Ayurveda

The word Ayurveda derived from AYU and VEDA. AYU means life, VEDA means science or knowledge. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means the “science of life”. It has originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and it is often called the “Mother of Healing” . It stem from the ancient Vedic culture. Ayurveda embraces all living things, human and non-human. It is divided into three main branches viz., Nara Ayurveda-dealing with human life, Satva Ayurveda-science dealing with animal life and its diseases and Vriksha Ayurveda-the science dealing with plant life, its growth and diseases. Ayurveda is not only a system of medicine but also a way of life for complete positive health and spiritual attainments. Ayurveda believes that positive health is the basis for attaining four cherished goals of life (chaturvidh purushartha) viz., Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha.

Ayurveda imbibes the humeral theory of Tridoshao: Vata (ether + air), Pitta (fire) and and Kapha (earth + water), which are considered as the three physiological entities in living beings responsible for all metabolic functions. The mental characters of human beings are attributable to Satva, Rajas and Tamas, which are the psychological properties of life collectively terms as ‘Triguna’. The curative treatment consists of Aushadhi (drugs), Ahara (diet) and Vihara (life style).

Kshar Sutra and Panchakarma of Ayurveda are considered to be major therapies. Panchakarma include five detoxification processes viz Vamana (Medicated emesis), Virechana (Medicated purgation), Basti (Medicated enema), Nasya (medication through the route of nose), and Raktamokshana (Bloodletting). Kshar Sutra is a para-surgical intervention using an alkaline thread for cauterization, which is scientifically effective in the treatment of surgical conditions.