What Does Ayurvedic Mean?

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Five-Prana-Ayurveda_What-Does-Ayurvedic-Mean

What Does Ayurvedic Mean?

Many people ask the question, “what does Ayurvedic mean?” To define something as Ayurvedic means that it follows the principles of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is often called the “science of life” and encompasses all of the ancient teachings of Ayurveda from the sages 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 “manuals” called the Charaka Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridhaya and the Ashtanga Sangraha. These 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.

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

  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, Ayurveda is mostly practiced as rasayana or rejuvenation, health and longevity. Practices like Panchakarma, are considered the ultimate purification therapy in Ayurveda often called shodhana chikitsa. It includes eating a cleansing diet, ingesting medicinal herbs, as well as various Ayurvedic treatments. 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.