Concept of Health in Ayurveda
History of Ayurveda and it’s branches
Ayurveda is the system of medicine that evolved in India with a rationale logical foundation and it has survived as a distinct entity from remote antiquity to the present day.
Ayurveda, “the science of life” (knowledge of Ayu), is a comprehensive medical system that has been the traditional health care system in India for more than 5000 years. It has influenced many of the older traditional methods of healing including Tibetan, Chinese and Greek medicine. Hence, Ayurveda is considered by many as the ‘mother of all healing sciences.’
Ayurveda was branched into the following eight branches:
1.Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
2.Kumarabhritya (Paediatrics)
3.Graha Chikitsa (Psychotherapy)
4.Urdhavanga Chikista (Optho-oto-rhino-laryngology)
5.Shalya Chikitsa (Genral Sugery)
6.Agada Tantra (Toxicology)
7.Jara Chikitsa (Geriatrics)
8.Vajikarana Chikitsa (the science of virility)
Schools of Ayurveda, Scholars & text books
Basics of Ayurveda- fundamental principles
The 5 great elements theory
Spirit and mind then project themselves into a physical body,created from the five(Panca) great (maha) eternal elements (bhutas) together called the ‘the five great elements’ (Pancamahabhutas) –which arise from Tamas. The entire science of Ayurveda is based on the “five great elements” (Pancamahabhuta) theory.The sense organs then using Rajas to project from the body into the external world to experience their objects. The body becoming the vehicle of mind, for gratification of senses.
The Tri-dosha theory-
The Bhutas combine into ‘tridosas’ or bioenergetic forces that govern and determine our health or physical condition. While the three gunas (Rajas; or activity, Tamas or inertia and Satva , which balances the first two) or psychic forces determine our mental and spiritual health.
Ayurveda is thus a holistic system of health care that teaches us to balance these energies in order to achieve optimum health and well being.