Ashtanga Ayurveda
The writings that relate to Ashtang
Ayurveda provide an introductory information of the eight branches of
Ayurveda, namely: Surgery (Shalya), ENT with Ophthalmology
(Shalakya), Medicine (Kaya), Bhoota, Gynac, Obstretics, Paediatrics
(Kaumara), Medical jurisprudence and toxicology (Agada), Gerontology
(Rasayan) and Science of Aphrodiasic (Vajikarana).
. Shloka
Shusrut Sutra 1/6 - 7 Pg. 30 (Ayurveda Hitopadesha) Ayurveda, Upaveda
of Atharvaveda, written by Brahma is named as the Brahma Sanhita. It
envelops in utself one million shlokas in form of rhymes written in
one thousand chapters.
Ayurveda was rewritten in the in eight parts popularly known as the
ashtang ayurveda due to the decline in the intellectual level and life
span of human beings.
Shalya
Shloka: Ref Shusrut Su. 7/4
the word shalya refers to the things that cause discomfort to the
body and the mind. Shalya is of two types, namely: shaarir (within the
body) and agantuj (outisde the body).
The shalya present inside the body is considered as the Shaarir
Shalya.. Example: Unhealthy teeth, Hair, Nails, imbalanced doshas,
dhatus and mala, abscess, tumor, fetus etc. Whereas agantuj are the
shalya presen toutside the body. Example: Thorns, Stone pieces, iron
pieces, dust particles, worry etc.
Shalya tantra (Surgery): Shloka : Shusru. 1/8
It deals with the means such as Yantra (Tools), Shastra
(Instruments), Kshara (Alkalies) and Agni (Fire) to remove the shalya
in the body by different methods.
Shalakya
Shloka: Ref Shusrut Su. 1/8
It deals with the diseases related to Nose, Ear, Throat and Eyes.
Inother words it deals with the disease of Urdhva Jatru region i.e
diseases in the organs above the Clavicle (Jatru) and their treatment.
Kaya Chikitsa (Medicine/ Therapeutics):
Shloka : Shusrut Su. 1/8
it is the branch of Ayurved that deals with internal medicine. The
treatment involved is called "Kayachikitsa", where Kaya
means "Agni "and Chikitsa means "treatment".
It is noteable that the entire Ayurvedic therapeutics is based on
this concept of Agni. The concept of Kaya (Agni) is unique and is
responsible for bio- transformation.
As it is known that energy can neither be created nor it can be
destroyed. In human body Kaya provides the necessary energy for all
bodily activities. As energy can be changed from one form to another
the living body derive energy from the food eaten and breathing air.
Biological Kaya transforms this energy to the energy, which is
utilized by our cells.
In simple words, the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats etc.
eaten are bio transformed by this Kaya to the bodily substances. As
long as Kaya is proper all the activities in body are carried out
smoothly. Any disturbance in Kaya causes imbalance in the homeostasis
(equilibrium) and disturbs physiology which is nothing but the
disease. In ayurveda therapeutics devotes to correction and
maintenance of biological Kaya through the means of Mantra, Mani and
Aushadhi.
Keeping in mind all the benefits of ayurveda it must be kept in mind
that anything and everything that is herbal can not naturally become
Ayurvedic medicine, but only the therapy which considers the above
mentioned concepts of Ayurved qualifies to be called as Ayurvedic
medicine.
Bhoota (Graha)
it is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with diseases acquired or
inherited from apparently unknown causes. In modern terminology it can
be considered as idiopathic diseases in which the exact cause of
disease is unknown.
According to Ayurveda, diseases are caused by affliction due to Deva,
Asura, Gandharva, Yaksha, Rakshasa, Pitara, Pishacha, Naga and other
bad demons or evils. The exact patho- physiology of these disorders is
to be extensively researched.
Bala / Kaumara:
it is the branch of ayurveda that deals with the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases related to preconception, childbearing
(Pregnancy), childbirth (delivery) and diseases of children
(Pediatrics).
Rasayana tantr
It is the branch of ayurveda that deals with various aspects of
preventive health care. Without rasayana it is possible to gain
neither oratory nor the desirable aura. It includes longevity,
improved memory, health, youthfulness, glow, complexion, generosity,
and strength of body and senses. Rasayana improves the metabolic
activities and results in best possible bio- transformation leading to
health.
Vajikarana
it is the branch of ayurveda that deals with the sexual aspects. It
includes medications for diseases related with reproduction namely
spermatogenesis, aphrodisiacs etc.
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