AYURVEDA- THE SCIENCE OF LIFE
Ayurveda is the holistic system of life science originated in India thousands of years ago. It is based on the concept that a human body is connected to everything in the universe through a balance of the mind, body, soul and environment. Any imbalance in one area in this system will affect the other areas also.
In the course of time, Ayurveda branched out into three categories, namely Shalya Chikitsa - Surgery, Kaya Chikitsa - General Medicine, and Kaumarabhritya - Paediatrics. These had a huge influence on the way diseases and ailments are approached and treated.
CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES IN AYURVEDA
Ayurveda classifies diseases broadly into the Sarira (physical) and the Manasa (mental).
These are then further sub-divided into Nija - endogenous, and Agantu - exogenous diseases. In the same way as the three biochemical energies of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are termed as doshas of the body, Rajas [associated with desire and activity] and Tapas [associated with lethargy and laziness] are considered the bio-chemical forces affecting the state of the mind. According to Ayurveda, all ailments, mental or physical, are caused by the imbalance of the doshas.
Endogenous causes of the disease include internal variations of the doshas, and exogenous causes refer to injuries caused by factors from outside. Each of these invariably causes an imbalance in the doshas, and triggers ailments. It is up to the physician to systematically narrow down the search, and identify the path to equilibrium for the patient.
REJUVENATION THERAPY
The legendary Rasayana Chikitsa, or Rejuvenation Therapy, is a holistic Ayurvedic healthcare treatment. It revitalizes the human body, equipping it to regain and maintain health. Rasayana Chikitsa is often considered synonymous with rebirth, for it completely revitalizes the body, eliminating the ill-effects of all previous disorders. Its cleansing effect gives a second lease of life by completely decontaminating the body, mind, and spirit.
Rasayana is derived from two separate Sanskrit words: Rasa meaning the "basic essence that nourishes the body," and Ayana meaning "path". Hence, Rasayana stands for a nourishing pathway. Rasayana Chikitsa is a holistic revitalization therapy aimed at treating nutrient deficiencies, with a focus on the constituent elements of the body.
PANCHAKARMA
Panchakarma is the modern form of Rejuvenation Therapy composed of a unique set of therapeutic methods that cleanse and heal the body physically, mentally and spiritually. The Pancha (Five) Karma (Action) approach to disease prevention is a combination of five tried-and-tested treatment techniques that revitalizes patients by restoring their physical and mental equilibrium.
Panchakarma's value lies in the herbal and organic medicines used, which exempts it from the risks of side effects, common to many modern-day drugs. The concept behind it is that a majority of sicknesses are caused by consumed foods and environmental toxins. Panchakarma treatment is unique since it ensures both short-term and long-term well-being of the individual. It scrupulously avoids the instant gratification approach. Shamana and shodhana are the two categories of rejuvenation therapies practiced.