Indian Vedic medicine. Ayurveda: what is it? The healing power of Ayurvedic oils

Ayurveda is translated from Indian as “the science of life.” Contrary to popular belief, the eastern system involves not only massages, rubbing oils and the use of medicinal herbs. Ayurveda is a whole complex of preventive and therapeutic techniques, the purpose of which is to ensure the harmony of the human soul and body.

Story

Ancient science originated in India more than 3.5 thousand years ago. It is believed that ancient Indian gods passed on sacred knowledge to people, which is partly why Ayurveda was considered for a long time as a national teaching outside the country and was not particularly popular. Only with the flourishing of the book business did she begin to gain supporters all over the world.
In 1985, WHO recognized the ancient system as a truly effective alternative treatment method. In Russia, according to the order of the Ministry of Health, Ayurveda is included in the list of healing techniques that can be officially used in medical practice. What explains such trust in Eastern healers?

Philosophy

Ayurveda views a person as a combination of several elements: earth, water, air, fire and ether. Arranging into groups, these elements form tissues and organs, as well as the main vital forces (doshas), which control all functions of the body. As long as the doshas work in harmony with each other, a person remains healthy; as soon as the balance is disturbed, illness occurs. That is why the essence of any treatment is to restore the fragile balance between the governing substances.

The original nature of a person - prakriti - also depends on the ratio of doshas in the body. These are the mental and somatic characteristics of the patient that are given to him from birth and do not change throughout his life. By knowing one's prakriti and following specific lifestyle recommendations, a person can remain healthy and happy. Diagnosticians, determining the patient’s congenital constitution, establish his susceptibility to various diseases.

In total, there are 3 main types of prakriti: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

cotton wool
Symbolizes movement. A person of this type is thin, impetuous, and sociable. He quickly absorbs information, has a rich imagination and a sharp mind. At the same time, he is fickle, irritable, and easily excitable. Vata people eat poorly, organize their schedule irrationally, and get little rest. You can recognize them by thin dry skin, cold hands, brittle nails with a pale plate.

Frequent health problems: weight loss, insomnia, nervous disorders, digestive disorders.

Pitta

People ruled by the element of fire. They are often red-haired, with white skin covered in freckles. They have a medium build. Very balanced, purposeful, pedantic. It is important for them to live according to a schedule and always keep the situation under control. A Pitta person usually has a good career. He is brave, responsive, quick-tempered, but not vindictive. Loves to eat well. Doctors distinguish such patients by a strong pulse that is easily palpable. Pitta's nails are flexible with a reddish plate.

Frequent diseases: heat strokes, digestive ulcers, gastritis, liver pathologies.

Kapha

Kapha people have a slow metabolism. They, as a rule, have a large-boned physique, well-developed muscles, but smooth, unhurried movements. Kaphas like to think and are not prone to impulsive actions. They are patient, balanced, peace-loving, faithful. They eat a lot, but are not physically active, so they often suffer from excess weight. The pulse in such patients may be slightly slow, the nails are shiny, healthy, with a white plate.

Frequent health problems: obesity, cardiovascular and ENT diseases.

Any treatment program in Ayurveda is selected taking into account prakriti.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases

To identify the disease, in addition to the traditional examination, Ayurvedic healers use rather non-standard techniques, for example, sniffing the patient or pulse diagnostics. Once the problem becomes obvious, treatment begins.

As in traditional medicine, therapy can be symptomatic (Shamana) or etiological (i.e., eliminating the cause of the disease, Shodhana). The treatment complexes include:

• aromatherapy;
• color and music therapy;
• taste therapy;
• apitherapy (treatment with bee stings);
• breathing exercises;
• spiritual practices (yoga, meditation);
• herbal remedies.

More than 700 plants, minerals and substances of animal origin are used to prepare medicines in Ayurveda. Especially often, Neem, Tulsi, Triphala, and Boswellia trees are included in the recipe. Toxic metals are subjected to special treatment before mixing. The drugs are manufactured in the form of powders, pills, tablets, syrups and solutions.

Diet plays an important role in treatment. It is believed that all 6 basic tastes should be present in the human diet:

• sour,
• salty,
• sweet,
• spicy,
• bitter,
• astringent.

According to Indian doctors, each of the taste sensations has a specific effect on the body. For example, sweet foods stimulate the formation of blood cells, and sour foods improve digestion. Only a full palette of tastes can ensure the normal functioning of the entire body as a whole.

Cooking is allowed only from fresh products. It is important to observe the principle of their compatibility. So, proteins and fats should not be present at the same time in one dish. Fruits should be eaten separately from starchy vegetables. Milk should not be combined with other products containing proteins.

Twice a year, for preventive purposes, doctors prescribe cleansing procedures - panchakarma - to their patients.
The course of therapy usually includes massage, herbal enemas, bloodletting, and rinsing the sinuses.

But perhaps the most important thing in Ayurveda is its spiritual component. Adherents of this technique are convinced that a person’s physical health directly depends on the state of his soul. If the patient is satisfied with himself, loves the world, knows how to forgive insults and get rid of irritation, then he is not afraid of any illnesses.

History of Ayurveda

Sources

Vedic sources

The first mentions of medicine and the healing properties of plants are found in the Vedas, most of all in the last of the four Atharva Veda. Atharva Veda is the first Indian text related to medicine. He identifies living agents as causes of disease: for example, Yatudhanya, Krimi and Durnama. The Atharvans track them down and kill them with medicine to defeat the disease. This approach to disease is unexpectedly advanced compared to the trihumoral theory developed in the Puranic period. Remnants of the original Atharvanic thoughts still remained in the Puranic period, as we can see in Sushruta's medical treatise (Garuda Purana, karma kanda). Here, following the Atharvan theory, the Puranic text considers germs to be the cause of leprosy. In the same chapter, Sushruta also expands on the role of helminths in causing diseases. These two sayings can be traced back to the Atharva Veda Samhita. One of the hymns describes the disease leprosy and recommends the use of aushadhi for the treatment of rajani. From the description of aushadhi as a plant with black stems and dark spots, we can conclude that this most likely means a lichen with antibiotic properties. Thus, the Atharva Veda can be considered the first text to record the use of antibiotics. In addition, the Atharva Veda describes in detail the bones of the human skeleton

Buddhist sources

The first information about individual scientific works on medicine dates back to 1500. Today, a large number of texts and information about their authors have not been preserved: some of them were destroyed during the reign of the Mughals. However, a significant number of medical texts can be inferred from the manuscripts and books preserved in the multi-volume corpus of Buddhist writings of the Tibetan canon.

Nine treatises are considered the most important sources of Ayurvedic knowledge:

• Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (written by Srimad Vagbhata in the 4th century AD)
• Sharngadhara-samhita,
• Madhava-nidana-samhita,
• Bhava-prakasa-samhita,
• Harita-samhita,
• Kashyapa Samhita,
• Bhela-samhita.

The first three from the list are the quintessence of all Ayurvedic works ever created and are called “Brihat Trayu”. There is also an extensive commentary literature, the most important of which are those of Dridhabala, Chakrapanadatta, Nagarjuna, Arunadatta, Hemadri and other authors belonging to the most ancient medical dynasties. The final formation of the Ayurvedic canon dates back to G.N. e.

The legend of the origin of Ayurveda

According to legend, Ayurveda was part of the revelation of holy sages who acquired comprehensive knowledge of the Universe about seven thousand years ago. The Vedas indicate that Brahma told the secrets of medicine to Daksha, one of the demiurge gods. Daksha in turn passed on the knowledge to the divine twins Ashvins, who became "great healers" and later expounded it to Indra. Indra passed on his knowledge to disciples, including Bharadvajaya, one of the Seven Sages of India.

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda is considered to be Dhanvantari, an avatar of Vishnu mentioned in Bhagavata Purana and in the Vedas. The Hindu cult of Dhanvantari is associated with prayers for health. He is credited with having knowledge of surgery, herbal medicine, the antiseptic properties of turmeric, and the ability of salt to heal wounds.

Medicine in the Buddhist period

The golden age of Ayurveda coincides with the rise of Buddhism in India (327 BC - 750 AD). During this period, the Indians accumulated significant knowledge about the structure of the human body, distinguishing 7 membranes, 500 muscles, 900 ligaments, 90 tendons, 300 bones (this includes teeth and cartilage), which are divided into flat, round and long, 107 joints, 40 main vessels and 700 of their branches (for blood, mucus and air), 24 nerves, 9 sense organs and 3 substances (vata - wind, a combination of the primary elements of air and space; pitta - bile, a combination of the primary elements of fire and water; kapha - mucus, a combination of the primary elements of earth and water). Certain areas of the body (palms, soles, groin areas, etc.) were highlighted as “particularly important” (marman). The versatility of the knowledge of Indian healers of that time is evidenced by the words of Sushruta:

“A healer familiar with the healing properties of roots and herbs is a person; familiar with the properties of a knife and fire - a demon; he who knows the power of prayers is a prophet; one who is familiar with the properties of mercury is a god!”

By the 7th century BC e. In the north of modern India, two medical schools were famous:

• In Taxila in the west, the capital of Gandhara; specialization - therapy
• In Kashi in the east of the country; specialization - surgery

In Taxila, Punarvasu Atreya (or Krishna Atreya) studied, in one of his treatises he likened the 5 organs of perception - the 5 main elements ( pancha mahabhuta) . The different quality of objects was explained by different combinations of tiny particles of anu (“atoms”). The vital activity of the body was considered through the interaction of three substances: air, fire and water (the carriers of which in the body were considered prana, bile and mucus). Health was understood as the result of a balanced ratio of three substances, the correct performance of vital functions of the body, the normal state of the senses and clarity of mind, and illness was understood as a violation of these correct ratios and a negative impact on a person of the five elements (the influence of seasons, climate, indigestible food, unhealthy water and so on.). Diagnosis of diseases was based on a detailed interview of the patient and examination of body warmth, skin and tongue color, discharge, noise in the lungs, voice, etc.

Krishna Atreya had six disciples: Agnivesha, Bhela, Jatukarna, Parasara, Harita and Ksharapani. Each of them compiled his own treatise, the best of which was recognized as the treatise of Agnivesha. Agniveshi, having created a new teaching, began to travel, passing on his knowledge to people. People called him a traveling doctor - “Charaka”. His activities gave rise to the medical system of Charaka or Charana, a school of traveling doctors. Probably, it was to this group that the wanderer in northwestern India in the 1st century belonged. BC. healer Charaka, who was considered the incarnation of Agnivesha. Charaka was also from Taxila. The school founded by Charaka studied therapy and various methods of treating diseases. (in the treatise Charaka Samhita).

In the 4th century. BC e. At the "university" in Taxila, the famous physician Jivaka, who treated the Magadha king Bimbisara, Buddha, and the possible author Zhud Shi, as well as Sushruta, a student of Devadasa Dhanvantari, was educated. His medical skills are described in the later written medical treatise "Bhoja Prabandha", a biography of King Bhoja (1010-1056).

In the 3rd century. BC e. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka made Taxila the main center of Buddhist learning.

In the 5th century BC e. Sushruta, educated in Taxila, founded a new school of surgery at Kashi. . Sushruta divided all diseases into natural, associated with nature, and supernatural, sent by the gods (for example, leprosy, venereal, etc.). He also described sugar diabetes, unknown at that time to the ancient Greeks, which he recognized by the taste of urine.

Ayurveda in the Middle Ages

Ayurveda is practiced by approximately three hundred and fifty thousand registered doctors. Indian traditional medicine is studied in India under the overall guidance of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Medicine and Siddha (CCRAS), which includes a national network of research institutes. The Government of India has established two research centers for work in the field of Ayurveda. More than 150 scientific associations and centers, as a rule, at medical colleges, use modern methods to study various aspects of the ancient teaching. A university has been established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to train specialists and researchers in the field of Ayurveda. There are several pharmaceutical units that manufacture Ayurvedic and Unani medicines under the supervision of the government. In India and Sri Lanka, Ayurveda doctors study for 5.5 years and pass a state exam. It is a complete curriculum (B.A.M.S., abbreviation for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, Ayurvedacharya course) and is taught in many Indian and several Sri Lankan universities. It includes four and a half years of study and a year of practice in a hospital.

In addition to India, Ayurveda is used in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Robert Svoboda was the first Westerner to graduate from the College of Ayurveda (in) and received a license to practice Ayurveda in India.

Safety concerns have been raised by Ayurveda, with two US studies finding about 20% of Ayurvedic test procedures contained toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. Other problems include the use of herbs that contain toxic compounds and lack of quality control in Ayurvedic remedies.

Branches of Ayurveda

According to the classification introduced by Charaka, Ayurveda is divided into eight branches:

• Internal Medicine - Kayachikitsa

• Surgery - Shalya Tantra

The school of medicine was founded by Sushruta, who considered this branch of medicine to be “the first and best of all medical sciences.” Having no idea about antisepsis and asepsis, Indian healers, following Vedic ideas, maintained cleanliness during operations. Surgical instruments were made by experienced blacksmiths from steel, which India learned how to produce in ancient times. During the operation, tweezers, mirrors, probes, catheters, syringes, scarifiers, bone forceps, needles, and saws were used. Instead of a modern scalpel, lancets with a double-edged blade were used. The bleeding was stopped with the help of ash and cold, a pressure bandage and hot water. Strips of leather and tree bark were used as dressing material. Bandages made of linen, silk and woolen fabric were soaked in melted fat. Doctors performed amputations of limbs and opening of the abdominal cavity. Surgeons crushed kidney stones, treated hernias, and also reconstructed noses, ears and lips. The method of rhinoplasty, described in detail in Sushruta’s treatise, went down in history under the name “Indian method”. A skin flap to form the future nose was cut out on a vascular pedicle from the skin of the forehead or cheek.

• Ears, eyes, nose and throat - Shalakya Tantra

The lens was considered an organ that preserves the “eternal flame.” Its cloudiness entailed the extinction of the internal flame. Therefore, restoration of the patient’s vitality depended on the skill of the surgeon, including during cataract surgery.

• Pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya Tantra

Already in the Classical period, obstetrics became an independent area of ​​healing. Sushruta's treatise details advice to pregnant women on maintaining cleanliness and a correct lifestyle, describes deviations from the normal course of childbirth, fetal deformities, embryotomy (which was recommended in cases where it was impossible for the fetus to turn onto a leg or head), cesarean section (used after the death of the mother in labor to save the baby ) and turning the fetus onto its leg.

Philosophy of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is not only a medical, but also a philosophical system, which is based on shad-darshana, six astika philosophies (recognizing the authority of the Vedas), namely:

Ayurveda is focused on each person achieving harmony, “continuous happiness” and considers a person as a part of the Universe, consisting of a very close mystical relationship with it. According to the Charaka Samhita, “life itself” is defined as “the combination of the body, the organs of perception, the mind and the soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and death, which preserves the body over time, and carries on the processes of rebirth.”

According to these views, Ayurvedic medicine develops measures to protect "ayus", which includes healthy living, along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the few traditional systems of medicine that has a complex system of surgery - “salya-chikitsa”.

Three dosha system

According to Buddhist philosophy, matter consists of five basic "gross elements":

The “gross elements” are the only physical component of the individual, in contrast to the other four “subtle” (“mental”) primary elements (nama). In various combinations, these elements make up the various tissues of the human body - dhatus. The elements are grouped into three main fundamental vital forces, the doshas, ​​which regulate all functions of the body. A person is healthy when the doshas are in a balanced state.

• Vata (ether and air) is the principle of impulse necessary to mobilize the function of the nervous system.
• Pitta (fire and water) is the energy principle that uses bile to direct digestion and hence metabolism into the venous system.
• Kapha (water and earth) is the fluid principle of the body, which relates to mucous substances, lubrication and the source of nutrients for the arterial system.

Also, dhatus and doshas must receive food, water, etc. for their vital functions. If the quality and quantity of food and other substances consumed by a person is below the required level, then the balance is disturbed. Balance can also be disrupted by mental factors and seasonal changes. Within certain limits, the body itself has the ability to cope with these disorders. But if they exceed the body's capabilities, the person gets sick. The disease can affect any organ, but the cause may not be rooted in the affected organ, because the pathogen can move through any of the body’s channels. Therefore, when examining a patient, the doctor seeks to establish the root cause of the disease, examine the homeostasis (stability) of the entire system and systematize its disorders.

Ayurvedic texts describe different types of microorganisms and their pathogenic properties. However, Ayurveda does not consider microorganisms as the root cause of the disease, but only as a secondary factor. The root cause of the disease is always an imbalance of elements in the body. If the body is in a state of balance, then no microbes, even the most dangerous ones, are able to cause disease. That is why, when treating infectious diseases, the doctor strives to restore the disturbed balance: the destruction of microbes occurs by increasing the body's resistance.

Lotus is one of the sattvic elements

The psychosomatic constitution (original nature) of a person given to him from birth - Prakriti - depends on the ratio of doshas. Prakriti is a fundamental concept of the Samkhya philosophical system of Hinduism, meaning Primordial nature, the uncaused first cause of the Universe. Prakriti is independent and active, consisting of three gunas:

• sattva - the basis of the mind, characterized by subtlety, lightness, light and joy;
• rajas is the basis of energy, characterized by activity, excitement and suffering;
• Tamas is the basis of inertia, characterized by rudeness, apathy, amorphousness and darkness.

Prakriti does not change throughout life, and can be diagnosed through examination and questioning of the patient. Prakriti gives knowledge about susceptibility to certain diseases. A person who knows his Prakriti has the key to his health, knows his weak and strong points and can always prevent illness by taking preventive measures (panchakarma, fasting, nutrition and regimen in accordance with Prakriti). The ratio of the elements of the human body at a given moment is called Vikriti.

There are seven main types of Prakriti and Vikriti: vata, pitta, kapha, vata-pitta, vata-kapha, pitta-kapha, vata-pitta-kapha. All this influences the choice of treatment methods and restoration of the balance of the three doshas.

Doshas are mentioned in the Rig Veda, where Indra is identified with Vata, Agni with Pitta, and Soma with Kapha.

Disease management

In ancient Indian medicine, there are two ways to treat illness: shamana and shodhana. The first means relief, a palatative method. Shamana methods mitigate the disease and its symptoms. Shodhana means elimination, and its methods seek to eliminate the root cause of disease (i.e. dosha). If the disease can recur after Shamana, then after Shodhana this is excluded. The principles of pharmacology of Ayurveda differ from other systems of medicine. Most medicines are made from herbs.

Medicines

Treatment was aimed at balancing the disturbed ratio of fluids (substances), which was achieved, firstly, by diet, secondly by drug therapy (emetics, laxatives, diaphoretics, etc.), and thirdly by surgical methods of treatment, in which the ancient Indians reached a high level.

When treating with Ayurvedic methods, three types of medicines are used: substances of plant and animal origin, as well as minerals, including precious and semi-precious stones and metals (including gold, silver, lead, mercury, tin, etc.). Since most metals are toxic in their natural form, they undergo special processing (minerals are boiled with juices or plant decoctions - this process is called purification (shodhana); metals are calcined (marana) and crushed into calcified powder (bhasma). And mercury goes through 18 stages of preparation .

Substances of plant origin used in Ayurveda grow in the Indian subcontinent or the Himalayas. For example, the Neem Tree is considered a “divine tree”. Medicines made from it have immunoboosting, anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic and sedative properties.

Tulsi is widely used in Ayurveda

Ayurveda gives different prescriptions for different periods of the day (dina charya), night (ratri charya), and for seasons (ritu charya).

The American Medical Association believes that patients undergoing treatment with Ayurvedic medicine are risking their health - the drugs contain toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) in unacceptably high concentrations. A number of clinical trials have shown the lack of effect in treatment with Ayurveda preparations, other than the placebo effect.

Use of psychotropic drugs

Influence of taste

Ayurvedic medicine believes that the flavors of foods or herbs have certain physiological effects and are used in the system of diagnosis and treatment. Those flavors that are formed after boiling (Vipaka) are stronger.

• Sweet (Madhura) - Sweet foods nourish, cool, moisturize, lubricate, and add weight
• Sour (Amla) - Sour warm foods, lubricate, and increase weight
• Salty (Lavan) - Salty warm foods that stimulate, soften, lubricate, and add weight
• Bitter (Katu) - Bitter foods, cool, dry, cleansing and reduce weight
• Spicy (Tikta) - Spicy foods are warm, dry, stimulating, and reduce weight
• Astringent (Kasaya) - Astringent products, cool, dry, reduce stiffness.

Body cleansing and massage

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of diseases. The properties of foods and drinks are described in detail in Ayurvedic texts, and doctors always give dietary recommendations when prescribing a course of treatment. It is believed that one of the most important properties of food is its taste, of which there are six: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent, as well as their various combinations. Each of the taste sensations causes a certain physiological affect: sweet promotes the formation of blood, tissue and fat in the body; sour helps digestion, bitter improves appetite, etc.

To cleanse the body of dosha imbalances, five different procedures or cleansing methods are used, which are specified in the texts of ancient Indian medicine and are prescribed for a small number of diseases, as well as for periodic seasonal cleansing. These five procedures are better known as panchakarma (“pancha karma” - “five actions”). A panchakarma course usually includes short-term dietary nutrition, massage, and the use of herbs. May include laxatives, baths, sweating techniques, medicated enemas, sinus cleansing, and bloodletting.

Panchakarma as a cleansing therapy is perhaps the most underrated of all ancient Indian medicine methods. Due to ignorance, it is often perceived as another massage system. Thus, massage using oils is one of the methods used in ancient Indian medicine. In Sanskrit, massage using oils is abhyanga, which is translated into Russian as “anointing.” A person can perform some types of massage on their own. Massage therapists perform this therapy to manage diseases caused by Vata dosha. As part of drug treatment, massage with oils affects the entire body, that is, it is a holistic, holistic procedure. Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff muscles, and reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. Advocates argue that ingrained toxins in joints and tissues are released into the excretory system through massage to be eliminated naturally. Panchakarma can also be used as a rejuvenation therapy. In different regions there are differences in procedures, execution techniques, and compositions of the oils used. The practice of this therapy should always be performed by competent professionals.

Criticism

Critics cite a lack of rigorous scientific research and clinical trials of Ayurvedic methods. Thus, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that "most clinical trials were small, lacked adequate control groups, or had other problems in assessing the significance of the results." It should also be noted that the presence of a number of studies of questionable reliability discredits the methodology as a whole and reduces confidence in correctly conducted studies.

A number of clinical trials have shown the lack of effects of drugs used in Ayurvedic medicine other than the placebo effect, as well as the serious danger of some drugs containing unacceptably high doses of heavy metals.

In India, scientific research into Ayurvedic Medicine is largely undertaken by the statutory body of the Central Government, the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine (CCRAS), through a national network of research institutes. A large number of non-governmental organizations are also carrying out research work on various aspects of ancient Indian medicine.

see also

• Rasayana

Notes

1. Gritsak E. Popular history of medicine. Directory
2. Georg Feuerstein, Subhash Kak, David Frawley. In Search of the Cradle of Civilization, - Quest Books, 2001, p. 212; ISBN 0-8356-0741-0, 9780835607414
3. History of the Ancient World vol.3. The Decline of Ancient Societies: in 3 volumes, Second Edition/Ed. I. M. Dyakonova, V. D. Neronova, I. S. Sventsitskaya - M.: Publishing House "Nauka", 1983.
4. David Frawley. Gods, Sages and Kings: Vedic Secrets of Ancient Civilization, - Lotus Press, 2000, P. 332; ISBN 0-910261-37-7, 9780910261371
5. AYURVEDA
6. Sorokina T. S. History of medicine in two volumes
7. Fjordman. A History of Medicine - part 3//Euronews, 10/25/2008
8. Big Encyclopedic Dictionary
9. Srimad-Bhagavatam. (Translation and commentary by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) Canto 9. Liberation. Chapter 3. Marriage of Sukanya and Chyavana Muni
10. Dhanavantari - the god of Ayurveda
11. Marchukova S. M. Medicine in the mirror of history
12. Gaṅgā Rām Garg. Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World, Volume 4, - Concept Publishing Company, 1992, P. 792 ISBN 81-7022-373-3, 9788170223733
13. Gaṅgā Rām Garg. Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World, Volume 1, - Concept Publishing Company, 1992, P. 224 ISBN 81-7022-373-3, 9788170223733
14. Encyclopedia of Chinese Medicine: The Healing Powers of Nature. Great healers of the world, - Olma Media Group, 2002, P. 19; ISBN 5-7654-1882-1, 9785765418826
15. Vaidya Bhagwan Dash. Ancient Indian systems of medicine
16. David Frawley. Gods, Sages and Kings: Vedic Secrets of Ancient Civilization, - Lotus Press, 2000; ISBN 0-910261-37-7, 9780910261371

Ayurveda originated in India more than 5 thousand years ago. Ayurveda - “Science of life”, translated from Sanskrit. In ancient India, following the laws of Ayurveda was part of daily existence.

In this country, they still preserve the knowledge accumulated by the healers of the past and, with their help, help modern people fight what is the price for progress - stress, constant fatigue, poor health.

Ayurveda is more than a science, it is the art of achieving harmony with yourself and the world around you, without disturbing the natural balance of body, mind and soul.

It is recognized by the World Health Organization as a very effective alternative medicine system.

Approximately the first records of Ayurveda were made more than two thousand years ago in India. Since ancient times, doctors from all over the world came to India to study Ayurveda.

The Chinese, Tibetans, Afghans, Persians, Egyptians, Greeks and Italians mastered this ancient medical system and then put it into practice in their own countries.

Pharmaceutical companies, strictly following ancient recipes, produce almost all the medicines of classical Ayurveda, preserving even their ancient names.

As a perfect system of medicine, Ayurveda relieves humanity from many unnecessary problems and diseases, because the goal of Ayurveda is to achieve a healthy state of body, mind and spirit.

To do this, you need to learn to live, following the principle of the integrity of life, because everything in the Universe is interconnected and interdependent.

Ayurveda is the art of a healthy lifestyle, in which all harmful influences of the external environment are powerless in the face of impeccable health.

Knowledge of philosophy, science and religion in the Vedic scriptures are considered as a single knowledge about happiness, health and human improvement. Philosophy is the love of truth. Science is the discovery of truth through experiment. Religion is the direct experience of truth and its application in everyday life.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is still very popular. Currently, in India alone, what Ayurveda is is studied in more than a hundred colleges. Ayurveda is also gaining popularity in other countries.

The number of people wishing to travel to India to undergo Ayurveda procedures is constantly growing. Ayurveda treats the entire body as a whole, restores the disturbed balance between its parts, removing the very cause of the disease.

Often, Ayurvedic therapy cures patients whom Western medicine is powerless to help. The secret of such success is that vaidyas (Ayurvedic doctors) consider the body as a whole and treat not the disease, but the person, taking into account his age, constitutional features and many other factors.

The main thing is disease prevention, which includes not only diet, gymnastics, massages and other procedures, but also lifestyle and recommendations for behavior in society. All this helps maintain balance and prevents the emergence and development of diseases.

Ayurveda as a science is a systematized knowledge, it is based not on constantly changing scientific research, but on the wisdom of the Vedic scriptures and contains universal principles applicable in everyday life.

Ayurveda considers the close relationship between the micro- and macrocosmos and proceeds from the idea that the human body is a cast of the cosmos (universe). According to the doctrine of tridosha, the human body (cells, tissues and organs) is based on five primary elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth), which make up the main components of life - vata, pitta and kapha and their subtle bases - prana, Tejas and Ojas...

These vital energies determine the external form of a living being, control the physical and mental functions of the body and maintain its unity. In relation to people, this means that our physical and mental state is determined by the composition and interaction of these subtle material energies.

The ratio of doshas can change due to the influence of any factor: food consumed, climate, weather, social and personal relationships, thoughts and much more. These factors either increase or decrease the content of one, two, or three doshas in the body (to varying degrees). Differences in appearance, intelligence, personality traits and biological reactions are due to the relative predominance of one or another dosha. Excessive predominance or reduction in the number of one of the doshas, ​​tending to dominate one over the other, leads to internal disorders of the body and insufficiency of certain functions in it.

Therapy

Ayurveda uses only natural products and no chemically synthesized drugs, and food is in many ways equated to medicine.

Unlike Western medicine, which uses potent drugs that have an immediate effect but destroy living cells and the immune system, Ayurvedic therapy works slowly but surely, has no side effects and stimulates the immune system.

Health, according to Ayurveda, is a living harmony between the environment, the body and the human mind. Ayurveda has many different treatments for a wide variety of diseases. The process may be slow, but the results are immediate.

The peculiarity of Ayurveda is that it treats a person as a single whole, a unity of body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda is closely related to traditional Indian practices, particularly yoga. Medicines or treatment procedures are selected individually.

In Ayurvedic practice, exclusively natural, natural remedies are used: ghee (ghee), medicinal plants (more than 3000!), spices, minerals, metals, due to which these medicines do not have harmful side effects.

Methods such as various types of massage (with oil, with medicinal plants ground into powder), and steam rooms are widely used. Food, in many ways, is equivalent to medicine.

Ayurveda centers in India

It is not so easy for a modern resident of the Western world to become a true adherent of Ayurveda. You need to dedicate your life to this and give all your free time, and in non-free time you still need to keep the main commandments, meditate, not lose heart, eat right and breathe clean air.

Therefore, in the modern Western world there are few true adherents of Ayurveda. However, there are more and more people who have heard about this thing and would like to use it to rejuvenate and improve their health.

Several Ayurvedic procedures in isolation from spiritual activities cannot restore health to the body.

However, practice shows that even such a half-measure remarkably heals and rejuvenates the body. After a course of procedures, you can lose excess weight, regain flexibility and calmness, and begin to smile blissfully.

In the state of Kerala, the traditions of ancient medicine have been preserved in the most complete form, which is why Ayurveda centers and salons located in Kerala have become the most popular.

The local climate and vegetation create ideal conditions for the application of these treatment techniques. Tourists can feel the beneficial effects of Ayurveda not only in special medical centers, but also without leaving the chosen hotel.

There are generally recognized high-quality centers in other parts of India. This can be done for a lot of money in palace hotels overlooking the Taj Mahal or the snow-capped Himalayas.

These are Amarvilas hotels in Agra, Rajvilas in Jaipur, Wildflower Hall in Mashobra, The Ananda Resort in Rishikesh.

For more modest money you can practice Ayurveda on the coast of Goa. Here, a group of Ayurvedic doctors will be found in many hotels.

If not in any one, then in the next one. The inhabitants of Goa know a great way to start the day - early in the morning to meditate by the foam of the surf and do yoga.

Ayurvedic resorts in India are mainly categorized as 4* and 5*. In addition to treatment for all main programs, they offer vacationers comfortable accommodation with full board, excursions, entertainment and a variety of services, including transfer to the hotel, translation services during consultations with a doctor, etc.

Also, there are different types of Ayurvedic resorts - with more stringent conditions for observing the rules of Ayurveda, aimed strictly at treatment and complete cleansing of the body, and soft ones, allowing you to combine wellness and relaxation. Everyone will be able to choose the option they need.

Ayurvedic programs

The names of Ayurvedic procedures sound very mysterious - bindi, kundalini, shirodhara. The names of flowers and herbs that healers use also sound strange. But these unheard-of names turn into essences of sweet orange, bergamot, clove, lavender or oak bark.

They are included in masks and ointments, smoked in aroma lamps, rise with steam, and fill the air with aroma. And the procedures most often involve massages, steaming and wraps.

One of the best Ayurvedic programs for modern people is Panchakarma, or cleansing the body of toxins and waste accumulated in it.

To achieve results, you need to take a minimum three-week course, preferably during the monsoon season, when the humid heat greatly enhances the effect.

Specialists of Indian Ayurveda centers have also developed programs “Anti-stress”, “Rejuvenation”, “Longevity”, “Weight loss” and others, lasting from 2 to 4 weeks.

Oil infused with herbs restores the bioenergetic balance of body and soul, putting you in a relaxed state.

They use it for massages and steam baths. Essential aromatic oils have no less powerful effects. When Ayurveda is combined with aromatherapy, it becomes Aromaveda.

Many treatments are based on that part of Ayurveda called the science of Marma. It is believed that there are 107 Marma points on our body through which the life force prana enters the body.

These points are located throughout the body, and it is on them that Ayurveda masters act during acupressure.

And Prana circulates through the channels. To cleanse these channels, healers use the same herbal mixtures, steam and massage. This way they relieve migraines, relieve tension and improve well-being.

One of the main Ayurvedic procedures is called shirodhara.

It is carried out like this: warm sesame oil is poured in a thin stream into the middle of the forehead, in the area of ​​the “third eye”. As a result, the mind is cleared, anxiety goes away, and headaches disappear.

Ayurvedic massage It is usually done by two masters, using four hands, using fragrant oil infused with herbs.

During the massage, Marma points are stimulated, dosha balance is restored, the body is harmonized, cleansed and rejuvenated.

Pindashweda massage with warm oils and herbal extracts relieves stress and overload, destroys cellulite and removes toxins, helps with arthritis, cleanses the body, improves metabolism and redistributes energy.

Facial massage with heated aromatic oil is called bindi.

A traditional blend of Himalayan herbs is used to detoxify the body.

She is treated with skin polishing, wrapping and deep massage. All this effectively cleanses and tones the body.

There are many Ayurvedic procedures aimed at treating specific diseases.

They relieve dry mouth, impotence or paralysis of the facial nerve, give flexibility to the body, sharpness to the mind, and vitality to the soul.

For those who want to achieve complete health and happiness, Ayurveda offers to combine treatment with self-improvement, moving to an increasingly higher level over time.

There are five of these levels in total, and the treatment of bodily ailments is carried out at the very first, in order to achieve true happiness by the last.

first level

- treatment of bodily illness. It occurs with the help of proper nutrition, Ayurvedic medicines and cleansing of the body.

V second level

Prevention of physical and mental illnesses. It includes following a daily routine, using anti-aging products, hatha yoga exercises, pranayama breathing exercises, achieving body cleanliness

third level

Developing a positive attitude towards life and happy relationships with others. This is working on your character. The doctor acts as a mentor for the patient

fourth level

Achieving the right attitude towards the highest goal of human life. This is working on your beliefs and views, reading mantras, developing asceticism under the guidance of a spiritual mentor

fifth level

Developing a correct understanding of spiritual reality. Ancient knowledge says that true happiness can be achieved by selflessly engaging in spiritual practice. At this level of treatment the individual achieves maximum health and happiness.

Ayurveda shows the direction and helps to take the first steps towards healing, but the patient must go through the main path himself, strictly following the doctor’s instructions.

Popular types of massage in Ayurveda

Abhyanga

This is a full body massage. Warm oil with extracts of various herbs is prepared in advance. This type of massage helps improve blood circulation and joint flexibility, and also helps strengthen and tone not only the muscles, but also the joints themselves. This type of massage is also used to cleanse the body and remove toxins that accumulate deep in the tissues.

Garshana massage

This type of massage is believed to help in the breakdown of fat by improving blood and lymph circulation. It also helps in cleansing the skin and removing dead cells, allowing the full effectiveness of massage oils to be realized and increasing skin elasticity.

Sirodhara

In this type of massage, oil is rhythmically poured onto the forehead, which gives a relaxing effect and lowers the level of depression, allowing you to control it yourself.

Nhavarakizhi

In this type of massage, the body is wrapped in a poultice made from a medical mixture to promote increased sweating. Apart from massage, Ayurvedacharyas (Ayurvedic doctors) practice diets and medications according to the needs of the patients.

protoscience or parascience. A 2008 study determined that about 21% of Ayurvedic medicines manufactured in the United States and India and sold over the Internet contain dangerous levels of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic.

History of Ayurveda

Sources

Vedic sources

The first mentions of medicine and the healing properties of plants are found in the Vedas, most of all in the last of the four - “Atharva Veda”. Atharva Veda is the first Indian text related to medicine. He identifies living agents as causes of disease: for example, Yatudhanya, Krimi and Durnama. The Atharvans track them down and kill them with medicine to defeat the disease. This approach to disease is unexpectedly advanced compared to the trihumoral theory developed in the Puranic period. Remnants of the original Atharvanic thoughts still remained in the Puranic period, as we can see in Sushruta's medical treatise (Garuda Purana, karma kanda). Here, following the Atharvan theory, the Puranic text considers germs to be the cause of leprosy. In the same chapter, Sushruta also expands on the role of helminths in causing diseases. These two sayings can be traced back to the Atharva Veda Samhita. One of the hymns describes the disease leprosy and recommends the use of aushadhi for the treatment of rajani. From the description of aushadhi as a plant with black stems and dark spots, we can conclude that this most likely means a lichen with antibiotic properties. Thus, the Atharva Veda can be considered the first text to record the use of antibiotics. In addition, the Atharva Veda describes in detail the bones of the human skeleton

Buddhist sources

The first information about individual scientific works on medicine dates back to 1500. Today, a large number of texts and information about their authors have not been preserved: some of them were destroyed during the reign of the Mughals. However, a significant number of medical texts can be inferred from the manuscripts and books preserved in the multi-volume corpus of Buddhist writings of the Tibetan canon.

Classical sources

Nine treatises are considered the most important sources of Ayurvedic knowledge:

The first three from the list are the quintessence of all Ayurvedic works ever created and are called “Brihat Trayu”. There is also an extensive commentary literature, the most important of which are those of Dridhabala, Chakrapanadatta, Nagarjuna, Arunadatta, Hemadri and other authors belonging to the most ancient medical dynasties. The final formation of the Ayurvedic canon dates back to 1000 AD. e.

The legend of the origin of Ayurveda

According to legend, Ayurveda was part of the revelation of holy sages who acquired comprehensive knowledge of the Universe about seven thousand years ago. The Vedas indicate that Brahma told the secrets of medicine to Daksha, one of the demiurge gods. Daksha in turn passed on the knowledge to the divine twins Ashvins, who became "great healers" and later expounded it to Indra. Indra passed on his knowledge to disciples, including Bharadvajaya, one of the Seven Sages of India.

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda is considered to be Dhanvantari, an avatar of Vishnu mentioned in Bhagavata Purana and in the Vedas. The Hindu cult of Dhanvantari is associated with prayers for health. He is credited with having knowledge of surgery, herbal medicine, the antiseptic properties of turmeric, and the ability of salt to heal wounds.

Medicine in the Buddhist period

The golden age of Ayurveda coincides with the rise of Buddhism in India (327 BC - 750 AD). During this period, the Indians accumulated significant knowledge about the structure of the human body, distinguishing 7 membranes, 500 muscles, 900 ligaments, 90 tendons, 300 bones (this includes teeth and cartilage), which are divided into flat, round and long, 107 joints, 40 main vessels and 700 of their branches (for blood, mucus and air), 24 nerves, 9 sense organs and 3 substances (vata - wind, a combination of the primary elements of air and space; pitta - bile, a combination of the primary elements of fire and water; kapha - mucus, a combination of the primary elements of earth and water). Some areas of the body (palm, soles, groin areas, etc.) were highlighted as “particularly important” (marman). The versatility of the knowledge of Indian healers of that time is evidenced by the words of Sushruta:

“A healer familiar with the healing properties of roots and herbs is a person; familiar with the properties of a knife and fire - a demon; he who knows the power of prayers is a prophet; one who is familiar with the properties of mercury is a god!”

By the 7th century BC e. In the north of modern India, two medical schools were famous:

• In Taxila in the west, the capital of Gandhara; specialization - therapy
• In Kashi in the east of the country; specialization - surgery

In Taxila, Punarvasu Atreya (or Krishna Atreya) studied, in one of his treatises he likened the 5 organs of perception - the 5 main elements ( pancha mahabhuta) . The different quality of objects was explained by different combinations of tiny particles of anu (“atoms”). The vital activity of the body was considered through the interaction of three substances: air, fire and water (the carriers of which in the body were considered prana, bile and mucus). Health was understood as the result of a balanced relationship between three substances, the correct performance of vital functions of the body, the normal state of the senses and clarity of mind, and illness was understood as a violation of these correct relationships and a negative impact on a person of the five elements (the influence of seasons, climate, indigestible food, unhealthy water and so on.). Diagnosis of diseases was based on a detailed interview of the patient and examination of body warmth, skin and tongue color, discharge, noise in the lungs, voice, etc.

Krishna Atreya had six disciples: Agnivesha, Bhela, Jatukarna, Parasara, Harita and Ksharapani. Each of them compiled his own treatise, the best of which was recognized as the treatise of Agnivesha. Agniveshi, having created a new teaching, began to travel, passing on his knowledge to people. People called him a traveling doctor - “Charaka”. His activities gave rise to the medical system of Charaka or Charana, a school of traveling doctors. Probably, it was to this group that the wanderer in northwestern India in the 1st century belonged. BC. healer Charaka, who was considered the incarnation of Agnivesha. Charaka was also from Taxila. The school founded by Charaka studied therapy and various methods of treating diseases. (in the treatise Charaka Samhita).

In the 4th century. BC e. At the “university” in Taxila, the famous physician Jivaka, who treated the Magadha king Bimbisara, Buddha, and the possible author Zhud Shi, as well as Sushruta, a student of Devadasa Dhanvantari, were educated. His medical skills are described in the later written medical treatise "Bhoja Prabandha", a biography of King Bhoja (1010-1056).

In the 3rd century. BC e. The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka made Taxila the main center of Buddhist learning.

In the 5th century BC e. Sushruta, educated in Taxila, founded a new school of surgery at Kashi. Sushruta divided all diseases into natural, associated with nature, and supernatural, sent by the gods (for example, leprosy, venereal, etc.). He also described sugar diabetes, unknown at that time to the ancient Greeks, which he recognized by the taste of urine.

Ayurveda in the Middle Ages

Branches of Ayurveda

According to the classification introduced by Charaka, Ayurveda is divided into eight branches:

• Internal Medicine - Kayachikitsa
• Surgery - Shalya Tantra

The school of medicine was founded by Sushruta, who considered this branch of medicine to be "the first and best of all medical sciences". Having no idea about antiseptics and asepsis, Indian healers, following traditional ideas, maintained cleanliness during operations. Surgical instruments were made by experienced blacksmiths from steel, which India learned how to produce in ancient times. During the operation, tweezers, mirrors, probes, catheters, syringes, scarifiers, bone forceps, needles, and saws were used. Instead of a modern scalpel, lancets with a double-edged blade were used. The bleeding was stopped with the help of ash and cold, a pressure bandage and hot water. Strips of leather and tree bark were used as dressing material. Bandages made of linen, silk and woolen fabric were soaked in melted fat.

Doctors performed amputations of limbs and opening of the abdominal cavity. Surgeons crushed kidney stones, treated hernias, and also reconstructed noses, ears and lips. The method of rhinoplasty, described in detail in Sushruta’s treatise, went down in history under the name “Indian method”. A skin flap to form the future nose was cut out on a vascular pedicle from the skin of the forehead or cheek.

• Ears, eyes, nose and throat - Shalakya Tantra

The lens was considered an organ that preserves the “eternal flame.” Its cloudiness entailed the extinction of the internal flame. Therefore, restoration of the patient’s vitality depended on the skill of the surgeon, including during cataract surgery.

• Pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya Tantra

Already in the Classical period, obstetrics became an independent area of ​​healing. Sushruta's treatise details advice to pregnant women on maintaining cleanliness and a correct lifestyle, describes deviations from the normal course of childbirth, fetal deformities, embryotomy (which was recommended in cases where it was impossible for the fetus to turn onto a leg or head), cesarean section (used after the death of the mother in labor to save the baby ) and turning the fetus onto its leg.

• Toxicology - Agada Tantra
• Purification of genetic [ ] violations - Bajikarana (or Vajikarana)
• Health and Longevity - Rasayana Tantra (rasayana)
• Spiritual Treatment (Psychiatry) - Bhuta Vidya, (Tantra, Prana, Yoga)

Philosophy of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is not only a medical, but also a philosophical system, which is based on shad-darshana, six astika philosophies (recognizing the authority of the Vedas), namely:

Ayurveda is focused on each person achieving harmony, “continuous happiness” and considers a person as a part of the Universe, consisting of a very close mystical relationship with it. According to the Charaka Samhita, "life itself" is defined as "the combination of the body, the organs of perception, the mind and the soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and death, which preserves the body over time, and carries on the processes of rebirth."

According to these views, Ayurvedic medicine develops measures to protect "ayus", which includes healthy living, along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, spiritual and social harmony. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the few traditional systems of medicine that has a complex system of surgery - “salya-chikitsa”.

Three dosha system

According to Buddhist philosophy, matter consists of five basic "gross elements":

• earth (prithvi) - represents solid matter or energy packed into matter.
• water (jala) - the principle of interaction or liquid state of a substance.
• fire (agni) is the principle of the release of energy from a substance or plasma state.
• air (vayu) - the principle of movement of matter or the gaseous state of matter.
• ether (akasha) is the substance of space, an analogue of physical vacuum.

The “gross elements” are the only physical component of the individual, in contrast to the other four “subtle” (“mental”) primary elements (nama). In various combinations, these elements make up the various tissues of the human body - dhatus. The elements are grouped into three main fundamental vital forces - the doshas - which regulate all functions of the body. A person is healthy when the doshas are in a balanced state.

• Vata (ether and air) is the principle of impulse necessary to mobilize the function of the nervous system.
• Pitta (fire and water) is the energy principle that uses bile to direct digestion and hence metabolism into the venous system.
• Kapha (water and earth) is the fluid principle of the body, which relates to mucous substances, lubrication and the source of nutrients for the arterial system.

Also, dhatus and doshas must receive food, water, etc. for their vital functions. If the quality and quantity of food and other substances consumed by a person is below the required level, then the balance is disturbed. Balance can also be disrupted by mental factors and seasonal changes. Within certain limits, the body itself has the ability to cope with these disorders. But if they exceed the body's capabilities, the person gets sick. The disease can affect any organ, but the cause may not be rooted in the affected organ, because the pathogen can move through any of the body’s channels. Therefore, when examining a patient, the doctor seeks to establish the root cause of the disease, examine the homeostasis (stability) of the entire system and systematize its disorders.

Ayurvedic texts describe different types of microorganisms and their pathogenic properties. However, Ayurveda does not consider microorganisms as the root cause of the disease, but only as a secondary factor. The root cause of the disease is always an imbalance of elements in the body. If the body is in a state of balance, then no microbes, even the most dangerous ones, are able to cause disease. That is why, when treating infectious diseases, the doctor seeks to restore the disturbed balance: the destruction of microbes occurs by increasing the body's resistance.

Lotus is one of the sattvic elements

The psychosomatic constitution (original nature) of a person given to him from birth - Prakriti - depends on the ratio of doshas. Prakriti is a fundamental concept of the Samkhya philosophical system of Hinduism, meaning Primordial nature, the uncaused first cause of the Universe. Prakriti is independent and active, consisting of three gunas:

• sattva - the basis of the mind, characterized by subtlety, lightness, light and joy;
• rajas is the basis of energy, characterized by activity, excitement and suffering;
• Tamas is the basis of inertia, characterized by rudeness, apathy, amorphousness and darkness.

There are ten types of constitutions of Prakriti and Vikriti, but traditionally only seven types are distinguished from them: vata, pitta, kapha, vata-pitta, vata-kapha, pitta-kapha, vata-pitta-kapha. All this influences the choice of treatment methods and restoration of the balance of the three doshas.

Disease management

In ancient Indian medicine, there are two ways to treat illness: shamana and shodhana. The first means relief, palliative method. Shamana methods mitigate the disease and its symptoms. Shodhana means elimination, and its methods seek to eliminate the root cause of disease (i.e. dosha). If the disease can recur after Shamana, then after Shodhana this is excluded. The principles of pharmacology of Ayurveda differ from other systems of medicine. Most medicines are made from herbs.

Medicines

Treatment was aimed at balancing the disturbed ratio of fluids (substances), which was achieved, firstly, by diet, secondly by drug therapy (emetics, laxatives, diaphoretics, etc.), and thirdly by surgical methods of treatment, in which the ancient Indians reached a high level.

When treating with Ayurvedic methods, three types of medicines are used: substances of plant and animal origin, as well as minerals, including precious and semi-precious stones and metals (including gold, silver, lead, mercury, tin, etc.). Since most metals are toxic in their natural form, they undergo special processing (minerals are boiled with juices or plant decoctions - this process is called purification (shodhana); metals are calcined (marana) and crushed into calcified powder (bhasma). And mercury goes through 18 stages of preparation .

Substances of plant origin used in Ayurveda grow in the Indian subcontinent or the Himalayas. For example, the Neem Tree is considered a “divine tree”. Medicines made from it have immunoboosting, anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic and sedative properties.

Tulsi is widely used in Ayurveda

Ayurveda gives different prescriptions for different periods of the day (dina charya), night (ratri charya), and for seasons (ritu charya).

The American Medical Association believes that patients undergoing treatment with Ayurvedic medicine are risking their health - the drugs contain toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) in unacceptably high concentrations. A number of clinical trials have shown the lack of effect in treatment with Ayurveda preparations, other than the placebo effect.

Influence of taste

Ayurvedic medicine believes that the flavors of foods or herbs have certain physiological effects and are used in the system of diagnosis and treatment. Those flavors that are formed after boiling (Vipaka) are stronger.

• Sweet (Madhura) - Sweet foods nourish, cool, moisturize, lubricate and add weight.
• Sour (Amla) - Sour warm foods lubricate and increase weight.
• Salty (Lavan) - Salty warm foods stimulate, soften, lubricate and add weight.
• Bitter (Katu) - Bitter foods are cool, dry, cleansing and reduce weight.
• Spicy (Tikta) - Spicy foods are warm, dry, stimulating and reduce weight.
• Astringent (Kasaya) - Astringent products are cool, dry, and reduce stiffness.

Body cleansing and massage

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of diseases. The properties of foods and drinks are described in detail in Ayurvedic texts, and doctors always give dietary recommendations when prescribing a course of treatment. It is believed that one of the most important properties of food is its taste, of which there are six: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent, as well as their various combinations. Each of the taste sensations causes a certain physiological affect: sweet promotes the formation of blood, tissue and fat in the body; sour helps digestion, bitter improves appetite, etc.

To correct dosha imbalances, five different treatments, or cleansing methods, are used, which are outlined in ancient Indian medicine texts and are prescribed for a small number of diseases, as well as for periodic seasonal cleansing. These five procedures are better known as panchakarma (“pancha karma” - “five actions”). A panchakarma course usually includes short-term dietary nutrition, massage, and the use of herbs. May include laxatives, baths, sweating techniques, medicated enemas, sinus cleansing, and bloodletting.

Critics cite a lack of rigorous scientific research and clinical trials of Ayurvedic methods. Thus, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that "most clinical trials were small, lacked adequate control groups, or had other problems in assessing the significance of the results." It should also be noted that the presence of a number of studies of questionable reliability discredits the methodology as a whole and reduces confidence in correctly conducted studies. The scientific community views Ayurveda as a pseudoscience. Some researchers consider it protoscience or parascience.

In India, scientific research into Ayurvedic Medicine is largely undertaken by the statutory body of the Central Government, the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine (CCRAS), through a national network of research institutes. A large number of non-governmental organizations are also carrying out research work on various aspects of ancient Indian medicine.

Notes

1. Georg Feuerstein, Subhash Kak, David Frawley. In Search of the Cradle of Civilization, - Quest Books, 2001, P. 212; ISBN 0-8356-0741-0, 9780835607414.
2. History of the Ancient World vol. 3. Decline of ancient societies: in 3 vols., Second edition / Ed. I. M. Dyakonova, V. D. Neronova, I. S. Sventsitskaya - M.: Publishing house "Nauka", 1983.
3. Ayurveda. American Cancer Society (August 26, 2011). - “The effectiveness of Ayurveda has not been proven in scientific studies, but early research suggests that certain herbs may offer potential therapeutic value.” Retrieved January 7, 2015.
4. Chaper 1: Psychomythology. - 3rd. - Oxford University Press, 2013. - P. 20. - ISBN 978-0-19-969388-7.
5. Quack, Johannes. Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India. - Oxford University Press, 2011. - P., . - ISBN 9780199812608.
6. Manohar, P. Ram. The blending of science and spirituality in the Ayurvedic healing tradition // Science, Spirituality and the Modernization of India. - Anthem Press, 2009. - P. 172–3. - ISBN 9781843317760.
7. (2008) “Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured medicines sold via the internet.” JAMA 300 (8): 915–923. DOI:10.1001/jama.300.8.915. PMID 18728265.

Today, more and more people are beginning to lean towards gentle methods of healing the body, based on the exclusion of taking chemical medications. The oldest science about an integrated approach to achieving the health of the body is Ayurveda (India is the country of origin of this teaching). Currently, quite a lot of people lead their lifestyle based on Ayurvedic methods, which have a beneficial effect on the human body.

Science concept

Ayurveda - what is it? The interpretation of science involves viewing each person as part of the universe. Based on this close relationship, Ayurveda views the health of the body as interconnected:

• consciousness;
• the human body.

It is exclusively in the unity of the whole organism that a state of complete balance and human health is achieved. A distinctive feature of this teaching is that little attention is paid to eliminating the symptoms of diseases; all actions are aimed only at eradicating the cause of the disease.

Indian Ayurveda states that the cause of all diseases is an imbalance between body and soul, which occurs as a result of stress, poor daily routine, diet, bad habits and other negative factors. Treatments include relaxation procedures, cleansing the body, meditation, proper nutrition, breathing exercises, and so on.

Expanding boundaries

It is believed that Ayurveda originated more than five thousand years ago when holy sages revealed their knowledge received from the Universe to people. The scope of the teaching was not limited to the territory of India for long, and soon part of the acquired knowledge became the basis for procedures in European and Arab medicine. It was Ayurveda (what it is and the basic principles of science will be described below) that told the world about the healing qualities of musk, aloe, sandalwood, various herbal infusions and incense. Tibetan medicine has been working on the basis of this teaching for a long time, but Ayurveda came to most Western countries only in the last century. Today it is practiced by qualified registered doctors around the world, with a growing number of patients every year.

The fundamentals of science have remained unchanged to this day; the basis is the cleansing of the body and the unity of body with soul - this is an effective remedy for healing from diseases.

Determination of body balance

So, only in harmony of body and soul can true health be achieved. If the mental and physical components of the body are imbalanced, then the person feels unwell and requires treatment. Considering that traditional medicine also believes that most diseases are caused by nervous disorders, Ayurvedic knowledge, which was discovered thousands of years ago, is based on real problems in the body.

An ancient teaching says that every person carries within himself the energy of five elements:

• land;
• air;
• water;
• fire;
• space.

Each of these components is in a certain relationship with the others, resulting in balance in the body. It is the ideal balance of all components that brings the body to a state of prakriti, which is the standard of health.

What to strive for

Ayurveda teaches that every person is born in a state of prakriti and, knowing all its defining components, is able to independently control their health. External factors influence the balance of souls in the body, which leads a person to a state of vkrikriti, which is considered painful. Doshas can be returned to their previous position using various methods, including medications available in specialized stores. The Ayurveda House online store offers only high-quality products from proven and certified manufacturers. You can purchase them at affordable prices.

Definition of dosha

This term in Ayurveda refers to a mobile energy substance. Every person has three doshas, ​​which must be in a certain balance with each other:

• pitta (energy of water and fire);
• Vata (air energy);
• kapha (energy of earth, space and water).

More subtle energies

So, Ayurveda (few people know what it is) is a rather complex science. In addition to the balance of doshas in the body, for harmony it is also necessary to control the state of the gunas. They represent something intangible, light and emotional. Gunas are also divided into several types:

• rajas - the basis of energy and activity;
• sattva is the basis of harmony, balance and intelligence;
• Tamas is the basis of rudeness, inertia and destruction.

Principles of treatment

Traditional medicine is based on the treatment of a specific focus of the disease, while Ayurveda is aimed at the comprehensive healing of the entire body. This is achieved by balancing the doshas and gunas in the body. A qualified Ayurvedic doctor is able to correctly determine which dosha has left its normal state and return it back into harmony with the other components. All this is done exclusively using natural means, completely excluding chemical medications. You can view the list of remedies used in Indian medicine on the Ayurveda House website.

In addition, science teaches us to direct our emotions in a positive direction during treatment, because the result of the activities largely depends on the emotional state.

Getting healthy through proper nutrition

This direction of recovery is based not only on the preparation of a diet, but also on maintaining the correct diet. Ayurveda, nutrition according to which is based on certain principles, obliges one to start a meal exclusively in a peaceful state. To do this, after frustration or excitement, you need time to prepare for eating. Also, the room where the meal is served should be quiet and calm, without distractions. In addition, the rules state that the main meal must take place at noon, and after finishing any meal you should get up from the table only a few minutes later.

Ayurveda is useful for weight loss, since according to its principles, you should start eating only when you feel hungry, but not earlier than 3 hours after the previous meal. It is forbidden to eat after sunset and overeat. You should eat your meal slowly, chewing well and only in a sitting position. Food must be warm and fresh, prepared immediately before eating, or at least on the same day. Drinking during meals is allowed in small quantities and only thoroughly boiled warm water.

About products

The teaching directly points to the need to use spices during cooking, as they help stimulate the appetite and improve digestion. "Ayurveda House" (Indian online store) offers its customers various high-quality spices and herbs that will be useful if you follow the rules of Ayurvedic nutrition.

It is prohibited to use industrially produced dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese, milk or ice cream. In the evening, you should not eat sour and salty foods, including fermented milk products. It is generally not recommended to consume potatoes, since they contradict the principles of Ayurvedic nutrition and contribute to the appearance of toxins in the body. Milk is only allowed to be drunk separately from other products. You can add spices or sugar for taste.

Product combination

It is believed that milk should not be combined with anything at all, especially with sour foods (primarily this applies to citrus fruits). You also need to take into account the digestion time of the combined products. Thus, grains take a long time to digest, which means they cannot be combined, for example, with melon, since it is absorbed by the body very quickly. According to nutritional rules, honey cannot be consumed in a heated state, and milk cannot be consumed together with other products containing protein. All these principles are based on sound arguments and are described separately for each dosha.

Methods of healing

Any medical procedure according to ancient teachings cannot have side effects, since it is based only on the use of natural ingredients. Among them are various ghee oils and more than three thousand medicinal plants, which the Ayurveda House store offers to purchase at an affordable price and in a short time.

The list of healing procedures is rich in various massage techniques, cleansing enemas, religious chanting, reading mantras, meditation, and so on.

For women, this science is most attractive because it offers not only to improve the health of the body, but also to rejuvenate it with the help of natural cosmetics and procedures. For the weaker half of humanity, Ayurveda (an online store with the same name has a full range) offers a wide selection of natural oils that can be used in various ways. Natural cosmetic and medicinal products help eliminate age-related changes, acne, dry skin, and also successfully cope with other problems without side effects.

Positive sides

Even using Ayurvedic knowledge to eliminate a specific problem will still have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole. Specialized stores offer their customers not only oils and herbs, but full-fledged cosmetic products made in compliance with all the rules of science.

Among them:

• creams;
• masks;
• hair care products;
• dental care product;
• cosmetical tools.

All of them contain mineral components, extracts from medicinal herbs and other useful ingredients. It is interesting that the Indians began using all healing remedies long before the Europeans. For example, antimony and amla can care for hair, strengthen it and promote growth.

Conclusion

This article describes in detail Ayurveda, what it is, what the science is based on and how it is applied in everyday life. Exclusively natural Indian medicine products have only positive reviews from customers; they help restore beauty and health without side effects. Ayurveda teaches peace, harmony and unity of body and soul, which is so much lacking in people in the modern world. But nevertheless, without thoroughly studying the science, do not start applying its methods on yourself.