Ayurveda:
The Most Ancient Medical Science

       Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means ”knowledge of life.” It is an ancient indigenous medical science of the Hindu culture, more than five thousand years old. It has been said that the Vedic sciences are really “one integral science, with many windows.” Like many others, this gem of the old Indian civilization is dazzling even today, perhaps more brightly than at any time in the history of mankind. It has come to occupy a position of dignity and honor, which was long overdue. There are number of ayurvedic centers, which now command a health-conscious, nature-loving, and sophisticated clientele. In recent years, ayurveda has become quite popular in the United States due to the great influence of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Dr. Deepak Chopra. Ayurveda is fast becoming an integral part of many spas, yoga centers, and wellness clinics all over the West.

       The ayurveda system is based more on promotion of the physical, mental, and spiritual well being and balance than on treatment of illness. Modern medicine has long paid attention to the pathological state of various ailments and has been primarily concerned with treatment of the disease and symptoms. Ayurveda, on the other hand, treats the whole being, going to the root cause of the discomfort and its aggravation and giving a basic plan of action for disease prevention. Modern medicine recently has turned its direction toward preventive aspects, thanks to the lead given by ayurveda and other allied alternative systems.

       Ayurveda is based on the principle of universal spirituality. Ancient Rishis of India conceived that our cosmos is made of five basic elements of matter: space, air, fire, water, and earth. Man, too, is made from these five basic elements. According to the modern science of physics, all matter is made of molecules and atoms. More recently, studies have revealed that these atoms may be further reduced to the minutest quantum fluff, which may be ten million to one hundred million times smaller than the smallest of atoms. At the quantum level, energy and matter are transferable; the particles move constantly. At that level, the rock on a mountain is no more a static and immovable entity, but there is a lot of quantum activity going on. The matter and energy are not destructible. These may change shape and form but in reality, they do not decrease or increase. Thus, we may be breathing the very same air that our ancestors breathed five thousand years ago—or perhaps even five million years ago.110 The same may be true of the water and the earth.

       Hindu Rishis have often considered the whole cosmos as unreal and illusory—maya. The changing patterns at the minutest level of the quantum fluff pose the illusory concept, and modern science seems to endorse this, as English physicist and mathematician Sir James Jean writes, “The universe begins to look more like a great thought than a great machine.”111 Ayurveda upholds the power of the mind and its significance.

        Ayurveda asserts that true healing power lies in the mind at the quantum level. The interaction of the body humors, called doshas, determines the physical as well as the mental makeup of an individual. The therapy is essentially directed at wholesome vegetarian food, a righteous and pure living style, and natural healing remedies. A long and healthy life is essentially linked to a moral and ethical lifestyle that promotes peace of mind.

       Ayurveda maintains that human beings are classified in three major groups according to their dosha as: vata: space + air; pitta: fire + water; and kapha: water + earth.
     Vata types, like their constituents of space and air, move quickly and lightly. When vata is aggravated, it brings on the vata qualities of being dry, rough, and mobile, because water is not a part of them. In such cases, people are more likely to suffer from anxiety, insomnia, nervous disorders, arthritis, and constipation. People dominated by vata are high-strung, creative, restless, and prone to high blood pressure. They spend their energies quickly.112 All vata therapies must be directed toward nurturing, moistening, and calming. They may benefit from good rest and sleep. They should avoid over-stimulation and emotionally tense situations. Foods may be warm, tasty, spiced, and with plenty of warm fluids. Vata types should avoid iced drinks, sodas, caffeine, and dry, rough foods. Heavy oils, such as sesame, may be used for massage. Meditation, pranic breathing, and calming and grounding yoga exercises would play a major part in balancing vata.
     Pitta types constitute the fire and water and are hot, sharp, and acidic. They are of medium bone structure, muscular, and can gain or lose weight easily. They are pink and oily in complexion. They are irritable and impatient in temperament but are forceful and aggressive in nature. They spend their energies moderately. All pitta therapies should be cooling and calming. They should avoid over-exertion, as they may burn out. They must relax in nature. They are ambitious and have drive. They have a sharp intellect and are prone to anger. They also are prone to rashes, inflammation, and ulcers. They must plan to cool down. Foods that are sweet, bitter and astringent, cooling, and alkaline in nature, such as fruits and juices, would be recommended. Alcohol, tobacco, and coffee must be avoided. Hot spices may be reduced. Massage with cool and light oils, such as coconut and sunflower. Calming asanas (yogic postures) are useful.
  Kapha types likewise are made of water and earth and are heavy, oily, cold, and steady. They are strong and tend to gain weight easily. They have a heavy and prolonged sleep. They are usually easygoing. They are self-centered but are also loyal and steady. They are lethargic in nature. They spend slowly, and tend to save.      All therapies are directed toward reducing, stimulating, and drying. They must plan to keep themselves active, as they have a tendency to become sluggish and slow. They are also more vulnerable to colds, congestion, and diabetes. Dry massage or light oil, such as mustard, may be used. Stimulating asanas (yogic postures) are advised.
     Such an extensive and thorough presentation of the various characteristics of different types of mental and physical personalities, along with their treatment strategies, offers a shining glimpse of the most versatile mind of the ancient Hindu Rishis.
     This classification, however, is not absolute. Combinations of various doshas with dominance of any one may exist. A proper evaluation by an expert would be helpful. Special panchakarma treatment schedules are prescribed in the ayurveda system, which include an individual customized diet, laxatives, herbal oil massages, sweat therapy, enemas, and nasal irrigations.

     Ayurveda stresses moderate eating—avoiding an excess of food, especially unnatural and dead food.
     In ayurveda, as in all other Hindu philosophies, the main emphasis is on the spiritual aspect. A person is taught to look within, to contemplate, to meditate, to tune himself to the divine wisdom, and to balance in harmony, wherever he finds fault and shortcoming. To achieve this balance and harmony is the main task of an ayurvedic specialist. His role, however, remains that of a guide; the person concerned has to do most of the work himself
     Ayurveda emphasizes that there needs to be perfect harmony and balance among all human beings, lower animals, and even nature. We must learn to nurture, rather than to antagonize each other. In practical terms, it inspires the mind to become pure, benevolent, and always non-harming. It promotes the mind to be at its very noblest. Modern medicine has slowly started to accept the beneficial effects of this spiritual science. It has already accepted the beneficial contribution of yoga and meditation. Undoubtedly, the future holds many exciting possibilities for this ancient system of medical science.

_ ___ ________________________ ___ _

• Kindly forward the link www.hinduismpath.com to your contacts, who may want to read this book. All 65 chapters are uploaded on the web site.

• For any comments and inquiries:
  • email info@hinduismpath.com
  • visit Contact Us