What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the most precious gift from India to the world. It deals with each and every aspect of life, health and longevity. Ayurveda imparts the positive health of one's body, mind and soul for achieving the purusharthas (dharma, artha, kama, moksha) of life. Health is not simply the absence of diseases - it is a state of absolute harmony of the body, mind and soul. A disease results with derangement of this state. A fast lifestyle, mental stress, altered food patterns and climatic factors affect the basic functioning of the body. Understanding and correcting these factors is the primary treatment; the secondary treatments are with medicines. This Gives the distinctiveness to Ayurveda in handling A Disease by Removing the root Causes and giving A Promising result.
In Ayurveda, Health results from A balanced Correlation Between Self, personality, Environment and Society. All human beings have their own body constitution (Prakrithi) .The type of food, environment, thoughts, actions, etc that the patient had will be having an effect on Prakrithi, either resulting in health or disease. By understanding, evaluating and correcting these factors, one can prevent illnesses and attain health. The body responds to every single changes in the external and internal environment depending upon the constitution. Understanding the etiology (Nidana) and Other Factors Causing Disease enable us to correct Their Lifestyle and habits. Ayurveda Expresses Healthy people as Swastha - where body, mind and soul is in harmony. For the conservation of health, Ayurveda puts forward two types of treatment systems. 1. The supressive therapies (Samana Chikistha) 2.purification Therapies (Sodhana Chikistha). Samana Chikistha suppresses and destroys diseases with medication. Sodhana chikistha eliminates disease causing factors out of the body through five-fold therapeutic methods known as Panchakarma as described below.
PANCHAKARMA
Panchakarma includes three parts namely:
Poorva Karma (Preparatory Methods)which includes :
Pradhan Karma (Main methods) which includes :
Pashchat Karma (Post-Therapeutic Measures)which includes :
This includes Sansarjan Krama (Specific dietetics), DhumaPana (smoking of medicinal cigars) and some rules to follow specific activities.
PANCHAKARMA
1. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis = vomiting)
2. Virechena (Therapeutic Purgation)
3. Nasya (Nasal medication)
4. Vasthy (Medicated Enema)
5. Rakthamokshana (Blood letting)
The impurities that accumulate inside the body through the biochemical metabolic reactions are eliminated through the body's natural orifices. Herbal medicines are used in the forms of decoction (strong tea), tablets, powder, oils, ghee and Lehya (semi solid paste). They are prescribed according to the constitution and conditions of the patient.
1. Vamana (Emesis = vomiting)
Vamana is A medicated emesis, Which Removes Kapha toxins Collected in the body and the Respiratory tract through the Upper Gastro-Intestinal tract for Those with A Significant Imbalance Kapha. Here oral medication is used to induce vomiting. It is the cleansing procedure, which expels doshas, particularly the augmented kapha. Utilizing this treatment, the vitiated Kapha dosha is totally eliminated from its roots (the stomach) through the mouth. This process of purification is effective since the vitiation from the root is removed, so the chances of recurrence are less.
2. Virechena (purgation = strong laxative)
Virechana is medicated purgation Therapy. It is induced ejection of the vitiated Pitta dosha and the purification of blood toxins from the body that have accumulated in the liver and gallbladder. It completely purify the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without lasting side effects. Generally, it is administered three days after the Vamana treatment, however this may vary. If Vamana therapy is not necessary, then Virechana can be administered directly after Purvakarma. Virechana cleanses the sweat glands, small intestine, colon, kidneys, stomach, liver and spleen. There are a number of effective and safe herbs that can be used as laxatives. These includes senna, prune, bran, flaxseed husk, dandelion root, psyllium seed, cow's milk, salt, castor oil, raisins and mango juice. When taking these laxatives, it is important to adhere to a restricted diet that we will recommend. Some of the indications for Virechana are to help eliminate the causes of skin diseases, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, asthma, headaches, elephantiasis and gynecological disorders. This karma's (cleansing therapy) primary function is to eliminate the doshas in organ systems that can not be removed by Vamana karma, such as within the kidneys, lungs and sweat glands. The medicines used for virechana karma (purgation therapy) after proper sneha-sweda liquefy dosha and bring them into the koshta (abdomen).
3. Nasya (Nasal Medication)
It is A Process by Which Medicine is administered through the nostrils. The nose is the gateway to the head. So, systematically performed Nasya karma can cure almost all the diseases of the head with ease. It cleanses and opens the channels of the head and improves the oxygenation (prana). This has a direct and highly beneficial influence on brain function. If Nasya is done properly and regularly it will keep the person's eye, nose and ear healthy. It also prevents early graying of one's hair and beard. Nasyakarma can also prevent hair loss. This treatment involves the administration of medicated oils, liquids, powders etc into the nostrils. It is useful for treating kapha-oriented disorders of the ears, eyes, nose and throat such as migraines, sinusitis, catarrh, and bronchitis. Nasya can alleviate diseases like cervical spondylitis, headache, migraine, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, diseases of the nose, frozen shoulder, hemi crania, coryza, sinusitis, mental disorders, Parkinson's and various skin complaints. Nasya is indicated for dryness of the nose, sinus congestion, hoarseness, neurodegenerative conditions (ie multiple sclerosis), convulsions and certain eye and ear problems. Nasyakarma enhances the activity of the sense organs and helps to prevent diseases of the head (urdhwanga). Prana or vital energy enters the body when a breath is taken in through the nose. Nasal administration of medicines helps to correct the disorders of prana affecting the higher cerebral, sensory and motor functions.
4. Vasthi (Enema medicated)
Colon is the predominant area of Action of Vatha. Ayurvedic Vasti involves introducing medicinal substances such as Ayurvedic oils and other herbal decoctions etc in an emulsion state into the rectum. Vasthi karma is the most powerful of the five main procedures of PanchaKarma .In general, Vasthi treatments are used to promote elimination of the morbid vata dosha out through the rectum. There are different varieties of vasthi. It helps to alleviate constipation, abdominal distention, chronic fever, the common cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, vomiting, backache, neck pain and hyperacidity. Since vata is mainly located in the colon and bones, the medication is administered through the rectal route. If the treatment is properly administrated, basti helps to rejuvenate the body, provides strength and longevity. It also improves the complexion and the voice. Enemas Should not be Given to persons Suffering from shortness of breath, chronic Abdominal Pain, Bleeding from the rectum, cough, diarrhea or Severe anemia.
Types of Enemas:
* Nirhua Vasthi (Enema Decoction) - Mainly Herbal decoction with Small Amounts of oil, honey, Herbal paste, Salt etc.
* Anuvasana Vasthi (Enema Oil) - Mainly warm oils with Small Amounts of Herbal decoction
* Brihmana Vasthi (Enema nurturing) - warm milk, meat broth, bone Marrow soup, etc Delivered rectally.
Functions of Vasti : -
* It cleanses and detoxifies the body.
* It is DIVIDED into strong Treatments That Penetrate deeper into dhatus (Tissues) and mild Treatments, Which work on the more superficial Level of dhatus.
* It Promotes secretions into the colon.
* It Promotes the liquefaction of ama and Mala (waste products) in the colon.
* It Helps the colon expel These Wastes. Similar to western enemas, Basti Increases colon peristalsis, Producing rapid elimination of the feces.
* It is palliative.
5. Rakthamokshana (Blood letting)
Raktamoksha (Therapeutic Blood letting) is the Traditional Ayurvedic Method of Expulsion of impure Blood, by Which Purification and cleansing of the Blood. Toxins present in the gastro-intestinal tract are absorbed into the blood and circulated throughout the body. This condition is called toxemia, which is the basic cause of repeated infections, hypertension and certain other circulatory conditions. This includes repeated attacks of skin disorders such as urticaria, rashes, herpes, eczema, acne, leukoderma, chronic itching or hives. In such conditions, along with internal medicines, elimination of the toxins and purification of the blood is necessary. Raktamoksha is also indicated for cases of enlarged liver, spleen and gout. Bloodletting also stimulates the spleen to produce antitoxin substances, which help to stimulate the immune system. Toxins are neutralized enabling radical cures in many blood borne disorders. It is not advisable to administer bloodletting in cases of anemia, edema, weakness or to elderly or very young patients.
PASCHAT KARMA
After any operative procedure of purification, always there is need to prevent the body from dosha re-aggravating causes. So that the best effects can be achieved for longer period. Paschat karma is further divided into two procedures, namely samsarjan karma and rasayana. Samsarjan Karma: After the pradhan karma treatments are done the patient loses some weight and the digestive power becomes feeble. In such cases he is advised to follow samsarjan karma, which involves embracing a special diet and life style for about two weeks. This therapy brings back the digestive power and strength by starting from a bland diet and gradually moving towards a heavy diet. The patient need not be admitted anywhere to undergo this process. Rasayana: This implies rejuvenating therapy. This process yields excellent results if followed after the five main procedures or pradhan karma. But if rejuvenation therapy or Rasayana is followed in an impure body that has not gone through the five main procedures, the effects are not fully experienced due to the presence of toxins in the body. Pancha karma treatment that includes rasayana is very effective for curing ailments like hemiplegia, rheumatoid arithritis, polio, skin diseases, epilepsy, insomnia, hypertension,cardiac problems, intestinal diseases, peptic and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis and asthma.
Ayurveda is the most precious gift from India to the world. It deals with each and every aspect of life, health and longevity. Ayurveda imparts the positive health of one's body, mind and soul for achieving the purusharthas (dharma, artha, kama, moksha) of life. Health is not simply the absence of diseases - it is a state of absolute harmony of the body, mind and soul. A disease results with derangement of this state. A fast lifestyle, mental stress, altered food patterns and climatic factors affect the basic functioning of the body. Understanding and correcting these factors is the primary treatment; the secondary treatments are with medicines. This Gives the distinctiveness to Ayurveda in handling A Disease by Removing the root Causes and giving A Promising result.
In Ayurveda, Health results from A balanced Correlation Between Self, personality, Environment and Society. All human beings have their own body constitution (Prakrithi) .The type of food, environment, thoughts, actions, etc that the patient had will be having an effect on Prakrithi, either resulting in health or disease. By understanding, evaluating and correcting these factors, one can prevent illnesses and attain health. The body responds to every single changes in the external and internal environment depending upon the constitution. Understanding the etiology (Nidana) and Other Factors Causing Disease enable us to correct Their Lifestyle and habits. Ayurveda Expresses Healthy people as Swastha - where body, mind and soul is in harmony. For the conservation of health, Ayurveda puts forward two types of treatment systems. 1. The supressive therapies (Samana Chikistha) 2.purification Therapies (Sodhana Chikistha). Samana Chikistha suppresses and destroys diseases with medication. Sodhana chikistha eliminates disease causing factors out of the body through five-fold therapeutic methods known as Panchakarma as described below.
PANCHAKARMA
Panchakarma includes three parts namely:
Poorva Karma (Preparatory Methods)which includes :
- Paachan (Digestion)
- Snehan (Internal and external oleation)
- Swedan (Fomentation)
Pradhan Karma (Main methods) which includes :
- Vaman (Induced vomiting)
- Virechan (Induced purgation)
- Basti (Medicated enema)
- Nasya (Nasal medicine)
- Rakta Mokshan (Artificial bloodletting)
Pashchat Karma (Post-Therapeutic Measures)which includes :
This includes Sansarjan Krama (Specific dietetics), DhumaPana (smoking of medicinal cigars) and some rules to follow specific activities.
PANCHAKARMA
1. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis = vomiting)
2. Virechena (Therapeutic Purgation)
3. Nasya (Nasal medication)
4. Vasthy (Medicated Enema)
5. Rakthamokshana (Blood letting)
The impurities that accumulate inside the body through the biochemical metabolic reactions are eliminated through the body's natural orifices. Herbal medicines are used in the forms of decoction (strong tea), tablets, powder, oils, ghee and Lehya (semi solid paste). They are prescribed according to the constitution and conditions of the patient.
1. Vamana (Emesis = vomiting)
Vamana is A medicated emesis, Which Removes Kapha toxins Collected in the body and the Respiratory tract through the Upper Gastro-Intestinal tract for Those with A Significant Imbalance Kapha. Here oral medication is used to induce vomiting. It is the cleansing procedure, which expels doshas, particularly the augmented kapha. Utilizing this treatment, the vitiated Kapha dosha is totally eliminated from its roots (the stomach) through the mouth. This process of purification is effective since the vitiation from the root is removed, so the chances of recurrence are less.
2. Virechena (purgation = strong laxative)
Virechana is medicated purgation Therapy. It is induced ejection of the vitiated Pitta dosha and the purification of blood toxins from the body that have accumulated in the liver and gallbladder. It completely purify the gastro-intestinal tract. It is a safe procedure without lasting side effects. Generally, it is administered three days after the Vamana treatment, however this may vary. If Vamana therapy is not necessary, then Virechana can be administered directly after Purvakarma. Virechana cleanses the sweat glands, small intestine, colon, kidneys, stomach, liver and spleen. There are a number of effective and safe herbs that can be used as laxatives. These includes senna, prune, bran, flaxseed husk, dandelion root, psyllium seed, cow's milk, salt, castor oil, raisins and mango juice. When taking these laxatives, it is important to adhere to a restricted diet that we will recommend. Some of the indications for Virechana are to help eliminate the causes of skin diseases, chronic fever, piles, abdominal tumors, worms, gout, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, asthma, headaches, elephantiasis and gynecological disorders. This karma's (cleansing therapy) primary function is to eliminate the doshas in organ systems that can not be removed by Vamana karma, such as within the kidneys, lungs and sweat glands. The medicines used for virechana karma (purgation therapy) after proper sneha-sweda liquefy dosha and bring them into the koshta (abdomen).
3. Nasya (Nasal Medication)
It is A Process by Which Medicine is administered through the nostrils. The nose is the gateway to the head. So, systematically performed Nasya karma can cure almost all the diseases of the head with ease. It cleanses and opens the channels of the head and improves the oxygenation (prana). This has a direct and highly beneficial influence on brain function. If Nasya is done properly and regularly it will keep the person's eye, nose and ear healthy. It also prevents early graying of one's hair and beard. Nasyakarma can also prevent hair loss. This treatment involves the administration of medicated oils, liquids, powders etc into the nostrils. It is useful for treating kapha-oriented disorders of the ears, eyes, nose and throat such as migraines, sinusitis, catarrh, and bronchitis. Nasya can alleviate diseases like cervical spondylitis, headache, migraine, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, diseases of the nose, frozen shoulder, hemi crania, coryza, sinusitis, mental disorders, Parkinson's and various skin complaints. Nasya is indicated for dryness of the nose, sinus congestion, hoarseness, neurodegenerative conditions (ie multiple sclerosis), convulsions and certain eye and ear problems. Nasyakarma enhances the activity of the sense organs and helps to prevent diseases of the head (urdhwanga). Prana or vital energy enters the body when a breath is taken in through the nose. Nasal administration of medicines helps to correct the disorders of prana affecting the higher cerebral, sensory and motor functions.
4. Vasthi (Enema medicated)
Colon is the predominant area of Action of Vatha. Ayurvedic Vasti involves introducing medicinal substances such as Ayurvedic oils and other herbal decoctions etc in an emulsion state into the rectum. Vasthi karma is the most powerful of the five main procedures of PanchaKarma .In general, Vasthi treatments are used to promote elimination of the morbid vata dosha out through the rectum. There are different varieties of vasthi. It helps to alleviate constipation, abdominal distention, chronic fever, the common cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, vomiting, backache, neck pain and hyperacidity. Since vata is mainly located in the colon and bones, the medication is administered through the rectal route. If the treatment is properly administrated, basti helps to rejuvenate the body, provides strength and longevity. It also improves the complexion and the voice. Enemas Should not be Given to persons Suffering from shortness of breath, chronic Abdominal Pain, Bleeding from the rectum, cough, diarrhea or Severe anemia.
Types of Enemas:
* Nirhua Vasthi (Enema Decoction) - Mainly Herbal decoction with Small Amounts of oil, honey, Herbal paste, Salt etc.
* Anuvasana Vasthi (Enema Oil) - Mainly warm oils with Small Amounts of Herbal decoction
* Brihmana Vasthi (Enema nurturing) - warm milk, meat broth, bone Marrow soup, etc Delivered rectally.
Functions of Vasti : -
* It cleanses and detoxifies the body.
* It is DIVIDED into strong Treatments That Penetrate deeper into dhatus (Tissues) and mild Treatments, Which work on the more superficial Level of dhatus.
* It Promotes secretions into the colon.
* It Promotes the liquefaction of ama and Mala (waste products) in the colon.
* It Helps the colon expel These Wastes. Similar to western enemas, Basti Increases colon peristalsis, Producing rapid elimination of the feces.
* It is palliative.
5. Rakthamokshana (Blood letting)
Raktamoksha (Therapeutic Blood letting) is the Traditional Ayurvedic Method of Expulsion of impure Blood, by Which Purification and cleansing of the Blood. Toxins present in the gastro-intestinal tract are absorbed into the blood and circulated throughout the body. This condition is called toxemia, which is the basic cause of repeated infections, hypertension and certain other circulatory conditions. This includes repeated attacks of skin disorders such as urticaria, rashes, herpes, eczema, acne, leukoderma, chronic itching or hives. In such conditions, along with internal medicines, elimination of the toxins and purification of the blood is necessary. Raktamoksha is also indicated for cases of enlarged liver, spleen and gout. Bloodletting also stimulates the spleen to produce antitoxin substances, which help to stimulate the immune system. Toxins are neutralized enabling radical cures in many blood borne disorders. It is not advisable to administer bloodletting in cases of anemia, edema, weakness or to elderly or very young patients.
PASCHAT KARMA
After any operative procedure of purification, always there is need to prevent the body from dosha re-aggravating causes. So that the best effects can be achieved for longer period. Paschat karma is further divided into two procedures, namely samsarjan karma and rasayana. Samsarjan Karma: After the pradhan karma treatments are done the patient loses some weight and the digestive power becomes feeble. In such cases he is advised to follow samsarjan karma, which involves embracing a special diet and life style for about two weeks. This therapy brings back the digestive power and strength by starting from a bland diet and gradually moving towards a heavy diet. The patient need not be admitted anywhere to undergo this process. Rasayana: This implies rejuvenating therapy. This process yields excellent results if followed after the five main procedures or pradhan karma. But if rejuvenation therapy or Rasayana is followed in an impure body that has not gone through the five main procedures, the effects are not fully experienced due to the presence of toxins in the body. Pancha karma treatment that includes rasayana is very effective for curing ailments like hemiplegia, rheumatoid arithritis, polio, skin diseases, epilepsy, insomnia, hypertension,cardiac problems, intestinal diseases, peptic and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis and asthma.