Ayurveda- A Oldest Medication in the World

Ayurveda is believed as the oldest treatment method in the world (more than 3500 years old). The Plants are used for preparing as medicines. Nowadays Ayurveda has become very popular among the tourist especially foreigners. Patients from all over the world are coming here for Ayurveda treatment.

The literal meaning of Ayurveda is 'Science of Life'. The system is passed through traditionally from master to disciples orally. 'Thaliyola', palm leaf, was used for writing medical details. 'Narayam', an iron pin, was used as pen. The disciples used to stay in master's house, which is known a 'Gurukula'.

Now the traditional knowledge has been improved through scientific research and is taught in various Ayurveda Colleges in Kerala. A graduate doctor in Ayurveda, takes 5 years of courses at college besides six months of internship and is considered on par with doctors of modern medicine.

The overall treatment outlook of Ayurveda is broadly classified into two.

1. Preventive Therapy (Swasthasya swasthya samrakshanam)

2. Curative Therapy (Athurasya vikara prasamanam)
Mainly two methods have been explained for curing the diseases.

a. Samana Chikitsa (Pacificatory therapy)
By using medicines and other measures, the imbalanced and vitiated humors such as "Vatha", "Pitha" and "Kapha" (Doshas) are brought to a balanced state, thus curing the disease.

b. Sodhana Chikitsa-Panchakarma Therapy (Purificatory therapy)
The increased and vitiated doshas are expelled from the body by means of various Panchakarma therapies. These therapies are very significant as with these treatments not only the disease is cured but also prevent relapse.

There are no complete treatment in other systems of medicines like allopathy for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, frozen shoulder, slip disc, sciatica, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, paralysis, obesity, depression, stress related and other psycho-somatic problems, insomnia, migraine, sinusitis, asthma, piles, a number of skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema etc. A number of procedures are available in Ayurveda namely Uzhichil, Pizhichil, Kizhi, Njavarakizhi, Udhwarthanam, Sirodhara, Sirovasthi, Tharpanam, Vamanam, Virechanam, Vasthi, Nasyam, etc. for treating these problems.

The 8 branches of Ayurveda : -

Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
Describes ailments of adults not treated by other branches of Ayurveda. Hence known as general medicine.

Balachikitsa (Paediatrics)
This branch deals with the prenatal and postnatal baby care as well as the care of a woman before and during pregnancy. It also elaborates various diseases of children and their treatments.

Graha Chikitsa (Psychiatry)
The study of mental diseases and their treatments. Treatment methods include medicines, diet regulation and yogic methods for treatment of mental diseases and improving psychic power.

Salakya Chikitsa (ENT and Cephalic Diseases)
This branch deals with the diseases of ear, nose, throat and head and their treatments including special techniques for curing these diseases.

Salya Chikitsa (Surgery)
Maharishi 'Sushrutha' is the first surgeon who is also the author of Salya Chikitsa, the foremost speciality of Ayurveda. He describes various surgical operations using different surgical instruments and devices.

Visha Chikitsa (Toxicology)
This branch deals with the toxins from vegetables, minerals and also toxins from animal origins. The concept of pollution of air and water in certain places and seasons has been given special consideration. Such pollution is also said to be the cause of various epidemics.

Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy)
This branch which is unique to Ayurveda, deals with prevention of diseases and promotion of a long and healthy life. It also advises how to increase our health, intellect and beauty.

Vajeekarana (Aphrodisiac treatment)
This branch deals with the means of increasing sexual vitality and efficiency. Besides these 8 branches, Ayurveda also brings diseases affecting plants and animals into its ambit of consideration.

Vrukshayurvedam
It deals with the diseases of the plant kingdom and their treatments (known as Agriculture).

Mrugayurvedam
This Science deals with the diseases of animals and their treatments (known as Veterinary Science).