Ayurveda – The ancient Indian medical - science is believed to be the oldest repository of diagnostic, pharmaceutical and therapeutic knowledge. This Vedic science draws upon an integral approach to healthcare by considering the physical, mental and deep emotional well being simultaneously. It encompasses thorough knowledge of the Adhibhautik (physical, pertaining to the gross body), Adhidaivik (mental, emotional and pranic, pertaining to the subtle body) and Adhyatmik (spiritual, pertaining to the astral body) aspects of health. No other branch of ancient or modern disciplines of medical sciences, perhaps, has such deep and expanded foundations as Ayurveda has. This ancient science of medicine enfolds the secrets of youthful longevity and is therefore also referred as a comprehensive science of happy and hearty life.
Itahitam Sukham Duhkhamayustasya Hitahitam |
Mananca Tacca Yatroktamayurvedah Sa Ucyate ||
Meaning: The grand treatise, which contains the details of healthy and long age (ayu) and which defines what is good (hita) and what is bad (ahita) for the four different types of ayus (namely, hitayu, ahitayu, sukhayu and dukhayu, concerning different conditions of diseased or healthy life) – is Ayurveda.
The basic purpose of Ayurvedic knowledge is cited in the Sanskrit literature as –
Swasthasya Swastharakshanama – Turasya Vikara Prashamanam Ca |
Meaning: Ayurveda aims at the protection and maintenance of good health of the healthy people and elimination of and control over the ailments and health-disorders of the unhealthy.
Main Features
Preventive and holistic approach to healthcare
-Thorough consideration of the mind-body system
-Synergist use of multiple herbs
-Natural plant products as per the patient’s physiological and psychological characteristics
-Easy and practical modes of efficacious healthcare
Relevance Today
The rising graph of psychosomatic disorders and challenging diseases and the limitations of the widely used modern medical sciences in coping with them on the one hand, and the risks of harmful side-effects of antibiotics and synthesized drugs on the other, have revived new interest in this ancient science. The preventive and remedial measures derived under Ayurveda deal with multidimensional complexities and problems of human life and provide solutions in perfect harmony with Nature.
It is therefore most relevant and promising towards achieving complete health in the present times as well.