Ayurved is based on the philosophy that good health and well-being are dependent on a delicate balance of mind, body, and spirit. Its major purpose is to encourage good health, and treatments are often designed for particular medical conditions.
The word Ayurved is derived from two Sanskrit words, ‘Ayush’ and ‘Ved.’ Life is represented by the word ‘Ayush,’ while knowledge is represented by the term ‘Ved.’ As a result, Ayurved means ‘knowledge of life or ‘science of life’.
Many researchers agree that Ayurved is the world’s oldest healing science. ‘The Science of Life’, as Ayurved is known in Sanskrit. Ayurvedic knowledge has been called the ‘Mother of All Healing’ because it originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It has its origins in ancient Vedic culture and has been passed down through generations of accomplished masters through an oral tradition. Although some of this knowledge was documented a few thousand years ago, much of it is now destroyed due to several invasions in the country. Many natural healing systems that are now popular in the West, such as Homeopathy and Polarity Therapy, have their origins in Ayurved.
According to the ancient categorization of the Sanskrit language system, Ayurved is classified as Upaved, which is a section of Ved. Names of medicinal plants and herbs can be found in Ayurvedic literature from the Atharva Ved and other Veds, according to records. Even the ancient Buddhist rules of law contain comprehensive declarations of canonical models of various diseases, which are reflected in Ayurvedic literature as well.
The three Balancing principles of Ayurved
According to Ayurved, there are three principal forms of energy or fundamental elements that exist in the human body. We employ the original Sanskrit words Vata, pitta, and Kapha because there are no single words in English that represent these principles. These ideas can be linked to the body’s basic biochemistry.
It takes energy to transfer fluids and nutrients to the cells, allowing the body to function. Energy is also needed to digest the nutrients in the cells and to lubricate and maintain the cell’s structure. Vata governs movement, pitta governs digestion or metabolism, and Kapha governs lubrication and structure. Everyone has Vata, pitta, and Kapha traits, but one is usually primary, the other secondary, and the third is usually the least noticeable. Ayurved views sickness as a loss of adequate cellular activity caused by an excess or deficiency of Vata, pitta, or Kapha. Toxins can also cause disease.
The body, mind, and consciousness all work together in Ayurved to maintain equilibrium. They are simply seen as different aspects of a person’s personality. Understanding how Vata, pitta, and Kapha operate together is necessary for learning how to balance the body, mind, and consciousness. The entire cosmos, according to Ayurvedic philosophy, is an interaction of the forces of the five great elements of space, air, fire, water, and earth. Vata, pitta, and Kapha are mixtures and variations of these five elements that emerge in all creations as patterns.
Vatta (or Vata)
In Ayurveda, the concept of “vatta” refers to one of the three doshas or energy types that govern all physiological processes in the body. The doshas are believed to be present in everyone, but their relative balance can vary from person to person. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Vata dosha is associated with the elements of air and ether, and is said to govern movement and circulation in the body. It is associated with the characteristics of lightness, dryness, and coldness. It controls all the biological functions related to movement, including blood flow, nerve impulses, and muscle and joint movements.
When Vata is in balance, it supports healthy digestion, regular elimination, good circulation, strong immune system, and sound sleep. When Vata is out of balance, it can cause symptoms such as dry skin, constipation, insomnia, and anxiety.
Individuals with a predominance of Vata dosha in their constitution (prakriti) are said to have a thin, light build, dry skin, and a tendency towards anxiety and irregular digestion. They are advised to follow a diet that is grounding, nourishing, and warm and to avoid foods that are dry, cold, and raw, and to avoid cold air, dry air and to avoid overstimulation.
Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of methods to help individuals balance their Vata dosha, including herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Yoga, meditation, warm massage oils and Abhyanga, oil pulling and sesame oil therapy are also recommended for balancing Vatta.
Kapha
Kapha dosha is associated with the elements of earth and water and is said to govern growth and structure in the body. It is associated with the characteristics of heaviness, oiliness, and coldness. It is responsible for the lubrication and moisturization of joints, skin and hair, stability, strength, and endurance.
When Kapha is in balance, it supports healthy weight, strong immunity, good memory and stable emotions. When Kapha is out of balance, it can cause symptoms such as weight gain, allergies, sinus congestion and depression.
Individuals with a predominance of Kapha dosha in their constitution (prakriti) are said to have a sturdy build, oily skin, and a tendency towards weight gain and congestion. They are advised to follow a diet that is light, dry, and warming and to avoid foods that are heavy, oily, and sweet. They are also advised to avoid inactivity and oversleeping and to engage in physical activities regularly to maintain a balance.
Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of methods to help individuals balance their Kapha dosha, including herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Dry brushing, oil-free massages, and activities that promote sweating such as hot yoga, or regular exercise are also recommended.
Pitta
Pitta dosha is associated with the elements of fire and water, and is said to govern digestion and metabolism in the body. It is associated with the characteristics of heat, sharpness, and oiliness. It is responsible for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and body temperature regulation.
When Pitta is in balance, it supports healthy digestion, good appetite, good metabolism and intelligence. When Pitta is out of balance, it can cause symptoms such as acid reflux, skin rashes, anger and frustration.
Individuals with a predominance of Pitta dosha in their constitution (prakriti) are said to have a medium build, fair skin, and a tendency towards heat, irritability and acidity. They are advised to follow a diet that is cool, grounding, and easy to digest and to avoid foods that are spicy, fried and sour. They are also advised to avoid overheating and intense activities, and to engage in calming and soothing activities such as yoga, meditation, and nature walks to maintain a balance.
Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of methods to help individuals balance their Pitta dosha, including herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Drinking coconut water, aloe vera juice, and wearing light-colored, loose clothing are also recommended.
Ashtang Ayurved
Medicine, surgeries, natural medicine, revitalizing remedies, spiritual healing, pediatric, aphrodisiac treatments, and toxicology are the eight subsections or branches of Ayurved. All of these elements combine to produce Ashtang Ayurved, the ancient discipline of healing. Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, and Ashtang Hridaya Samhita are some of the most well-known ayurvedic works. The first two writings were written by Charak and Sushruta, respectively; however, the third is a consolidated version that includes detailed material from both works.
Lord Brahma is said to have revealed to Dhanvantari, the father of universal medical practitioners, the secrets of healing properties of plants and herbs, and also their importance in curing specified diseases. The lost manuscripts of sage Agnivesh influenced Ayurvedic literature greatly. Sushruta Samhita, Bhela Samhita, and Charak Samhita are the three main ancient scriptures of Ayurved, which date back to the ancient era and have been revised over time.
Charak Samhita
The Charaka Samhita is one of the oldest and most important texts in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a classical Ayurvedic treatise that was written in ancient India by the physician Charaka, who lived around 300 BCE. The Charaka Samhita is considered to be one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda, along with the Sushruta Samhita, written by Sushruta.
The Charaka Samhita covers a wide range of topics related to Ayurvedic medicine, including anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and treatment. It provides detailed descriptions of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and their effects on health, and offers recommendations for maintaining balance and preventing illness.
The Charaka Samhita also describes the various systems and organs of the body, including the digestive system, the respiratory system, and the reproductive system. It also includes information on the use of herbs, minerals, and other natural substances for the treatment of various ailments. The text also deals with the principles of surgical procedures, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric health, and geriatrics.
Sushrut Samhita
The Sushruta Samhita is a classical Ayurvedic text that was written in ancient India by the physician Sushruta, who lived around 600 BCE. It is considered to be one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda, along with the Charaka Samhita.
The Sushruta Samhita covers a wide range of topics related to Ayurvedic medicine, including surgical procedures, anatomy, and physiology. It is considered to be one of the most important texts on surgical techniques and is said to be the first text to describe surgical procedures in detail. Sushruta is considered as the father of surgical procedures in Ayurveda. The text describes over 120 surgical procedures, including rhinoplasty (nose surgery), cataract surgery, and the use of anaesthetics.
It also covers a wide range of topics such as the anatomy of the human body, the causes of diseases, and methods of treatment. It describes the use of various natural substances, including herbs and minerals, for the treatment of various ailments, and provides detailed information on the use of surgical instruments, wound healing, and post-operative care.
Ashtang Hridaya Samhita
The Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (AH) is a classical Ayurvedic text written by Vagbhata, which stands as one of the three foundational texts of Ayurveda, along with Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. It is considered to be one of the most important and widely studied texts on Ayurvedic medicine. The text is written in the form of a dialogue between the sage Vagbhata and his students.
The Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita covers all aspects of Ayurvedic medicine, including anatomy, physiology, and treatment. It discusses the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), their effects on health, and recommendations for maintaining balance and preventing illness. It also provides detailed information on the use of herbs, minerals, and other natural substances for the treatment of various ailments, and includes chapters on surgical procedures, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
The text is divided into eight main sections, or “Ashtangas,” that cover internal medicine, pediatrics, surgical procedures, ear-nose-throat (ENT), toxicology, rejuvenation therapy, virilification therapy and spiritual aspects of health. Each section contains various chapters and subchapters that provide a comprehensive understanding of Ayurvedic medicine.
The Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita is considered to be the most comprehensive and authoritative text on Ayurveda due to its comprehensive coverage of the subject. A critical edition of the text is available and it is translated into many languages. It is still widely studied and referenced by Ayurvedic practitioners today, and is considered to be an essential text for understanding Ayurvedic medicine
