Ayurveda
Ayurveda treatise split medicine into eight standard components to learn and practice the medicine in detail. It is called Ashtanga Ayurveda. The components of Ashtanga Ayurveda are as follows.
1.Kayachikitsa
Kayachikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Ayurveda) which is considered as general medicine. It is the first branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda which mainly deals with the diagnosis and treatment of different general health problems.
Kaya indicates digestive fire or Agni. Ayurveda believes that the imbalances in our digestive system are the root reason for most diseases. Hence, the Chikitsa (treatment) involves restoring the digestive fire or Agni to revive good health.
Kayachikitsa came from Kaya which means ‘body’ and Chikitsa means ‘treatment’. The treatment also contains correcting the imbalances caused due to Tridosas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). The remedy incorporates a range of internal and external detoxifications and medications.
But the main treatment is specialized therapy to cure the disorder. The approach of Kayachikitsa involves the entire management of body and mind. The treatment helps to establish harmony between mind, body, and soul.
Kaya indicates digestive fire or Agni. Ayurveda believes that the imbalances in our digestive system are the root reason for most diseases. Hence, the Chikitsa (treatment) involves restoring the digestive fire or Agni to revive good health.
Kayachikitsa came from Kaya which means ‘body’ and Chikitsa means ‘treatment’. The treatment also contains correcting the imbalances caused due to Tridosas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). The remedy incorporates a range of internal and external detoxifications and medications.
But the main treatment is specialized therapy to cure the disorder. The approach of Kayachikitsa involves the entire management of body and mind. The treatment helps to establish harmony between mind, body, and soul.
Some of the diseases which are cured using the Kayachikitsa technique are:
2.Kaumārabhṛtya (Bālachikitsā)
Kaumarabhrtya or Balachikitsa is the Peadiatics branch of Ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the eight divisions of Ashtangas. It consists of the care and treatment of issues ranging from prenatal till the child completes kumāravasthā and the treatment of the mother.
Treatment of women begins from pregnancy until the termination of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is considered a very important means of treatment as any disruption in the mother’s physiology will be indicated in the child and the child is treated only through the medium of breast milk. In short, paediatrics, obstetrics, and gynaecology are included under Kaumārabhṛtya.
A thorough description of the techniques and practices of Bal Chikitsa or Kaumara Bhritya can be found in the classical writings of Vagbhata, Ashtanga Samgraha, and Ashtanga Hridaya. Even, the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe in detail about the Balachikitsa.
It covers not only the physical health of mother and child rather it also deals with the mental and psychological needs of a mother and her newly born child. Post-natal depression is a common issue faced by mothers silently, Kaumarachikitsa is a ray of hope for mothers.
Kaumarachikitsa has recommended distinctive diet, routine, nutrition, and conduct for women before, during, and after delivery. It has been very clearly cited that the perfect health of a mother is mandatory for a healthy upbringing of the child. This science of gynaecology and paediatrics also describes the growth and development of the foetus. Details of various disorders affecting children's health such as gastrointestinal diseases, teething irritations, etc, other than midwifery are handled in this branch of Ayurvedic therapy. It gives different natural and herbal remedies to the normal ailments of a newly born kid.
Kaumarachikitsa has recommended distinctive diet, routine, nutrition, and conduct for women before, during, and after delivery. It has been very clearly cited that the perfect health of a mother is mandatory for a healthy upbringing of the child. This science of gynaecology and paediatrics also describes the growth and development of the foetus. Details of various disorders affecting children's health such as gastrointestinal diseases, teething irritations, etc, other than midwifery are handled in this branch of Ayurvedic therapy. It gives different natural and herbal remedies to the normal ailments of a newly born kid.
Kaumarachikitsa teaches the proper nursing methods for a new-born baby, cleansing and improving mothers' milk, etc. This branch of Ayurveda deals with the issue of infertility, its reasons, and treatment methods.
Treatments that come under Shalakyatantra are vision improvements, for example, diseases like optic neuritis, corneal opacities, Refractive errors, dry eye, conjunctivitis, inflammatory eye diseases, etc.
Prevention of the diseases like diabetic retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa, macular diseases that appear while aging, and optic atrophy also are some other diseases that come under the treatment of this department. Other ENT diseases that can be cured here are sinusitis, migraine, rhinitis, tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum, hearing loss, scalp disorders, etc.
Treatment of women begins from pregnancy until the termination of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is considered a very important means of treatment as any disruption in the mother’s physiology will be indicated in the child and the child is treated only through the medium of breast milk. In short, paediatrics, obstetrics, and gynaecology are included under Kaumārabhṛtya.
A thorough description of the techniques and practices of Bal Chikitsa or Kaumara Bhritya can be found in the classical writings of Vagbhata, Ashtanga Samgraha, and Ashtanga Hridaya. Even, the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe in detail about the Balachikitsa.
It covers not only the physical health of mother and child rather it also deals with the mental and psychological needs of a mother and her newly born child. Post-natal depression is a common issue faced by mothers silently, Kaumarachikitsa is a ray of hope for mothers.
Kaumarachikitsa has recommended distinctive diet, routine, nutrition, and conduct for women before, during, and after delivery. It has been very clearly cited that the perfect health of a mother is mandatory for a healthy upbringing of the child. This science of gynaecology and paediatrics also describes the growth and development of the foetus. Details of various disorders affecting children's health such as gastrointestinal diseases, teething irritations, etc, other than midwifery are handled in this branch of Ayurvedic therapy. It gives different natural and herbal remedies to the normal ailments of a newly born kid.
Kaumarachikitsa has recommended distinctive diet, routine, nutrition, and conduct for women before, during, and after delivery. It has been very clearly cited that the perfect health of a mother is mandatory for a healthy upbringing of the child. This science of gynaecology and paediatrics also describes the growth and development of the foetus. Details of various disorders affecting children's health such as gastrointestinal diseases, teething irritations, etc, other than midwifery are handled in this branch of Ayurvedic therapy. It gives different natural and herbal remedies to the normal ailments of a newly born kid.
Kaumarachikitsa teaches the proper nursing methods for a new-born baby, cleansing and improving mothers' milk, etc. This branch of Ayurveda deals with the issue of infertility, its reasons, and treatment methods.
3.Śalyatantra
Salyatantra is the branch of Ayurvedic medicine for surgery.
Through Ayurveda, India pioneered the modern ideas of surgery in ancient times. In surgical science, Shalya Tantra manages the expulsion of factors responsible for creating discomfort or pain in the body or mind that are not curable through medications and therapies.
Acharya Sushruta advocates that it is best to use Shalya tantra only when the condition of the body is beyond the treatment. In cases like abscesses, cysts, hemorrhoids, enlarged lymph nodes, urinary retention, breast-related diseases, and kidney and bladder stones. It is instructed to employ the techniques of Shalya tantra. The surgery offers faster relief to the patient than any other medication in such cases.Cysts Abscesses Hemorrhoids Enlarged lymph nodes Kidney and bladder stones Breast-related diseases Urinary retention
Through Ayurveda, India pioneered the modern ideas of surgery in ancient times. In surgical science, Shalya Tantra manages the expulsion of factors responsible for creating discomfort or pain in the body or mind that are not curable through medications and therapies.
Acharya Sushruta advocates that it is best to use Shalya tantra only when the condition of the body is beyond the treatment. In cases like abscesses, cysts, hemorrhoids, enlarged lymph nodes, urinary retention, breast-related diseases, and kidney and bladder stones. It is instructed to employ the techniques of Shalya tantra. The surgery offers faster relief to the patient than any other medication in such cases.
Some of the diseases which are cured using this Salyatantra are:
4.Śhālākyatantra
Shalakyatantra is a significant department of Ayurvedic medicine that takes care of the diseases and treatment of Netra (Eye), Karna (Ear), Nasa (Nose), Mukha (Oral cavity), and Shira (Head). It is the ENT branch of Ayurvedic medicine. Shalakya Tantram includes the diagnosis and management of diseases of parts of the body above the region of the neck. This relates to the systems present in one of the three most critical marmas that is the Shiras.Treatments that come under Shalakyatantra are vision improvements, for example, diseases like optic neuritis, corneal opacities, Refractive errors, dry eye, conjunctivitis, inflammatory eye diseases, etc.
Prevention of the diseases like diabetic retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa, macular diseases that appear while aging, and optic atrophy also are some other diseases that come under the treatment of this department. Other ENT diseases that can be cured here are sinusitis, migraine, rhinitis, tonsillitis, adenoid hypertrophy, deviated nasal septum, hearing loss, scalp disorders, etc.
5.Bhutavidyā
Bhutavidyā in Ayurvedic medicine means psychiatry and the science of spirits. It is one of the eight major Ashtangas. It deals with disorders of the mind as well as psychic conditions induced by supernatural forces. Some experts say that Bhuta means ghosts and equivalent bad spirits who cause strange psychological conditions.Others say Bhuta symbolizes microscopic organisms such as viruses, and bacteria that are not visible to the naked eye. Ayurveda also documents karma as a causing element of specific diseases. Bhuta Vidya treats the causes, which are directly not visible and have no direct answer in terms of Tridosha. The treatments advised rare prayers, oblations, exorcism, and some medications.
Bhutavidyā is one of the nineteen branches of vidyās in Ayurveda cited in the Chāndogya Upaniṣad. In this context, it refers to the science and art of involving, inviting, or containing disembodied spirits.
6.Agadatantra (Toxicology)
Agadatantra or toxicology is a division of Ashtanga Ayurveda, which comprises the science of poisons. The practice of Agadatantra is incredibly old, dating back to the time of Kashyapa, who was a great saint and medical practitioner. It studies and practices the treatment of different natural and artificial toxic substances and poisons in detail along with their antidotes.Agadatantra also studies the signs, symptoms, and management of poisoning resulting from the bites of snakes, insects, spiders, rodents, and combinations of various other fatal doses of poisons. This area of ayurveda finds a similarity in the modern discipline of Toxicology & Forensic Medicine.
Agadatantra deals with different methods of poison cleansing out of the body and prescribes antidotes for respective poisons. It also cures poisoning from plants, vegetables, minerals, and other artificial drugs. The treatments handle poisoning caused by air and water pollution, which are the causes of various dangerous epidemics.
7.Rasāyantantra
Rasayantantra or rejuvenation of Ayurveda is defined as a therapeutic action that stimulates longevity, controls aging, and gives positive health and mental faculties. The rejuvenation retreat improves memory and enhances resistance and immunity against illnesses.This treatment is usually prescribed to a middle-aged group of people as a lifestyle change can prevent the deterioration process. However, there are examples of the Rasayana whose age-worn body was restored to the young using Rasāyana.
‘Rasāyana’ means acquiring the optimum nourishment to the 'Dhātu’. Thus, the Rasāyana is a unit of Āyurvedic medicine that enhances the fundamental tissues like Dhātu, Srotas, Agni, etc. of the human body directing the body and mind to prevent weaning towards aging, gain in bodily strength and mental capabilities, and immunity against diseases.
Aging is closely connected with different degenerative transformations like functional hormone deficiency state and piling of oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. Hence, Rasayana is introduced as a unique strategy for a better diet and nutrients. The primary characteristic of rasāyanā is a nutrient-rich diet and overall nourishment of the body. In short, Rasayana is something that everyone should practice throughout life, especially in the early and middle ages.
8.Vajikaranatantra
Vajikarana is a special branch of Āyurveda that is practised in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions in healthy men. The treatment is intended to restore strength, potency, virility, sexual excitement, etc. Vajikarana or Vrishya Chikitsa is one of eight prominent specialties of the Ashtanga Ayurveda.This subject covers Aphrodisiacs and improves the health of offspring. As per Charak Samhita, by appropriate use of medicines, one becomes blessed with a good physique, potency, strength, and sexually healthy. This in turn is helpful in many common sexual dysfunctions, including Infertility, Premature Ejaculation, etc.
A strict diet and lifestyle will be prescribed to follow during the course. Therapies also include increasing the volume and viability of semen, sexual pleasure, infertility problems, and spiritual development.
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Waynroots was founded in 2017, with the sole aim of spreading and facilitating the essence of India’s wellness methodologies globally.
Integrating the goodness of Yoga with authentic Ayurvedic treatment methodologies, Waynroots is committed to its cause.
Ayurveda has its origin in the Indian subcontinent and has delivered good results, be it in medicine or for the well-being of an individual. Often, the techniques and associations of Ayurveda get misinterpreted in many ways in the current era.
Considering the huge possibility of Ayurveda in cure and well-being, we have brought along an open medium to get the best of what Indian Ayurveda has to offer.
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