Ayurveda is the system of medicine that is oldest and holistic that
aims at the prevention of any diseases thus adding long years of joyful
and healthy life to a person. Unlike other practices of modern medicines
it doesn’t treat the body alone but the mind as well. It evolved in
India about 5000 years ago. Ayurveda is a term composed of two Sanskrit
words ‘Ayur’ and ‘Veda’. Ayur means lifespan and veda means knowledge or
the science of life. Ayurveda is considered as a boon that is given by
the gods to mankind through sages and saints who practiced deep
meditation.
Scriptures of knowledge called Vedas were believed to be written by
Veda Vyasa, a sage. These contain complete information about this
ancient treatment methodology. It’s not just a science of treatment but
the science of living a healthy life without any diseases. There are
mainly 4 scriptures of knowledge (Vedas): Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda
and Atharvaveda. Ayurveda is a major subsection of Atharvaveda. Three
doshas of vata, pitta and kapha doshas are maintained in balance.
Atharva veda depicts on the major 8 divisions of anatomy like surgery,
medicine, psychiatry, ophthalmology, pediatrics, toxicology, fertility,
etc. Ayurveda uses a variety of herbs, foods, mantras, yoga, lifestyle
that has an individuality of its own. Those who learned these Vedas and
practiced this art of healing were called vaidyas.
Ayurveda was made a more reliable and classified system of medicine
by dividing it into Atreya and Dhanvantari. Atreya constituted the
physicians and Dhanvantri the surgeons. These made Ayurveda more
scientific and classic.
Numerous learned people and scholars from all over the world came to
India to learn Ayurveda and about the scriptures. Ayurveda was
reporganised by two pioneers Charak and Sushrut. Charak samhita and
Sushrut samhita are their individual contributions. These works still
exist today and hence Ayurveda can be termed the only medical system
that stands complete.
Ayurveda aims at creating a balance in the mind and body. Its
principles help in the prevention of illness rather than curing it. It
administers proper method of eating, drinking and maintaining a healthy
lifestyle.
Ayurveda Health Tips
Less spicy, bitter and astringent foods should be taken
Avoid cold food
Warm water at regular intervals should be consumed; black tea,
coffee, alcoholic beverages should be avoided as much as possible.
Proper timetable for eating and sleeping should be followed
Meals should never be skipped as it leads to the problems of acidity, heartburn, gas problems, etc.
Proper leisure time should be allocated and rest should be taken
Try to reduce stressful and strenuous activities
Massaging with oil is advised
Regular and adequate time for exercise is mandatory
Eat slowly and chew the food properly
Wear cotton or comfortable clothes so that good sleep is attained
Drinking 1 cup of warm milk before going to sleep is advised
Last meal of the day should be eaten 3 hours before sleep
Heavy and spicy dinner should be avoided
A shower 1 hour prior to sleep is advised
Excessive exposure to harsh sunlight between 10am to 3pm is to be avoided
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water specially during day time
Rise with the sun as it gives you an energetic day
Kerala Ayurveda
Kerala is very famous for its ayurvedic treatments and beautiful
nature. It is very rightly called “God’s own country”. Ayurveda attains
all its knowledge from the ancient Vedas. It aims at instilling in
people a love for both the human kind and nature. It shows us the way of
healthy and happy living that induces harmony among humans and nature.
Ayurveda defines purity of both the soul and mind. It eliminates all
kinds of accumulated toxins within the body using ayurvedic therapies
like Panchakarma. Swasthavritta advices on how an ideal person should
live life.
Kerala is the land of rich culture and ethnic heritages. Ayurveda has
very strong roots in this land of diversity. Ayurvedic medical
practitioners called vaidhyars practice Ayurveda from their age old
ancestral kin. It is passed on from one generation to other. Hence
purest and deeply tested knowledge is passed on from one generation to
other.