Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine and healing that has been practiced in Hindustan for over many years.  Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words ‘ayus’ and ‘veda’. ‘Ayus’ literally means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge. Ayurveda is an ancient healing system of medicine from India. It provides knowledge regarding natural herbs so that all people can stay healthy and remain disease free. The term Ayurveda thus means ‘the knowledge of life’. It is also known as ‘the science of life’. There are unique aspects to Ayurveda and its recommendations will be different for each person regarding food eaten regularly and lifestyle methods. Ayurveda is regarded as the oldest system of healthcare throughout the world. The Rig Veda contains a series of prescriptions that can help humans overcome various health disorders. The aim of this natural healing system is to prevent illness, heal the sick and preserve overall healthy life. There are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These energies or forces are called the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. Ayurveda has always seen a strong connection between the mind and the body. Ayurveda can be defined as a system which helps to maintain health in a person by keeping the individual’s body, mind and spirit in a balanced equilibrium.

AYURVEDA  IN  RAMAYANA.

Kshira samudra manthan :

In Balkand, Ramayana, there is a reference of churning of ocean for the Amrut. 14 gems were came out from the ocean in which ‘Dhanvantari holding.

Toxicology:

Since Dasharatha rejected to fulfill the desires of queen Kaikayi. she said that “If you install Rama as the king of Ayodhya, I am going to die by taking poison” which shows that the use of poisonous substances were existed. When Ram & Lakshman were injured due to the SarpaAstra of Indrajeet, Hanumaan sent Garuda for their treatment.

Transplantation of Organs:

Sage Gautama castrated the testicles of Indra.  In place of that Ashwins transplanted the testicles of goat.  He was therefore called Meshavrushana.

 Examination of the dead & alive:

When Lakshmana became unconscious in the war by an arrow, Rama declared him as dead. But vaidya Sushen explained him the signs & symptoms of the alive person: ‘His face has not changed, ‘His face has not blackened, ‘His face has not become charm less but is full of light, ‘His palms are like lotus, ‘His eyes are clear. These are the signs of alive person.

Description of  Herbs:

Many plants and trees have been described in Ramayana at different places. ‘Kutaja ‘Arjuna ‘Kadamba ‘Nimba ‘Saptacchada ‘Ashoka ‘Asana ‘Saptaparna 

 Death of Ravana:

Ravana had died because of injury to his Naabhi marma due to arrow of Ram.This is the reference of 107 marma which were known at that time.

Many more evidence for ancient history of Ayurveda  

PRINCIPLE  OF AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is based on the principle that the universe is made up of five elements i.e. Air, Fire, Water, Earth and ether. These elements are represented as three Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. A healthy person is that person whose doshas are in balance, appetite is normal and all tissues of the body functioning properly. When any of the doshas get imbalanced, the body loses its balance and get diseased. Ayurveda recommends specific lifestyle and dietary guidelines to help persons reduce the excess dosha or getting it imbalanced.  Vata refers to air and ether elements. It is seen as the force which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination. 

Vata  is an aspect of Prana and this gets expressed in 5 different ways, controlling different functions in the body through the 5 pranas namely :

PRANA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the control and activity of breathing, swallowing, mental activity and sensory perceptions, insomnia and its cause, type of migraine and its cause, types of dreams and the interpretation, excess chattering of the brain .Prana Vata governs inhalation, sense perception, and mind. Prana Vayu seated in the heart/chest, Anahata Chakra, Air. Prana generally means life force. As we inhale, Prana vayu moves upward from the navel to the chest. The Pathological manifestations of vitiated prana vayu are hiccough, flatulence, breathing troubles.

APANA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the downward movement of food, functioning of bladder, rectum, menstruation, ovulation, the quality and functioning of the reproductive organs, ailments and its cause, early warning of lack of libido, impotency, lower backache, sciatica, pre menstrual pain and its associated symptoms, and proper/improper elimination of toxins. Apana Vata working in the kidneys, colon, rectum, bladder and genitals; governs the elimination of waste in general and expulsion of urine, stool, sperm, menstruation, etc. Its location is in between the navel and the anus. Apana Vayu seat is in the Pelvis, Muladhara chakra, and element earth. Mula bandha practice is influence this area and apana vayu. Apana moves from the navel down to the floor of the pelvis. The pathological manifestations of vitiated apana vayu are urinary tract, uterine tract and anal rectal diseases; psychologically feels lazy, dull, confused, indecisive, improper sex drive, and befuddled.

UDANA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the functioning of memory, memory retention, communication and expression, motivation, will power, upward movement of food, complexion of the skin, output of energy. Udana Vata governs speech, self-expression, effort, enthusiasm, strength and vitality. Udana Vayu seated in the Throat and Head, Vishuddha Chakra, Ajna Chakra, Ether. Udana moves primarily up from the throat up to the head. The pathological manifestations of vitiated udana vayu are on the eye, ear, nose and throat. It is consider being the force behind all growth, ability to stand erect, speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. Udana vayu is the force expelling air with the exhalation in a way with speech and the sound production. In the head region, its function is mental expression in the form of ideas and speech. Jalanchara bandha stimulates the energy and movement of Udana and it is consider associating with Vishuddha chakra. This upward moving energy continues through the upper chakra, the Ajna chakra, to the Sahasrara, and purifies during the upward journey. The pathological manifestations of vitiated udana vayu are disconnected speech, cannot speak, not properly articulate ideas, shortness of breath, lack in self-expression, emotional repression, uncoordinated limb movements or loss of balance.

 SAMANA – Nadi Pariksha indicates enzyme production, assimilation of food, digestive disorders, the effect of thoughts and impression on our body and the equilibrium of the body Samana Vata governs peristaltic movement of the digestive system. Samana Vayu seated in the Solar Plexus, Manipura Chakra, and Fire. It corresponds to the area we practice Uddiyana bandha. It unifies prana vayu and apana vayu, the two opposite forces. Samana moves from the periphery of the body into the core. The pathological manifestations of vitiated samana vayu are delusional or unsound mind, shortness of breath, anorexia, bloating, malabsorption, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal tumor.

VYANA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the effective internal circulation of oxygen, blood and nutrients, General movement of the body (extension and contraction, movement of joints, reflexes), any presence of spasms, nervous disorders, the working if the sweat glands. Vyana Vata governs the blood circulation, heart rhythm, ejaculation of sperm, development of all the tissues, and locomotion. Vyana Vayu location is in the center of heart and permeates through the whole body, Svadisthana Chakra, element water. This vayu moves from the center of the body out to the periphery. This vayu pervades the whole body, and runs through the whole network of the 72,000 nadis. This vayu is associating with the energy of the Svadhisthana chakra. The subtler energies involved are enhanced through Mulabandha. The pathological manifestations of vitiated vyana vayu are abnormal cardiac rhythms, poor blood circulation, peripheral edema, tissue ischemia, fever, uncoordinated, lowered sensation, and convulsion.  If vata is balanced, it exhibits mental alertness, muscular body, normal elimination, restful sleep and feeling of happiness. If vata is imbalanced, it manifest restless mind, dry/rough skin, insomnia, constipation, fatigue, headache, cold intolerance, low weight, gas, bloating and shakiness or worry.

Pitta is composed of fire and water. Pitta energy is responsible for digestion, metabolizes food through enzymes and intestinal secretions and converts into blood, bones, muscles, etc. Pitta maintains body temperature and hormonal levels; trigger hunger and thirst; provides complexion to the skin; sharpens the intellect and memory; enhance daring, courage and will. Pitta energy in the mind is considering as mental fire necessary for will power, decision-making, courage, ambitions, optimism, intelligence and creativity.

PITTA gets expressed in 5 different ways, controlling different functions in the body through :

 PACHAKA PITTA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the maintenance of digestive fire through the action of the pancreas, liver and other intestinal secretions, presence or onset of Jaundice and/or other liver infections/diseases and its cause. Pachaka Pitta governs digestion, stimulates digestive enzymes and separates nutrients & waste products. In unbalances, its pathological manifestations are anorexia, rise of body temperature, burning sensation, indigestion, hyperacidity, ulcers, nausea & vomiting, low appetite, poor digestion, bloating, constipation, etc. The most effective ways balancing this pitta is the use of mild purgatives consists of bitter and cooling herbs such as Rhubarb and Amalaki.

   RANJAKA PITTA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the regulation of blood chemistry and indicates if a patient is suffering from anemia, level of fat and cholesterol in the blood, early warning of the onset of circulatory disorders, the extent of the functioning of the stomach and spleen, color and health of skin, and the energy levels. Ranjaka Pitta is a Sanskrit word means giving color. It is present in the liver and spleen involved in the production and maintenance of blood through the process called erthyogenesis. The spleen acts as a filter and blood reservoir. If imbalance occurs, its pathological manifestation is anemia, jaundice, hepatitis, and abnormal skin pigmentation.

 BHRAJAKA PITTA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the health of skin, luster, age of the skin, skin infections, skin ailments and its cause like pigmentation, early warning of the onset of skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer . Bharajaka Pitta governs luster and body complexion, heat, and skin pigmentation. It helps with the biochemical reactions within the skin and production of Vitamin D and melatonin. The pathological manifestations are pertaining to skin problems such as skin discoloration, eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin cancer and other skin diseases. Sweet and bitter herbs such as Aloe Vera help balancing this pitta.

SADHAKA PITTA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the effective functioning of the brain with respect to the processing of feelings and emotions, presence of unresolved emotions, the intelligence of the person, understanding, comprehension and expressions, self-esteem, and effective transformation of information into knowledge. Sadhaka Pitta is responsible for intelligence and memory. Sadhaka Pitta is present in both the brain and heart. It regulates aspects of the hypothalamus ultimately to maintain balance and homeostasis of the whole body. It can look upon as neurochemistry involving certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin responsible for cognition and understanding. Consider Sadhaka pitta as the brilliance, able to make sense from digested incoming information. This pitta accomplishes dynamic transformation of thoughts into feelings and feelings into emotions. The pathological manifestations are lack of concentration, dullness of mind, sleep deprivation.

ALOCHAKA PITTA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the health of the eyes, the effective assimilation of information through the eyes (optical perception), the effectiveness of the retina , visual problems . Alochaka Pitta governs optical perception required for vision. It gives luster to the eyes, responsible for dilation and contraction of pupil associated with clarity and clear perception. The pathological manifestations are pertaining to eye and vision; conjunctivitis, blepharitis, styes, etc. Herb rose petals helps balance this pitta.

Kapha dosha is composed of elements earth and water. This dosha is responsible for growth and homeostasis of the body. It is produced in the body as a post-digestive product (a form of energy), and its quality and quantity depend on the food consumed and their proper digestion. Its main working locations are the mucous-producing tissues and organs such as those in the chest and gastric regions, palate, joints, plasma and lymph. It provides body structural stability. It lubricates and moisturizes body tissues to maintain normal functioning. It renews old cells, heals wounds and contract corrosive properties of pitta and vata. Kapha on mental and emotional level provides calmness and steadiness.

KAPHA gets expressed in 5 different ways, controlling different functions in the body through :

 KHLEDAKA KAPHA – Nadi Pariksha indicates the initial stage of digestion like proper moistening of food, the property mixture and balance/imbalance of alkaline and acidic secretions, and the health of the walls of the upper and middle abdomen, presence of diabetes and the type of diabetes, onset of diabetes and when with the cause. Kledaka Kapha located within the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It provides protective lining to protect from the acidic (HCL) environment and other acidic gastric enzymes. Abnormality of this kapha leads to high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and gastritis.

AVALAMBAKA KAPHA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the health of the fluid in the lungs, the health of the lungs and ailments/diseases of any, pericardial condition, the emotional state of a person, early warning of the onset of heart ailments, and also the current condition of the heart. Avalambhaka Kapha located within the chest cavity nourishing the plueral of the lungs and the pericardium of the heart. It provides structural integrity of the lungs by maintaining the adequate smooth muscular tone of the airways needed for adequate ventilation. Abnormality of this kapha leads to wheezing, asthma, COPD, cough, and pericardial effusion.

 BODHAKA KAPHA – Nadi Pariksha indicates the moistening of the mouth and its effective protection from hot and pungent foods, the extent of salvation, sense of taste, the health of gums and teeth. Bodhaka Kapha located in the mouth in the form of saliva, which is liquid, sticky and sweet. It keeps the oral cavity moist, well lubricated, helps initial stages of digestion of simple carbohydrates, and supports the passage of chewed food to stomach with low resistance. Abnormalities of this kapha are receding gums, gum infection, and tastelessness.

TARPAKA KAPHA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the effectiveness of the sensory and cognitive faculties, the coordination between the sensory and motor organs, presence of past life memories, the reason and extent of mental fatigue, indication of impending stroke/paralysis, ability to store information and the reasons for memory loss. Tarpaka Kapha located within the white matter of the central nervous system providing nourishment and protection to the brain in the form of cerebrospinal fluid. Additionally, in the form of myelin sheath of neuron it provides insulation required form proper neuro-electrical impulses. Balanced Taroaja kapha provides wellness and contentment within the mind. Abnormality of this kapha leads to debilitating neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis; increased secretion (in ear, nasal, eye), memory loss, insomnia, dry eye, and tumours.

 SHLESHMAKA KAPHA – Nadi Pariksha reveals the health of joints, effective lubrication of joints and/or the cause of lack of it, kinds  of joint problems, onset of arthritic condition. Shleshaka Kapha predominately present within synovial fluid of the joints, nourishing the articular surface. It ensures lubricate, stability, and flexibility of the joints. Abnormality of this kapha leads to degenerative changes within the skeletal system such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.