Ayurveda, Science of life, is one of the oldest surviving healing system in the world. The word Ayurveda is formed by the combination of two words – “Ayu” meaning life, and “Veda” meaning knowledge

The two principle objectives of Ayurveda are to prolong life and promote perfect health and to completely eradicate the disease of the body.

Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. Body composed of five basic elements known as the Panchabhuthas – Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Space. They combine together to form Tridosha categorized into Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata governs movement, Pitta is concerned with functions of heat, metabolism, and energy production and Kapha, governs physical structure and fluid balance. A person is in good health when doshas are in perfect balance. Any variation in these elements leads to disease.

BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA

Ayurveda has eight specialized branches. They are -

• Surgery or Salya Chikilsa – describes various surgical procedures and instruments used in performing operations
• Psychiatry or Bhoota – focuses on a person’s mental health
• ENT with Ophthamology, medicine or Salakya- Treatment for the diseases afflicting eyes, nose,ears and throat come under Salakya Chikilsa
• Science of Aphrodisiac or Vajikarana – deals with the treatment of sexual ailments
• Medical jurisprudence and toxicology or Agada -Detoxification of toxins accumulated from the body. It also eliminates poison entered into body by various means like, food, snake bite etc.
• Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics or Kaumara – treatment and diagnosis of diseases affecting children
• Gerontology or Rasayana Chikilsa – It is a rejuvenation therapy focuses on revitalizing the cells and tissues of the body
• General Medicine or Kaya Chikilsa – give more importance to the to the internal causes of the disease

What are the benefits of Ayurveda?

• The herbal medicines help you ensure physical and mental health without side effects.
• It restores balance and vitality with nutrition and herbs.
• It is non-toxic so it can be used as an alternative or a complementary therapy.
• Ayurveda customizes treatment to specific individuals, depending on their body type and state of balance.
• It prevents serious illness through simple dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and purification techniques.