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AYURVEDA
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Ayurveda
is
the ancient Indians holistic health science
practised in India 5000 years ago
and developed through centuries long
research works of Sages, who were unfathomed
scholars.
As the term
"Ayurveda" denotes to 'the knowledge of life'
( the science of life and art of living ), it
is not only a system to cure diseases but a
regimen teaching us how to achieve and
maintain "perfect health"
and how to lead our life, physical, mental
and spiritual to attain the bliss of real
meaningful life.
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Based on
the primordial Indian philosophy of " Live and Let
Live" , there are several aspects to ayurveda,
which distinguishes it from contemporary
healthcare system. It focuses on establishing and
maintaining the balance of the life's energies
within us, rather than focusing on individual
symptoms. It recognizes the unique constitutional
differences of all individuals and recommends
different regimens for different types of people.
Although two people may appear to have the same
outward symptoms, their energetic constitutions
may be very different and therefore call for very
different remedies.
Ayurveda
emphasises prevention of disease, rejuvenation of
our body systems, and longevity of life. The
insightful assertion and promise of Ayurveda is
that through certain practices , not only can we
thwart - for example, coronary disorders and make
our migraines disappear but we can also better
understand ourselves and the world around us, live
long healthy lives in balance and harmony, achieve
our fullest potential expressing our true
inner-self on a daily basis.
Ayurveda
pro vides an integrated approach to preventing and
treating illness through lifestyle modification
and natural therapies. It is based on the view
that the diverse elements, forces, and principles
that make up Mother Nature is also evident in
human beings. In Ayurveda, the mind or
consciousness and the body or physical mass not
only complement and influence each other but also
in unison constitutes a human being. The
universal consciousness is a super intelligent
bundle of vivacious energy that helps us perceive
through our five senses of the physical world.
The
central goal of Ayurveda is nothing less than a
state of perfect health, for the individual and
for society and environment as well, in which
every man and woman is inwardly in balance and
outwardly in harmony with the environment and the
laws of nature.
The
fundamental doctrine of ayurveda postulates that
the five eternal elements of Space , Air , Earth ,
Water and Fire known as 'Panchamahabhoota'
comprise the universe. The only additional feature
that living things are credited with is 'Chaithanya'
or spirit/soul.
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Space
: is the place where everything happens.
Air: is
the gaseous form of matter that is both itinerant
and dynamic.
Earth :
represents the solid state of matter.
Water :
characterizes change and represents the liquid
state.
Fire : is
the power to transform solids into liquids, to
gas , and
back again.
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Medicine
'
You are what you eat ' - so much emphasis is given
to the food habits- according to Ayurvedic
principles. Natural herbs are extensively used as
medicines. In fundamental principles of ayurveda,
universe and anything in this universe are
composed of 5 basic elements - earth , water, fire
, air and space. Constitution and attributes of
each material varies according to the difference
in the proportion of these elements- the physical
and chemical traits of each plant and mineral
relys on the correlation of these elements. The
basic principle is made use of in the formulation
of medicine in Ayurveda.
Treatment
The
treatment in Ayurveda is classified primarly into
two - " Samana" and "Sodana". Samana is the
pacifying way of treatment and Sodana-
purificatory which uproots the ailments from the
body. "Samana" includes oral therapy and easier
means of treatment. But "Sodana" treatment is
extensive with days and weeks long procedures to
change a diseased human to the original healthy
man. If done with adequate precautions, periodic
checkups and added care "Sodhana" treatment can
work wonders and this is what happens in India,
especially in Kerala- a centre of attraction for
innumerable visitors from all over the world.
Kerala Specialities
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The
distinct Kerala treatments include :
Pizhichil
(Oil Bath )
Ilakizhi
( Leaf Bundle Massage)
Njavarakizhi ( Rice Bundle Massage
)
Sirodhara
( Medicated Head Bath ) etc.,
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which are widely and
effectively employed in the management of chronic
severe ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis,
paralysis , facial palsy , motor neuron diseases , ankylosing spondylitis , multiple sclerosis ,
various spine and brain diseases , gastric or
peptic ulcers etc.
Since
these intense treatments need meticulous care ,
recurrent inspections , trained persons to perform
the treatment and ample facilities,
hospitalization is necessary, where nursing care
and doctor's presence give more confidence to the
patients. Ayurveda cares for mental and physical
satisfaction of the patient. So these treatments
are done in those with peace of mind or they have
to be made so before starting the treatment.
"Healthy
mind exists in a hearty body", Ayurveda believes.
Mental aberrations can lead to ill health and vice
versa.
Admittance for treatment is with prior
reservation.
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