Introduction : Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the Indian system of medicine. This ancient science deals with the healing of the human body and mind to achieve optimum balance between the body, mind and consciousness. It has been developed and refined by ancient Indian seers and practitioners. The system tries to fix various imbalances in the body and uses herbs and natural products to treat the body. The concept and system was developed to aid a human being towards spiritual progress and rejuvenation.

Now a days, it is used primarily as a way to heal the body and reduce stress. This system is used in conjunction with the ancient Indian system of Yoga Asanas and breathing exercises to gain optimum results.

Basic principals and philosophy of Ayurveda

Human body is made up of five principles Viz. Air ( Akasa), Vital Force ( Vayu), Minerals, Acids, Alkalies etc ( Tejas) , Water ( Jala) and Organic substances and Earthy matter not specified elsewhere( Prithvi). Any part of the body, howsoever minute is a combination of all of these principles.

In Ayurveda, combination of these principles are classified into three: Vayu – Vata- Mayu or Pitta- Valasa – Kapha.

The First is a combination of Air and Vital Force, The second is Minerals, acids and alkalies and the third is a combination of Water and Organic matter . These three Mega Divisions (Tridhatus) build and sustain all parts of the body.

One Dhatu (Mega Division) may be more active in one part of the body compared to the other. Ayurveda recognizes this difference and balance which keeps the body healthy.

When these Mega divisions ( Dhatus ) are displaced or in imbalance due to factors like food, age, various daily activities , time and place , they cause disease .In Ayurvedic terms they cause Impurities ( Malas).

There are three kinds of impurities in Ayurveda :

Vata – Excessively vitiated gasses

Pitta – Fluids of gall bladder and accumulated wastes.

Slesma – Phlegm or mucus in the mouth, throat and a few other impurities like albumen in the urine.