Ayurveda for Life

By Dr. Beena Vesikar

The science in which beneficial (Hitayu) and non-beneficial (Ahitayu) ways of living relate to the individual and society; happy (Sukham) and unhappy (Dukham) ways of living related to an individual; Good (Hita) and Bad (Ahita) things for us in our lives, and the span of life (Maan) are explained thoroughly in AYURVEDA.

Ayurveda, the world's oldest and most comprehensive system of natural medicine originated from India. It is called the mother of healing system because it cares for all creatures as a mother does for her children. This ancient knowledge is not limited only to the practicing physicians, it is open to everyone, for us, our family and our society.

The word Ayurveda is composed of two words 'Ayu' means life and 'Veda' means knowledge. Ayurveda means knowledge of life. Ayu ( Life) is a combination of Sharira (Body), Indriya (Perceptory organs), Satva (Mind) and Atma (Soul). Ayurveda is a science that teaches how to live in a true and natural balance, not limited to proper functioning of body, mind and soul, but extends further in establishing a natural and balanced relationship with the nature as a whole. The Vedas are ancient Hindu books of knowledge. They contain within them the knowledge and the structure of the universe. It means knowledge or learning at deepest level. There are four Vedas-Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Athrvaveda. Ayurveda is part of Athrvaveda.

Ayurveda focuses on creating health by removing stress from the body and mind and balancing the basic bodily functions, i.e. digestion, elimination, circulation, metabolism, tissue developments etc., Accumulation of toxins, undigested food and metabolic wastes causes low energy, diseases and accelerates aging. To avoid this it takes care of health in the following manner:

1. Dinacharya - Daily routine for perfect health.
2. Ratricharya - Night routine for perfect health.
3. Rutucharya - seasonal routine for perfect health.
4. Sadvritta - Right living for perfect health.
5. Trividha upasthambha - ahar (Diet), Nidra (Sleep), Bramhacharya (Purity of thought, word and deed, In a special sense control over sex desire).

Ayurveda considers life a psycho spiritual as well as a physical phenomenon. It aims at ending suffering so that every individual can actualize all four goals of life-Purpose (Dharma), Wealth (Artha), Enjoyment (Kama), and Liberation (Moksha). In dealing with liberation, Ayurveda moves into the field of Yoga and Spirituality.

The aim of Ayurveda is threefold:

• Preventive - Maintain the health of a healthy person.
• Curative - To cure the disease from its root cause and offer health.
• Psychological - Philosophy of life with aspects of human existence.

Ayurvedic science is explained in three major texts called Brihadtryee: 'Charak Samhita' (text), 'Sushrut Samhita' and 'Ashtanga Hriday'. Charak Samita compiled by sage Charak, is the most ancient writings of Ayurveda available today. It explains the logic and philosophy on which the system of medicine is based. It has knowledge of Health, Diseases with their symptoms and treatment, Herbs, Pharmacology, vital points (Marmas), Yoga and more.

Sushrut samhitta comprises the knowledge of Surgery: Plastic surgery, Cosmetic surgery, Prosthetic surgery, etc.

Vaghbhatt compiled the third major text Ashtang Hriday, which contains the knowledge of both Surgery and Medicine of Ayurveda.

Rasashastra is Ayurvedic pharmaceutics which deals with drugs of mineral origin, their characteristics, properties,processing techniques and therapeutic uses. This has been explained in the text Rasa ratna samuchay.

Bhaishajya kalpana deals with various forms of preparation of medicines - like Decoction, Syrups, Juices, Powders, Tablets, etc. Bhaishjya ratnakar is the text.

Pancha karma (five actions), eliminates toxins and toxic condition from body and mind and rejuvenates the body. It cleanses and purifies the body tissues and channels, thereby enhancing energy, increasing vitality and well being. Rejuvenation and Aphrodisiacs therapy are the unique therapies of Ayurveda. It keeps the body young even after one has passed youth. It benefits us by improving skin complexion and texture, improving overall health, resistance to diseases, increases memory power, and gives calmness.

Ayurveda as defined in Charaka Samita consists of eight branches:

• Internal Medicine - Kayachiktsa.
• Surgery - Shalya chikitsa.
• Opthamology and Otorhinolaryngology - Shalakya tantra.
• Pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya.
• Toxicology - Agadatantra.
• Psychology - Bhutavidya.
• Science of Rejuvenation - Rasayana.
• Science of Aphrodisiacs - Vajikarana.

The Diet, treatment and life style regimen in Ayurveda are planned to heal the body and enrich the mind and soul of an individual, so that one can improve their own level to achieve the goals of their life. Ayurveda is a way of life that teaches us how to maintain health and improve both our energy and awareness. How to live life to our full human and spiritual potential.

Dr. Beena Vesikar recieved her BAMS and MD degrese from the University of Poona in India and has taught in Ayurvedic colleges in India. She is passionate about Ayurveda and dedicated to spreading this ancient wisdom in the US. She is located in Farmington and wishes to be contacted at vesikarbeena@rediffmail.com.