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 Ayurveda |
he Genesis
Ayurveda started more than 5000 years ago. 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.
Fundamentals
The formation of living organisms is described in the principles of
Ayurveda.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.
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 of 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. |
| |
| 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. |
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