History

Dhanwanthari

Ayurveda, the science of life, is the oldest and most holistic medicinal system available on the planet today.

The word Ayurveda is composed of two Sanskrit terms - Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge. Therefore Ayurveda means the knowledge of life or science of life - "the science of life and longevity". It is defined as the science, through which one can obtain knowledge about ways to lead as useful life. Although it is considered a science of medicine it is different since the basic principle of this ancient Indian medical system describes that treatment is not merely curing of disease. Being extraordinary from the modern medical science it has a holistic approach towards diseases as Ayurveda deals with the mental, spiritual and physical body complex. More than the specific sickness it is the patient who is sought to be treated.

Thaliyola

According to Ayurveda the entire universe, as well as the body is made up of five basic elements. These elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.
This theory has been a part of history for the last 5000 years. The knowledge of Ayurveda was originally passed on from Guru- Teacher to disciple in the form of one to one lessons without the use of any written books. Later the knowledge was codified in the form of books (around 1000 BC). Reference of this science can also be seen in the Vedas the ancient Indian text of knowledge.

This eternal science has deep connection with the Indian philosophies viz. Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaishaeshika, Vyakaranam, Yoga, Meemamsa and Vedanta. Here the great connection has been depicted and elaborated as the co-relation between the universe and man.

Ayurvedic Medicines

It is based on the principles of Pancha Mahabhuta (five great elements) and Tridosha (three Biological humors) theory. Ayurveda describes in detail the principles of preservation and promotion of health as well as prevention and cure of diseases. It treats man as a whole. As the medicines used in Ayurveda are mainly plants, natural and very secure.

Ayurvedic system teaches that, human body consists of three primary life forces or biological humors, which are Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. These three are called the Tridoshas. A balance among these life forces is essential for proper health. Any imbalance among the Tridoshas causes a state of unhealthiness or disease.
According to Ayurveda, health is that state where mind, body, spirit, emotions and senses are all in perfect balance - the way nature designed them to be. Ayurveda offers rich, cumulative benefits that can help you enjoy a long, healthy, blissful life.

Ayurvedic system says that this imbalance makes different ailments. It is only required that we bring back normalcy to the balance of these doshas, to bring back the state of healthiness.

There are two main re-organizers of Ayurveda whose works are still existing intact today - Charaka and Sushruta. The third major treatise is called the Ashtanga Hridaya, which is a concise version of the works of Charaka and Sushruta. Thus the three main Ayurvedic texts that are still used today are the Charaka Samhita (compilation of the oldest book Atreya Samhita), Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtangha Hridaya Samhita. It is because these texts still contain the original and complete knowledge of this Ayurvedic world medicine, that Ayurveda is known today as the only complete medical system still in existence. 

"Samadosha samagnischa samadhatu malakriya
Prasanna atma indriyamanah swastha itihy abhidhiyate."

Having a balanced state of doshas, agni (digestive fire), dhatus (tissues) normal functioning of mala (waste products), cheerful state of atman (soul), sensory organs and mind are the symptoms of healthy life.

Ayurvedic treatments lay emphasis on examining the dosha prakriti or the natural states of individuals before proceeding. The prakriti or the physical constitution, susceptibility to diseases, mental make-up and lifestyle of an individual is ascertained in accordance to the elemental constitution of the larger prakriti or the universe.

Other basic concepts of Ayurvedic system are the Saptha Dhathus (seven body bodily tissues) such as Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa , Meda , Asthi Majja & Shukra Dhathus, Srotas (Channels), Ama (improperly digested toxins and filthy matter) and the trinity of life - body, mind and spiritual awareness.

Ayurveda takes into consideration the body, mind and soul of an individual as the unit for diagnosis the first step in the method of diagnosis in Ayurvedic form of medicine is to determine the constitution of the person. That means it is the patient who is diagnosed first and not the disease. This is done by a special procedure like DARSANA, SPARSANA & PRASHNA.

The same disease might appear in different forms in two persons because their constitution is different. Due to this variation in constitution the medicines and treatment may be different for two people with the same illness. This difference in treatment methods according to the constitution is essential to bring back the natural balance of the biological humors. The constitutional approach is the essence of the Ayurvedic system.

Dhara

Ayurvedic treatments can be classified under two groups - SHODHANA and SHAMANA. 

SHODHANA consist of five parts - The pancha karmas which contain Vasthi (cleaning enemas), Nasyam (nasal medication), Viraechanam (purgation), Vamanam (emesis) and Raktha moksham (blood letting). All these require preliminary Ayurvedic practices of oleation and sweating. Treatments like Dhara, pizichil, Navarakizhi, Ela kizhi, Siro vasthi, Thalapothichil etc are the specialty of Kerala which are highly effective in a number of diseases which include Motor neuron diseases, Arthritis of various kinds, skin diseases, heart diseases, peptic ulcer, Asthma, Peripheral vascular diseases and Gynecological disorders.

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