Basics Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is synonymous with Kerala. It is an ancient system of healing which is very popular in this state. Originated in India around 5000 years ago, Ayurveda occupies a prized place in Kerala. The state is blessed with rich flora consisting of rare herbs and natural oils. Apart from this rich flora, Kerala also has salubrious climate and great monsoon which are propitious for the practice of Ayurveda. The term “Ayurveda” is derived from two words—ayus meaning “life principle” and veda refers to a system of “knowledge”.Thus Ayurveda means the “knowledge of life”. Dhanvantari, the physician to the heavenly deities in Hindu mythology, received the knowledge of Ayurveda from Lord Brahma. The first book on Ayurveda was written by Agnivesha in Vedic times. It was named as ' Agnivesh tantra'. Later new additions were made to the text of this book by Charaka and it was renamed as Charaka Samhita. Vagbhata from 7th century is one of the most celebrated writers of Ayurveda.

People from across the globe come to Kerala for various Ayurvedic treatments. Ailments such as arthritis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis, migraine, premature ageing and skin problems can easily cured by this ancient system of medicine.

The eight branches of Ayurveda are:

Internal Medicine - Kayachikitsa
Pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya Tantra
Psychology/Psychiatry - Bhuta Vidya
Ears, eyes, nose and throat - Shalakya tantra
Surgery - Shalya Tantra
Toxicology - Agada Tantra
Rejuvenation - Rasayana Tantra
Fertility Therapy - Vajikarana Tantra

Ayurveda has its own principles which are entirely different from other systems of medicine. Ayurvedic medicines are prepared from natural herbs. Shamana and Shodhana are the two concepts of treatment in Ayurveda. Shamana means alleviation or making the disease and its symptoms less severe. Whereas Shodhana deals with complete elimination of the basic cause of disease. There are five types of Shodana popularly known as Panchakarma. Panchakarma are vamana, virechana, nasya, basti and raktha mokshana. In Shamana oral medicines are given whereas in Shodana external treatments are given. Shodana karma consists of two poorvakarma for preparing the patient's body for treatment: Snehana and Swedana.

Ayurveda Specialities:
Ayurveda and Marma Chikitsa: It involves body massage by applying enough pressure on the marmas(key points) in human body.

Ophthalmology in Ayurveda: It deals with the diseases of eyes.

Prasoothi Tantra and Ayurveda: Prasoothi Tantra deals with the care given to pregnant women for the birth of a healthy baby.

Salya Tantra and Ayurveda: Salya Tantra refers to the technique of surgery in Ayurveda.

Ashtanga and Ayurveda: Ashtanga Ayurveda is divided into eight main classes dealing with different kinds if diseases.

Kaya Chikitsa and Ayurveda: Kaya means body and Chikitsa refers to treatment, thus Kaya Chikitsa deals with treatment of the diseases afflicting the body.

Balachikitsa (pediatrics) and Ayurveda: It deals with the care of children by preventing or treating methods.

Damshtra Chikitsa( Toxicology): It is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda dealing with toxins in the body.

Shalakya Tantra: It deals with diseases that affect eyes, nose, throat, ears and head.

Myths associated with Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is completely herbal
Ayurveda involves the use of herbs but it also uses several other ingredients such as ghee, honey, self fermented alcohol in the preparation of medicines.
Ayurveda is vegetarian
Besides the liberal use of herbs, ghee, honey etc Ayurveda also uses mutton extracts and fish oil.
Ayurveda is not in accord with modern science
Ayurvedic treatments give fruitful results which shows that it is very much in tune with modern science.
Ayurvedic medicines are not clinically tested
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine which got perfected through the centuries.
Ayurvedic medicines work at slow pace
The pace at which ayurvedic medicine works depends on the disease and its cause. Some treatments are fast while some are slow. Above all, ayurveda not only treats the symptoms but also eliminate the root cause of the disease.
Ayurvedic medicines cause no harm
Ayurvedic medicines should always be taken under medical supervision as even the herbs can have some side effects.