Introduction to Ayurveda

Basic Concept

PANCHAMAHABHOOTA Panchamahabhoota (Manifestation of creation)

Panchamahabhoota is primarily the smallest particle of any substance in the universe solid, liquid or gaseous. It forms the basis of all living as well as non living things in this universe. Ayurved and all its allied branches are based on this very important principle. It says universe is composed of five basic cardinal elements namely, Pruthvi (Earth), Jala (Water), Tej (Fire), Vayu (Air) and Aakash (Space) each having its own characteristics.

Differential characteristics of Mahabhootas are as follows:

Though everything in universe is composed of all these five elements generally one is predominant and large in quantum hence substance is labeled accordingly as

• Parthiv
• Jaliya
• Taijas
• Vayavya
• Aakashiya

For example , stone is labeled as parthiv not becouse it is composed only of earth but other elements are less in quantum as compares to pruthvi mahaboota consept of panchamahabhootaforms the base of all other principles of ayurved.

Vedas are the most ancient, classic texts known to mankind. There are four Vedas namely Rhugved, Yajurved, Samved and Atharvaved. It can be said that Ayurved - in written form - is first found in Vedas In all of them, 'Ashwini Kumar' is famously mentioned as 'Dev Vaidya'or 'Ayurvedic Physicians of Gods'. Ayurved finds its mention in all the four Vedas - in one form or the other. Ayurved is elaborately explained in the last of the Vedas - Atharvaved which is the first Health Science. It is composed in a manner that would help hurmans understand -their body as well as mind, explain the normal functions, the causes responsible for disturbance in the function, how to set disturbance right and also ho w to attain Moksha - a state where the Soul gets liberated. It also has detailed description of Principles of Ayruved, types af treatment along with elaborate explanation of over 200 medicinal plants. In addition to this, Atharvaved also encompasses the information of the body, various parts and organs along with important processes observed in a living human being like digestion, circulation, reproduction etc. Ayurved is therefore, considered Upaved of Atharvaved and is also named as ' Pancham Ved' or the fifth Ved.

DRAVYA

The components which act as building blocks of the body are known as Dhatus.

DRAVYA Understanding of Science of Ayurved will be incomplete without having a complete understanding of Dravya . Though Dravya in simple English can be called as Matter; it has much more depth than that. Broadly Dravya can be divided as

Karan Dravya (Causal factors) which consists of the elements which are the building blocks for the formation of Karya Dravya . They are total nine in number including Panchamahabhoota Dik (Direction), Kaal (Time), Aatma (Soul) and Mana (Mind)

Karan Dravya (Effectual factors) are the Dravyas formed from Karan Dravyas which include all living, non living elements in the universe. For example, whole plant and animal kingdom as well as things which are of mineral origin come under karya Dravya

Karya Dravyas are further divided into three types depending on their action on most important body factors responsible for Health-The Dosha Vata, Pitta and Kapha for Practical use namely

Shaman Dravyas that pacify the Doshas

Kopan Dravyas that aggravate the Doshas

Swasthahita Dravyas that keep the Dashas or other associated elements in equilibrium and maintain the health.

Concept of Dik or Disha ( Direction) - Disha denotes the sense of direction. that is ';East, west, north , south, etc . disha is one of the indirect casual fectors (karan dravya) in formation of effectual factors (karya dravya)

Concept of Kaal (Time ) - Word kaal has been used in many contexts in Ayurved. Mainly it has been used in relation with Time of the day Disease state (Acute /Chronic) It's important as the diktats in the Ayurvedic texts gave the daily routine conduct as per the time of the day eg. exercise done at particular time of the day can deliver the desired affects but when done at wrong time can give rise to health problems. Different doshas get vitiated in different seasons therefore guidelines for seasonal conduct help us to understand the difference we need to bring in as far as daily regime and diet are concerned. Treatment in acute stage of the disease is different from that of chronic stage.

Concept of Mana (Mind) - The living body is composed not only of Phys sal substances but as per Ayurved it has certain other very important factors like Mana and Aatma. Let's discuss Mana first which is a Unique concept of Ayurved. Mana can be co-related with mind though concept of Mana is much broader than that of mind. Ayurvedic scholars always had very clear concept of mind. They say derivation of any knowledge in the world is the result of perfect coordination between senses l.e Indriya and mind i.e Mana. It can be explained by a simple example. When we sit in a meeting, our sense of hearing and mind work in co-ordination. Sound waves which fall on our ear are grasped by our sense of hearing but derivation of knowledge comes only when mind act as coordinator between sense of hearing and brain. If our mind wonders here and there sounds or words are received but without understanding. The thinking process is controlled by mind with the help of intellect. Ayurved scholars have categorized the Mana or Mind as follows

Satwik -
Satvik is the adjective derived from the word Satva which denotes all good qualities like Intellect , knowledge, gratitude, humbieness, obedience etc. Hernce Person with satwik mind is faithful, honest, kind, generous, unselfish, calm, intelligent, cheerful and humble. He or she is mentally stable. They have lot of patience and do the things after careful thinking in systematic way.

Rajasik -

Rajasik is the adjective derived from the word 'Raja" which denotes qualities like anger, jealousy, hypocrisy, ungratefuiness hence Person with Rajasik mind is very active, aggressive, short tempered, liar, anxious, egoistic, deceiving and Cruel. They have no patience and try to finish the things in rush. They have haphazard way of working.

Tamasik - Tamasik is the adjective derived from the word Tama' which denotes qualities like laziness, lassitude, dejection, frightfulness, ignorance hence Person with Tamsik mind is atheist, lazy, ignorant, atrocious, wicked and always depressed. They tend to delay the work and have no sense of responsibility. Basically every individual have characteristics of all three, temperament of an individual is labeled depending on the dominance of one of them.

Concept of Aatma (Soul) - It is again one of the unique concepts of Ayurved. Aatma can not be seen, felt or heard but its existence in the body means living and it's exit defines the death of a living being. Aatma or soul is the essence of life and the source of supreme knowledge. It is of two types namely.

Jivatma - It is theisoul of an individual which differs from individual to individual.

Paramatma - It is the sole divine power in the universe and the source of absolute knowledge in the world. At the time of death Jivatma liberates from the body without been seen or felt to get submerge in Paramatma Actually derivation of knowledge is the result of coordination between Aatma, Mana and Indriya which is explained in the following Shloka. for the perception of anything, aatma (soul) should coordinate with mana ( mind) which then should have proper connection with indriya or sense ( for example sense of hearing) and finally indriya have to connect with its artha or sensation ( for example hearing sensation)

Dosha Dosha, Dhatu and Mala are the building blocks of our body and together they carry out all physical and physiologicat activities in the body. Factors which are initiating components in defining Individual Constitution and at the same time act as biological forces which have the capacity to vitiate any other substance or body ingredients like Dhatus, Malas and so on are called as Dosha's. Dosha is a Sanskrit word derived as: 'Dushyanti iti Dosha' i.e one with the capacity to vitiate other components. These are three in number hence famously known as Tridosha

Dosha's are further divided into

• Sharir Dosha which are Vata, Pitta and Kapha
• Manasik Dosha which are Raja and Tama

Vata It's a Sanskrit word derived as Va Gatigadhany oriti Dhatu' meaning the one which is the initiator of movement and enthusiasm. Pitta, kapha and other components like Mala and Dhatu are completely dependant on vata. Vata Influence their physiology as well as functions.

Important Functions of Vata

• It supports all the organs of the body
• It controls each and every movement in the body including respiratory, cardiac and intestinal movements
• It conjugates with the mind and controls all its actions.
• It stimulates all the senses (Indriya) in the body to perform their respective functions
• It's an originator force behind speech, sense of touch and hearing.
• It's the source of enthusiasm in the body.
• It stimulätes the Agni or digestive power of the body. It promotes the process of excretion of waste products from the body.
• It makes the passage Into every channel of the body.
• It is responsible for the cell division and even for the formation of child in the womb from the fertilized ovum.

Pitta
It is a Sanskrit word derived as 'Tap Santape' which symbolizes heat in the body, Thus all the actions and reactions requiring heat are under influence of Pitta.

• It stimulates the process of digestion in the body
• It maintains the vision
• It controls the bady temperature
• It controls complexion and luster of the skin
• It is the driving force behind physical and mental activities like bravery, pleasure and delight as well as fright, anger and giddiness
• It influences intellect especially the grasping power and recollection of memory.

Kapha
Another word for kapha is shleshma. It's a Sanskrit word derived from 'Shlish-aalingane that is the substance which binds the body substances together.

Important functions of Kapha

• It maintains stability and built up of body
• It gives strength to the body
• It provides required lubrication in joints and keep them strong
• It controls capacity of sexual activity
• It enhances power of retention of knowledge thereby influencing intellect.
• It has calming effect on mind

These are the three Sharir Doshas which get vitiated due to certain specific reasons and have capacity to vitiate the other constituents of the body. They are present in the body right from the birth to death. In fact the percentile presence of Doshas, at the time of conjugation of sperm and ovum remains constant and determines the Prakriti or Individual constitution of the new born.

Though Doshas give rise to diseases in the body when vitiated, they are of immense importance for physical and physiologicl functioning and maintenance of the body and body systems.

Mansik Dosha's are Raja and Tama Their expressions in the body is similar to Rajasik and Tamasik Temperament respectively, which are described while explaining mind.

DHATU

These are the substances which support the body physically as well as physiologically. Strength and normalcy of the body depends on state and health of Dhatus. They are seven in number and have specific functions in the body. It is the perfect maintenance of the quantum of Dhatus which help maintaining the structure and function of the body. Following table explains the Dhatus and their respective characteristic function Function

CONSEPT OF UPADHATU

Upadhatu are the elements produced as a result of action of dhatvagni on each dhatu . Upadhatus are consider as secondary building blocks of the body as their functions depend on normalcy of dhatus from which they are produced Following table explains dhatus and their individual upadhatus . Abnormalities in them indicate disorders related to the dhatus from which they are produced.

Following table gives dhatus and their respective upadhatus

Concept of Oja

oja is the essence of all the Dhatus. It is basically situated in heart but has influence on whole body. It is one of most important element for sustaining life. Aacharya has mentioned Oja as an Upadhatu of Shukradhatu.

Mala

The simple English meaning of the word Mala is 'Waste Products' of the body. However the Ayurvedic meaning is much more deep and useful to understand the real function of mala.

Though these are called Waste Products, their role in body's normal functioning is unquestionable and very important. It took modern medical science long time to realize but now every laboratory does Stool and Urine examination for diagnosis. Ayurved knew it from thousands of years. Ayurved has explained three Malas or waste products which are excreted in visible form they are Purish (Stool), Mutra (Urine) and Sweda (Sweat). In addition to these Malas Ayurved has explained seven Malas of seven Đhatus. This is the unique concept of Ayurvedic system of medicine which gives a different dimension to diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Malas can have adverse effects on body functioning, if not excreted property and remain in the body for long time. There are three main Malas, which have big influence on physiology of the body. They are as follows )

• Purish (Stool)
• Mutra (Urine)
• Sweda (Sweat)

Concept of Dhatu Mala's
Each Dhatu produces Upadhatu and Mala i.e waste product after action of Agri on them. Dhatu Malas are the substances visible outside the body in various forms such as Nails which is Mala of Asthỉ Dhatu. Knowledge about these Malas is of immense importance for precise diagnosis and deciding on the apppropriate line of treatment. For example Deformity of nails denotes disorder related to Asthi Dhatu.

Malas of each Dhatu -

AGNI

It's a unique concept of Ayurvedic system of medicine. It symbolizes the digestive power of our body. The food we eat helps building our body. For this the food needs to be converted into the form in which it can be assimilated in the body. The physiological mechanism which is the driving force behind this conversion is called as Agni. This mechanism takes place at various levels during the entire process of digestion; depending on which Agnisare broadly divided into following categories.

Jatharagni
It is the Agni present in Digestive tract. It acts on ingested food, break it down and converts it into semi digested form (Aahar Rasa). Other Agnis act on this semi digested form to further convert it into the form easier to assimilate. Thus action of other Agnis does depend on Jatharagni. If there is problem at the level of Jatharagni, it affects the whole digestive mechanism.

Dhatvagni
These are the Agnis of each of the seven Dhatus, Such as Rasadhatvagni, Raktadhatvagni etc. Food semi digested by Jatharagni travels all over the body through various channels. During this process Agni of each Dhatu acts on it producing factors for its own nourishment (Poshak Ansha), factors for nourishment of Updhatu and waste products. Thus there are total seven Dhatvagis workings in the body. Dhatvagi has area of action limited to a particular Dhatu. For example Rakta dhatvagni acts only at the level of Rakta Dhatu.

Bhutagni
As we know our body is made up of five basic elements known as Panchamahabhoota. Uitimately the food we eat should be converted into the same Panchabhautik form for it to get assimilated. This action is under control of Bhutagi. Thus there are total five Bhutagis one of each Mahabhoota. For example Parthivagni acts on Parthiv part of semi digested food and covert it into form ready to assimilate. Agnis are further classified as follows

• Samagni
  Samagni digests the properly taken food in appropriate amount of time. This Agni denotes balance of all three Doshas
• Vishamagni
  It is a type of Agni which some times digests the fod properly, sometimes takes too long and sometimes digests the food quickly. Thus it is irregular in its course of action. Vishamagni is associated with Vata Dosha
• Tikshnagi
  This type of Agni digests any kind of food, in any quantity very quickly. Tikshnagi is associated with Pitta Dosha
• Mandagni
  This type of Agni takes time to digest even the smallest quantity of food. Mandagni is associated with Kapha Dosha

SIX SEASONS

Doshas undergo seasonal variation with change in the season. Certain Doshais aggravated in particular season while other is pacified. One should always try to maintain the equilibrium of Doshasto protect themselves from diseases due to seasonal variation.

The seasonal variation in Doshas

Seasonal diet and Conduct

Hemant/ Shishir
In this season the Agni (digestive activity) becomes more powerful. Increased Vata'gets obstructed from going out due to cold weather outside and is accumulated inside t he body. This "Vata boosts the Agni (digestive activity) and increases the hunger as food is digested quickly. If not controlled it can result in digestion of our own body tissues.

Diet Regimen
Food with Sweet, sour and salty taste and heavy character should preferably beconsumed which would help reducing the Vata As Agnior digestive activity is increased, dietary ingredients which äre otherwise heavy ta digest such as meat with heavy fat content. all dairy products. preparations made from new gralns are easily digested.

Vasant
In this season. " Kapha'accumulated in earlier season (Shishir is iquified by heat of the sun which results in diminished Agnl (digestive activity), Dlseases with Kapno'acminanceare common in this sieason.

Diet regimen
In this season digestive activity is diminished as such hence easily digestible food with astringent, bitte increased Kapha and normalizing the Agni(Digestive activity) Consumption of Barley, honey, roasted meat; mango juice is advisable. Beverages such as Asava (Fermented infusion), Arista (Fermented decoction), Sidhu (Fermented sugarcane juice) and honey mixed with water. Water boiled with extracts of chandan (Sardal wood).

Greeshma
In this season, due to increased heat Kapha'decreases and 'Vata'increases day by day resulting in accumulation of Vata. Agni or digestive activity is moderate in this season.

Diet Regimen Dietary ingredients which are Sweet, easy to digest and have significant amount of fatty content in one or the other form should preferably be taken. More consumption of liquid is advisable. Consumption of Boiled rice with meat, Cornfiour, Curd (yoghurt) is advisable. Panak, Panchsara(syrup prepared with Draksha (Grapes Madhuka, Kharjur (Date), Kashmaryaand Parushukafruits all in equal quantity with cardamom powder) are advisable for drinking due to their cooling character.

Varsha
In this season Agni (digestive activity) weakens further and gets vitiated by doshas especially Vata. Hence all methods to mitigate doshas and measures to enhance digestive activity should be adopted. Dietary ingredients which are sour and salty in taste with singnificant amount of oil content should preferably be consumed.

Diet Regimen
Easily digestible food to be taken. Pulses, meat juice, soups.old grains and mastu ( thin water above yoghurt) are advisable.

Sharad
Sudden exposure to sulight after cold season aggravates pitta. Hence diseases with pitta dominance are common occurence in this season.

Diet Regimen
Dietary ingredients which are sweet and bitter it taste, are easy to digest and with cold character should preferably be consumed in diet. it will control aggravated pitta. Take easily digestible food like rice, green gram, aamla, honey and sugar. Avoid heavy food with heavy character.

Seasonal Conduct Table

Ayurved is a science which illustrates life, lifespan along with things and actions which are favorable for life and those which are unfavorable for life. Ayurved is a word composed of two words namely; Ayu or Life and Ved or to Know. Thus in simple language, the word Ayurved means a way of understanding life. But Ayurved runs much deeper than that. It encompasses the knowledge of things around us including plant and animal kingdom as well as things of míneral origin.

The strength of Ayurved lies in its strong base formed by the principles which are universal and are not bound by passage of time. Ayurved, being not only a health science but a complete philosophy of life, takes care of well-being of not only the material component of the bady but also the non-material components of our lives that is our consciousness, mind, thoughts and emotions. Ayu in Ayurved means life, which can be interpreted as an intelligent co-ordination of Atma (the soul), Mana (the mind), Indriya (the senses) and Sharira (the body). Ayurved envisages and helps to achieve a balanced and integrated relationship of these most important constituents that make up life. Imbalance in any of these can lead to unhealthy state.

Ayurved aims at

Motive behind Ayurvedic system of medicine is maintaining the health of a healthy person and relieving sufferings of unhealthy person,

Branches of Ayurveda

Shalyatantra

This branch of Ayurved deals mainly with surgical techniques, surgical instruments including scalpels, scopes, various types of bandages etc. It has some innovative techniques which are still unknown to Modern doctors such as use of caustic threads for treatment of fistula ( ksharsutra). Plastic surgeries were first performed by Ayurvedic Surgens.

Shalakyatantra

This is the branch of Ayurvedic medicine which deals with the treatment of diseases above neck region. It has described in detail diseases of ear, nose, throat, eye, even teeth along with methods of treatment. It has mentioned eye surgeries as well.

Kayachikitsa

It is the branch of Ayurved which deals with Internal medicine. It has discussed both physical and psychological disorders, their methods of diagnosis and their treatment options. It talks about preventive aspect as well with description of diurnal and seasonal conduct.

Bhutavidya

It is the branch of Ayurved which deals with non-medicinal methods of treatment. It includes various religious rituals and prayers. It is mainly used in cannection with psychological disorders.

Kaumarbhritya

It is the branch of Ayurved which deals with Paediatrics, It has talked about Paediatric diseases and methods of treatment. In addition to this, it talks about other aspects such as appropriate toys for kids, selection of nanny, etc.

Agadatantra

It is the branch of Ayurvedic medicine which talks about poisonous effects of various toxins from plant as well as animal origin and their antidotes.

Rasayantantra

It is the branch of Ayurvedic medicine which talks about methods of controlling aging factors and various ways of rejuvenation. It has given Rasayantantra various medicinal formulations with potential for rejuvenation.

Vajikaran

It is the branch of Ayurvedic medicine which deals with aphrodisiacs. It has described various methods and medicinal formulations for the treatment of Infertillty, sexual dysfunctions, etc. Ever since human race came into existence, the necessity and Imperativeness to remain Healthy and have long Life was understood well. To this end, man developed varlous methods and practiced them. As these were practiced, the ways and means to cure the ailments were also developed. Over the years, these practices turned into different 'Systems of Medicine. Today we can identify many such 'Systems of Medicine or 'Medical Sciences!

The origin of Ayurved, can however be traced back to more than 5,000 years. The Science that originated basically to guide the mankind to live a long healthy life, also dealt with the reasons for Health to get affected and goes on to suggest means to keep the body as well as mind in the best possible state. The methodologies and substances that can help the body and mind get into the best of health, if the health has taken a beating - due to various reasons like improper diet, behavior, mental set-up so on-are also elaborated. It's a Science that has stood the test of time, a Science that has been preached and practiced for generations. Excavations by Archeologists have revealed that there were three World famous Universities teaching Ayurved - all located in ancient India, namely Takkshasheela, "Vikramsheela' and "Nalanda: Students from all over the world studied in these universities and through them, the Principles of Ayurved spread to many other countries. Other Systems of Medicine developed taking inspiration from Ayurved that was learnt by foreign students from India and carried all over the World. Ayurved, therefore can be considered - In true sense - the 'Mother of all Medical Sciences.

Today we live in the fast pacing world. Our life has become excessively complex which is exposing us to lot of Physical and Mental stress. It has made drastic changes in our Daily routine as well as Diet and is making us more and more suseptible to various diseases. This kind of life can give us Name, Fame and Wealth but we are paying for all these things by loosing something that is even more precious- our health. Gautam Buddha has rightly said, Without health life is not life; it is only a state of langour and suffering - an image of death. "My Ayurved' is our effort to put in front the three most important factors of our life which are Prakriti (Individual constitution), Diet and Lifestyle. Ayurved is not just a theorotical Science but it has many practical applications which can make our day to day life much better. We believe 'My Ayurved' will help you in implementing these Principles of Ayurved in your everyday life. Because, Only disease-free life does not make it the Perfect Life. The perfect harmony between Body, Mind and above all the Soul will make it a Healthy Life