Ayurveda is a system of Indian medicine now
practiced all over the world as a complementary system. Around 1500 BC
ayurveda was delineated into two distinct ayurveda schools: AtreyaThe
School of Physicians, and DhanvantariThe School of Surgeons.
Ayurveda literally means The science of Life . And it follows that
prevention of disease , promotion of health and longetivity are given
the requisite importance in addition to the curative aspect.
Ayurveda has its mention in one of the oldest (about 6,000 years old )
texts of the Hindu Religion, the Rig Veda. According to this " The
threebody, mind and soulare like a tripod, the world stand by their
combination; in them everything abides. The verses of Rig Veda, from
which we get the earliest source of ayurveda, refer to the five basic
elements of the entire creation.
The most fascinating aspect of Ayurveda is, that it uses almost all
methods of healing like lifestyle regimen, yoga, aromatherapy ,
meditation, gems, amulets, herbs, diet, jyotish or astrology , color and
surgery in treating patients.
According to records ,evidences show that Ayurveda had nurtured almost
all the medical systems of the world. The Egyptians learnt about
Ayurveda long before the invasion of Alexander in the 4th century BC
through their sea-trade with India. Greeks and Romans too came to know
about it after their famous invasion. The Unani form of medical school
came out of this interaction.
It spread to the East through Buddhism and monks who came to Nalanda and
Pataliputra , India , the birth place of Gautama Buddha, after which it
greatly influenced the Tibetan and Chinese system of medicine and
herbology.
Ayurveda,being one of the most ancient body of knowledge on health is
not confined to medicine only, it covers the whole subject of life in
its various ramifications. It discusses the purpose of life, the
importance of mental as well as physical health.
To quote its philosophy " He alone can remain healthy, who regulates his
diet, exercise and recreation, controls his sensual pleasures, who is
generous ...."
With the rising rate of pollution and processed foods, the health graph
is taking a nose dive. It is therefore natural for people to opt for
something that is simple and can be used everyday with no side effects
and helps you remain healthy and fit.
Ayurveda as a school of medicine comprehends body, mind and spirit in a
single view and has specific methods for working on each thereby
dividing people into three categories Vaata (air), Pitta (fire) and
Kapha (water)
Ayurvedic therapies as we mentioned earlier are multifaceted use of
colors, gems, aromas and at a higher mental and spiritual level Vedic
Mantras. They are all used to reduce stress and restore balance and
health.
Some of the methods used in Ayurvedic form of treatment include
Litening to Calming music,
Gentle massage of the body with sesame or almond oil,
Moderate use of spices and Occasional fasting ,
Massaging the head or hair gently with cocnut or sunflower oil,
Using Sweet fragrances of jasmine, rose and sandalwood,
Gentle exercise, swimming, brisk walk and hot tubs,
Meditation in peaceful and calming atmosphere...
The above methods help in releasing stress, pent up anger and resentment
and has a calming effect on our nerves. It also helps a person to
control his temper and giving a patient hearing to other peoples views.
Many unhappy individuals with tragic past are able to move on with
their life when they practice Ayurvedic method of Physical, mental and
spiritual healing...
Some Ayurvedic Tips
Drinking plenty of warm or hot water which helps in strenghthening the
digestive system and reducing metabolic waste.
Exercise is an important aspect of Ayurvedic form of medication.One has
to be regular and since Yoga too is an integral part of Indian
philosophy a lot of stress is laid on performing Yogic aasanas.
Eating a balanced meal at regular hours . The last meal or dinner
should be eaten at least 3-4 hours before bed time. It is recommended
that at no time should we overeat which in itself is very stressful for
our system
Sleep for at least 7-8 hours each day and try not to sleep during day
time which leads to lethargy unless one is very tired or not keepiing
good health.
Cleansing and taking a bath is an important element of Ayurveda.
Massaging the body with warm oil and gently washing it off with a mild
cleanser is considered very soothing for both body and mind.
Basically Ayurveda is all about Living in tune with the laws of the
nature. The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to prevent diseases before
they occur. Ayurveda is all about living in tune with the laws of Nature

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