AYURVEDA

Dr BHARATH BALU P
 INTRODUCTION
• Ayurveda is the oldest medical systems in the world and is originated in
India
• Lord Dhanvantari is the God of Ayurveda
• Charaka is the Father of Ayurveda
• Ayu - Life and Veda - Knowledge/Science
• The word Ayurveda means Science of Life
• The senses of life includes mind, body, soul
• It incorporates all aspects of life like physical, mental, social, spiritual,
emotional and psychological.
• Atharva Veda mainly deals with extensive Ayurvedic information
ORIGIN OF AYURVEDA
Brahma
↓
Daksha Prajapati
↓
Ashwini Kumars (Divine twins)
↓
Indra
↓
Bharadwaja
 LITERATURE TEXTS OF AYURVEDA
• References of illness, cures and other health related issues are found in vedas the
oldest recorded compendium of wisdom on the earth (6000 BC)
• The main source of knowledge of Ayurveda today is two sets of texts
1. Brihattrayi i.e., Greater Trio
ØCharaka Samhita - Charaka (1500 - 1000 BC)
ØShushruta Samhita - Shushruta (1500 - 1000 BC)
ØAstanga Sangraha/Astanga Hridaya Samhita - Vagbhata (600 AD)
2. Laghuttrayi i.e., Lesser Trio
üMadhava Nidana - Acharya Madhavakara (700 AD)
üSharangadhara Samhita - Acharya Sharangadhara (1300 AD)
üBhava Prakasha - Acharya Bhavamishra (1600 AD)
 OTHER TEXTBOOKS OF AYURVEDA
There are three main principal traditional texts on Ayurveda
Charaka Samhita - Maharishi Charaka
Shushrutha Samhita - Shushrutha (Father of Surgery)
Bhela Samhita - Athreya punarvasu
Other important texts in Ayurveda are
Agnivesha Samhita
Kashyapa Samhita
Harita Samhita
Siddha Rasa Nighantu - Ravi Gupta
Dravyaguna Sangraha - Chakrapanidatta
MAIN MOTTO OF AYURVEDA
• Swasthya (health): Swasthya or a healthy living being is one who
possesses the equilibrium of doshas, with adequate functioning of
dathus, agni, mala in combination with the indriyas, manah and athma
•Ayurveda deals with the complete person and along with the disease.
hence it is known as “mind body medicine”.
•Health is not just absence of sickness but it is also balance between
mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
• Vyadhi or Vikara (disease) : it is a condition that cause discomfort to
the body or mind. It is produced by three factors namely,
• Asatmendriyaartha-samyoga (incompatible contact of the sense
objects, leading to stressful transaction)
• Pragnaparadha (errors of judgement)
• Parinama or kala (seasonal variation and ageing).
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA
FIVE GROSS ELEMENTS OR PANCHA
MAHA BHUTAS
• Prithivi - Earth
• Ap - Water
• Tejas - Fire
• Vayu - Air
• Akash - Vaccum or Empty
space or Ether
THREE BIOLOGICAL ENERGIES OR
TRIDOSHAS
THREE PSYCHOLOGICAL ENERGIES
OR TRIGUNAS
SEVEN BODY TISSUES OR SAPTA DHATUS
 OJAS - VITAL IMMUNITY
• Ojas is the refined substance produced after digestion, once
all seven dhatus are fed and nourished.
• In Ayurveda, Ojas is our radiance, our vigor. It influences
everything from our immunity, digestion, physical strength
and the health of our skin to our spiritual inclination, sleep
and mood.
• It is the purest essence of Kapha, and physically, it is related
to reproductive, hormonal and CSF.
 BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA
• Kayachikitsa - Internal Medicine
• Bala chikitsa - Paediatrics
• Graha chikitsa - Psychiatry
• Urdhvanga chikitsa - 5 sense organs
• Shalya chikitsa - Surgery
• Damshtra chikitsa - Toxicology
• Jara chikitsa - Gerontology
• Vrushya chikitsa - Aphrodisiacs
(sexual pleasures/instincts)
DIAGNOSIS IN AYURVEDA &
GENERAL EXAMINATION - ASHTAVIDHA PARIKSA
• Diagnostic procedures are done • Nadi - pulse
based on Prakriti, Gunas and Dhosha • Mootra - urine
of the person.
• Mala - stool
• Prakriti Pariksa - Examination of
Constitution • Jhiva - tongue
• Gunas - Tamas, Rajas, Sattva • Sabda - voice
• Dhosha - Vata, Pitta, Kapha • Sparsha - touch
• Drik - vision
• Akriti - appearance
TREATMENT MODALITIES IN AYURVEDA
• Shodhana - Purification (Physical treatments and modalities)
• Shamana - Palliative (Vitiated humors)
• Pathya Vyavastha - Diet modifications (do’s and dont’s)
• Nidan Parivarjan - Avoidance of disease causing and
aggravating factors
• Satvavajaya - Psychotherapy (mental disorders)
• Rasayana - Immunomodulators and rejuvenative medicines
boosting strength and vitality
 SPECIALISED TREATMENTS
I. Panchakarma - 5 therapies of eliminating toxins from the body
• Vamana - Emesis/Vomiting
• Virechana - Purgation/Evacuating bowels
• Nasya - Nasal insufflation
• Basti - Enema
• Rakta mokshana - Blood letting
II. Kshara Sautra - Para surgical measure used for Ano-rectal disorders
III. Rasayana - Immunomodulator therapy
 PRAKRITI AND ITS CATEGORIES
• Prakriti is the typical Nature of a person that decides the health, body
structure and features of a person.
• It is a special feature in Ayurveda which helps in telling how to live
daily life, avoid health problems and how to make yourself fit according
to changing climatic conditions. It also helps in clinical diagnosis of a
diseased person
• Pra - before, beginning, source of origin
• Kruthi - creation or to do
• Prakriti of an individual is determined by the dominance of one or two
or three doshas expressed in that individual
 DETERMINING FACTORS OF PRAKRITI
• Shukra shonita prakriti (sperm and ovum)
• Kala prakriti (time of conception or season)
• Garbhashaya prakriti (health status of uterus)
• Maturahar vihar prakriti (diet and lifestyle habits of mother)
• Panchamahabhuta vikara prakriti (gross elements)
 SIGNIFICANCE OF PRAKRITI
• Status of health directly depends upon the balanced state of body
components.
• Lifespan of an individual depends upon his prakriti.
• Prakriti assessment is important for knowledge of disease process.
• Prognosis depends upon interaction of normal dosha and affecting
dosha known as causative factor of disease.
• Every substance has its own prakriti and it acts according to the specific
characters. It is important to know the basic characters before applying
it in healthcare management.
• The quality and quantity of diet shall always lead to equilibrium of
dosha and dhatu in the body. The diet of an individual should be
prescribed to maintain balanced state and should be conducive to
preservation of health.
• Hazardous nature of a disease depends upon its prakriti and interaction
of dosha-dushya.
• In education system, the assessment of prakriti of disciple and teacher is
important for perceiving knowledge.
• In personalized medicine, prakriti assessment is important for decision
of correct choice of drug in patients.
 TYPES OF PRAKRITI
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Vata-pitta
Vata-kapha
Pitta-kapha
Sama doshaja (equilibirum in all 3 doshas)
 SWASTHA VRITTAM
• Swastha vritta i.e. the code for a healthy conduct
• Swastha vritta is the branch of Ayurveda which deals with prevention of diseases
through holistic approach by Diet, Hygiene and Yoga. Educating, equipping and
empowering individuals with information and resources they need to protect their
health has been one of the priority areas of the department.
• Swastha vritta explains how to prevent diseases and disorders and how to maintain
social health in the community
• The body, which is the seat of the mind and soul, maintains its optimum health by
regulating - Ahara (diet), Svapna(sleep) and Abrahmacharya (conjugal/sexual life)
• The main components of Swastha Vritta are Dinacharya, Dietary regimen,
Ratricharya and Rasayana
 DINACHARYA - DAILY REGIMEN
Dinacharya means daily regimen or daily routine which is to be followed to remain
healthy. It defines daily routine for a healthy state of mind and body as
• Pratarutthanam - wakeup
• Ushapana/Achaman - water drinking
• Malamutra visarhan - emptying bowels and bladder
• Dantadhavan - oral hygiene
• Nasyakarm - nasal cleansing
• Abhyangam - massage
• Vyayama - exercise and yoga
• Kshaur karma - cutting of hairs and nails
• Snana - bathing
• Dhyanam - meditation
PRATARUTTANAM
In Ayurveda, getting up early creates a healthy, alert, focused and peaceful mind.
USHAPANA/ACHAMAN
Ushapana is also known as Achaman in Ayurveda. After waking up Ayurveda
states that washing hands and feet and drinking Luke warm or normal water
preferably in a clay or copper vessel is beneficial. It improves digestion, help to
pass the motion and urine easily, and minimize the risk of diseases in the digestive
system.
MALAMUTRA VISARHAN
Voiding natural urges in the morning is best to maintain a healthy body. As this
helps to maintain gut health and prevent diseases. The improper cleaning of the gut
is the root cause of many diseases.
DANTADHAVAN
After excretion, the cleaning of teeth and tongue is vital. Teeth should be
cleaned properly with astringent, herbs, and bitter plants like neem or fine powder
of neem, triphala, etc. cleaning the tongue is another vital step in the cleaning
process. With a curve scraper, the tongue should be cleaned properly. After
cleaning teeth and tongue, gargling with lukewarm water with salt keeps gum,
mouth, and throat healthy.
NASYAKARM
Nasal medication is the next step. Cleaning the nostrils passage is done by
applying 35 drops of ghee or sesame oil in each nostril in the morning. Cleaning the
nose helps to prevent headaches, sinusitis, skin complaints, and many more.
ABHYANGAM
It means oil massage. Oil massage therapy is an essential part of Ayurveda. Here,
massage oil to the whole body is necessary, particularly on the head, ears, and feet
with oil such as mustard, sesame, and coconut oil. This helps increase blood
circulation, enhance the quality of sleep
VYAYAMA
Vyayama refers to exercise and yoga that is to be done regularly to remain healthy. Physical
activity such as yoga asana and pranayama helps to increase blood circulation and resistance
against diseases. The exercises improve digestion and organ health and improve memory. If one
cannot do yoga at least one should walk.
KSHAUR KARMA
It refers to the cutting of hair and nails. Cutting of nails, hair, or shaving should be done a
maximum of once in a week. This helps to maintain hygiene and remain body-light and fresh.
SNANA
Snana means bathing. Bathing in the morning helps to maintain hygiene i.e. it removes sweat,
dirt, and exhaustion. Bathing with cold or warm water improves digestion, muscle strength, and
skin health.
DHYANAM
A few minutes of meditation will help to have a peaceful mind. Sitting quietly in a quiet place
provides you peace and self-awareness. Makes you calm, stress-free, and relaxed all day long.
 DIETARY REGIMEN
Diet plays a vital role to maintain a healthy body. As food is a part of our daily life
then it is important to choose what is right to eat. Eating at the right time and the
right food that is properly cooked helps to improve digestion.
In Ayurveda, diet is classified according to Vata, Pitta and Kapha
• Food should be eaten in a calm and comfortable manner.
• Have a balanced diet and fruits in terms of nutrition and add nuts to your day.
• Use clean utensils to maintain hygiene.
• Do not eat junk and unhealthy choices of food.
 RATRICHARYA - NOCTURNAL REGIMEN
It involves the things to be done from sunset to sunrise also called as Nocturnal regimen
• Evening duties - wash face and relax with recreation activities like gardening, walking etc.
• Recollect the entire days activities in two categories positive/good/planned and
negative/bad/unplanned and try to analyze the mistakes and try the ways to rectify it
• Dinner (Ratribhojan) should be eaten 3 to 4 hours before sleep. Dinner should be lighter and
consumed in a warm state and fresh.
• Take a slow walk after having your food.
• Prayer before sleeping.
• Sleep (Nidra) The sleep should be a maximum of 8 hours. The quality of sleep is necessary to
make your mind healthy and relaxed. Sleeping late at night should be avoided.
• In Ayurveda before going to sleep one should massage their head and feet with oil.
 RASAYANA - IMMUNOMODULATORS AND
REJUVENATIVE MODALITIES
• They are used to cure diseases and to prevent the body from having
diseases.
• Rasayana improves immunity and performs important functions in the
body.
• It helps to recover the body's health.
RITU CHARYA - SEASONAL REGIMEN
 RITU CHARYA - SEASONAL REGIMEN
• Ritucharya is the observance of diet and regimen according to the
seasonal changes.
• Ayurveda has depicted various rules and regimens (Charya), regarding
diet and behavior to acclimatize seasonal enforcement easily without
altering body’s homeostasis
• The prime principle of Ayurvedic system of medicine is preventive
aspect, can be achieved by the change in diet and practices in response
to change in climatic condition.
 CLASSIFICATION OF RITUS
1. Adaan Kala/Northern Solstice
i) Shishira (winter) (Mid Jan - Mid March)
ii) Vasanta (Spring) (Mid March - Mid May)
iii) Grishma (Summer) (Mid May - Mid July)
2. Visarga Kala/Southern Solstice
i) Varsha (Monsoon) (Mid July - Mid Sept)
ii) Sharad (Autumn) (Mid Sept - Mid Nov)
iii) Hemanta (Early-Winter) (Mid Nov - Mid Jan)
1. Shishira (Winter) (Mid Jan - Mid March)
• The weather remains cold and windy during this season. People become lethargic
and less energetic. The deposition of kapha dosha occurs in the body and
Agni(catabolism) remains in a higher state.
• Diet Routine: - Foods like amla wheat/gram flour items, cereals, and pulses, corn,
ginger, garlic, pepper, sugarcane items, milk, and milk products is advised
• Foods having bitter, pungent, astringent dominating are to be avoided. Shita(cool),
Lagu(light) foods should also be avoided
• LifeStyle: - Few things are essential to keep your body balanced like a massage
with oil or paste. Shower with tepid water, exposure to sunlight and wearing warm
clothes are advised
2. Vasanta (Spring) (Mid March - Mid May)
• This is the season of origin of new leaves and flowers. The strength of an
individual remains medium during this season, vitiation of kapha dosha occurs
and Agni i.e. (digestion power) remains low.
• Diet Routine: - Easily digestable food should be taken in this season in which
wheat, rice, old barley, cereals are suggested. Lentil, Mugda can be taken in pulses.
Bitter, pungent, kashaya (astringent) tasting items should be taken. Honey can also
be added.
• Cold, heavy and viscous food should be avoided.
• LifeStyle: - Exercising is very important during this season. Massage with
Chandan, Kesara, and bathing with tepid water are considered ideal. Evacuative
therapies like Vamana and Nasya are recommended. Sleeping during day time
should be avoided.
3. Grishma (Summer) (Mid May - Mid July)
• It is an intensely hot season full of unhealthy winds. The water of wells, lakes, and
rivers dries up and plants become lifeless. Deposition of Vata Dosha occurs and
Kapha Dosha becomes relaxes. Agni of an individual remains in a mild state.
• Diet Routine: - Food which are light in process like those having Snigdha
(unctuous), Madhura(sweet), sheeta(cool) and Drava(fluid) Guna, for example,
lentil and rice should be eaten Drinking various fluids like cold water, fruit juices,
buttermilk, mango juice and a lot of water is advised. Before sleep milk with little
sugar should also be taken. Amla(Sour), ginger, garlic, pepper and Katu(pungent)
taste and warm food should not be taken.
• LifeStyle: - Stay at cool places, applying sandalwood paste over the body,
decorating the house with blossoms, wearing light clothes and napping during the
day are suggested. Too much exercise and hard work and alcoholic drinks should
be avoided.
4. Varsha (Monsoon or Rainy) (Mid July - Mid Sept)
• It is the season of rain. The sky is all the time cloudy and rain happen during this
season. The wells, lakes, and rivers are again full of water. An individual’s
strength becomes weak during this season. Agni gets vitiated and variation of Vata
Dosha and deposition of Pitta Dosha are prominent
• Diet Routine: - Foods having the taste of Amla(tasty), Lavana(salty) should be
taken. Old barley, wheat, rice, etc. are advised among grains. Soups can also be
added to daily diet. Boiled water is always preferred in this season.
• Exclusive fluid and water should be avoided.
• Lifestyle: - Massaging with oil and bathing with boiled water is advised during
this season. To expel vitiated doshas, medicated basti(enema) is prescribed
• Exercising, napping during the day, drenching in rain, hard work are some major
things which are advised to be avoided.
5. Sharad (Autumn) (Mid Sept - Mid Nov)
• The sun turns out to be splendid. The sky is clear but sometimes white clouds can be seen.
The earth is smeared with wet mud. The appeasement of vitiated Vats Dosha and also
vitiation of Pitta Dosha happens as well as the movement of Agni increases during this
season.
• Diet Routine: - Foods that have Tikta(sharp) and Madhura(sweet) taste and of Laghu (light
to process) and food with cold properties should be taken. Green gram, wheat, sugar-sweet,
etc. are advised
• Hot, sweet, bitter and astringent foods should be avoided. The food products which contain
fat oils, meat and curd should be avoided.
• LifeStyle: - It is considered that the moonbeams in the initial 3 hours of the night are very
favorable. So one should take water sanitized by the beams of the moon for drinking and
bathing. To apply the paste of Chandana is also recommended. Restorative methods like
virechana(cleansing), Raktamokshna(phlebotomy), etc. should be done during this season.
• Excessive eating, napping during the day and exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
6. Hemanta (Early-winter) (Mid Nov - Mid Jan)
• Cool breezes start to blow and feel chillness. The movement of Agni is also
increased.
• Diet Routine: - Salty, sweet, tasty foods should be added in the diet. Rice, pulses,
green gram, fats, milk and milk products, sugarcane items, sesame are advised to
be taken
• Dry foods and vata aggravating food like laghu(light), cool are not advised
• Lifestyle: - Living in warm places, exercising head and body massage, use of
warm water, warm garments are suggested.
• Exposure to cold and strong winds and napping during the day should be avoided.
 VEGA DHARANAM
• The word Vega means natural urge and Dharanam refers to suppression
of natural urge.
• There are two types of natural urges Dharaniya Vega and Adharaniya
Vega
• Adharaniya Vega are those which should not be avoided or non-
suppressible urges
• Dharaniya Vega are those which should be avoided or suppressible
urges that inturn divided into manasik vega, kayik vega, vachaik vega
 DHARANIYA VEGA
Manasik Dharniya Vega - Arise at our thought level and affect our behaviour. These
needed to be suppressed by every human being
• Greedings
• Grief
• Fear
• Anger
• Shamelessness
• Envy
• Jealousy
• Arrogance
• Anxiety
• Don’t harm to any one physically
Kayik Dharnaiya Vega - Things or bad physical deeds should be avoided
• Prostitution
• Stealing
• Physical Voilence

Vachaik Dharnaiya Vega - Things or bad speech deeds should be avoided

These urges must be suppressed in order to maintain a sound mental health, and
allow one to lead a virtuous life
 ADHARANIYA VEGA

1. Flatulence 8. Sleep
2. Bowel Movements 9. Coughing
3. Urination 10. Heavy Respiration
4. Belching 11. Yawning
5. Sneezing 12. Vomiting
6. Thirst 13. Ejaculation
7. Hunger 14. Tears