Whenever people talk about Ayurveda, it’s usually about foods, dosha or herbs. Though, this is just one component of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda consists of “Ayu” meaning “life” and “Veda” meaning “knowledge”.  Ayurveda is often called the “Science of life” or “Way of life”.

The Science of Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda represents a holistic and simple form of healing. It aims to know oneself and to reveal deeper causes of one’s health conditions. It strives to gain insight into the very core of a problem. And discover the primary cause of the ailment; that is, improper diet, lifestyle, hereditary taint, negative thinking or emotional and energetic imbalance. It gives a broader context of conditions, which creates/affects our mental and physical state.

Features governing Ayurveda

1) Tridosha

Ayurveda describes three fundamental universal energies which regulate all natural processes on both the macrocosmic and microcosmic levels. That is, the same energies which produce effects in the various galaxies and star systems; are operating at the level of the human physiology–in our own physiology. These three universal energies are known as the Tridosha. That is, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

2) Parmatma and Prakirti

Ayurveda is a complete medical system which recognizes that ultimately all intelligence and wisdom flows from one Absolute source (Paramatma). Health manifests by the grace of the absolute, acting through the laws of nature (Prakriti). Ayurveda assists Nature by promoting harmony between the individual and nature; by living a life of balance according to her laws.

3) Panchamahabhutas

There are five basic Elements in the nature, that is, space, air, fire, water and earth.  Ayurveda believes that everything in the universe is made of these Panchamahabhutas.

4) Individuality

It recognizes the unique constitutional differences of all individuals. Thus, recommends different regimens for different types of people. Although two people may appear to have the same outward symptoms; their energetic constitutions may be very different. Therefore, calling for different remedies.

5) Treatments

To balance the elements and the doshas of the body. There are many treatments, therapies and exercises available. To balance the elements of the mind; meditation, mantra and exercises are used. Massage and rasayana treatments, along with visualization, pranic breathing and other practices; allow personal access to intuition and the innate knowledge of the soul.

6) Gunas

Prakriti is composed of three gunas; that is, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. These are more subtle than the five elements. The gunas represent the potential differences in the prakriti. The right balance of gunas and  panchamahabhutas, help in optimal health.

7) Sapta Dhatus

The Sapta Dhatus elements, form the pillars of the body that form the means of nourishment and growth.  Also providing support to the body and mind.

Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja and Shukra.

Nourishment of these seven body tissues takes place in sequential manner with original material provided by digested food material.

8) Branches of Ayurveda

There are eight branches of Ayurveda:

1. Kayacikitsa (Medicine)
2. Salakya (Ent. &Optha.)
3. Salya (Surgery)
4. Visa Vigyan (Toxicology)
5. Bhuta Vidya (Psychiatry Medicine)
6. Kaumarabhrtya(Pediatrics)
7. Rasayana (Rejuvenates)
8. Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac)

Ayurveda seeks to heal the fragmentation and disorder of the mind-body complex. While restoring wholeness and harmony to all people. 

Iti Jain

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