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It
is believed that Ayurveda, the science of life, evolved in India
even before the time of Christ, by 600BC. Rather than treatment,
ayurveda gives more importance to systematic life. This science
has eight divisions called 'Ashtanga', The first and the main
division is 'Kaya chikitsa', which describes the treatment of
the body below the neck and can be co-related with General Medicine
in Allopathic system, The next is 'Baala chikitsa'. This specialises
in treatment of diseases in children and develops their immunisation,
'Graha chikitsa' which identifies psychiatric problems and their
treatments. The treatment of the head as a whole with the specialisation
for eyes, nose and ear is included in another division called
'Urdhuanga chikitsa'. |
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The
fifth is 'Salya chikitsa' for treating injuries and fractures.
This section also includes surgical treatments. 'Dhramshtra
chikitsa' deals with the treatment of poisoning and snakebites.
'Jaraa chikitsa' explains the treatment to control ageing in
life. The last division is 'Vrisha chikitsa' for sexual rejuvenation.
'Marma chikitsa' is a part of Salya chikitsa; but it was developed
in the Kalaries (the traditional martial art training centres)
of Kerala.
There were a
lot of texts on these subjects like, Charaka Samhitha on Kaya
chikitsa, Susrutha Samhitha on Salya chikitsa, Kashyapa Samhitha
on Baala chikitsa etc. It was Vakbadacharya who took the very
essence of these subjects from the ancient texts of Ayurveda
and prepared 'Ashtangahridaya' which contains over 7000 slokas
in Sanskrit and is considered as the best available thesis on
ayurveda.
In ancient Kerala,
those who studied and practiced all the eight divisions of ayurveda
are known as 'Ashtavaidyas', The belief is that, traditionally
there were 18 families who got this title. But now only a few
families are remaining and keeping this tradition. They are
Pulamanthole Mooss, Pazhanellippurathu (Thrissur) Thaikkattu
Mooss, Cheerattamon Mooss, Elayidathu Thaikkattu Mooss, Alathiyur
Nambi and Vaidya Madhom Namboothiri.
Ayurvedic treatments
are based on 'Thridosha' - Vatha, Pitha & Kapha. According
to ayurveda the imbalance of thridosha creates illness in the
body. For the treatment of the deranged Doshas there are two
different types of treatment procedures named Shamana chikitsa
(Palliative treatments) and Shodhana chikitsa (Purification
treatments). Infact, the purification treatments are the Panchakarma
treatments. The 'Panchakarma' therapy, a five-fold treatment
for mental and physical well being - tunes the body, organs,
mind, breath, nerves and purifies the blood. The Panchakarma
therapy includes Vamana (induced vomiting), Virechana (induced
purgation), Vasti (medicated enema), Nasyam (nasal medication)
and Rektamoksham (selective blood letting). All these therapies
will purify the body from unwanted metabolic wastes and impurities
accumulated in our body. But before going for these treatments
one have to do some preparatory procedures, which will help
to bring the accumulated, metabolic wastes in to the digestive
tract so it can be flushed out very easily from the body. Besides
this it will also protect the body from unwanted affects or
complications, which may occur due to the Panchakarma Treatments.
These preparatory processes comprise of two treatments namely
Snehapana (oleation), which is the external as well as internal
application of oil or ghee, and Swedana (sudation), which is
the sweating of the body with the help of different types of
massages. Those massages used in the sudation process are employed
for rejuvenation process. The sudation therapy includes different
types of massages like Abhyanga (oil massage), Elakkizhi (bolus
bag massage with medicinal leaves), Navarakizhi (Bolus bag massage
with medicated rice), Pizhichil (oil bath), Shirodhara etc.
A proper rejuvenation therapy will help the person to remove
all the toxic wastes from the body. Besides improving the functional
efficiency of the body, these rejuvenation therapies will also
help to get rid of diseases like low back ache, Cervical spondylosis,
joint pain, Mental tension, Insomnia, Indigestion, etc.
Some of the
treatments prescribed in ancient texts has been practiced in
Kerala only and later known as 'Kerala special' The most important
of these are Dhara, Pizhichil, Navarakkizhi, Sirovasthy, Pichu
etc. They have been found specialy effective in paralysis, rheumatism,
arthritis, spondilosis, hysteria, insanity and other psychosomatic
diseases. In all these treatments, the patient has to observe
and follow a strict regimen as prescribed by the physician.
The period of treatment is usually for 7, 14 or 21 days.
According to ayurvedic tradition the monsoon is the best season
for rejuvenation programmes. The atmosphere remains dust-free
and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making
it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.
Also note the following:
- The ayurvedic physician will decide on a separate programme
for every individual after evaluation.
- According to Kerala culture women will have female technicians
for body massage and other health programmes.
- Some of the programmes are not suitable for the very
aged, very young (under 7), heart patients and women.
- If you have a previous medical history of heart trouble,
blood pressure, blood sugar, chronic skin disease or asthma,
inform the physician in advance.
- Advance reservation is recommended.
To Know more information about Ayurveda
treatment centres CLICK
HERE
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