Ayurveda evolved around 600 BC in India.There are glimpses of Ayurvedic treatments and medicines in various ancient scripts.The word Ayurveda is derived from two words - Ayu meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge or science.It literally means knowledge about life.This system of medicine stressed on the prevention of body ailments in addition to curing them. Followed by the Dravidians and Aryans alike, Ayurveda has been practised ever since time immemorial.

The formation of living organisms is described in the principles of Ayurveda- a complete naturalistic system.The focus is on obtaining a balance among the Tridhoshas, i.e. Vatha, Pitha and Kapha. Illness is the result of imbalance of the Tridhoshas. Like modern medicine, Ayurveda is also divided into several important branches of treatment dealing with various human aspects.

Each branch follows various methods for regenerating the equilibrium of body, mind and soul.Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole, making it the natural way to refresh yourself, eliminate all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance and good health

Branches in Ayurveda

Kaya Chikitsa: The Ayurvedic equivalent to general medicine, this branch deals with the routine diseases that are likely to affect human beings, and their treatment.

Bala Chikitsa: This branch, equivalent to pediatrics, deals with prenatal and postnatal baby care as well as the care of a woman before and during pregnancy. It also covers various diseases of children and their treatment.

Graha Chikitsa: This Ayurvedic branch is the same as Psychiatry in modern medicine. It focuses on the detection and effective treatment of mental disorders. It also treats psychosomatic disorders.

Salakya Chikitsa: Corresponding to the E.N.T. field of modern medicine, this branch of Ayurveda diagnoses and treats diseases affecting organs like the ear, nose and head.

Salya Chikitsa: The great Maharishi, Susruta was the inventor of this branch of Ayurveda. He even wrote a book on surgery titled 'Salya Chikitsa'. This book describes various surgical operations and the devices associated with them.

Visha Chikitsa: This branch deals with the toxins that enter the body from vegetables, minerals and animal origins. It is equivalent to toxicology in modern medicine. Pollution is said to be the cause of various epidemics.

Rasayana Chikitsa: In addition to do's and don'ts for better living, this branch of Ayurveda contains various treatments for improving beauty, health and intellectual power. Rasayana Chikitsa is equivalent to rejuvenation therapy in modern medicine.

Vajeekarana Chikitsa: Equivalent to the aphrodisiac treatment in modern medicine, this branch of Ayurveda helps to stimulate the production of sexual hormones in one's body, thus increasing sexual activity.

Treatments in Ayurveda

Ayurveda has been practised for thousands of years in India. In ancient times Rishis were involved in making medicine and treating people. Several researches and studies have been undertaken in this field of medicine. Today, these treatments are very popular all over the world.

Shodhanam: Various therapeutic procedures are followed to facilitate elimination of harmful factors:Vamanam (emesis therapy), Virechanam (purgation therapy), Nasyam (nasal medication), Vaste (enema therapy), Raktamoksham (blood-letting therapy).

Pre-treatments for panchakarma: The panchakarma pre-treatment includes three different processes: Thalam, Snehanam, swedanam.

Thalam: Before any external treatment thalam has to be performed. In this treatment, a special mixture of herbal powder and medicated oil is applied on the upper portion of the head and allowed to remain for 20 to 45 minutes.This treatment helps in conditions associated with ENT, insomnia and migraine.

Snehanam: This is a process of oleation . The medicated oil may be applied externally on the body or given orally.

Swedanam: Swedanam, or the sweating treatment is carried out through various procedures.

Prime Treatments in Ayurveda

Pizhichil : In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oils are applied all over the body by two to four trained masseurs in a special rhythmic way for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for Rheumatic diseases like arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, paralysis-agitanus, sexual weakness, nervous weakness and nervous disorders etc.

Njavarakizhi : It is a process by which the whole body or any specific part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of boluses tied up in a muslin bag. This is applied by two to four masseurs for about 60 to 90 minutes per day for a period of 14 days. This treatment is for all types rheumatism, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kinds of skin diseases.

Dhara : In this process, some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated butter, milk etc., are poured on the forehead in a special method for about 45 minutes in a day for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is mainly for insomnia, vatha predominated diseases, mental tension and certain skin diseases.

Vasthi : Certain herbal oils, herbal extracts etc., are applied through the rectum daily for a period of 5 to 25 days. This treatment is for arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, numbness, gastric complaints associated with rheumatism and constant constipation.

Sirovasthi : Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on the head for 15 to 60 minutes per day according to the patient’s conditions for a period of 7 days. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis, dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches, burning sensation of head and other vatha originated diseases.

Udvarthanam : This is a typical massage with herbal powders for about 30 minutes daily for a period of 14 to 28 days. This treatment is for the diseases like hemiplegia, paralysis, obesity (excess fat) and certain rheumatic ailments.

Abhyangam : Special type of oil massage in which strokes are given according to the diseases for 45 minutes per day for 14 days. This treatment is very useful for obesity, especially for diabetic Gangrene (a condition due to lack of blood circulation in the extremes of the body) etc.

Nasyam : Herbal juices, medicated oils etc., are applied through nose for 7 to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis, mental disorders, certain types of skin diseases etc.

Snehapanam : Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally increased quantity for a period of 8 to 12 days. This treatment is for osteo arthritis, sporaris, leukaemia etc.

Kizhi : Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils for 45 minutes per day for a period of 7 to 14 days. This treatment is for osteo arthritis, arthritis with swelling, spondilosis, sports injuries etc.

Dhanyamala Dhara : Warm herbal liquid is poured all over the body in a rhythmic way through a special vessel for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily. This treatment is very effective for hemiplegia, paralysis, rheumatic complaints etc.

Yoni Prakshalanam : Herbal oils and decoctions are applied through the vaginal route. This treatment is good for gynaecological disorders. It is also a purification process for genital organs.

Kativasthi : In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with herbal paste boundary. This treatment lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour and it is good for any type of back pain and spinal disorders.

Urovasthi : Warm medicated oil is kept over the chest for 45 minutes. This is an effective treatment for asthma, other respiratory problems, heart diseases and muscular chest pain.

Ksheeradhoomam : This is fomentation with medicated cow milk. This treatment is good for facial paralysis, Bell’s palsy, speech disorders and other nervous disorders of the face