajurved, Samaved & Atharvaved. There are many references regarding health, diseases, treatments, medicinal plants etc in these vedas. Ayurved is not merely a kind of antiquated folk medicine. It is a science in its own right. Yet it is a science based upon the observation of living being and their actual reaction to their environment. These observations are made since life on earth. Ayurved possesses perhaps the longest clinical experience of any system of medicine, with a history of Ayurvedic hospitals and colleges going back for over three thousand years. It has a science of anatomy and physiology that follows a ritualistic model based upon the biological humors. It has an extensive herbal and mineral industry, including what is probably the greatest variety of herbal and pharmaceutical preparation in the world. These include herbal wines, jellies, confectionary, resins, balsams, pills, and an extensive system of mineral preparation. It has special clinical methods, including the use of steam therapy, oil massage, and Panchakarma purification and rejuvenation. Perhaps most importantly, it also has a whole science of self-care, including an entire methodology of right living for optimum health and the promotion of greater awareness and creativity. While western medicine has focused upon pathogens and how to control disease from the outside, Ayurved concentrates on the individual and how to control disease through balancing the life-force within the individual. As the limitations of antibiotics are becoming evident, such regimens for strengthening our own internal immune system may be crucial for our health.
Aim of Ayurved:
The aim of Ayurved is to maintain the health of a healthy individual and if unfortunately anybody becomes ill, then cure the disease.Prevention is always better than cure. THE EIGHT BRANCHES OF AYURVED (ASHTANGA AYURVED).
- > General Medicine (Kayachikitsa)
- > Pediatric Medicine (Kaumarabhritya)
- > Psychiatry (Graha & Bhutavidya)
- > ENT & Ophthalmology (Shalakya Tantra)
- > Surgery (Shalyatantra)
- > Toxicology (Agadatantra)
- > The science of Rejuvenation (Rasayana)
- > The science of Aphrodisiacs (Vajikarana)