A comprehensive understanding of Ayurveda requires a detailed look at its long history, from its source to the various interpretations it has been subjected to, through the centuries. The original verses of Ayurveda are said to be derived from the consciousness of Lord Brahma the Creator, and carefully internalized by his disciples. These were passed down among the Gods, until they eventually reached the three Great Sages - Dhanwantari (in his Divodasa avatar), Bharadwaja, and Kashyapa - who setup different schools of treatment and thought on Earth.
In the course of time, Ayurveda branched out into three categories, namely Shalya Chikitsa - Surgery, Kaya Chikitsa - General Medicine, and Kaumarabhritya - Paediatrics. These had a huge influence on the way diseases and ailments were approached and treated, as the Sages sought this knowledge in times of great plague and pestilence.
The third important phase of early Ayurvedic history is marked by the composition of the first medical literature on the subject that was invaluable in disseminating Ayurvedic philosophies and treatments across the world.
Gulikas
Gulikas are tablets dispensed to patients for their ease of consumption. They are made by rolling medicinal pastes into balls and drying them under the sun.
- Chandraprabha is a gulika recommended for the treatment of diabetics, spleen disorders, urinary issues and anaemia (iron deficiency).
- Dhanwantharam is prescribed for ante- and post-natal care. This gulika is also a remedy for asthma, digestive issues and joint aches.
- Hinguvachadi is a solution for all digestion-related issues including acidity, bile imbalance, obesity and lack of appetite as well as breathing-related problems and sinus infections.
- Kaisoragulgulu helps in the treatment of ulcers due to rheumatoid arthritis, ordinary wounds and skin problems.
- Karutha Vattu is ground with milk or oil and applied on swellings and inflammations to heal them, or on the forehead to cure high bouts of fever.
- Marma Gulika is also mixed with milk and butter and applied externally to heal wounds, bruises, cuts, aches and inflammations.
- Yogarajagulgulu is administered for curing skin, blood and joint-related ailments.
Churnas are medicinal powders used for a wide range of treatments. They are prepared by the repeated crushing and sifting of herbs and minerals to achieve a specific consistency.
- Ashta Churna is administered to children worm who suffer from infections and stomach pains. It ensures the smooth functioning of the digestive tract and remedies indigestion issues.
- Avipathy Churna helps patients regain control over their bowel movements. It is also recommended for people suffering from anaemia (iron deficiency) and gastric disorders.
- Dadimashtaka Churna soothes acidic imbalance in the body, helps with digestion and regulates bowel movement.
- Eladigana Churna is used for treating skin ailments such as blemishes and irritations.
- Hinguvachadi Churna is effective in the treatment of a variety of gastric disorders, colon malfunctions, obesity problems, stomach bile issues, as well as urinary and sinus infections.
- Karpooradi Churna remedies mucus problems related to cough and common cold.
- Rajanyadi Churna cures gastric issues and revitalises the body.
Thaila (Thailam), or sesame oil medicated with herbal mixes, is an extremely useful category of Ayurvedic medicine. Its potency can be increased during preparation through the addition of specific ingredients.
- Amruthadi Thaila is recommended for the treatment of conditions ranging from the common cold to rheumatic pains and jaundice.
- Asanavilwadi Thaila helps cure oedema (fluid retention), and all ear, nose and throat disorders.
- Chandanadi Thaila has a cooling effect and is given for the treatment of neural disorders, haemorrhoids, rheumatoid arthritis and burning sensations in the body.
- Karpasasthyadi Thaila is used to alleviate joint aches, pains and the effects of hemiplegia (total or partial paralysis).
- Nagaradi Thaila is used for curing mouth and nose related disorders, and oedema.
- Sahacharadi Thaila relieves pain and numbness, especially in the lower limbs afflicted by rheumatic ailments.
Rejuvenation Therapy
The legendary & Rasayana Chikitsa, or Rejuvenation Therapy, is often considered synonymous with rebirth, for it completely revitalizes the body, eliminating the ill-effects of all previous disorders. Its cleansing effect gives a second lease of life by completely decontaminating the body, mind, and spirit. Rasayana is derived from two separate Sanskrit words: Rasa meaning the "basic essence that nourishes the body," and Ayana meaning "path". Hence, Rasayana stands for a nourishing pathway. Rasayana Chikitsa & is a holistic revitalization therapy aimed at treating nutrient deficiencies, with a focus on the constituent elements of the body.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. The Pancha (Five) Karma (Action) approach to disease prevention is a combination of five tried-and-tested treatment techniques that revitalizes patients by restoring their physical and mental equilibrium. Panchakarma's value lies in the herbal and organic medicines used, which exempts it from the risks of side effects, common to many modern-day drugs. The concept behind it is that a majority of sicknesses are caused by consumed foods and environmental toxins. Panchakarma treatment is unique since it ensures both short-term and long-term well-being of the individual. It scrupulously avoids the instant gratification approach. Shamana and Shodhana are the two categories of rejuvenation therapies practised.
The Panchakarma Procedure
Panchakarma is performed in three stages that methodically lead the body through a variety of therapies. The first stage is Purvakarma, where oleation therapy and induced intense sweating loosen excess doshas and toxins accumulated in the body. In the actual treatment, Pradhanakarma, a specialized treatment is administered to expel impurities, and revitalize the system. The final stage is Paschatkarma, where a rehabilitation plan with diet, rest and lifestyle modifications is prescribed to prevent recurrence of the disease. This post-treatment care sets Ayurveda apart from other fields of medicine.
Specialized Treatments
Ayurveda offers a plethora of unique treatment techniques that can relieve any specific organ-related issues. Raktamokshana is recommended for patients suffering from build-up of toxins in their blood stream. Leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are used in leeching procedure to draw out impure blood through a specially-made incision. This helps treat blood-related deficiencies in the system. Netravasti deals with eye-based disorders. Karnapoorana is a treatment for ear problems and Talapotichil is recommended for hypertension and anxiety issues. Each treatment follows a unique treatment methodology.