Ayurveda is the ancient “Science of Life”, meditatively evolved by the ‘Rishis’ – seers of India. Of the four ‘Vedas’ it is a branch of ‘Atharvaveda’  The basic philosophy of Ayurveda is  based on the ‘Panchmahabhootas’- the five elements – ‘Vayu’, 'Akaash',  ‘Prithvi’, ‘Agni’, and ‘Jal’. These elements combine to form controlling forces or biological humours called ‘Tridoshashas’ – ‘Vaata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’. 

The ‘Doshas’ act on the tissues of the body known as the ‘Dhatus’ and help in the various physiological functions. The waste products formed as a result of various bodily functions are ‘Malas’ which are the end products of the body. Thus the Science of Ayurveda deals with ‘Doshas’, ‘Dhatus’ and ‘malas’.

 According to a Ayurveda, every cell – ‘Koshaanu’ – in our body sends its unique signal to the heart via different vital organs – ‘Prannadhaar Avyav’ and the blood stream – ‘Rakta Vahika’. These ‘Praanic’ currents of energy – ‘Shakti’ are then compressed into rhythmic pulsation which can be decoded by pulse examination.

The various factors to be noted during pulse examination are pulse rate – ‘Sapandan Sankhya’, character – ‘Gati’ and qualities – ‘Gunas’.   As per Ayurveda texts, people fall sick not because of bacteria or infection alone, but due to three main causes namely – ‘Asaatmya Indriyaartha Samyogam’ ( incompatible correlation of the senses with their objects), ‘Prajnaapradham’ (wrong use of will or intellect ) and ‘Kaalam’ (effect of time). These basic causes upset the fine balance among bio-regulating factors of the body – ‘Vaata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’.

Ayurveda does not confine itself to treat a disease but goes much beyond. It tells how one has to lead his life, correlate body and mind and take precautionary measures to prevent diseases.

A multidisciplinary approach was developed by the ‘Rishis’ after carefully analysing the constitution – ‘Prakriti’ of an individual.

The treatment was two pronged – palliative – ‘Prashemak’ – to reduce the effect of ‘Doshas’ or symptoms ; and 'Suddhikaran' - to remove aaccumulated toxins or ‘Doshas’ from the body by ‘Panchakarmas’.

Ayurveda prescribed medicines that are available in nature which again is made of the ‘Panchamahabhootas’. Herbal medicines were obtained from extracts of plants and herbs – ‘Jadi-Booti’ ; minerals (metal) medicines – ‘Khanij Padaarth’ – which are extracted from minerals, gems and jewels ; Herbo-mineral preparations – which are a combination of both herbs and minerals.

The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda thus aimed at ‘Subhamasthu Satamaanam Bharathi’ – may you be blessed with bliss and longevity !

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