Ayurveda - The Science of Life

Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of health care that addresses all aspects of a person’s personality - physical, mental, and spiritual. According to Vedic science, the inner Self (Pure Consciousness) is the one that activates the inner faculty (working consciousness), which in turn activates the physical body.

Ayurveda in Sanskrit means ‘the Science of Life”. Ayus- Life and Veda - knowledge/science. This holistic system of medicine was evolved from divine sources and practiced by sages in India over 3000-5000 years ago. Ayurveda views humans as a complex whole, including their external/ internal environment and derives its practice from the universal laws of nature. It describes the human being as a triune of body, mind and spirit which are interrelated and interdependent. The whole universe is represented in this theory as the macrocosm and man as the microcosm or a minute model of universe.

Ayurveda describes three principles or universal energies that are found in all natural processes and produces effects in the various galaxies and solar systems operating at the level of human physiology.

Since it is part of the Sanatana Dharma which has come from the Vedas, Ayurveda recognizes that ultimately all intelligence and wisdom flows from one absolute source and manifests itself in our health through the laws of nature.

The medicines used in Ayurveda complements nature and prescribes a lifestyle that is close to nature by promoting harmony between the individual and nature for a balanced lifestyle lived according to natural laws. It is not a system of symptomatic cures as found in Allopathy. It focuses on maintaining a balance of all the life energies in the human being,

Recognising the unique constitutional differences of each individual, Ayurvedic medicine prescribes different treatments and therapies for each individual. 

The Three Gunas

The three gunas - Satva, Rajas and Tamas are the three essential components, attributes or energies of the universe. Ayurveda provides a distinct description of people based on their psychological and physical constitution.

 Pancha Mahabhutas

 The Five Great elements.

According to Ayurveda, everything in the Universe is composed of the Pancha Mahabhutas – Akasa (Space), Vayu (Air), Tejas or Agni (Fire), Apas (Water) and Prithvi (Earth). These five are omnipresent and are mixed in an infinite variety of proportions so that each form of matter is distinctly unique. Although each element has a range of attributes, some come into prominence in particular situations. Constantly changing and interacting with each other, they create a situation of dynamic flux.

The Tri Doshas  

These five basic elements Pancha Mahabhutas (space, air, fire, water and earth) manifest in the human body as three basic humours known as tri doshas (Vata (air), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm)). These three govern the creation, maintenance and destruction of bodily tissues as well as assimilation and elimination. These doshas are basically three different forms of energy. These are the primary and essential factors of the human body that govern our entire physical structure and function. Derived from the Pancha Mahabhutas, these doshas cannot be detected by our senses. We can know of their existence only through the qualities that they exhibit. Each dosha is a combination of any two of the five bhutas with the predominance of one. They are dynamic forces that determine our growth and decay. Every physical characteristic, mental capacity and the emotion of a human being can therefore be explained in terms of the tridoshas.

Most of the physical phenomena ascribed to the nervous system by modern physiology for example, can be identified with Vata. Just as the entire chemical process operating in the human body can be attributed to Pitta, including enzymes, hormones and the complete nutritional system. And the activities of the skeletal and the anabolic system, actually the entire physical volume of an organism, can be considered as Kapha.

Each person is born with a unique combination of these doshas which decides their basic constitution or prakriti. The Ayurvedic practitioner will look into each person’s prakriti or nature, before deciding the diet, medicines, cleansing and rebuilding therapies that are suitable for them. Thus it is a holistic method of treatment rather than a symptomatic method as used in Allopathy.

Ayurveda clearly states that only a balanced condition of doshas, dhatus and malas will provide arogya  or good health. Their imbalance is the cause of ill health or disease.

Herbs are the heart of all Ayurvedic medicine. Flowers, roots, stems and leaves of trees are processed into various forms to release their optimum potential. Over 15,000 herbs are mentioned in the scriptures, of which only about 900 are commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. Neem is the most commonly used herb to keep all diseases at bay and support the body's natural defence mechanisms. Ginger, amla, ashwagandha and turmeric, among others, are also important plants in this traditional system of medicine. Recently, scientists at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria discovered that curcumin -- a compound derived from the turmeric plant, commonly used in Indian curries -- stops the growth of cells and is even capable killing cancer cells.

However, Ayurveda is not just a science about curing diseases, but of preventing them by developing immunity and well-being. The proper practice of Ayurveda ensures longevity through physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy known as Panchakarma is the most effective way to alleviate stress and combat functional impairments of the body. Panchakarma purges the body of toxins, restores the homeostatic balance and replenishes the tissues with vitality. Traditional texts reveal that the monsoon is the best season among all seasons for rejuvenation programs. The atmosphere remains dust - free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy thereby making the treatment effective. Ages before the advent of modern science this ancient system of herbal therapy had catered to the most specialized health needs of people.

The word “Niramaya” means freedom from disease which is the dream of humanity. It is only Ayurveda that can make that dream come true. It is very important that this ancient system of health should be actively encouraged in our country.

The avatara of Vishnu known as “Dhanvantari” is the God of Ayurveda. He emerged from the milky ocean carrying the pot of amrit (nectar) which re-juvinated the gods!

The following mantra is for curing all diseases.

“Aum Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya, Dhanwantraye,

Amrita Kalasha Hastaaya,

Sarvaamaya Vinashanaaya,

Trailokya Nathaaya,

Sri Maha Vishnave Namaha!”

Aum Tat Sat