What is Ayurveda?

Sprouted in the pristine land of India a little over 5000 years ago, Ayurveda - the science of life and longevity ranks as amongst the oldest healthcare systems in the world. Combining the profound thoughts of rigid medicine with abstract philosophy, it has clearly stood the test of time in offering a wholesome physical, mental and spiritual growth for every individual. 

Even in the current generation, it is nothing less than a unique, indispensable branch of medicine that calculates its findings based on its diagnosis of the body's humours - vata, pitta and kapha to achieve the right balance of body and soul. One Ayurvedic theory states that each human possesses a unique combination of these doshas, which define the person's temperament and characteristics.

Ayurveda stresses the use of plant-based medicines and treatments. These are derived from roots, leaves, fruits, barks and seeds such as cardamom and cinnnamon. Various oils can also be administered in various ways; the most popular of these is the Shirodhara - involving the pouring of enriched oils onto the patient's forehead.

Ayurvedic doctors regard physical and mental existence as well as personality as a cohesive unit, with each element having the ability to influence the rest. This in turn enables them to take a holistic approach into account during their further diagnosis and therapy. 

Eight different kinds of diagnosis abound in Ayurveda. These are the Nadi, Mootra, Mala, Jinvha, Shabda, Sparsha, Druk and Aakruti. Ayurvedic practitioners approach their diagnosis using the five senses, of which hearing is used to observe the condition of breathing and speech.

It is indeed heartening to note that the vast majority of Indians are still adept to traditional medicine, of which Ayurveda forms an important part. To carry forth the science, over a 100 colleges offer degrees in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and the Indian government supports research and the tutoring of Ayurveda through several channels both at home and abroad. The latter has rendered its image as a niche medicinal option to a handful of markets abroad, and its practices and consumption are becoming more and more of a staple medicinal diet in Western cultures as time chugs along.

This blog is powered by Baidyanath Life Sciences, who bring about authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments through its centre in Nagpur.