Ayurvedic System of Medicine and Basic Concepts of Ayurveda

Ayurveda means "The knowledge for life".

In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda consists of two words where Ayus means "Life" and Veda means "knowledge" or "science". Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine originated in India and recognized as an alternative medicine in other parts of the world.  

Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia. This very ancient system of medicine was appeared during Vedic period in India which is backed by medical literatures. 

For a long era, Susruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita have been remained as influential literatures on traditional medicines in India. After passing of many centuries, numbers of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures have been developed by ayurvedic practitioners for the treatment of various diseases.

In a scenario of Western traditional medicine systems, Ayurveda is classified as a system of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) that is used as complementary to allopathic medicine system.

Basic concept of Ayurveda:

5 Elements of Ayurveda

The science of Ayurveda is grounded on the "five great elements" I.e.

1. Prithvi (earth)

2. Jal (water),

3. Tej (fire),

4. Vaayu (air) and

5. Akash (ether).

All of which compose the Universe, including the human body.  Seven primary constituent elements called saptadhatu of the body which include Chyle or plasma (called rasa dhatu), blood (Rakta dhatu), flesh (Mamsa dhatu), fat (Medha dhatu), bone (Asthi dhatu), marrow (Majja dhatu) and semen or female reproductive tissue (Shukra dhatu).

3 Dosha of in Human Body and its Significance

Ayurveda deals elaborately with measures of healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases.

Ayurveda stresses a balance of three elemental energies or humors: 

1. Vata (air & space), 

2. Pitta (fire & water – "bile") and 

3. Kapha (water & earth – "phlegm").

According to Ayurveda, these three regulatory principles called ‘Tridosha’ (when they are in a more balanced state, the body will function to its fullest, and when imbalanced, the body will be affected negatively in certain ways). Ayurveda holds that each human possesses a unique combination of doshas.

In Ayurveda, the human body perceives attributes of experiences as 20 Guna.  It is believed that building a healthy metabolic system, attaining good digestion and proper excretion leads to vitality. Ayurveda also focuses on exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage. Thus, body, mind, and spirit or consciousness need to be addressed both individually and in unison for health to ensue. The practice of Panchakarma is believed to eliminate toxic elements from the body.

Eight disciplines of Ayurveda treatment, called ashtangas are given below:

• Internal medicine (Kaaya chikitsa)
• Paediatrics (Kaumarabhrtyam)
• Surgery (Shalya chikitsa)
• Eye and ENT (Shalakya tantra)
• Psychiatry (Bhuta vidya or Demonic possession)
• Toxicology (Agadatantram)
• Prevention of diseases and improving immunity and rejuvenation (Rasayana)
• Aphrodisiacs and improving health of progeny (Vajikaranam)

In Hindu tradition, Dhanvantari is called the physician of gods and the origin of ayurvedic medicine is attributed to him.