Ayurveda

Aymvedic system of medicine is of great antiquity and dates back to about 5000 years B.C. Ayurveda is a branch of the Vedas. The Rigveda and the Atharvveda are replete with information on various aspects of this system of medicine.

Ayurveda is not only a system of medicine but also represents a way of healthy living. Ayurveda is formed by the combination of two words viz. 'Ayur' means life and 'Veda' means knowledge. Thus, Ayurveda means the "knowledge of life". It is holistic in approach.

The universe, according to ancient Indian thought, is composed of five basic elements, the Pancha Mahabhootas, namely: PrithviCearth), Apya(water), Teja(fire), Vayu(air) and Akash(ether). As the human body is similarly constituted, there is a fundamental harmony between universe and man, a healthy balance between macrocosm and the microcosm.

Ayurveda believes in the theory of Tridosha: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vata is a combination of two elements of the universe, namely air and ether, Pitta an amalgam of fire and earth and Kapha the combination of ether and water. According to this theory, the Tridoshas remain in a balanced state when the human body is in a healthy state. Disequilibrium causes disease.

True medicine, according to Ayurveda, is one which cures the disease without causing any side effect. It is in this respect that Ayurveda enjoys an advantage over the modem system of medicine.

Health according to Ayurveda, is the natural state of all the three aspects of the human being i.e.body, mind and the soul (Indriyas, Manas and Atma) in complete harmony. When the natural state comes in contact with unhappiness (Dukshasamayoga) diseases result.

A regulated diet is prescribed along with the medicine. The regimen of diet is as important as the medicines since the former helps restore the balance as much as the latter.

Ayurveda has eight distinct branches :-

	general medicine,
	surgery,
	ear, nose, throat, eye and mouth disease,
	psychiatry,
	midwifery and paediatrics,
	toxicology,
	rejuvenation and tonics and
	aphrodisiacs.

It is because of these eight branches that Ayurveda is known as the Ashtanga-Ayurveda.

Practitioners of Ayurveda are keen observers. They also study the state of the body fluids, blood, flesh, fat, bone marrow, semen and vital essence or Ojas (which incidentally, is known as the vital force in the naturopathic system of medicine)

Ayurveda pays attention to the state of the digestion. The condition of the gastric juices guides the physician about the state of the patient. Attention is also paid to the condition of various channels (srotas) because Srotorodha (blockade of the channels) gives rise to disease.

It is only after a detailed diagnosis is made that the Ayurvedic practitioner starts
the treatment. If the diagnosis is correct, the remedy would invariably be effective.

Ayurveda largely uses plants as raw materials for the manufacture of drugs, though making of animal, marine origin, metals and minerals are also used. Ayurvedic medicines are safe and have little or no known adverse side effects.

Ayurvedic system has preventive, promotive, mitigating and curative interventions.

Kshar Sutra

An Ayurvedic para surgical intervention using medicated thread is extremely effective in the treatment of fistula-in-ano, conditions which demand gradual excision of overgrown soft tissues like polyps, wants, non healing chronic ulcers and sinuses and papillae. It has wide applications in a number of surgical conditions which pose problems for patients and surgeons. Ksharsutra method mentioned in the classical text has been scientifically validated by the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR). Trials were held in renowned medical institutes in various cities of India. The method 'is fully standardized and is extensively used. This system does not require hospitalization, antibiotics or anaesthesia, associated with gastrointestinal surgery. The success rate of ksharsutra treatment has been very high although it is an ambulatory procedure.

Panchakarma

Panchakarma is one of the unique therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda advocated for the radical elimination of disease causing factors and to maintain the equilibrium of doshas. The five fold measures include internal purification of the body or Vamana (Emesis), Virechana (Purgation), Anuvasana (Oil enema), Asthapana (Decoction enema), and Nasya (Nasal insufflation). The chances of recurrence of the disease are very rare in patients having undergone Panchakarma therapy as it also promotes positive health by rejuvenating the vital body systems. It prevents ageing process and improves memory and the functioning of the sense organs. Panchakarma therapy is very effective in the management of auto-immune disorders, chronic ailments like rheumatic arthritis, bronchial asthma, GIT disorders and mental diseases, facial paralysis, sciatica, hemimplegia, paraplegia, post polio paralysis etc. Panchakarma requires some preparatory measures i.e. snehana (Oleation) and Svedana(Sudation and Samasarjana karma as Post Panchakarma measure. Pindasweda, Pizhichil, Sirobasti, Sirodhara, Sirolepana etc. are Kerala specialties in Panchakarma which refer to the five different aspects of the therapy.