FAQ on Ayurveda

:: What is Ayurveda?
:: What is the fundamental principle of Ayurveda?
:: What are the functions of the three doshas ?
:: What is meant by the term Prakrithi ?
:: How can I understand my prakrithi and what is its importance?
:: What is the role of mind in Ayurveda ?
:: How is health defined in Ayurveda ?
:: Are there any tips to attain physical and mental well being?
:: What are the nidhana [causes] for diseases according to Ayurveda ?
:: Is it just by nadi pareeksha (Examination of Pulse) that a ayurvedic doctor diagnoses a disease?
:: Could I know more about the fundamental classifications and lines of treatment that is followed in Ayurveda ?
:: Could you describe panchakarma practices briefly ?
:: Are ayurvedic massages [abhyangham, pizhichil etc] part of the panchakarma ?
:: Could you elaborate a bit more on Kerala’s special ayurvedic procedures?
:: Is there any relationship  between sareera[physical] and manasika[mental]vikaras [diseases] ?
:: Should I change my life style ,diet etc while taking ayurvedic treatments ?
:: Can I take my allopathic medicines along with ayurvedic treatment?
:: Will ayurvedic treatment help me reduce my weight and make me free from associated risks like heart ailments, hypertension, diabetes?
:: Could I know a little more about samana chikitsa [palliative treatment] in Ayurveda ?

What is Ayurveda ?
The word Ayurveda comprises 2 Sanskrit words, viz.  Ayur meaning life and veda meaning knowledge. So Ayurveda contains the knowledge of life in its entirety and is more than a mere system of medicine or treatment methodology or philosophy as it is understood today.
                               This ancient Indian body of knowledge explained in the Atharva Veda  lays down the steps to accomplish a healthy physical  mental and spiritual life balance  in harmony with nature.

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What is the fundamental principle of Ayurveda ?
The great science is build upon the fundamental principle of three doshas, ”vatha, pitha, kapha” which are formed by the infinite permutations and combinations of Pancha bhoothas “prithvi (earth),app (water), tejas (fire), vayu (air) and  akasha (ether)”.

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What are the functions of the three doshas ?
In fact, all The various physiological functions like control and coordination of nervous system, digestion, metabolism, growth and nourishment can be attributed to vatha,  pitha and kapha.

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What is meant by the term  Prakrithi ? 
Prakrithi is nothing but ones body constitution and is determined by the dosha, which manifest dominantly or in combinations.

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How can I understand my prakrithi and what is its importance?
Each individual is unique in physic [height and weight] skin colour, tastes and, moreover,  moods, reaction to a given situation etc due to one’s unique prakrithi. The correct assessment and awareness of prakrithi helps one to have a clear idea about the kind of diet, exercises, sleep, sex etc   that one should follow which is conducive to health and well-being.  The knowledge of prakrithi also helps to treat one’s diseases from their roots.  One can assess one’s Prakriti  by consulting  a qualified  Ayurvedic physician.

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What is the role of mind in Ayurveda ?
The  role and function of mind is beyond its simple correlation with the nervous system or  the upper motor neurons. This can be conveyed by a simple example. At times of stress, while hurrying for an appointment or when worrying about something, you might have searched in vain for something you had left on the desk.  Someone else easily retrieves it for you though you yourself might not be able to locate it despite repeated searches.

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How is health defined in Ayurveda ?
Health is defined as the state of balance of the three doshas and  saptha dhathus
[Rasa(Plasma),Raktha(Blood),Mamsa(Muscles),Medas(Fat),Asthi(Bone),Majja(Bone marrow),Sukla(Semen)]  the state where physiological functions like absorption assimilation and  excretion are proper,  functioning of sense organs is proper,  and the state of mental and spiritual well-being exist.

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Are there any tips to attain physical and mental well being?
Acharya (teacher) details this in the chapter” Dina charya” (daily routines) starting from “brahma muhurthe uthistte swasthe rakshartha ayushaha” (Getting up at the Brahma Muhurtham [An ideal time between 4.00am-6.00am(before sunrise),to harmonise your mind and body with calm nature ] protects health throughout one’s life .Triads of life[Food, Sleep, Sex] and the daily practices one could incorporate even amidst his busy life.  Jeevaniyam helps you figure out a time-table that fits in well with your busy, urbanized life while following the best practices enshrined in the texts. 

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What are the nidhana [causes] for diseases according to What is Ayurveda ?
Acharya details “KALA ARTHA KARMA DOSHANAM, HEENA MITHYA, ADHIYOGA” as the root cause of disease.
By this he means all practice of an individual ignoring once prakrithi, seasonal changes, stamina, triads of life[food, sleep, sex], improper use of jnanendriya[sense organs], and karmendriya[hand, feet, etc..], karma doshas[unethical practices]as the nidhanam of rogas[diseases].

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Is it just by nadi pareeksha (Examination of Pulse) that a ayurvedic doctor diagnoses a disease?
Nadi paareeksha is only one among the asthavidha  pareeksha (eight observations).  An  Ayurvedic physician comes to a professional diagnosis by the help of panchanidhanakam [Nidhanam(root cause of disease), Lakshanam[Symptoms], Poorva roopam[Pre dormant stage], Roopam[Clinical presentation], Samprapthi[clinical diagnosis]) , asthavidha pareeksha[Examination of  pulse,  feacal matter,  urine,  eyes, nose, ears,  tongue,  skin] and dasa vidhapareeksha Dooshyam[A clear understanding of the state of three doshas, and saptha dathus, desam (inhabitance), balam[stamina], kalam[climate], agni[appetite], vayaha[age], prakrithi[body constitution], sathvam[mental status], sathmyam [one that is compatible]. enumerated in the classics.

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Could I know more about the fundamental classifications and lines of treatment that is followed in Ayurveda ?
Since Ayurveda ? is both a medicinal science as well as a way of life, it treats at two levels: 
1.Swasthasya oorjaskaram [For the healthy individual, to maintain the balance of threedoshas,and promote ojas(potentialities, and vital energy)] is sub-divided into:
 a. Rasayanam (immuno therapy) – consisting of jeevaniya (regenerative) drugs given in various forms, as food supplements, to improve immunity and ojas.
b. Vajeekaranam-consisting of jeevaniya drugs in various combinations to improve libido and also treat sex-related disorders like infertility, impotence, low sex drive and other associated problems.
2.Athurasya roganut [For the diseased, to get free from their ailments], is divided into:
a.Samana [palliative treatment]
b. sodana [curative treatments, cleansing therapy,  panchakarma]

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Could you describe panchakarma practices briefly ?
Pancha Karma consists of the following five procedures:

Susrutha describes

1. nasyam –applying medicated oil or ghee in a particular manner through the nostril ,leading to the expellation of excess sputum in the sinus upper respiratory tract and freeing you from  chronic sinusitis, migraine etc.

 2.Vamana [induced vomiting therapy] enables the patient to expel the excess kapha [sputum] in the lungs and makes you feel lighter. You are also freed from the attacks of wheezing and  asthma through this procedure.

3. Virechna (purgation) where drugs given in various forms enable one to eliminate indigested matter, toxins on account of   food pollutants etc.  Excess pitha and kapha are drained out along with fecal matter. This is an excellent procedure for paithika vikaras.

4. Vasthi- Medicated oil or kashaya is ingested like in enema. An excellent treatment for vatha related diseases like low back pain, disc prolapse etc.

5. Raktha moksha [blood letting] –Letting out impure blood from the peripheral blood vessels using leech [jalukavacharanam].  Prachanam cures you from pitha and raktha associated diseases, especially skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema etc).

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Are ayurvedic massages [abhyangham, pizhichil etc] part of the panchakarma?              Abhyangam, pizhichil etc have become quite popular as ayurvedic massages. They are part of  the sneha swedana chikitsa (Detoxification, and rejuvenative therapy at the same time)  which were  contributions of  a group of acharyas from Kerala.   These procedures enable us to get rid of the toxins, correct metabolism, reduce aging process, regain lost vital energy and also give a total relaxation of mind and body.

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Could you elaborate a bit more on Kerala’s special ayurvedic procedures?



1. Dhara –Systematically dripping of medicated oil on the forehead from the dhara pot, in a rhythmic manner.  Heals both mind and body, frees your mind from all worries, tensions, stress and lulls you into a sound sleep.  Effective in conditions like hair loss, dandruff, mental disturbances etc.

2.Abhyangham- Whole body massage with medicated oil. Pressure is applied which gives complete relaxation of body and improves blood circulation.

3.Elakizhi (herbal massage) –Massage with roasted herbs, packed into a muslin bag and dipped in warm oil. Benefits- eliminate toxins, corrects metabolism, reduces aging process etc.  Excellent procedure for rheumatic ailments and aging-related problems.

4.Navara kizhi -An ayurvedic massage using a cloth pouch containing a special cereal called navara, boiled in milk and certain ayurvedic decotions. Benefits - corrects muscle tone and strength,  builds up muscles, improves digestive power, potentialities of organs, etc.

5. udwarthanam - Body massage with certain drugs that are  dried and powdered. Excellent procedure to deplete excess fat without any side-effect.
 
6. Pizhichil - Continuous dripping of oil from the right thumb of the therapist  and massage with left hand.  Benefits - Gives strength to sensory and motor neurons, corrects deep and peripheral circulation.

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Is there any relationship  between sareera[physical] and manasika[mental]vikaras [diseases] ?
Ayurveda considers sareera and manasika vikaras as inter-related. Any disease which first disturbs the vibration of the mind has its impact on the physical level and vice versa.   For eg.,  a skin lesion on your face might create negative thoughts and at times lead to depression.

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Should I change my life style ,diet etc while taking ayurvedic treatments ?
The change of life style, diet regulations [pathyam]  are meant for ameliorating your disease conditions and not for improving the efficacy of the prescribed medicine. So,  it is in your own interest  to follow these restrictions so as to free your mind and body from the ailments tormenting you.

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Can I take my allopathic medicines along with ayurvedic treatment?
Of course you can continue your allopathic medicines along with ayurvedic treatments but make sure you discuss it with your Ayurvedic doctor and get his consent.

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Will ayurvedic treatment help me reduce my weight and make me free from associated risks like heart ailments, hypertension, diabetes?
The treatment, along with life style changes and Yoga exercises will surely enable you to reduce weight.   For more details, please see  (link) testimonials.

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Could I know a little more about samana chikitsa [palliative treatment] in Ayurveda ?
Samana chikitsa is carried out giving medicines in the form of kashayas [decotion] choornam[powder], arishtta etc  These medicines may contain natural drugs as well as heavy metals [rasa oushadhas] so one should take Ayurvedic medicines only after consulting with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.

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