Ayurveda | Basic Principles | Key Therapeutic Approaches

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focusing on balance of body, mind, and spirit through natural therapies and herbs.

Ayurveda, one of the oldest codified medical systems, dates back over 3,000 years. Major texts include:
Charaka Samhita – Focuses on internal medicine.
Sushruta Samhita – Emphasizes surgery and anatomy.
Ashtanga Hridaya – A comprehensive guide on Ayurvedic principles and treatments.

Panchamahabhuta Theory:
- Everything in the universe, including the human body, is composed of five elements:
- Earth (Prithvi)
- Water (Aap)
- Fire (Tejas)
- Air (Vayu)
- Ether/Space (Akasha)
Tridosha Concept:
- Balance of three biological energies governs health:
- Vata (Air + Ether): Controls movement, circulation, and nerve impulses.
- Pitta (Fire + Water): Manages digestion, metabolism, and transformation.
- Kapha (Earth + Water): Maintains structure, lubrication, and tissue growth.
- Imbalance among doshas leads to diseases.
Sapta Dhatus (Seven Body Tissues):
- Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (marrow/nervous tissue), Shukra/Artava (reproductive tissue).
Ojas & Prakriti:
- Ojas: The essence of all dhatus, linked to vitality and immunity.
- Prakriti: Individual’s unique constitution, guiding personalized treatment.

Shodhana (Cleansing): Panchakarma detoxification methods (Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Raktamokshana).
Shamana (Palliative Care): Use of herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes to balance doshas.
Pathya-Apathya (Diet & Lifestyle Guidance): Preventive healthcare through daily routines (Dinacharya) and seasonal regimens (Ritucharya).