According to Ayurveda everything in this Universe including human body is made up of five basic eternal elements or Panchamahabhutas. They are Air, Ether (clear sky or space), Fire, Water and Earth. In the human body these combine together to form three subtle energies or forces that control and govern all the biological, physiological, and physio-pathological functions of the body, mind and consciousness. They act as basic constituents and protective barriers for the body in its normal physiological conditions. They are called “Doshas” — VATA, PITTA, KAPHA. Also there is a re-categorization of the morphological structures of the body into seven basic tissues called “Dhatu”. They are Rasa (chyle), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (flesh), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow) and Shukra (semen). The eliminative processes from the body take place in the form of three waste products or Malas which are Urine, Faeces and Sweat. The representation of solar energy in a living being which is responsible for metabolic activities is called Agni. Ayurveda explains that the harmony and balance of the Doshas, Dhatus, Mala and Agni in the body is the primary condition of prime health.
The main aim is in establishing prime health in every living being, physically, mentally and spiritually. This is achieved by establishing an energetic equilibrium of the functions of the Doshas, Dhatus, Mala and Agni, and is maintained through life in conformity with the laws of nature. Health according to Ayurveda can therefore be defined as a state of sustained equilibrium of the functions of Doshas, Dhatus, Mala and Agni accompanied by a sensation of well being or tranquillity of the body and sense organs, mind and soul.
The eight branches of Ayurveda
Ayurveda deals with the following eight branches of medicine (“Asta” means eight and “Anga” means branches), based on types of treatments:
- Kayachikitsa — General medicine. Kayachikitsa in general means internal medicine. These diseases are usually treated by oral medicines. Kaya is also called gastric fire (Agni); Ayurveda describes Agni, when out of balance, as a chief causative factor for disease. Diseases like fever, dysentery, colitis, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, skin diseases etc. are included in this branch.
- Bala Roga / Kaumarabhritya — Paediatrics. All diseases related to children and their treatments, how to nourish and develop children, and the care of woman during pregnancy and delivery.
- Graha / Bhutavidya — Psychology. Treated by Shanthi karma, meditation, mantras and the procedures of sacred fire (Yagya, Homa). Shanthi means to subside, to pacify.
- Urdhwanga / Shalakya. Science of diseases specific to the supraclavicular region (eye, ear, nose, throat etc.) which are usually treated with the help of Shalaka (instruments).
- Shalya — Surgery. Treatment of foreign bodies and conditions requiring surgical interference, using instruments (shastra), equipment (yantra), alkalies (kshara), cauterization (Agni karma) and incisions.
- Damstra / Agada Tantra — Toxicology. Deals with poisons from vegetables, minerals and animal origins, combinations of incompatible drugs, and pollution of air and water as a cause of epidemics.
- Jara / Rasayana Tantra — Science of Rejuvenation. Treatment which includes the prevention of old age, improving strength, intelligence and immunity — unique to Ayurveda.
- Vrisha / Vajeekarana Tantra — Science of Aphrodisiacs. Diseases and weakness of the reproductive faculty and their treatment.
Treatment — Chikitsa
According to Ayurveda treatment is mainly of two types: “Shamana chikitsa” and “Shodhana chikitsa”. In Shamana chikitsa, the vitiated doshas are mainly suppressed inside the body itself and relief is given to the patient. But when these doshas get a favorable environment and causative factors, the disease reoccurs. The reoccurrence of disease does not take place if Shodhana chikitsa is adopted. Shodhana means purification, i.e. getting rid of all the toxins or vitiated doshas from the body. By doing so the disease is eliminated from its roots. This is the reason why most of the diseases are treated by Panchakarma therapy, which follows the principles of Shodhana chikitsa. Treatments also include recommendations on diet, daily routine, seasonal routine and herbal preparations, along with aroma therapy, sound therapy, physical and breathing exercises.
Pancha karma program
The deep cleansing process, unique to Ayurveda, that enables the body to release excess doshas and toxins from its cells and expel them is called Pancha karma. Although the human body is a great, intelligent, natural healing system capable of rejuvenating itself, the formation of toxins reduces that natural capacity — it is then that Pancha karma plays a crucial role. Pancha karma means five important purification procedures to eliminate the accumulated residues (Ama) and imbalances in the physiological operators (doshas) responsible for both aging and chronic disease. It is not only profound in its effects but also delightful and luxurious. The influence of Pancha karma therapy can be prophylactic and therapeutic.
The five main procedures of Pancha karma are:
- Vamana — eliminating impurities through the mouth by inducing vomiting.
- Virechana — elimination of impurities by giving purgation.
- Basti — giving medicated enema.
- Nasya — the administration of medicines through nasal route.
- Raktamokshana — blood letting.
Pancha karma programs consist of daily massages followed by appropriate procedures selected from a wide range of treatments, cleansing steam baths, programs for soothing and cleaning sinuses and respiratory passages and other internal purification programs. Traditionally practiced twice yearly, it is refreshing and revitalizing, has an energizing effect on the mind and strengthens the immune functions of the body.
Each Pancha karma therapy has a first part called Poorva Karma (preparatory procedures) — Snehana (oleation) and Swedana (fomentation) therapy. The second part, Pradhana karma, consists of the five essential purificatory therapies: Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Rakta mokshana. The third part, Paschat karma, is a crucial follow-up that includes advice on diet, personal hygiene, daily routine, seasonal routine, appropriate behavior and medicines. In between each Pradhana karma, Snehana and Swedana are administered, which enhances the effect of the Pradhana karma procedures.