Aṣṭāṅga Ayurveda : 1. General medicine – Kāya-chikitsā

                           Ayurveda is the holistic approach, which is mainly concerned with the treatment of the body. In the process, the person undergoes a change in the lifestyle, which includes change in food, clothing and sometimes even residence.

Ayam and vyayam, yogasadhana and gati are some of the vital components that are included in an ayurvedic treatment.

Coming to kayachikitsa, it is the first branch of Astanga Ayurveda or eight-branched Ayurveda that deals with general medicine. The total treatment procedure is called Kaya Chikitsa (or internal medicine), wherein kaya means 'body' and chikitsa means 'treatment'. Kaya Chikitsa mainly deals with the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of general diseases, such as skin disorders, diabetes, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis and many other disorders.

Charaka Samhita is the most important scripture on kayachikitsa. It discussed the basic principles of treatment, various types of therapies and purification or detoxification methods. According to this natural treatment, the body of a person is product of the constant psychosomatic interactions and diseases caused are due to the imbalancecaused in the trishods of the body. This imbalance caused in the three doshas of vata-pitta-kapha is sometimes, caused by the mind and occasionally by the body's dhatu (tissues) and mala (toxin deposits). It is then that the kayachitikitsa branch of ayurveda comes to assistance. Kayachitikitsa is the branch of herbal and holistic medicine, which delves deep into ascertaining the root cause of the illness. The entire Ayurvedic therapeutics is based on the concept of Agni. The concept of Kaya (Agni) is unique and is responsible for bio- transformation. As it is known that energy can neither be created nor can it be destroyed. In human body, Kaya provides the necessary

energy for all bodily activities. The energy provided is derived from the food we eat and the air we breathe. The biological system of the body transforms this energy to one, which is utilized by the cells.

The Treatment

There are six stages of the development of disease are enumerated as aggravation, accumulation, overflow, relocation, build up in a new site and manifestation into a recognizable disease. In kayachikitsa, there is always an opportunity to stop the disease at each stage, thereby preventing its full manifestation.

Panchakarma

One of the significant methods of treatment under kayachikitsa is panchakarma. In this procedure, the body is purified and cleansed from the vitiated dosha to achieve the state of homogenizes and happiness. In short, this method mainly deals with reversing the disease path from its manifestation stage, back into to its site of original development, through special forms of emesis, purgation and enema.

Kaya Kalpa

Another unique aspect of kayachikitsa is rejuvenation also known as kaya kalpa. The term kaya kalpa is principally defined as the renewal of body. According to Ayurveda, the human body is made of seven types of dhatu or tissues structures - plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow and reproductive fluids. To prolong the youthfulness of the body, kayachikitsa applies several physical and mental disciplinary methods with special medicinal preparations, to rebuild the body's cells and tissues after the initial process of detoxification, through panchakarma.

Ashtanga Ayurveda. - Eight components of Ayurveda

In classical Sanskrit literature, Ayurveda was called "the science of eight components" (Sanskrit : aṣṭāṅga अष्टांग) a classification that became canonical for Ayurveda.

1. General medicine – Kāya-chikitsā: "cure of diseases affecting the body"

2. Pediatrics – Kaumāra-bhṛtya:: "treatment of children"

3. Surgery – Śhalya-chikitsā: "removal of any substance which has entered the body (as extraction of darts, of splinters, etc.)"

4. Ophthalmology / ENT/Dentistry – Śālākya-tantra:: "cure of diseases of the teeth, eye, nose or ear etc."

5. Demonology / exorcism / psychiatry – Bhoot vidyā: (Graha Chikitsa) "treatment of mental diseases"

6. Toxicology – Agada-tantra:Gada means Poison. "Doctrine of antidotes"

7. Anti Agings – Rasayana-tantra: "doctrine of Rasayana"

8. Aphrodisiacs – Vājīkaraṇa tantra

          
      As the revival of traditional sciences becomes more popular in the West, there is a lot of confusion about how to position ancient systems of medicine like Ayurveda. Even though it is recognized as a "whole medicine system" by CAM, it unfortunately has not yet been represented in a way in which most people can understand it as a science in its own right. With fundamental principles that are structured completely differently from conventional medicine, it works as a versatile, adaptable science that accurately represents the diversity of life.

So the question is - what should we believe?

1. Ayurveda is a spiritual philosophy - not a science

 

Science is defined as "a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe." Ayurveda meets this definition in all aspects. Theoretically, it elaborates an intricately related system of unchanging universal laws of actions (Karma), properties (Guna), substance (Dravya) and balance (Samanya & Vishesha). Practically, it provides a framework to produce predictable, repeatable results for disease management when applied according to its system.

Unfortunately, many practitioners today sensationalize the spiritual foundations from which Ayurveda draws its theories, resulting in a widespread belief that the system is not scientific. Additionally, when it is treated as a "Complementary" practice and made to conform to the structure of Allopathy, the ability to understand it on its own terms is lost.

2. Ayurveda takes a long time to work

 

The time required to treat any disease depends on many factors - particularly the duration and severity of the disease. In acute illnesses like fever, cough and cold or when most diseases are managed correctly in their initial stages, Ayurveda shows results quickly and effectively, and it reinforces the general condition of the body. Common ailments are generally controlled within 24 hours in those who adhere to all aspects of treatment.

For long-standing illnesses, complete management may require weeks or months using a strict combination of Ayurvedic diet, lifestyle, medicine and treatment to revert the body back to its original condition. Considering that most long-term conditions are present in the body for years or decades, this actually seems quite reasonable.

3. Ayurveda has no side effects

 

Everything in the world can have side effects, and Ayurveda is no exception. The side effects of Panchakarma (Purification & Detoxification) may be severe, sudden, and even life-threatening. But when practiced carefully and classically under proper guidance, these side effects can be avoided altogether or be managed appropriately with experience.

Even with simple treatments of medicine and diet, mild side effects can occur if deeply embedded toxins are suddenly mobilized in the body, or if the potency of the medicine (Virya) contradicts with the patient's constitution (Prakriti).

4. We should try alternative therapies like Ayurveda only AFTER Allopathy fails

 

Unfortunately, after many years of typical, symptomatic Allopathic treatment or surgery, many diseases reach a level of chronicity. The effect of long-term prescription medications like steroids completely masks the underlying symptoms of the disease, alters the body's metabolism and completely distorts the body's natural protective reactions to the disease. Treatment at this stage becomes very challenging in any form, and requires even more enthusiasm from the patient to incorporate diet and lifestyle adjustments.

However, when Ayurveda is consistently used as the first line of treatment, we see excellent results as the treatments and medicines not only eradicate the disease from its root, but also enhance the body's level of health and immunity. This approach should always be coupled with diet and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the body's toxic load and maximize removal of wastes.

About the author

Jessica Vellela, BAMS, is a licensed Ayurvedic doctor in India. She was raised in Boston, MA and worked as an IT Consultant for over 10 years before making a life-changing decision to spend 6 years in India to study Ayurveda. She now applies the ancient Purification and Rejuvenation techniques (Pancha Karma and Rasayana) for patients in a classical, methodical and scientific manner to cure disease and greatly improve general health and immunity.

Source : http://www.naturalnews.com

Sarpagandha or Rauwolfia — an effective natural remedy for high BP or hypertension

Traditional medicine practitioners have used Sarpagandha or Rauwolfia in treating insomnia, snakebite and insanity. But in 1931, G. Sen and K.C Bose briefly described the potential effect of Rauwolfia in treating hypertension. Rauwolfia is actually the first Ayurvedic herb recognized by Western medicine.

But how does the herb actually helps reduce blood pressure? 

It was identified that Rauwolfia had the ability to reduce blood pressure due to the presence of an alkaloid called reserpine in its roots. Pharmacologists successfully extracted this alkaloid from the plant, making it the first potent herbal treatment for hypertension.

Mechanism of action of resperine

Certain brain chemicals like dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline are released in the blood stream under physical and emotional stress. These chemicals cause constriction of blood vessels and lead to increased blood pressure, heart rate and metabolism. Now, reserpine acts by reducing the levels of these hormones in the blood stream. This lowers the heart rate and causes the blood vessels to dilate, reducing pressure on the walls of the blood vessels.

How should it be taken?

Sarpagandha is available in powdered and tablet forms. But because of its potent action it should be under the supervision of a doctor. The dose of Sarpagandha you need depends on your age and other health conditions you may be suffering from. Most clinical studies that analysed the effect of Sarpagandha used the dose range between 120 mg and 600 to 900 mg and found it to be safe. But overdose can be dangerous.

Here are some side-effects of Sarphagandha you should know:

Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting

Serious side effects include:

Convulsions
Coma
Impotence
Mental depression
Very slow heartbeat

Source: http://www.thehealthsite.com
Image source:  Rauwolfia serpentina (importantmedicinalherbs.in)

An onion a day keeps the doctor at bay!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. So do onions. Onions are one of the most widely used medicinal vegetable and it dates back to the Mughal Empire in India and the Puranas. The pungent smell of onions are because of all the medicinal contents that it has.
Onions help in keeping the body tones when used with various spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon etc. the oil extracted from onions is very strong and volatile and serves as a medicine for a variety of illnesses. Onions are especially helpful in terrible cold and winters where cold and cough is a common occurrence. Onion oil can help remove the phlegm. The juice extracted from onion can also be rubbed over various body parts or simply the entire body when the temperature gets too cold and the feet and hands get very cold. This juice can also be orally consumed. Ear aches due to extreme cold and exposure to chilly winds can also be healed by putting a couple of drops of onion juice into the ears. On the other hand, in extreme heat during summers where sun strokes are a common occurrence, onions reduces thirst and reduces the harsh effects of the sun on the individual.
The pungent odor of onions also helps in getting an unconscious person back to consciousness when the person is exposed to the fumes. Onion and jaggery with water will help increase the stamina and reduce fatigue due to overworking. It also helps women with painful menstrual cycles by mitigating the pain caused due to the cramps.
Onions thus seem like an all rounder when it comes to treating various ailments.  It is a pity that the prices have drastically shot up these days for the vegetable. But the price you pay for this might just save you the price you may have to pay for your medicines!


Source:www.ayurvednews.com

Karkkidakam - Month of Ayurveda

Karkidakam is the last month of the Malayalam calendar (followed in Kerala), which falls during the month of July or August. With the coming of Karkidakam the monsoon rainfall enters its final phase in Kerala. Traditionally in Kerala, this period of the year is considered most ideal for undergoing Ayurveda based body rejuvenation therapies. The body is considered highly receptive to Ayurveda treatments during this period. There are various types of Ayurveda therapies that people undergo during the Malayalam month ofKarkidakam. And these therapies help an individual to go through the rest of the year by having a recharged and energized body and mind.

Ayurveda, a holistic system that rejuvenates not only the body but also the mind and soul, recommends Rithu Charya. It is the specific observance of diet and lifestyle suitable for each season to defend the body from the lashes of changing seasons. By following a strict routine, we can cancel the effect of the sudden transition from the scorching summer to the cool monsoons.

A vegetarian diet is recommended for this season by Ayurveda practitioners. Ayurveda tackles monsoon-related problems by administering a medicated gruel called karkidaka kanji or oushada kanji (medicinal gruel). Karkkidaka kanji consists of boiled cereals and medicinal plants. Along with njavara rice, 12 to 24 types of medicinal herbs are used in preparing the gruel.

Karkidakam is also the best time for rejuvenation therapies. During the rainy season, the body’s receptivity to medication is at its peak and hence therapies aimed at strengthening the body would be more effective. Karkidaka therapies can not only neutralize many diseases caused by the change in climatic conditions, but also can avoid health problems that spring from the modern way of life and faulty eating habits. Ayurvedic oil therapies and those prescribed under thePanchakarma treatment are recommended during this season for cleansing the body system. The traditional system of Ayurvedic medicines helps us to live in perfect harmony with the nature.


Source: www.keralatourism.org