Principles of Ayurveda
Panchamahabhuta theory
Panchamahabhuta theory states that non-living and living matters
consist of 5 elements in different ratios. These five are,
1. Prithvi (earth)
2. Jala (water)
3. Teja (fire)
4. Vayu (air)
5. Akash (ether)
Subsequently, the human body also consists of these elements making 3
biological units (doshas/dosas) of the human body namely;
1. Vata (voluntary and involuntary body functions)
2. Pitta (digestive and metabolic functions)
3. Kafa (static energy binding the tissues in the body also providing
lubrication wherever essential)
Tridosha theory
Tridosha theory states that the human body functions normally when
these 3 doshas function normally. Likewise when this equilibrium is
lost and get affected by external and internal factors, the body
produces symptoms of diseases. Here the ayurvedic medicine comes into
force restoring the biological equilibrium in the body.
Glimpse
on history
Indian history began in the Indus valley civilisation (Harappan
culture and society). During this pre-vedic period Ayurveda existed as
its evident from the excavations of wall pictures depicting the
practise of Ayurveda in the society. The earliest texts refering to
Ayurveda are Caraka and Susruta Samhitas, which belonged to the 7the
century B.C. Close to the Medival period Mercury and other metals
began to be used in Ayurveda by Nagarjuna, the father of Iatro-chemistry.
He strived on this development and it was a huge success to the then
existing therapies like Purgatien, Enama and Emesis, which declined to
non-existence.
During the life time of Buddha, Ayurveda had a famous physician named
Jivaka who was crowed 'King of Ayurvedic Physicians and Surgeons'. His
specialization was brain surgery and was a disciple of sage Atreya who
was a pioneer in Ayurvedic system of Medicine.
Once Jivaka and colleagues were returning from their bathing session
in the river, when they came across elephant footprints. All of his
colleagues except himself teased about the strange footprints that
were irregular. He told them that the elephant was pregnant, blind in
the right eye and would give birth immediately; they continued their
laughter till it was proved by Jevaka to his guru Athreya the proof
of his conclusions; the male elephant had round footprints while the
female had oblong shaped footprints like this footprint, the hind legs
imprints were very deep showing signs of pregnancy and since the right
hind leg was deeper he pointed that it is a male child that the
elephant was carrying. From the urine samples, he further proved of
the impending pregnancy the same day and finally all the grass on the
left side was eaten attentively while the grass on the right side
remained untouched. This is the ability of a true ayurvedic physician.
500 B.C to 1000 A.D saw the real rise of Ayurveda the 'Bhoja
Prabandha" is a historical record on the Ayurvedic surgery performed
on King Bhoja (1010 -1056 A.D) who was suffering from severe headache.
The physicians applied 'moha aarna' (an anaesthetic powder) and opened
his cranial bone and corrected the illness. During the post operation
period 'sanjivam' powder was used to help King Bhoja retain
consciousness. These two ayurvedic drugs are non-existent now neither
are their details available.
However, the medieval period saw the decline of Ayurveda owing to
frequent invasions and internal wars in Indian peninsula. Whatever was
written and preserved survived and, many written works got destroyed
and few re-writings of lost literature induced unauthorized
modifications and incorrect redactions. It was in the light of India's
independence that Ayurveda started to be resurrected again and several
expert committees were formed in various states of independent India
to boost this God given science of life particularly since it
benefited the rich and poor alike.
Ayurveda
today
Ayurveda deals with
disease in six stages commonly known as Sat Kriya Kales (meaning time
for treatment). It lays emphasis on preventive treatment and also in
cure of diseases. On the preventive treatment arena various options of
herbal drug as well as rejuvenation and applied treatment on the body
are available. There is hardly a 'NO' to any diseases in Ayurveda,
such is the extensive study done by many Ayurvedic physicians like
Vaidyaratnam P.S. Variar, P. V. K. Variar, Vaidya Bhagwan Dosh, M. P.
Vyas, Sir Joseph Bhose, Sir R. N. Chopra etc. Vast research is
carried out today by many big ayurveda companies like Kottackal
research center, Dabur, Himalaya, Parrys etc. It is believed that
ayurveda even has answer to AIDS disease.
W.H.O (World Health Organization) states that health is a state of
physical mental and social well-being and not merely a state of body
free from diseases. Ayurveda also follows a similar goal in
maintaining the balance of the soul, senses, mind and body. The
medications and 'no-side effect' tag which the Ayurveda has been
carrying for more than 5000 years have made it a trusted system of
medicine across civilizations and also today. Ayurveda has knocked off
Allopathic system of medicine on many grounds and has won acclaims
even from W.H.O to whose standards it conforms to. What more should
the modern world eating on synthetic food look to in their times of
illness, the answer is simply 'Ayurveda'.
