Ayurveda: A Science of Life
According to vedas, when people were suffering many diseases and there was no proper treatment to cure, all sages undertook a terrible penance to please Lord Indra, who knew the immeasurable strength and knowledge of Ayurveda.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a medical science of life. Ayurveda treatment is based on herbal medicines, yoga, and dietary guidelines known as PATHYA-APATHYA. The three fundamental principles of Ayurveda are DOSH, DHATU, and MALA. The balance between VATA-PITTA-KAPHA (the three doshas), RASA-RAKTA-MAMSA-MEDA-ASTHI-MAJJA-SHUKRA (seven dhatus), and MALA-MUTRA-SWEDA (three malas) defines health, while their imbalance causes disease.
Origin of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an intricate healing system that originated in India thousands of years ago. The earliest references can be found in the Rig Veda, where over 60 medicinal preparations are mentioned. Ayurveda, however, is more than a medical system. It is a holistic approach to life that utilizes the laws of nature to maintain health.
Meaning of Ayurveda
The word 'Ayurveda' comes from two Sanskrit words: 'Ayu' meaning life and 'Veda' meaning knowledge. Life, according to ancient Ayurvedic scholars, is a combination of the mind, body, senses, and soul.
Mind, Body, and Senses
We tend to identify most with our physical bodies, but underlying our physical structure is the mind, which controls essential functions like respiration and digestion. The mind and body work together, integrating their functions to keep us healthy.
The Soul
Ayurveda teaches that before we exist in physical form, we exist as a subtle entity known as the soul. The soul remains unchanged throughout time, even as we may occupy many physical bodies.
Principles of Ayurveda
Ayurveda views every person as a unique individual composed of five primary elements: ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. These elements combine to form the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which govern physiological functions in the body.
- Vata: Composed of ether and air, governs movement and controls nerve impulses, circulation, and respiration.
- Pitta: Made up of fire and water, governs transformation, such as the digestion and metabolism of food.
- Kapha: Composed of water and earth, governs growth and structure and provides protection (e.g., cerebral spinal fluid).
Ayurveda uses these principles to design personalized treatment protocols for maintaining health and healing disease. It may also recommend herbal supplements and cleansing processes like Pancha Karma to remove toxins.
Conclusion
Ayurveda’s unique approach enables it to address individual health concerns by recognizing the diversity of human constitution. It continues to offer invaluable insights into maintaining health and well-being.