Ayurvedic Medicine

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Five-Prana_Ayurvedic-medicine

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic medicine is often called the “science of life” and encompasses all of the ancient teachings of Ayurveda from the Ayurvedic physicians of Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, Madhava and Sharangadhara. These sages or rishis interpreted the ancient texts of the Vedas which are over 10,000 years old. Through their interpretations they compiled the Ayurvedic medicine “manuals” called the Charaka Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridhaya and the Ashtanga Sangraha. These Ayurvedic medicine texts outline recommendations and routines for how to live a healthy and long life. It also teaches us how to live in harmony with nature and with the cycles of life.

Ayurvedic medicine is often considered the earliest forms of medicine. The ancient Ayurvedic medicine texts cover the eight branches or limbs of Ayurvedic medicine:

  1. Internal medicine (Kayachikitsa)

  2. Surgery (Salya)

  3. Ears, eyes, nose and throat (Shalaka)

  4. Pediatrics (Kaumarabhritya)

  5.  Toxicology (Agada Tantra)

  6. Purification of the genetic organs (Vajikarana)

  7. Health and Longevity (Rasayana)

  8. Spiritual Healing (Bhuta Vidya)

These limbs of Ayurvedic medicine cover much of what is practiced in allopathic medicine. In India there are Ayurvedic hospitals that utilize the branches of Ayurvedic medicine. However, here in the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is mostly practiced as rasayana or rejuvenation, health and longevity. Practices like Panchakarma, are considered the ultimate purification therapy in Ayurvedic medicine often called shodhana chikitsa. It includes eating a cleansing diet, ingesting medicinal herbs, as well as various Ayurvedic treatments. According to Ayurvedic medicine, panchakarma can be used to remove impurities and bring balance to the body, mind and spirit. Depending on a person’s underlying health issues, Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle measures can be the correct intervention. Many times if imbalances are felt early and corrected before they intensify and spread, diet and lifestyle modifications can bring the body/mind/spirit back to balance. To learn more about Ayurveda and how to incorporate it into your life, schedule an Ayurvedic Wellness Coaching package.