Ayurveda The traditional Indian system of Medicine

Ayurveda is one of the ancient systems of Medicine. Its origin is in Indian subcontinent. It is the oldest continuously practiced system of medicine and it still have its imporatance. This systems consider man as a part of nature itself and treatment are based on this assumption. It uses medicines that are got from the nature itself. It is most widely used and practiced in India, Nepal, Srilanka and there are a lot of Western people who believes in this treatment.

Ayurveda is being practiced from prevedic period of 5000BC onwards. Charak samhitha and Sushruta Samhita are two classical Ayurvedic texts which were written around 1000BC. Rigveda and Atharva veda also discuss about this type of medicinal system. In Indian Epics also Ayurveda has its importance. In Both Ramayana and Mahabharatha the Medicinal plants are given their importance.

Ayurveda means ‘knowledge of a long living' or ‘Wisdom for living'. Ayurvedic treatment is not only based on physical condition but also give importance to astrological and environmental features such as seasons and weathers. In ayurveda the main priority is to the levels of energy(prana). There are 5 elements which is known as ‘panchabootha' by which all matters are made up of. They are Water, Fire, Earth, Air and Ether (space). Our senses are also five (‘Pancha Indriya'). Each of this senses correspondes to these five elements. They together give rise to 3 doshas Kapha, Vata, and Pitta. Each of this Doshas affect specific parts of body like Kapha affect lungs and chest.

In Ayurveda the detection of disease is based on the Doshas actually they are finding the imbalance in Doshas and this is the diagnosing technique. Person's life style has important affet in the balance of Doshas, hence it is much compelled that the patient have to follow some diet instructions given by the doctor like should not eat oily foods. Some exercises are also reffered.

For people who wish to study ayurveda, ayurveda classes are available mainly in kerala. It is also a professional degree course in kerala.