Ayurweda

Ayurveda is the oldest surviving, complete holistic system of healing which originated in India,
long back in 3000 yrs. B.C. It is not simply a health care system but a form of life style adopted to maintain a perfect balance of body, mind & spirit. It offers a complete and comprehensive method of Healing and Rejuvenation. Ayurveda is derived from two words ‘Ayur’ means life, ‘Veda’ means knowledge and is known as the ‘Science of life'. Ayurveda is based on the principle that the universe is composed of five basic elements – namely Apo (water), Tejo (fire), Vayo (air), Prithivi (earth), and Akash (space). It exists on the fact that the Tridoshas or the three energetic forces known as Vatha, Pitta, and Kapha in the human body should always be in equilibrium.

The unbalanced state of these three elements results in a disease in the body. One of the
unique aspects of this system is the programme of Rejuvenation & Detoxification of our body - mind complex, not found in any other system of medicine. The large amount of toxins that enter our bodies every minute, coupled with rising levels of stress are the main causes for constant and common sickness. Ayurweda purges the body of illnesses by encouraging balance.

It is a way of co-operating and living In harmony with “Nature” Health Is the supreme foundation of Virtue (Damma) Wealth (Artha), Enjoyment (Kama) and Salvation (Moksho), Illness is a destroyer of health, of the good In life, and even of life Itself. It is therefore o great impediment to the progress of humanity. Ayurveda is a gift of healing to mankind from ancient enlightened Veda philosophy, which includes yoga, meditation, and astrology part of it deals directly with ones mental and physical status. Ayurveda is not only on ancient art of medicine, but also a synthesis of fundamental, philosophical, medicinal, surgical, mental and spiritual modalities and will be a major component of future Global Health.

Ayurveda has been practiced in Sri Lanka for many centuries. The system involves the treatment of diseases and conditions in harmony with nature. Ayurveda as practided in Sri Lanka and India has been proven to be the oldest science of healing in the world and has been passed down through the generations. Ayurveda involves treatment based on the link between the body and the mind and the use of natural remedies to maintain the body in a state of healthy equilibrium.

The main aims of Ayurveda are to prevent, treat and cure diseases by focusing on health at three levels - the physical, mental and spiritual. There are eight main branches of Ayurveda. They are Kaya Chikitsa (internal medicine), Bala Chikitsa (Paediatrics), Graha Chikitsa (Psychological medicine), Shalakya Tantra (Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Opthalmology), Shalya Tantra (Surgery), Agada Tantra (Toxicology), Vajikarana (Sexology), Rasanaya (Rejuvenation).

Ayurveda observes that the doshas may change their proportional balance as a result of a variety of factors, including inappropriate lifestyle and activities, diet, mental or physical trauma. It is the belief in Ayurveda that many poor lifestyle choices are due to our lack of understanding about our own bodies. When there is a change to our dosha balance taking place within us, it may take a very long period of time for signs and symptoms to appear. Very often as these changes occur, disease will take a path along the inherited weak areas of the individual. In some cases a disease will manifest in the body which will be beyond the individual’s control. This is known as karmic disease, based on the theory of cause and effect.

Ayurveda medication consists primarily of herbal remedies and may also include natural mineral preparations. Ayurveda considers that all herbs have the power to increase or decrease the three dosas — vata, pita or kapha to different extents. The classical practitioier of Ayurveda applies the theory into practice by diagnosing how the individual’s dosha balance has been altered. The physician will then prescribe suitable herbs in single or combined form in appropriate dosage to bring the doshas back into balance, thus controlling the ailment and restoring health.