Ayurveda evolved around
600 BC in India.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.This system
of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition
to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike,
Ayurveda has been practised ever since time immemorial.
The formation of living organisms is described in the principles
of Ayurveda- a complete naturalistic system.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.Ayurveda believes in the treatment of
not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole, making
it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic
imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good
health
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 pediatrics,
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 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.
Shodhanam: Various therapeutic procedures are followed
to facilitate elimination of harmful factors:Vamanam (emesis
therapy), Virechanam (purgation therapy), Nasyam (nasal
medication), Vaste (enema therapy), Raktamoksham (blood-letting
therapy).
Pre-treatments for panchakarma: The panchakarma pre-treatment
includes three different processes: Thalam, Snehanam,
swedanam.
Thalam: Before any external treatment thalam has to be
performed. In this treatment, a special mixture of herbal
powder and medicated oil is applied on the upper portion
of the head and allowed to remain for 20 to 45 minutes.This
treatment helps in conditions associated with ENT, insomnia
and migraine.
Snehanam: This is a process of oleation . The medicated
oil may be applied externally on the body or given orally.
Swedanam: Swedanam, or the sweating treatment is carried
out through various procedures.
Prime Treatments
in Ayurveda
Pizhichil : In this treatment, lukewarm
herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four
trained masseurs in a special rhythmic way for about 60
to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This
treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis,
paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, sexual weakness,
nervous weakness and nervous disorders etc.
Njavarakizhi : It is a process by which the whole body
or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the
application of certain medical puddings externally in
the form of boluses tied up in a muslin bag. This is applied
by two to four masseurs for about 60 to 90 minutes per
day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all
types rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs,
blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin
diseases.
Dhara : In this process, some herbal oils, medicated milk,
medicated butter, milk etc., are poured on the forehead
in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for
a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is mainly for
insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental tension
and certain skin diseases.
Vasthi : Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc., are
applied through the rectum daily for a period of 5 to
25 days. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia,
numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism
and constant constipation.
Sirovasthi : Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into
a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day
according to the patient’s conditions for a period of
7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial
paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe
headaches, burning sensation of head and other vatha originated
diseases.
Udvarthanam : This is a typical massage with herbal powders
for about 30 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days.
This treatment is for the diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis,
obesity (excess fat) and certain rheumatic ailments.
Abhyangam : Special type of oil massage in which strokes
are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per
day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity,
especially for diabetic Gangrene (a condition due to lack
of blood circulation in the extremes of the body) etc.
Nasyam : Herbal juices, medicated oils etc., are applied
through nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly
effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis, mental
disorders, certain types of skin diseases etc.
Snehapanam : Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally
increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This
treatment is for osteo arthritis, sporaris, leukaemia
etc.
Kizhi : Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are
applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated
oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days.
This treatment is for osteo arthritis, arthritis with
swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.
Dhanyamala Dhara : Warm herbal liquid is poured all over
the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for
45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective
for hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatic complaints etc.
Yoni Prakshalanam : Herbal oils and decoctions are applied
through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for
gynaecological disorders. It is also a purification process
for genital organs.
Kativasthi : In this process specially prepared warm medicated
oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary.
This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is
good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.
Urovasthi : Warm medicated oil is kept over the chest
for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for asthma,
other respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular
chest pain.
Ksheeradhoomam : This is fomentation with medicated cow
milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis, Bell’s
palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of
the face
