Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, which literally means “knowledge of life”. It was born in India about 3 thousand years ago. It has also been accepted as a traditional medicine system by the World Health Organization (WHO). Ayurveda system of medicine can never be compared with the modern medicine system, because their way of working on the body has been very different from each other. While allopathic medicines are designed to fight disease, Ayurvedic medicines strengthen the body’s immune system against disease, so that your body can fight the disease itself. According to Ayurvedic medicine, in order to be physically and mentally healthy, it is necessary to have a right balance of body, mind and soul (svabhava) and when this balance is disturbed then we fall ill. As we have told you above, Ayurvedic medicine is several thousand years old. That is why, even today, along with herbal medicines, special types of yogasanas, exercise and dietary changes are also taken to treat or prevent any disease.
According to the principles of Ayurveda, our body is made up of three main elements, which are called dosha, dhatu and mal. Complete information has been given about these elements, which are as follows – Doshas – According to Ayurvedic literature, the human body is made up of doshas, which are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. These three doshas are made up of the basic five elements of nature, fire, water, air, earth and sky. Each dosha consists of any 2 of these basic 5 elements and on the basis of those elements the process of bodily work is determined. Which are mentioned in the following table –
Dosha → Guna Vata Pitta Kapha
What element does it represent? air and sky fire and water earth and water
What bodily functions does it control? Respiratory process, heartbeat and muscle and joint function Metabolism, digestion, skin color and intelligence Body composition and immune system
What psychological processes affect the function of the nervous system such as feeling of pain, anxiety or fear, hatred, anger and hatred Forgiveness, peace, greed and love
Metals – Just like doshas, metals are also made up of five elements. Metal is also one of the main elements that make up the physical structure. According to Ayurveda, our body is made up of seven dhatus, hence they are also called saptadhatu. All these metals have different functions in the body, which are as follows in order –
Ras Dhatu (Plasma) –
The principal element of Ras Dhatu is water, which mainly refers to plasma. Apart from this, lymph nodes and interstitial fluid also come under rasa dhatu. With the help of Vata, it transmits hormones, proteins and other nutrients throughout the body. It is the first metal of Saptadhatu.
Rakta Dhatu (blood cells) –
The second dhatu of the saptadhatu is blood, whose main element is fire. Rakta dhatu consists of red blood cells, which transmit prana (life energy) to all parts of the body. It is also the function of rakta dhatu to deliver oxygen to all parts of the body.
meat metal (muscle) –
This metal accelerates the muscular system of the body. Meat metals are those tissues of the body, which provide armor to the delicate organs. Meat dhatu gets nourishment with the help of rakta dhatu.
Fat Metal (Fat) –
This metal collects energy in the body and then it is used to provide energy to the body. Water and earth are its main elements, so fat is solid and strong. Meda dhatu also acts to lubricate the joints of the body.
Asthi dhatu (bones) –
This dhatu includes all the bones and cartilages of the body, with the help of which it gives shape to the body. This flesh also provides support to the metal. Asthi dhatu gets nourishment from food, due to which it makes the human body strong.
marrow dhatu (bonemarrow) –
This metal refers to the bone marrow and nervous system. Majha dhatu provides nourishment to the body and also helps in normal functioning of all bodily functions. Regulating the metabolic process in the brain and spinal cord is also one of the main functions of the medah dhatu.
Shukra Dhatu (Reproductive Tissue) –
The seventh and last dhatu of the sapta dhatu is Shukra dhatu, which nourishes the fertility of a person. Sperm and egg also come under this dhatu. Shukra dhatu is related to Kapha dosha. All these metals are interconnected and if any one of them does not work properly, it can have an effect on another metal as well. All these metals are made up of five Mahabhutas (or elements). If all the three doshas of your body are correct, then it helps to keep these seven dhatus in balance and thus maintains overall health. On the contrary, due to the disturbance of the balance of these metals, various types of diseases begin to develop. Stool – Stool is a waste material excreted by the human body. Stool is an important part of the bodily process, with the help of which dirt is removed from the body. According to Ayurveda, there are two main types of stools –
Aahara mal – Aahara mal mainly comprises of purisha (feces), urina (urine) and sweda (sweat).
Dhatu Mal – Dhatu Mal mainly includes the fluid coming out of the nose, ears and eyes. In addition, nails, hair,Carbon dioxide and lactic acid etc. are also added to the dhatu feces.
Regular excretion of feces is necessary for the normal functioning of bodily functions. If the excretion process is not done properly, it affects the dhatu and as a result the balance of the doshas gets disturbed. Due to the imbalance of any dosha, many diseases start developing.
How is disease diagnosed in Ayurveda?
The concept of diagnosis in Ayurveda is quite different from that of modern medicine diagnosis. Nidan in Ayurveda is a process with the help of which the body is regularly examined, to determine that all the functioning of the body are balanced. Whereas in Western medicine, the diagnosis procedure is usually done to find out the reason for the person falling ill. However, in Ayurveda too, the diagnosis is done to find out the cause of the person falling ill and to determine the appropriate treatment process along with the person’s body. According to ayurveda, any physical disease occurs due to the disturbance of the balance of the tridoshas or dhatus, the mental state of the body. With the help of diagnosis, this imbalance is detected and then appropriate medicines are prescribed to balance it back. At the beginning of the diagnosis, physical examination of the patient is done, in which Ayurvedic doctors examine the affected part of the patient by touching and groping it. After this some other tests are done, with the help of which physical condition and strength are assessed. During this, the following conditions are usually detected –
Via (Age)
Essence (tissue quality)
Sattva (mental power)
compression (physique)
Satyam (Specialized Adaptability)
exercise power (exercise capacity)
Aharshakti (food intake capacity)
Simply put, doctors diagnose the disease by examining the patient’s immunity, vitality, digestive power, daily routine, dietary habits and even his mental state. For this, along with physical examination, many other tests are done, which include –
pulse test
Hearing test (to test hearing)
Tactile test (touching the affected area)
urine test
treatment in ayurveda
The treatment regimen in ayurvedic is completely different from allopathic treatment. According to Ayurvedic rules, every person has a special energy in the body, which helps the body to recover from any disease and bring it back to a healthy state. In this, the treatment of any disease is based on the Panchakarma process, which includes medication, proper diet, physical activity and activities to restart the body’s functioning process. In this, along with curing the disease, treatment is also done to prevent it from developing again, that is, you can also say that Ayurveda eliminates the disease from its root. In Ayurvedic medicine, instead of fighting disease, the body’s resistance is strengthened against it, so that instead of fighting the cause of the disease, the emphasis is on the health of the body. This technique of healing by the body with its own energy is called “Svabhavaparamvada” in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatment includes the following – Herbs – Ayurvedic doctor uses any herb or herb on the basis of its following characteristics –
taste (juice)
Active Effectiveness (Virya)
Effects on the body after digestion (vipak)
In Ayurveda, the products made from herbs and their mixtures are used by examining many different factors, such as –
Herb plant knowledge, science and its origin
plant biochemistry
Effect of herbs on human body and mental conditions
While using any herb, care is taken that apart from the beneficial effects, what effect does its use have on the body. Panchakarma – Panchakarma process is used to remove toxins from the body. This treatment process is done in different ways according to different conditions, which are as follows –
Nasya (treatment of nasal diseases)
massage
steam processes
Basti (Ayurvedic Enema Procedure)
blood draw
Vamana Vidhi (to cause vomiting)
Virechana (Ayurvedic process of defecation)
Shirodhara – In this Ayurvedic healing process, a special medicinal oil or a mixture of several oils is poured onto your forehead. According to your disease and health, Ayurvedic doctors prescribe the following –
Oils used and their quantity
total duration of therapy
Diet and Nutrition – In Ayurveda, the role of diet and nutrition is considered to be a very important part for the treatment of disease and subsequent recovery. In this, the diet is prescribed according to the disease of the person and his physical needs. However, there are usually six tastes in which the diet is prepared –
Salty – to maintain the balance of water and electrolytes in the body
Sweet – to provide nourishment and strength to the tissues
Tart – to improve digestion and absorption process
Sour – to strengthen the digestive system
Acidic taste – to improve the absorption process in the digestive tract
Bitter – to excite all the tastes
Lifestyle improvement and disease control according to Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, a healthy lifestyle (vihara) is necessary to maintain physical and mental balance. This includes your habits, behaviour, diet and the environment in which you live. Nowadays, a large number of people buy lifestyle related insurance.People are prone to diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart related diseases etc. These diseases usually develop due to an incomplete diet, lack of physical activity or exercise, etc. Diet According to Ayurveda, diet is divided into two different categories, which are known as pathya and apathya –
diet –
According to Ayurveda, such a diet which gives proper nutrition to your body and does not cause any harm, is called pathya. These foods provide nourishment and protection to the tissues, allowing the body structures to develop normally.
misrepresentation –
On the other hand, the diets which do not provide any benefit or harm to the body, they are called apathya. However, the benefits and harms of all foods may vary from person to person. Keeping in mind the health diseases and other conditions, it is advisable to take and not to consume diet, which are as follows – Arsha (Piles) –
Diet – Buttermilk, barley, wheat, etc.
Apathya – diseases that cause constipation like black gram, fish and dry fruits etc.
Rheumatoid Arthritis –
Diet – Castor oil, old rice, garlic, buttermilk, hot water, drumstick etc.
Apathya – taking fish, curd and food that is not tolerated by the body, there is no fixed time for eating
Leprosy (skin disease) –
Diet – Green wheat, moong dal, old barley and old ghee
Insomnia – excessive consumption of raw or undercooked food, sour or salty foods
Diabetes –
Diet – Old wheat, old barley and moong dal etc.
Apathya – Sweet foods, milk and milk products and fresh cereals
According to Ayurvedic literature, to get a disease free body, it is necessary to adopt routine, rituals and sadvrit (good conduct), which are part of a good lifestyle. These parts of the lifestyle have been discussed in detail as follows – Routines – Ayurveda recommends doing certain activities daily, which help in keeping your life healthy. These activities include the following –
Leave the bed daily between 4 and 5:30 in the morning, this period is called Brahma Muhurta.
Keep cutting your hair and nails regularly.
Keep cleaning your tongue with a brush made of karanj or twigs of Khadir, which along with cleaning the tongue also improves digestion.
Exercise daily, which improves your blood circulation, stamina, disease-fighting ability, appetite, enthusiasm and sexual power.
Massage your body daily with powder made from Kol, Yava or Kulath
Ritucharya – In Ayurveda, the year is divided into six different seasons and a special diet is prescribed for each season.
Spring season –
In this season, acidic and bitter taste and hot food items are chosen, such as mango and jackfruit etc. It is advisable to avoid excessively sweet, salty and sour foods
summer season –
It is advisable to take liquid, sweet, oily and hot foods like rice, sweet, ghee, milk and coconut water etc. Do not eat hot foods that are very spicy, salty, sour or in effect.
Rainy Season –
It is advisable to take sour, sweet, moist tasting, easily digestible and hot-tasting foods such as wheat, barley, rice and mutton soup.
winter season –
It is advisable to take hot foods, such as rice, sugarcane, oily and fatty foods, with sour, sweet and salty taste and effect.
Hemant Ritu –
Eat foods that are bitter, pungent and sweet in taste, such as ghee made from bitter medicines, etc. Adherence to Good Practices (Sadvritta) in Ayurveda Sadvritti is an important part of Ayurveda lifestyle, under which you are advised to adopt good practices at all times and everywhere. According to Ayurvedic literature, by adopting good conduct, the mind remains balanced. The rules of virtue include the following –
always tell the truth
be patient
keep your surroundings clean
control yourself
control anger
Spend some time of your daily routine in the service of elders and God
Meditate daily (Meditate)
Ayurveda says that any natural stimulus or condition in the body should not be suppressed or ignored, it can cause many diseases. Some of the physical problems that occur naturally in the body and suppress them can be as follows –
Yawning – Suppressing yawning can cause ear, eye, nose and throat diseases.
Sneezing – Stopping or suppressing sneezing can cause problems like cough, hiccups, loss of appetite and chest pain.
Defecation – Holding stool for a long time can cause problems like headache, indigestion, colic, gas formation in the stomach.
Urination – Holding of urine can later lead to cessation of urination. Apart from this, it can cause problems like stones in the urinary system and inflammation of the urinary tract.
Tears – Stopping tears can lead to mental disorders, chest pain and digestive problems.
Hunger and Thirst – Inhibiting or ignoring hunger or thirst can lead to nutritional disorders (malnutrition or malabsorption) and in severe cases the person can become debilitated.
In addition, Ayurveda recommends suppressing certain emotions, which usually include fear, greed, pride, arrogance, grief, jealousy, shamelessness and excessive enthusiasm. Therefore, do not engage in any such activity in which you start feeling such a feeling.
How safe is Ayurveda?
Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayurveda in IndiaAnd it is considered similar to homeopathic medicine. Ayurveda practitioners in India are trained from institutions recognized by the government. However, the American Society does not recognize recognized Ayurvedic practitioners in many countries, and there is no certificate or diploma for Ayurveda at the national level. However, Ayurvedic schools have been accepted as educational institutions in many countries. Research done on Ayurveda in many countries including India found that this system of medicine is very effective in curing diseases. However, data from studies on the safety of Ayurveda show the following:
Some Ayurvedic products may contain metals like mercury, lead and arsenic, which can harm the body.
According to a case report published in 2015, a 64-year-old woman had increased lead levels in her blood after consuming an Ayurvedic product purchased online.
A survey was conducted in 2015 in which it was found that 40 percent of people who used Ayurvedic products had increased levels of lead and mercury in their blood.
Some studies also suggest that some people are at increased risk of getting arsenic poisoning from taking ayurvedic products.
However, how any Ayurvedic medicine or product works on a person’s body depends on the nature of each body, the disease and the quantity of the product. Therefore, a trained Ayurvedic practitioner should be consulted before consuming any product.
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