AYURVEDA
AYURVEDA CONCEPTS AHAR VIHAR ASHTANG AYURVEDA
Diseases Chyavanaprasha Agada Tantra
Ayurveda Basics Ayurvedic Rasayanas Kaumara Bhritya
Dhatu Pippali Rasayana Graha Chikitsa
Doshas Rasayana Therapy Rasayana Chikitsa
Mala Triphala Rasayana Kayachikitsa
Shalakya Tantra Shalya Chikitsa Vrishya Chikitsa
NIDAN AYURVEDIC HERBOLOGY
PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT
Ayurveda Pareeksha Effects of Ayurvedic Herbs Purification Therapy Basti Karma
Pratyaksha Types of Ayurvedic Herbs Nasya Karma
Darshana
Significance of Ayurvedic
Herbs Raktamoksha Therapy
Anumana Properties of Ayurvedic Herbs Vamana Therapy
Sparshana Virechana Therapy
PERSONAL HYGIENE PRASUTI TANTRA PRAKRUTI & VIKRUTI
Public Svasthavrtta Fetal Development Prakruti
Ritucharya Menopause Sharirik Doshas
Ayurvedic Diet Post Partum Disorders Vikruti
Science of Ayurveda Garbhini Vyakaran Ayurveda Basics
Tripods
KAUMARBHRUTYA
PRINCIPLES OF
AYURVEDA DINCHARYA
Child Care Bhaijasya Kalpana Ancient Daily Regime
Importance of Breast Milk Ayurvedic Prakruti Modern Dincharya
Child Diet Rasa Shastra
Dhatri Shalakya Tantra
I. AYURVEDA CONCEPTS
Ayurveda is a vast medicinal science. It is said to have been originated in India about 5000 years back. Unlike other medicinal systems, Ayurveda focuses more on healthy living than treatment of diseases. The main concept of Ayurveda is that it personalizes the healing process. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of four basics-the dosha, dhatu, mala and agni. There is immense significance of all these basics of the body in Ayurveda. These are also called the Mool Siddhant or the basic fundamentals of Ayurvedic treatment.
Basic Concepts Of Ayurveda
i. Dosha : The three vital principles of doshas are vata, pitta and kapha, which together regulate and
control the catabolic and anabolic metabolism. The main function of the three doshas is to carry the byproduct of digested foods throughout the body, which helps in building up the body tissues. Any malfunction in these doshas causes disease.
ii. Dhatu : Dhatu can be defined, as one, which supports the body. There are seven tissue systems in
the body. They are as Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Mjja and Shukra which represent the plama, blood, muscle, fat tissue, bone, bone marrow and semen respectively. Dhatus only provide the basic nutrition to the body. And it helps in the growth and structure of mind.
iii. Mala : Mala means waste products or dirty. It is third in the trinity of the body i.e. doshas and dhatu. There are three main types of malas, e.g. stool, urine and sweat. Malas are mainly the waste products of the body so their proper excretion from the body is essential to maintain the proper health of the individual. There are mainly two aspect of mala i.e. mala and kitta. Mala is about waste
products of the body whereas kitta is all about the waste products of dhatus.
iv. Agni : All kinds of metabolic and digestive activity of the body takes place with the help of the biological fire of the body called Agni. Agni can be termed as the various enzymes present in the elementary canal, liver and the tissue cells.
1. DISEASES
Disease is defined as the state of mind wherein a person experiences discomfort, pain and injury. Fundamentally, a disease is caused by the imbalance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. However, the diseases are also categorized into those that can be cured and the one that cannot be cured by Ayurvedic treatment. Moreover, the texts of Ayurveda suggest that diseases are also classified according to the underlying cause - whether it is psychological, physiological or an external factor. In this article, we have briefly discussed the various types of diseases, as suggested by
Ayurveda.
Types Of Ayurveda Diseases
i. Samanyaj Vyadhi: Samanyaj vyadhi arises when there is an imbalance of one or all the Doshas. It
is caused due to disequilibrium of any one, two or three Doshas. For instance, Anemia can be caused due to the disequilibrium of either of Vata, Pitta or Kapha Dosha or all of them.
ii. Nanatmaj: This disease is caused due to disequilibrium of one particular Dosha. Some of the most
common nanatmaj vyadhis are grudhrasi (sciatica), Kamala (jaundice), Medorog (obesity), each being caused due to the vitiation of Vata, Pitta, Kapha Doshas, respectively.
entrance of a foreign body, into the system.
iv. Nijroga: A person suffers from nijroga vyadhi, when all the three Doshas become imbalanced. v. Manas: A person tends to suffers manas vyadhi, when the Doshas interfere with the functioning of
his/her nervous system.
vi. Sadhya: Diseases that can be cured are often referred to as sadhya, in ayurveda. Sadhya is further
divided into following two categories - Sukhasadhya and Kruchchhasadhya. Sukhasadhya refers to diseases, which are easily curable within a short span of time. On the other hand, Kruchchhasadhya are those diseases, which are curable with difficulty.
vii. Asadhya: Asadhya, as the name suggests, is exactly opposite to sadhya. A disease is referred to as
asadhya in Ayurveda, if it is incurable. Asadhya is further divided into two categories - Yapya and Anukarma. In yapya, the treatments or remedies applied afford relief to the patient, but within a short span, relapse again. Such type of disease can be controlled only at the time of medication. On the other hand, Anukarma is irredeemable, that is, remedies applied to it, in no way, give relief to the patient.
viii. Aadi- Bala Pravritta: Genetically predisposed diseases are often referred to as Aasi-bala
pravritta, in Ayurveda.
ix. Janma- Bala: The congenital diseases are known as janma-bala in Ayurveda.
x. Sanghata-bala: If the disease is traumatic, then it is referred to as sanghata-bala in Ayurveda. xi. Kala - Bala: The seasonal or time linked diseases are referred to as kala-bala in Ayurveda.
xii. Daiva -Bala: It is a popular belief that people also suffer from the possession of demons or Gods.
Such diseases also find place in Ayurveda. They are known as daiva-bala.
xiii. Svabhava -Bala: Certain diseases occur due to the natural changes in the body of the person. If a
patient incurs such a problem, then he/she would be suffering from a disease, known as svabhava- bala in Ayurveda.
xiv. Nija: In the texts of Ayurveda, the endogenous diseases caused due to disorder in Doshas are
referred to as nija.
xv. Agantuja: Injuries may be the prime reasons for the occurrence of diseases. Such diseases, caused
by external reasons (injuries in this case) are known as agantuja, in Ayurveda.
xvi. Sharirik: Certain physiological disturbances may be prevalent in a person, if he/she is suffering
from a disease. In such a case, the disease would be referred to as sharirik.
xvii. Manasik: Manasik diseases are exactly opposite to sharirik diseases. According to the texts in
Ayurveda, a person is said to be suffering from manasik disease, if he/she is affected by psychological disturbances.
2. AYURVEDA BASICS
Ayurveda is an ancient medicine system of the Indian subcontinent. The word Ayurveda has been a conjugation of two Sanskrit words ayus, meaning 'life' and veda, meaning 'science', thus ayurveda literally means the 'science of life'. Unlike other traditional medicinal systems, Ayurveda is more focused on simple and logical therapies. It is in
fact a set of practical and simple guidelines for long
life and good health. The basic feature of this medicinal therapy is the internal harmony of various body parts as well as body’s harmony with the surrounding nature and environment. Ayurveda is contemporary times is recognized by the western world to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
The Origin
The existence of Ayurvedic medicinal therapy can be traced back to the origins of Vedas- Atharveda in particular. It is said that the Sushruta Samhita, the main text book of Ayurvedic medicine system written by famous Vaidya Sushruta appeared during the 1st millennium BCE. The other famous book for Ayurvedic studies is ‘Charak Samhita’, the one written by another famous Vaidya of ancient India, Charak. It is said that in ancient era, Ayurveda was one of the most advance medicinal therapies with the prescribed treatment for complex ailments like angina pectoris, diabetes, hypertension, stones as well as surgeries like plastic surgery, cataract surgery and anal fistulas.
The Branches
Unlike other traditional medicinal therapies, Ayurveda believes in specialized treatment. It branches itself into eight different categories to deal with eight different kinds of ailments. The Kaaya cikitsaa, Baala cikitsaa, Graha Chikitsa, S`aalakya tantra, Agada tantra, Rasayan Tantra, Vajeekarana cikitsaa and the S`alya tantra are the eight different branches of Ayurveda dealing with internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, treatment of head and neck, toxicology, rejuvenation therapy, reproductive medicines and surgery.
Practical Guidelines
Other than mere treatment of ailments, Ayurveda also suggests practical guidelines for living healthy. It asks for striking balance between three substances: wind/spirit/air, phlegm, and bile, each
representing divine forces necessary for a healthy body, mind or soul. Ayurveda also suggests
consumption of right kind of diet. The suggestions for diet in Ayurvedic texts range from preparation and consumption of food, to healthy routines for day and night, sexual life, and rules for ethical conduct.
Ayurveda stresses on moderation in food intake, sleep, sexual intercourse and the intake of medicine. Most of the time, Ayurveda suggests the use of vegetable drugs; however the use of animal product and minerals in the ayurvedic treatment are also not uncommon. Hundreds of vegetable drugs like cardamom and cinnamon are used in the treatment of various kinds of ailments. Animal products like milk, bones and gallstones and minerals like sulfur, arsenic, lead, copper sulfate and gold are also used in ayurvedic medicines.
3. DHATU
Dhatu are basically the body tissues which are responsible for the functioning of the systems and organs and the structure of the body. Each of the Dhatus is built out of a previous one and they develop on the nourishment that comes from the digestive system. They are basically the result of the
action of catalysts that convert one tissue to another. The sole purpose of metabolism is to assemble proper ‘Dhatus’ together in synchronization with which they carry out their role as the field of physiological activity.
Seven Dhatus Of Ayurveda
Dhatu is originally a Sanskrit word which means ‘that which enters into the formation of the body’; the root Daa means ‘support’ or ‘that which bears’.It is thus said to be the the base of growth and survival. According to Ayurveda, there are seven basic types of dhatus in a human body. These seven basic dhatus are composed of five mahabhutas. These dhatus remain inside the human body in a proper equilibrium so that the body can function properly. It is said that any kind of disturbance or imbalance in their equilibrium causes ailments and diseases. The seven dhatus are as follows:
i. Rasa (Plasma) : Rasa literally means ‘sap’ or ‘juice’. The primary function of ‘Rasa’ is to
strengthen ‘rakta’ (blood) and provide nourishment. Basically, the tissue fluids consist of lymph and blood plasma. Accessory tissues are the breast milk and the menstrual blood.
ii. Rakta (Blood) : Rakta Dhatu is said to be constituted from the metabolic refinement of the Rasa
Dhatu. The primary function of the Rakta Dhatu is the nourishment of the body. It is also said to be the preserver of life.
iii. Mansa (Muscles) : It is formed from the rasa and rakta dhatu and said to be the basic cover of
bone and structure of body.
iv. Meda (Fat) : Meda Dhatu are the finer part of the mansa dhatu that are also known as fatty tissue.
They keep the lubrication between the various body organs and help the body in maintaining right internal temperature.
v. Asthi (Bone) : Asthi i.e bones are the finer essence of the Meda Dhatu, which are converted into the
most solid form of the Dhatus. They give the basic structure to the body.
vi. Majja (Bone marrow) : Majja is the finer essence of the Asthi Dhatu. It is basically a semi- solid
substance, yellow and red in color. Its primary function is filling the bone. It is also found inside the brain and spinal cord.
vii. Shukra (Reproductive fluid or Semen) : Sukra is produced from the most refined essence of the
Bone Marrow. It is the cause of Ojas, which is actually the essence of all the seven Dhatus. The Shukra is responsible for vitality and energy of the body.
4. DOSHAS
Doshas play a vital role in the basic foundation of Ayurveda. They are responsible for coordinating and directing all the substances and structures of the body. According to Ayurveda there are three vital principles, which regulate and control the biological functions of the body. They are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. They are the subtle forms of the three bhutas -air, fire and water. It is very important
to maintain a proper balance between the three as any disturbance or imbalance in their equilibrium can lead to several kinds of ailments and diseases.
Three Doshas Of Ayurveda
The three doshas in Ayurveda - vata dosha, pitta dosha and kapah doah, are invariably connected with life as it is found that the dead body and the other inanimate objects have none of the three doshas. As all of three doshas have their own significance and qualities, which are contrary to each other, a balance between all the three of them is required so as to maintain the equilibrium. Factors that create a balance between the tridoshas are healthy diet, regular exercise, fine digestion, and elimination of toxins.
i. Vata Dosha : Doshas are referred to as 'dynamic energies' and out of all three 'vata dosha' is
specified to be kinetic energy. Vata dosha is said to initiate all forms of activity and motion in the body. It acts as a network of communication from tissue to tissue and cell to cell. It is responsible for perception, assimilation and reaction. Vata dosha is the basis of all the communication process in the body. All the motions, transportation and electromagnetic activities are controlled by vata.
ii. Pitta Dosha : Pitta dosha is responsible for all types of transformations in the body. Pitta controls
digestion of food as well as conversion of light rays that fall on the retina to electric impulses. It is mainly associated with the chemical reaction and changes taking place in the body. Pitta controls emotion like anger, fear and boldness. Pitta controls digestion of food, it is responsible for hunger, appetite and thirst. The functions of pitta are more physical compare to vata. There are mainly five types of pitta dosha. The quality of Pitta dosha' is most predominant during youth and adulthood. 'Pitta' reflects the dynamics of youth.
iii. Kapah Dosha : Kapah dosha is the third important part of dosha. It is the cohesive energy in the
body and it smoothes out problems and provides support when needed. If 'vata' is kinetic energy, then 'kapha' on the contrary is potential energy. Kapha is the principle of water and earth and is thus, heavy and moist. It is said that carbohydrates and fats can increase 'kapha' There are five types of kapha dosha, based on both anatomy and body function. 'Kapha' abnormalities lead to respiratory disease, feeble mindedness, weakness and lethargy.
5. MALA
Mala are the substances or waste matter to be thrown out of the body. They are actually by products formed as a result of various physiological activities going on in the body. Purish (stool), Mutra
(urine) and Sweda (sweat) are considered as main excretory product of the body. These are also known as Dushya as these tend to be influenced to cause pathology or disease by imbalanced doshas. These are known as Mala due to its principle property of Malinikaran i.e. Toxification. Malas are the third in the trinity of the body after the other two- doshas and dhatus. According to Ayurveda, the only
balanced condition of doshas, dhatus and malas is Aarogya (good health or disease free condition) and their imbalance causes ill health or disease.
Significance of Mala
As a result of metabolic processes being carried out in the body, essence of ingested food and waste products are constantly formed. If waste products are not being formed besides the essence i.e. beneficial products that nourish tissues, then metabolic process would be impaired ultimately leading to the formation of malformed tissues. So, there needs to be an appropriate segregation of essence of ingested food and waste product and excretion of the waste matter on appropriate time for maintaining health. Malas are actually the waste products of the body and their proper excretion from the body is essential, so that the proper health of the individual can be maintained because if the waste products are not thrown out they can toxify.
Three Forms Of Mala
i. Purish (stool) : Purish or Stool are human feces, a result of defecation. They are the waste product
of the human digestive system. They vary in appearance from person to person depending on the state of the whole digestive system, influenced by diet and health. Normally stools are semisolid, with a mucus coating. Any discrepancy caused in its normal process of defecation can lead to constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, heaviness or pain.
ii. Mutra (Urine) : Urine is another important excretion from the human body. It is actually a liquid
waste product of the body secreted by the kidneys through a phenomenon of filtration from blood. In human body, it is excreted through the urethra. Any imbalance like increased or decreased urine can lead to problems like urinary infections, kidney stones, abdominal pain and various bladder disorders.
iii. Sweda (Sweat) : Sweating or Perspiration is known as Sweda in the terms of Ayurveda. It is
basically a fluid that comes out of skin pores and primarily consists of water as well as various dissolved solids. It is basically a means of thermoregulation in human body. Any imbalance in sweat production can lead to itching, skin infections, irritation, burning sensation of body or reduced body temperature.
II. NIDAN
Diagnosis is a very vital aspect of Ayurvedic treatment. Diagnosis is to find out the root cause of a disease (Nidan). Unless the proper diagnosis is not done it is difficult to provide medicine and cure the disease. It is not always necessary that the root cause is internal. Many times the causes may be external. To give permanent relief the root cause of the disease has to be eliminated. Ayurveda thus believes not only in the treatment of the physical aspect of the disease but completely eliminating the disease. All causative factors of disease, whether internal or external, directly or indirectly create an imbalance (increase or decrease) in these doshas first and only then do the symptoms of the disease manifest.
The causative factors of diseases can be the food, life style or other activities. Factors affecting your health could be your diet, life style or daily activities. In Ayurveda, the diagnosis and treatment of disease is always individual to each patient. As Ayurveda treats according to the constitution of an individual, it is known as a highly accurate and personalized method of analyzing diseases. All diseases are caused by aggravation of the three doshas i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. The Nidan or the
solution of the disease is done in accordance with the doshas.
Diagnosis of Doshas Vatta
There are various factors responsible for increasing vata:
• Excessive intake of food like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts, beans, dry fruits, mushrooms and raw foods.
• Travelling too much by any means of transportation.
• Untimely sleeping hours or late nights
• Too much eating of junk food, frozen food and micro waved cooked
• Exposure to sound pollution
• Too much exposure to television and computers or any electric gadgets
• Indulging more in sexual activities
• Excessive physical labor like sports
• Taking too much medicinal, recreational and stimulating drugs.
Symptoms
Symptoms caused by excess of vata in the body are:
• Joint Pains • Constipation • Dry Skin • Loss of Memory • Palpitation insomnia • Stiffness of muscles • Weight Loss • Migraine • Vertigo • Tremors Pitta
There are various factors responsible for increasing vata:
• Drinking too much tea, coffee, alcohol and excessive smoking increase pitta in the body.
• Eating of hot and spicy food
• Too intake of chillies, tomatoes, egg plant, spinach, and onions.
• Exposure to sun and heat also increases pitta.
Symptoms:
Some of the symptoms caused by excess of pitta in the body are:
• Hyperacidity
• Skin diseases
• Burning sensation
• Fever
• Infections
• Ulcers And Liver disorders
Kapha
There are various factors responsible for increasing Kapha:
• Eating too much sugars, fats, oily and fried foods, ice creams, meats, dairy products and nuts
• Sleeping during day time and less of physical activities
Symptoms:
Some of the symptoms caused by excess of kapha in the body are
• Asthma
• Cough and cold
• Congestion in the chest
• Anorexia
• Obesity
Ayurveda is a very logical science based on basic scientific principles. The science of Ayurveda doesn’t only depend upon the symptoms as told by the patient rather it believes in a thorough examination to find out the root cause of the ailment in the patients body. According to Ayurveda, suppression of the disease is not the way to cure an ailment, a patient body can only be said to have recovered from the disease if the root cause of the ailment is eliminated and the body of the patient starts functioning normally. Thus, instead of finding methods to suppress the symptoms, Ayurveda focuses on finding the reasons of the underlying symptoms.
To find out the root cause of a disease in Ayurveda, there are certain few examinations that are mandatory to be conducted. The examination of a patient is divided into three folds and this is referred as ‘rogi pariksha’ i.e. the observation of the patient. It is a three stage phenomenon where every possible causative aspect of the ailment in the patient’s body is examined. The three stages are as follows-
i. Darsanam : It is the stage of inspection and observation. In this stage various factors like age and
other physical characteristic of the patient is thoroughly examined.
ii. Sparsanam : It is the stage where the observation is done through touch method. Palpation,
Percussion and Auscultation are three different ‘sparsanam’ techniques.
iii. Prasnam : It is the stage of interrogation where the patient is asked about his ailments and the
symptoms that he is observing on a daily basis. It is done in order to synchronize the observation of the doctor with the feelings of the patient.
Dasavidha & Ashtasthana Pareeksha
Apart from this threefold examination the patient is also put to further detailed examination at times in order to find out all the possible causative elements behind the ailment. The three steps are then elaborated in two ways - Dasavidha Pareeksha (tenfold examination) and Ashtasthana Pareeksha (eightfold examination). In the Dasavidha Pareeksha (tenfold examination), check up of the patient is done by this test considering ten factors and in the Ashtasthana Pareeksha, the check up of the patient is done by this test considering eight factors.
Dasavidha Pareeksha (Tenfold Examination)
• Dooshyam- Regarding the structural and functional abnormalities of the body
• Desham -Geographical situation of the place where patient lives (eg: marshy)
• Balam -Physical strength
• Kalam- The season and climatic conditions
• Analam -The digestive system of the patient
• Prakrithi- The natural Thridosha constitution of the body
• Vayas -Age of the patient.
• Satvam- Psychological strength of the patient
• Sathmyam- General and personal habits of the patient e.g.: smoking, hard working, day sleeping etc.
• Aharam- Nature of food (e.g. vegetarian or non-vegetarian)
Ashtasthana Pareeksha (Eightfold Examination)
• Moothram-Urine
• Malam -Faecal matter
• Jihwa- Tongue-taste
• Sabdam -Voice and speech of the patient
• Sparsham-Touch, skin and tactile sense
• Drik -Eyes and vision
• Akrithi- General body build, eg: lean, muscular, etc.
2. PRATYAKSHA
Ayurveda is a very logical medical science based on the basic principles of body mechanism and organ functioning. More than healing a particular disease through external means, it focuses more on eliminating the root cause of the disturbances so that the body can regain its normal strength and endurance to function properly. Before prescribing any treatment for any kind of symptom, any ayurvedic practitioner goes through a three stage thorough examination of the patient’s body to find out symptoms and discrepancy that the patient body is exhibiting. The threefold examination or trividh pariksha is carried out in systematic stages like - Prashana, Pratyaksha and Anumana. The second of these three stages ‘Pratyaksha’ is the method of direct observation.
The Stage Before Pratyaksha - Prashana (Questioning)
It is the stage where the doctor questions a patient about the symptoms of the ailment he is suffering and his basic routine. It is done in order to find out a way to lead the examination procedure.
Pratyaksha (Observation)
Pratyaksha is the stage of direct observation. Here the doctor checks the discrepancies in the patient’s body through direct methods of observation. He checks the pulse, heart beat, breathing pattern, skin color, nails and hair of the patient. It is then helpful in drawing logical and clear reasons behind the ailment.
The Stage After Pratyaksha - Anumana (Interference)
It is the stage where inferences are drawn out the visible and described symptoms of the patient. It also includes the stage of Aptopadesh i.e. looking into the saying of seers in authoritative classical and other texts, so that one can draw a logical inference based on scientific principles.
Types Of Pratyaksha (Observation)
There are two types of Pratyaksha (observation) done - the observation of patient and the observation of the disease. The observation of the patient is done in order to find out the visible symptoms of ailment in his body. The other observation is that of disease to find out its intensity and seriousness. The body of the patient is thoroughly examined in order to find out what is wrong with the body of the patient and to what extent has the body been gripped by the disease. Here are the two steps of
observation.
Observation of Patient
• Eyes -Color, shape, proportions and the luster; the healthy or diseased look of the body.
• Ears -Intestinal sounds, the sounds of the joints and the finger knuckles, variations in the patient's voice or any other sounds that may be observed in any part of the body.
• Touch -Normal or abnormal feel of the body, temperature of the body, swelling roughness or dryness, softness of the skin.
Observation of Disease
Observation of ailment is done through prescribed tests related to the body symptoms. Ayurveda in present times also gives due recognition to the pathologic and other related test to find out the problem in a patients body by using direct means of examination. Earlier, the observation of the disease was done through Ayurvedic tests and experiments.
3. DARSHANA
Darshana in Ayurveda means complete inspection of the body. It is a way of assessing the nature of the disease through different tests and examination. It is derived from the first triad described in Trividh Pariksha for the assessment of diseases. It is actually the first method of clinical assessment. A careful inquiry and thorough physical examination of the patient concerning his constitution and illness are the prime factors necessary to elicit all the data of the case. The correct interpretation of these facts and systematic reasoning based on them, are essential to arrive at the accurate diagnosis and prognosis and to decide the right line of treatment. Methodical investigation and logical decision are the foundation of this science of medicine.
Factors For Inspection
In order to determine the kind of ailment patient is suffering from and to determine its intensity and seriousness, a very detailed diagnosis of the disease is necessary. The doctor then on the basis of the discrepancies from normal body conditions determines the problems in the body of the patients. He figures out two to three possibilities and cross checks them in order to test his hypothesis. While inspection of the body he looks out for those factors which can give him a clue about the disease. In this method, the person is totally assessed by the physician and the following things are noted:
• Age
• Symptoms of the disease
• Strength and Stamina of the body
• Color of the skin
• Shape of the body.
• Dryness or excessive oiliness of skin and hair.
• Eyes - color, features etc.
• Nails-its brittleness and color
• Weight
Some Rules
There are certain rules and regulations regarding the assessment of disease in Ayurveda. It is said that until the examinations are done in a correct atmosphere, the result derived can’t be true. That is why factors like light, hygiene and state of the patient are various important factors and should be in an ideal state during the examination. It is believed that slightest of discrepancy in the assessment can lead to a completely wrong treatment. Thus, while examination of the patient the factors mentioned below must be kept in
concern-• Assessment should be done as far as possible in sunlight because the inference drawn in artificial light can be wrong.
• The place should be clean and calm.
• The patient should be relaxed and at ease.
• Examination of the patient should be the only concern of the physician.
• Assessment should be done from head to toe.
• The microscopic pathological investigations done now-a-days can also be included under inspection.
• Certain points that are instructed by the physician prior to the examination like being ‘empty stomach’ or ‘after having first meal’ should also be religiously followed.
4. ANUMANA
Ayurveda is a very vast medical science. It has several prescribed to various complex ailments that do not find solution in any other modern medical sciences. According to Ayurveda the fundamental cause
of diseases is imbalance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and kapha. The state of balance or equilibrium between these three doshas in the body is called health and the state of imbalance or disequilibrium is disease. There is a wide range of methods in Ayurveda to assess diseases based on their constitution and then prescribe the suitable treatment. The threefold examination, or trividh pariksha as it is called, consists of investigation, which is carried out by the three methods. Read on to explore more about the stages of ailment investigation in Ayurveda.
Two Stages Preceding Anumana i. Prashana
It is the stage in which the doctor questions the patient about his problems, ailments and symptoms. He also asks about the period since the patient is suffering from the aliment. He enquires about his daily routine, meal he intakes, his physical activities and several other question that can help the doctor understand the state of the patient and the root causes behind it.
ii. Pratyaksha
It is the direct objective examination of the patient by direct methods like checking the pulse,
measuring the intensity of breathing, size and state of stomach, any outer scars or wounds etc. This is the stage where physical evidences are collected in order to support the patient statements or checking out details beyond the patient’s explanation.
Anumana
The third and the most important stage of the examination is Anumana. It is basically the objective examination of the patient by indirect or inferential methods. The goal or purpose of investigation is to obtain a dear conception of the status of one's bodily strength including resistance (bala pramana), his accurate pathological condition (dosha pramana) and one’slife term (ayu pramana).
Methods of Anumana
Anumana is the anticipation of living beings i.e. the situation where the perceived knowledge is beyond the judgement of our senses we anticipate. Two important things are considered Lingi (matter) and Linga (property). By the means of Linga (property), the lingi is identified. Linga and Lingi has Samya relation (Intimate relation). The medical practitioner uses various indirect factors to diagnose the disease like for example:
• Strength is determined by capacity for exercise.
• Sense organs by their clarity of perception.
• Mind by the power of concentration.
• Understanding by the purposeful nature of action.
• Passion by the strength of attachment.
• Infatuation by the lack of understanding.
• Anger from the actions of violence.
• Grief by despondency.
• Joy by exhilaration.
5. SPARSHANA
In Ayurveda, the diagnosis and treatment of disease is always based on the constitution of an individual or on an individual basis. As such, it is known as a highly accurate and personalized method of analyzing every kind of diseases. There are different stages of diagnosis of disease, in ayurveda. The essential element in this type of treatment is to find out the root cause of the disease. Contrary to the popular belief, the root cause of a disease need not necessarily be inside the body. Many a times, the cause may be outside the body. The five method of diagnosis is called nidan panchak. In ayurveda, for assessing the specific symptoms there are three-fold examination, eight-fold examination and ten-fold examination. The three-ten-fold examination, or trividh pariksha as it is called, consists of sparshana (palpation method), darshana (inspection) and prashna (interrogation). To get detailed information about each step of the three-fold examination, read through the following lines.
Stage Before Sparshana - Darshan (Visual Observation)
The first method of clinical assessment in ayurveda, it is the method through which the medical practitioner comes to know of the nature of the disease externally. The patient is assessed for any enlarged or shrinked body parts, symptoms, color and shape of the body, dryness or excessive oiliness and color and features of eyes.
Sparshana (Touching / Palpation Method)
Sparshana is one of the methods from the first triad described in Trividh Pariksha for the assessment of diseases. In this method, the medical practitioner examines a person by touching. The factors, which sometimes cannot be understood by inspection, are better known by palpation. The cognitive organ of touch i.e., the skin carries out this examination. Pulse reading, temperature reading, blood pressure monitoring, coldness, hotness, clamminess, dryness, intolerance to touch, finger test over the eye balls to assess the intraocular pressure, palpation of glands and tumor (gulmalgranthi), palpation and
percussion of ascitis qalodara are tools for diagnosis. The factors understood by palpation are:
• Reflexes
• Rigidity or softness of different organs
• Temperature of the body
• Texture of the skin
• Swelling and tumor
• Flatulence and ascites
• Stages of different wounds and ulcers
Stage After Sparshana - Prashna (Questioning)
An important aspect of the whole diagnosis process, in this, the physician is required to ask the patient all the necessary questions in order to treat him/her properly. These questions at times are very
beneficial as they enhance the treatment or diagnosis procedure. Interrogation is basically of two types - general and specific questioning.
General Interrogation
• Name, age and address of the patient
• Sex
• Profession
• Present complaint
• Duration of the complaint
• History of the previous illness
• Family history for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy etc
• Individual history - addictions, habits, habitat etc
• Progress of the present complaint
• Any specifications regarding the disease
Specific Interrogation
• Profession
• Financial status
• Addictions, diet and habitat
• Congenital anomalies
• Hereditary diseases
• Previous history of any diseases
• Psychological abnormalities
• Pediatric problems
III. PERSONAL HYGIENE
Ayurvedic Approach to Healthy Life
Ayurveda is not only a medical science but also a way of healthy living. Apart from
prescribing treatment to various chronic and complex diseases, Ayurveda also emphasizes on an ideal method of healthy living. A special section of Ayurveda, swasthavritta deals with the science of health and the code for a healthy conduct. ’Swasthavritta’ which literally means 'the regime of abiding in one's own nature' is an individual’s guide to the path of healthy and long life. In Ayurveda, one’s body is regarded as a temple and thus, several ways are prescribed for keeping it healthy and young life long.
Healthy Living & Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, there is no magical remedy or short cut for healthy living. Instead, strict and staunch regulation of the charyas, the principles of healthy lifestyle which include a proper routine regarding ahar, vihar and achars based on hetu (Material cause), kala (Season) and desha (Habitat) are the only ways for healthy living. Ayurveda defines the healthy state as: 'A person, whose somatic and psychic humors are in equilibrium, digestion is uniformly healthy, with normal functioning of the fundamental tissues of the body and body wastes, accompanied by the processes of the soul, cognitive organs and the mind, is said to be a healthy person.'
The principles of maintaining a proper well being of the body and mind are two-fold, first the consumption of diet and second, the observance of personal, moral, seasonal and spiritual conduct. Swasthavritta mainly emphasizes on following a proper routine regime as well as seasonal regime. Other than these two, Swasthavritta also prescribes Sadvritta, the right ways of living i.e. following good mental, social, religious, personal and moral conduct. Thus, we can sum up Swasthavritta as an ideal lifestyle for a human being. It is actually the crux of Ayurvedic living.
1. PUBLIC SVASTHAVRTTA
In olden days, the Rishis initiated the science of ayurveda for the general awareness of the public. Public Svasthavrtta is a very important subject in ayurveda. Attempts were made on a large scale to
apply the knowledge of ayurveda and collect medicinal substances to be used in days of scarcity. The authorities of ayurveda, as a general rule, declare it their business to solely relieve the public in
distress, mainly caused by diseases. They consider this to be their religious duty. Ayurveda also offers spiritual and mental treatments for ailments in which no physical relief can be offered. The treatments consist of two parts: Daivavyapasraya and Sattvavijaya. To get detailed information about the two parts of treatments, browse through the following lines.
Ayurveda & Spiritualism Daivavyapasraya
The term Daiva has been used with respect to the sense of karmas, which are related to our previous life. The method imbibes a sense of confidence in an individual, making his/her optimistic and positive. It is basically achieved through methods of propitiation of supernatural elements through which one can maintain emotional and optimistic balance of mind. Pranipatagamana, i.e. prostrating one-self several times, before the-deities, per day, for several days, months and years.
• Mantras/ chanting hymns
• Specially qualified medicinal stones and charms
• Religious and auspicious practices of worship
• Offerings to superhuman beings
• Offerings to Fire-God by way of sacrifices
• Services of vows
• Donation to worthy men in atonement of the wrong done by the donor
• Observance of fasts and rites
• Svastyayana i.e. invocation of favors of supernatural beings, through the medium of blessings solicited from worthy and pious human beings who are supposed to be mediators.
Sattvavijaya
Sattvavijaya helps to control the desires for unnecessary worldly objectives, which are the cause of all types of mental worries. The Mental Svasthavrtta is a very important aspect not only in the case of an individual, but also in that of public.
2. RITUCHARYA
Ayurveda is comprised of two words. Ayur means Life, and Veda means Knowledge. Thus, Ayurveda deals with how to live a healthy, balanced life. Ayurveda focuses on living in tune with nature. It recognizes the intimate relationship between the individual and the environment. The existence and well being of a person depends largely on the continuous adjustments and interactions with the external and internal factors of the environment. Its principles are universal. By connecting mind, body and soul, Ayurveda strives to improve harmony and happiness in an individual.
Ayurveda emphasizes on the maintenance of good health through a balanced daily routine (Dinacharya), seasonal regime (Ritucharya) and a wholesome diet. As we know that the climatic and seasonal changes have an important effect on the health of a person, it is important to make our body immune enough to adjust to those changes and adapt itself accordingly. Ayurveda recognizes that seasonal changes have a profound effect on our health, and recommends many helpful suggestions for how we can adapt our lifestyle to stay balanced in each season. Ayurveda made the suggestions person specific because one lifestyle or diet cannot suit everybody as people have different constitutional make up.
Seasonal Regime in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda the constitution or dosha of the body and the seasons are intimately related. Our health is affected by the qualities of the climate we live in; our outer environment
influences our inner world. For example, when the air is damp, cold and wet it increases these qualities in your body. Hence there is an increase in mucous, catarrh and colds in winter. There are various environmental factors like temperature, humidity, wind, rain, clouds and atmospheric pressure and sunlight etc that affect our health.
Winters
You must have noticed that when the temperature is extreme cold or extreme hot then there are maximum cases of illness. In such extreme conditions one may be freeze to death or die of sunstroke. One remains comfortable in temperature between 60º f and 76º f and humidity range of 40-70%. In extremes of weather below / beyond these ranges, the body tries to maintain its internal temperature mainly by shivering when it is too cold and through perspiration when it is too hot.
Summer
In summer season, one should avoid sunlight; eat less of fat food, oil, and meat, sleeping during daytime and the eastern winds. Sour, salty and pungent foods, should also be avoided, as they tend to increase pitta. The diet mainly consisting of sweet, bitter, cold and light items that pacify pitta should be taken. The strength and digestive power are poor in summer. Hence one should restrict the food intake in this season. Cold food items should be taken to counteract the effect of the hot season.
Monsoon
In the monsoon all the three doshas are vitiated. Light diet and less oily food are advised, as digestive power is weak. It is better to take as much as fluids as possible. One should not follow this regime mechanically but should try to understand the meaning and purpose behind it. The daily and seasonal regime should be modified according to the age, sex, region, food habit, physical stamina, digestive power, mental health and condition of health. The central teaching of Ayurveda is that in order to optimize your health you must clear the accumulation of the doshas from your system. Any increase in the doshas can cause illness.
3. AYURVEDIC DIET
Ayurveda is a very vast and ancient medical science. Unlike other medical sciences, instead of focusing on treatment of any particular disease, Ayurveda focuses more on the healthy living and well being. For healthy living, Ayurveda emphasizes on consuming right kind of diet which is healthy and nutritious. According to Ayurveda, there are positive and negative attributes of diet. Since, Ayurveda
deals with a holistic approach to healing; it covers the diet factor in depth. In Ayurveda, food is considered not only as mixture of the basic ingredients like proteins, vitamins, fats and carbohydrates, but something, which serves as a source of energy for mind and soul.
Types Of Food
Diet is considered to be vital for a human body as it provides the basic nutrients, which are necessary to carry out the basic activities of digestion and metabolism. Ayurveda has categorized food into three types based on its basic quality-the Satvic or spiritual quality, Rajasic or active quality, and Tamasic or material quality. It is said that whatever food we eat affects our mind in accordance with its basic quality. Satvic food is enriching and elevating while Rajasic food has a basic tendency to provoke man to a materialistic and selfish way of living. Tamasic food is one, which leads to a devilish streak in a person.
No Single Diet
Though different kinds of diet are suggested in Ayurveda, there is no specific diet which can be said to be ideal for every human body. It is because every human being has a different body structure and digestive system. There are various factors that need to be kept in mind while working out the ideal diet for every individual as it will be distinctly different based on the person's specific constitutional characteristics. However there are certain points given below that you must keep in concern while consuming any food:
• Nutritional quality of the food and benefits of in taking it.
• Awareness of the alterations that might takes place in its nutritional value, with time.
• The effects of combining foods - proper and improper combinations as suggested by Ayurveda
• The quantity of a particular food that is healthy to intake.
• Difference in the time while consumption of two different kind of food items.
• The places and climatic condition where the food is grown prepared and consumed.
• The effect of consuming the food in a particular season.
• Use of artificial flavors, chemicals, preservatives and colors.
Good Food Habits
Other than what you intake, there are certain other factors that are mandatory to be inculcated in your food habit if you want to remain healthy and active for a long time. Some of them are given
below-• Skipping meal is one habit that should be strictly avoided as it strains your digestive system. If skipping meal becomes a regular phenomenon it can lead to chronic hyperacidity, gastritis and duodenal ulcers.
• Eating in excess and before the normal time and interval may lead to indigestion, obesity, and anorexia.
• Consuming less fluid that required also leads to indigestion and acidity.
• Drinking of water between meals should be avoided.
4. SCIENCE OF AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science, the origin of which can be traced back to the Vedas. It is a holistic science which comprises of both practical and scientific information on various subjects beneficial to mankind like health, philosophy, astrology and engineering. Ayurveda does not only deal with treatment of diseases but also prescribes a healthy way of life. For achieving a healthy set up of life’s senses, Ayurveda calls for striking an internal harmony of various body parts as well as achieving body’s harmony with the surrounding nature and environment.
Life according to Ayurveda is a proper combination of healthy senses, mind, body and soul and the aim of Ayurveda is to provide a completely healthy body to every human being with a perfect somatic and psychic humors equilibrium, uniformly healthy digestion, normal functioning of the fundamental tissues of the body and body wastes, accompanied by the enlightenment of the soul, cognitive organs and the mind. Ayurveda does not simply focuses on getting rid from a physical disease rather it believes in bringing out ideal physical and mental traits.
Unlike other ancient medicinal sciences, Ayurveda has specialized branches and sections targeted at every possible level of life. Apart from its eight branches Kaaya chikitsaa, Baala chikitsaa,
Graha Chikitsa, S`aalakya tantra, Agada tantra, Rasayan Tantra, Vajeekarana chikitsaa and the S`alya tantra for dealing with eight different kinds of ailments, Ayurveda also has ’Swasthavritta’, which is an individual’s guide to the path of healthy and long life.
The science of Ayurveda is immensely elaborate and detailed. Apart from general guidelines on healthy living, it also stresses on moderation in food intake, sleep, sexual intercourse and the intake of medicine in its individual sections. Ayurveda in detail describes about all the possible causative reasons for defection in any of the sections of the normal course of life and also prescribes about various ways for eliminating the root cause of the ailment so that there is no further possibility of any other kind of complications or side effects.
Ayurveda other than treatment of an ailment also focuses on the lifestyle and daily routine of an individual. It says that though there is no ideal diet or ideal regime for every human being in general as the need, the nature and the demand of energy varies from individual to individual. However, it describes certain guidelines for in taking food that are nutritional and fresh and emphasizes on avoiding extra oily and heavy food. It also prescribes the practice of yoga for maintenance of all the vital organs of the body.
Ayurvedic treatment is also different from the treatment of other traditional medicine therapies. It mainly relies on herbal treatment that mainly comprises of of powders, tablets, decoctions,
medicated oils etc. prepared from natural herbs, plants and minerals. Panch Karma therapy is also used as a treatment in many diseases. Panchkarma is a purifying therapy to enhance the metabolic process through food and herbal medicines. Panch Karma means five types of actions or techniques or treatment. As the wastes are eliminated from the body the person becomes healthy.
5. TRIPODS
In Ayurveda, food (Ahar), sleep (nidra) and brahmacharya (controlled sex) are regarded as the three pillars or tripods of healthy living. It is important for our body to be adjusted to timely intake of good quality and proper food, regular sleeping habits and controlled indulgence in sex because as all this ensures long and healthy life. It is thus vital to have a regular systematic food and sleeping habit so that the body has a regularized automatic system of maintenance. It is even mandatory to maintain a balanced sex life and avoid extra indulgence worldly life. This practice of celibacy along with a proper daily regime not only promotes life and preserves health but also give enrichment to the soul and other cognitive organs and the mind. Given below is the description of the three pillars or tripods of healthy
living-Three Tripods In Ayurveda
i. Diet : We are what we eat. So, it is essential to know what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat and
how to eat. Though there are concepts of generalized diets, which are applicable to one and all, Ayurveda says that it is the individual who knows best what suits his body and mind and he should thus, act accordingly. The popping of all the vitamin pills in the world is not going to make you healthy - for all you know your body might just reject them. One important principle in Ayurveda is that ‘there is nothing in the world which is not a good food’, it is only the combination of several factors that renders a substance unfit for consumption for a particular individual while the same substance might be absolutely palatable and digestible and in fact, good for the health of another individual. The second important point to be noted that whatever the substance, however good it may be, if taken in excess, will become toxic and harmful to the body. Timely and moderate eating habits will serve you well.
ii. Sleep : Give your body sufficient rest and find out what a different person you are! In pursuit of all
the material benefits and comforts, you treat your body like a donkey; use it to the extent you can; and finally are an exhausted person when you have the comforts. When you give your overheated car time to cool off, can't you give your over used body time to recover from the stress and strain? Happiness and sorrow, growth and wasting, strength and weakness, virility and impotence, knowledge and ignorance, life and its cessation - all are dependent on sleep.
iii.Celibacy
Total abstinence from sexual activity may not be possible for ordinary mortals - but a restrained sexual life, keeping in mind the higher goal of eternal happiness, is certainly possible. Sexual promiscuity
leads to various diseases. It is therefore very important to take care of your sexual health apart from other factors like diet and sleep.
IV. KAUMARBHRUTYA
Ayurveda is a very vast science and it is divided into eight different branches namely Kaaya chikitsaa, Graha Chikitsa, S`aalakya tantra, Agada tantra, Rasayan Tantra, Vajeekarana chikitsaa, S`alya tantra and Baala chikitsaa or Kaumarbhrutya. Kaumarbhrutya is one of the eight specialized branches of Ashtang Ayurveda that mainly focuses on the pediatrics issues. It covers all aspects of child growth from the neonatal phase to adolescence including treatment for problems at every stage. This branch mainly deals on prenatal, natal and postnatal care in addition to gynecology and obstetrics. This specialized branch recognized direct links between the physical and mental health of an expecting mother and that of her progeny. Apart from gynecology and pediatrics, this branch also meticulously deals with the problem of infertility.
In Kaumarbhrutya, there are detailed descriptions of mother and child care. This branch of Ayurveda also consists of recommendations of particular diet, regimen, nutrition and conduct for women during and after delivery. According to Kaumarbhrutya, it is important for the mother to attain perfect health so that she can feed her child. So, advanced is this science that thousands of years back Charaka, the great physician, through the branch of Kaumarbhrutya described the growth and progress of fetus in minute detail. He even mentioned about a technique called punsanvan vidhi for having a child of one's desired gender, intelligence and constitution. This branch of Ayurveda is beneficial for every mother and her child.
1. CHILD CARE
'Kaumarbhratya', one of the eight branches of Ayurveda, is especially dedicated to the good health of children. Since ages, Ayurvedic preparations have been used in order to build a healthy body and sharp intellect, right from infancy to adulthood. With special emphasis on baby care, Ayurveda emphasizes on the use of certain tonics and medications that can develop immunity power, intelligence in the children and shield them from various kinds of diseases. A large number of people are now resorting to herbal Ayurvedic medicines and tonics, in order to protect their children from diseases. In the following lines, we have provided information on Ayurvedic childcare.
Physical Care
Instead of using vaccinations, Kashyap Samhita describes the natural ways to build up the power of immunity in children. The best way to develop immunity and maintain vitality in children is oil
massage. Referred to as 'snehana', oil massage is one of the best ways to take care of the overall health of the infant. Massage with bala taila, oil specially formulated for children, is the first therapy that newborns should receive after birth. Apart from increasing immunity, snehana increases the mental capacity of the child.
Since children's skin is more permeable than adult's skin, it is suggested to make use of herbs with the massage oil. Apart from oil massage, medicated bath is quintessential to maintain overall health of the newborn. Moreover, basic hygiene is necessary to shield the child from diseases and infections. Therefore, the mouth of the children, especially after breastfeeding, should be cleaned. Clean clothes, bedding and proper handling of the baby are also part of Ayurvedic childcare.
Psychological Care
Apart from physical care, it is very important to take care of the psychological aspects pertaining to children. The duty of the parents is to protect their children from emotional traumas, as they grow older. This would ensure development of a confident and wise adult. All the fears and insecurities of the children should be banished, and the best way to serve the purpose is to spend quality time with the little ones. The natural fears of the kids - fear of dark and loneliness - should be addressed. One should avoid frightening the child and should maintain a pleasant atmosphere at home.
While physical and psychological care is quintessential, certain Ayurvedic tonics and vaccinations would add to the good health of the children. In Ayurvedic texts, particularly in Samhitas, the descriptions of tonics and various types of medications are given in a detailed manner. Although the tonics do not form the main requisite for the health of the growing children, they can be taken as supplements. Moreover, such tonics enhance the intelligence and concentration power of children.
Certain tonics and rasayans, like Chyavanprasha, are commonly prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners. Gold (Svarna) bhasma can act as a good medicine for children, when it is mixed with a paste of brahmi (Centella asiatica) and sankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and given with ghee and honey. It adds to the power of immunity of the children, when consumed on a regular basis, as
prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctor.
2. IMPORTANCE OF BREAST MILK
Breast milk is the first nutrient to an infant. It is the newborn's privilege and the mother's pleasure to breast feed her baby. Termed as lactation, the secretion of milk from breasts is beneficial for both the mother and the child in a number of ways. Breastfeeding is prerequisite for the growth of the newborn. It should never be avoided, because it is considered the most divine way to show love to a newborn. Ayurvedic scholars have praised the importance of breast milk, due to the myriad health benefits associated with it. In Ayurveda, breast milk is termed as nectar, through which the infant recognizes his/her mother. Moreover, nursing helps create a strong emotional bond between a mother and her newborn. Read on to know the importance of breast milk in Ayurveda.
Significance Of Breast Milk
• According to Ayurveda, breastfeeding is the easiest and the healthiest way to feed a newborn, as the milk is rich in nutrients.
• Breast feeding reduces the chances of infection and increases the immunity of the baby
• Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals and enzymes, which aid the baby's digestion.
• The amino acids - the building blocks of proteins - present in breast milk are well balanced for the baby. These proteins aid the proper functioning of the baby's intestinal tract.
• Breast milk is rich in lymphocytes and macrophages, which protect the newborn against intestinal inflammation.
• Breast milk is a rich source of iron, which can be easily absorbed by the infant better than any other source of the mineral.
• Breast milk promotes the overall health of the baby, which is one of the motives of Ayurveda.
• Since mother's milk is available at the optimum temperature that is most suitable for the infant, it is free from all possible sources of contamination.
• The immunoglobulins (antibodies) present in the breast milk protect the baby from upper
respiratory infections and gastro intestinal infections. This is the reason why breast fed babies stay healthier than their formula fed counterparts.
• Studies suggest that the amino acid trptophan present in breast milk helps the baby to acquire sound sleep during the night time.
• The hormone prolactin, responsible for the production of breast milk, functions as a natural tranquilizer for the mother and baby alike.
• Formula-fed children are likely to become obese, when they reach the stage of adolescence. On the other hand, those fed with breast milk are less likely to be obese at their teenage.
• Breast feeding plays a pivotal role in preventing various kinds of digestive diseases in the infant, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Childhood cancers are also prevented by breast feeding.
3. CHILD DIET
Ayurveda is a kind of medicinal science that focuses more on healthy living than treatment of diseases. According to Ayurveda, a healthy body has lots of immunity to over come the problems caused by some foreign element and that is why instead of focusing on the treatment or cure of a disease one should focus on developing the immunity in the body as well as healthy regulation of body organs. Ayurveda has special focus on children. According to Ayurveda, the initiatives to live healthy should be taken right from the prenatal phase and that is why Ayurveda emphasizes on the proper care and well being of a kid right from the phase of conception.
In the eight specialized branches of Ayurveda, Kaumarbhrutya is one branch where there is a very clear description about fine upbringing of a child right from birth to the age of sixteen. It is said that this branch consists of tips, which are being used to build a healthy body and sharp intellect right from the time of infancy for thousands of years. The most important aspect of pediatrics or childhood is growth and development, as they are the parameters of health and disease. Proper diet is the gateway to good health. Ayurveda thus emphasizes on feeding healthy, easily digestible vegetarian food to a child in order to keep his digestive system strong and healthy forever.
Ideal Children's Diet in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, breast milk has no substitution for a new born kid. It is an ideal diet for the newborn child and a newborn child does not need anything beyond it in first few weeks of his birth. The child should be given good and nutritious substance from the beginning to make the base of his health strong. In the beginning a child must be fed with the breast milk at proper intervals so that the child develops proper health and immunity. As the child grows in a very rapid speed in the initial few months after sometime he requires food items beyond mother’s milk.
After a few months, the diet should consist of wholesome food for the proper development of the child. Liquid diet made with husk-free and well washed sali or sasti rice (especially old rice), mixed with oleaginous substances and salt is ideal. Balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies, the corner stone of good health can be achieved in early childhood. Health problems in children can be easily controlled by herbal preparations suggested by Ayurveda. The powders (flour) of wheat and barley can also be given according to congeniality. Hot electuary or items cooked with vidanga herb, salt, oleaginous substance is beneficial. For kids suffering from diarrhoea, kodrava herb can also be mixed to this electuary. If the child is having pitta constitution, then grapes (mrdvika) with honey and ghee (ghrta) are an ideal remedy.
4. DHATRI
Mother’s milk is considered to be mandatory for a newly born. It is said that the mother’s first milk is helpful in giving immense immunity to a child. Even as he/she grows, for initial few months a child requires nothing except breast milk. It is an ideal diet for a newly born and contains enough nutritive substance to take care of his nutritional requirement as well as sufficient enough to fulfill his gastrointestinal requirements. Not only this, breast feeding is also a way to make a child emotionally safe and secure. Warm touch and cuddle of his/her mother develops a kind of assurance in his/her mind that he is well cared and protected.
Breastfeeding is a feature of our human design whereby newborn babies get the nutrition, immunity and nurturing required for growth and development. Unfortunately there can be health problems, which undermine the natural breast-feeding process. If the mother does not have enough breast milk or if she is sick or her milk is grossly vitiated, in that case wet nurse would or dhatri would be required. In some cultures wet nurses were slaves or as today, many are employed allowing
mothers freedom to work or pursue a lifestyle choice. It is better to employ a wet nurse as no other milk can be compared with mother's milk for proper growth and development of the child.
Vagbhata, a famous physician suggested that it is better to employ two wet nurses so that they can feed their own babies adequately, however, this factor is now considered as a myth as doctors say that the mixture of milk with different qualities can upset the baby. Also, before employing a wet nurse for your baby you must ensure the health and other vital factors because her milk has direct connection with the development of your kid. You should look for a homely, loving and caring wet nurse as she will also develop a psychological connection with your child.
Qualities of Wet-Nurse :
Physical and psychological status of wet-nurse should be taken in consideration as they influence quality and quantity of milk. Here are few other qualities that you should look for in the wet-nurse you employ for your
kid-• Middle Aged - because very young woman does not have any affection for child and old woman can not withstand troubles (the latter's milk is also not much nutritious)
• She should be humble or modest
• She should be extremely patient by nature
• She should be able to produce ample amount of breast-milk
• She should be over-cautious
• She must be an expert in nursing
• She must be clean and hygienic
• She should have a good character, be affectionate and interested in the welfare of the baby.
• She should have a caring nature
• She should not be on any prescribed medicine
• She should not be suffering from communicable diseases.
5. BABY TEETHING
A newly born child is sans several features that develop later on in his process of development throughout his life. The coming of teeth or teething is one such feature that normally starts at around 5-6 months in a child. However, this may vary from kid to kid, as in some kids the process of teething starts very early where as some take a little more time. The rate and order of emerging teeth also varies from baby to baby. Usually, the first tooth that usually starts to pop out is the lower central incisor, which may be as early as 3 months old, and the last teeth to show them selves are usually the second molars, around about 2 years old. All the milk teeth of the late come up by the age of 21/2 years usually.
Teething Problems
Most of the time, teething gives a really difficult time to both babies and parents as for a kid it’s an exceptionally painful process and they get badly irritated throughout the phase. The early symptoms of teething include drooling, swollen red gums and a fair amount of pain. It is a common believe that teething causes illness, like babies suffer from fevers or diarrhea, but according to medical practitioner it is not the case it is more likely that they have caught a bug at the same time.
A teething baby will be more restless than usual, and more prone to nasal congestion and ear infections. They will want to bite on hard objects, drool, and may have trouble sleeping. Sore and inflamed gums, a low-grade temperature, and increased irritability are also signs of teething. Adult teeth, which start to nudge through from the age of six or seven, do not cause anything like the same discomfort.
Teething Remedies
There are some very effective natural remedies prescribed in Ayurveda for the teething pain in kids. One such treatment is using dilute one drop of clove oil in 1-2 tablespoons of safflower oil, dip your clean forefinger in this mix and gently massage the affected area to relieve sore gums. This process if repeated for 2-3 times a day gives a lot of relief from pain. Gently massaging the teeth with one finger is also helpful in relieving the pain. It is also said that providing teether is also helpful in these stages. Give him/her something cold to chew on, such as a plumb, or gel filled teething ring, or a cold
washcloth.
Dental Care for Babies
• It is important to keep your babies teeth clean. For the first year there is no need to brush the teeth, but it is important to keep them clean, so it may be a good idea to give them a wipe with gauze once a day, perhaps at bedtime.
• At about 18 months will be a good time to start using a toothbrush on your baby's teeth. You will have to do this for him for the first few times, not only so that they can learn how to brush their teeth correctly, but also because they probably won't have the concentration and dexterity to brush them self.
V. AHAR VIHAR
A balanced diet is one of the key Ayurvedic tools, for promoting good health. The practitioners of the 'Science of Life' (Ayurveda) suggest that the diets for people are individualized, based on many factors, such as their age, gender, the doshic tendencies, the strength of body tissues and digestive fires and the level of ama (toxins) in their body. This is the reason why Ayurveda is considered the
complete system of healthcare, since ages. The effect of right and wrong type of diet is clearly
mentioned by the Ayurvedic practitioners. This helps people to have an idea about what to eat and the right way of eating food.
Apart from a wholesome diet, studies conducted by Ayurveda practitioners also suggest that one should follow some basic rules, when it comes to consumption of food. According to Ayurveda, food should be consumed only after the digestion of the previous meal, because it promotes proper digestion, appetite and the right manifestation of the natural urges. Ayurveda is the complete health guide, which insists that all the six tastes should be included in each main meal that you eat. That is the reason why Ayurveda is referred to as a holistic alternative science.
1. CHYAVANAPRASHA
A pivotal part of Ayurveda, the rasayanas (vitalizers) help a great deal in replenishing the vital body fluids that are necessary for smooth functioning. Intelligence, memory power, youth and luster are also enhanced by rasayanas. Some of the common rasayanas prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners include Chyavanaprasha, Pippali rasayana, Triphala rasayana and Shilajita rasayana. Available in a number of brands, the Chyavanaprasha is the most popular and widely used Ayurvedic rasayana. Go through the following lines to know more about the very popular Ayurvedic rasayana -
Chyavanaprasha.
Ingredients Of Chyavanaprasha
A number of recipes are formulated for the very popular rasayana - Chayavanaprasha. One of the most popular recipes, adopted by a number of brands, is the one wherein the key ingredients are herbs and
