Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of healing and well-being. The name is a Sanskrit term that implies “the science of life”. This system consists of ways to keep not just the body but also the mind and spirit healthy as it is believed and proven that only physical health is not enough.
Ayurveda is almost five thousand years old and consists of a large number of techniques and ways to cure various disorders and illnesses as well as for general well-being. Some such techniques are:
- Herbs
- Massages
- Diet
- Yoga
- Breathing techniques
- Acupuncture
With these methods, a wide array of disorders can be treated, right from minor ailments like constipation and headache to more severe disorders like depression and diabetes.
Ayurvedic healing
Healing in this system is known as Chikitsa or disease management. It consists of eight components that help in complete eradication of the problem from its root. They help in identifying the problem, eliminating the root of the problem, purifying the body of all the accumulated impurities, bringing back normalcy and balance to the body, and strengthening the systems to avoid a relapse.
The eight components of Ayurvedic Chikitsa
- Prakriti: Identify the dominant body type, i.e., Vata, Pitta or Kapha.
- Vikruti: Identify the imbalances in the body constitution.
- Find the source of the problem — genes, infections, emotional disturbance, and so on.
- Treat the cause and remove it from its root.
- Make appropriate changes in diet, exercise, Yoga techniques and environment.
- Detoxification of the body through various Ayurvedic techniques like Shodana, Panchakarma or Shamana.
- Rejuvenation of the body so as to strengthen the various body systems.
- Using either of two ways of treatment using the opposing principle by antagonizing the imbalanced Dosha or the disease.
Through these techniques, the individual suffering from any disease can be treated and cured of a large number of disorders.
The uniqueness about the Ayurveda system is that it does not only concentrate on medications and herbal formulations for treatment but also looks at dietary modifications and exercise and therefore affects overall health and well-being.
