Ayurveda - what is it? Ayurvedic medicine. Medicine of Ancient India: schools of medicine. Ayurvedic treatments

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine on earth. It originated in India. Ayurveda is the oldest of all systems of medicine, which is still practiced in the world without interruption since its inception and enjoys great popularity.

In Ayurveda, man is considered as part of nature., and all treatment is based on such an attitude towards a person. Ayurveda uses medicines provided by nature itself. The widest distribution areas of Ayurvedic medicine are India, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Recently, Ayurvedic medicine is gaining more and more popularity in the West.

Ayurveda has been practiced since the pre-Vedic period, around 5000 BC. CHARAK SAMHITA and SUSHRUTA SAMHITA are the two main classical Ayurvedic texts that were written down around 1000 BC. In other written monuments, Rig Veda and Artharva Veda, this type of medicine is also mentioned. In the Indian epic, in particular, in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, medicinal plants is given particular importance.

Word "Ayurveda" means "knowledge of long life" or " Wisdom for life". Ayurvedic treatment takes into account not only physical state human, but also astrological and weather(seasons, for example).

The most important in the Ayurvedic approach to treatment is the level of energy (prana) in a person. There are 5 elements, known as "panchabutha", which make up all matter. These are Water, Fire, Earth, Air and Ether. Our sensations are also five (“Pancha Indriya”). Each of these sensations corresponds to some of the elements. Together they form the 3 doshas (Kapha, Vata, Pitta). Each of these doshas affects a specific part of the body - for example, Kapha affects the lungs and chest.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic diagnosis is based on the analysis of the aforementioned Doshas: an imbalance in the doshas is determined and thus a diagnosis is made. The lifestyle a person leads can affect the balance of the doshas to a great extent. And so often the patient is recommended a certain diet and appropriate exercise.

Mainsdirections in Ayurveda:

In Ayurvedic medicine, there are 8 main areas:

1. Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)

2. Kaumara Bhruthya (Pediatrics)

3. Bhutha Vidhya (Psychiatry)

4. Salakya (ENT, Ophthalmology and Dentistry)

5. Shalya (Surgery)

6. Haggadah Tantra (Toxicology)

7. Rasayana (Rejuvenation)

8. Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac therapy)

Ayurveda training

Professional training in Ayurvedic medicine is carried out mainly in the state of Kerala in India. There you can get a legitimate diploma of an Ayurvedic doctor.

Many have heard about Indian Ayurveda, but few understand its true description. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means life and knowledge.

The first in the world began to develop Indian and. The medical knowledge gained since then is applied all over the world. The main principles of medicine are based on Ayurveda - the traditional Indian system of healing. Ayurveda contains knowledge about longevity, health, which is passed down from generation to generation.

Knowledge of Ancient India

The first ideas about science, which has something similar to medicine, appeared in 2000 BC. e. According to literary sources that have survived to this day, people tried to explain the processes occurring in the body through philosophy. This was the beginning of the development of medicine in ancient India and the treatment of ailments. This knowledge was called the Vedas.

The explanation for this was the following interpretation: the human body is a shell of the soul, but it is tied to material goods. The causes of bodily ailments are to be found in this imperfection of human nature.

The development of medicine in ancient India had a huge impact on Chinese medicine. If we briefly describe the development of medicine in India, then the following information is known: “Rigveda” is the oldest Vedic scripture that describes the treatment of bleeding, leprosy, and consumption. This scripture looked like a collection of magical rituals, and it was necessary to treat the disease by reading prayers and performing rituals.

Formation of Indian Ayurveda

Full medical knowledge was described at the beginning of our era. A system of healing called "Ayurveda" was formed at that time. This system implies "the doctrine of long life». The first experience of healing came from the Vaidyas, a small group of people living in the "wild life." They lived in the forests, among the mountains.

The history of medicine in Ancient India was based on five elements (air, fire, earth, air, ether), cosmic energy. The Vaidyas were the first to notice the dependence of a person's well-being on the cycles of the moon. By observing, they assumed that the analogues human organs animals have.

Development of Indian medicine

Doctoring, alternative medicine in India was characterized by rapid development and received universal recognition. Ayurveda methods began to be used in the East.

acupuncture, plastic surgery, hirudotherapy (leech treatment), organ transplantation, acupuncture - people learned about these therapeutic, surgical methods thanks to Ayurvedic knowledge. In India, herbal preparations, infusions, and decoctions were widely used.

In the classical period of history, India dramatically changed its ideas about medicine. Healers began to forget about the supernatural causes of diseases and devoted more time to a person as a particle of the world.

Elements and fluids of Indian medicine

Five elements carry 3 fluids: mucus (located above the heart), bile (responsible for the area between the navel and the heart muscle), wind (the area below the navel). These 3 fluids and 5 elements form the 6 products of the human body:

• the seed of a man;
• fatty layer;
• brain;
• bones;
• muscles;
• blood.

For example, the wind is responsible for metabolism, excretion, blood circulation, and digestion. This is because the wind carries sound, freshness and coolness. Medicine in ancient India was based on peculiar knowledge, some of which may seem unusual and not at all like medical treatises:

1. Disease of the body begins with a disturbed flow of bile, wind and mucus. The severity and development depends on the degree of imbalance between the 3 primary elements.
2. Phlegm is a soft substance that acts as a lubricant, they are responsible for vigorous activity.
3. Bile refers to the fire element. It is responsible for body temperature, heart activity and digestive function.

Ayurveda in India: types of people

Depending on 3 liquids, types of people are distinguished according to Ayurveda. They have a different physique and susceptibility to diseases:

1. Wind or Vata - dominant nervous system They have difficulty gaining weight. They are like fireworks, they can do a powerful start, but fast fatiguability. According to the teachings of Ayurveda, they should try to see in life positive points. They form early wrinkles, problems with joints and muscles.
2. Mucus or Kapha tall people with a large physique. They are balanced and calm, optimists in life. Thick skin, excellent health, but negative qualities refers to laziness. They are advised to stop eating bad food, observe the regime of the day and rest. Often there is obesity.
3. Bile or Pitt - have a normal physique and average height, they are assiduous, enterprising, have a mobile mind, and are active. They know how to defend their position, however, they get annoyed for any reason. People have loud voice and pleasant tone. They need to learn how to direct energy to a useful cause. Suffer from skin pathologies, heart disease.

Ayurveda: benefits for women

The fair sex uses the best Ayurvedic knowledge to improve their health and maintain beauty. Proper nutrition leads to the normalization of the state of mind and body. There is a term "Ayurvedic products", which include:

• vegetables;
• legumes;
• dairy;
• fruit.

There are various types of Ayurvedic massage. The procedure of treatment with the help of medicinal herbs is called Potli massage. Other massages include:

1. Abhyanga - massage using vegetable oil.
2. Nasya - massaging the nose.
3. During the Shirodhara procedure, a thin stream of oil is poured on the patient's forehead, which stimulates the activity of the brain and is good for the hair.
4. Foot massage stimulates all the necessary points, which helps the functioning of all body systems.

An interesting fact: the level of medicine in India is the same as in Europe. Every year this country is visited by more than 270 thousand tourists who come for treatment. At first, in India, they studied medicine during an internship in the United States.

Then all clinics in India received the most respected accreditation - JCI. The undoubted advantage of this country is the cost of the services provided, it is much lower than in European countries, but the quality does not suffer.

Ayurveda is a system of ancient Indian medicine that originated about 6,000 years ago, translated from Sanskrit as "the science of life" and is considered an upaveda (additional) one of the four Vedas - Atharva Veda. The disease in a person begins when the balance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - is disturbed in the body, toxins and toxins accumulate. A person is considered healthy when the doshas are in a balanced state.

This is the most ancient system of medicine available now, proven by the experience of many thousands of doctors who have relieved diseases and suffering for many millennia, a huge number of patients. The goal of Ayurveda is to achieve the health of people through finding harmony and balance.

Ayurveda, unlike Western medicine, makes a person healthy, and does not fight any specific disease. Prevention plays a huge role in it. To achieve the health of all human body it is necessary to achieve physiological and mental balance, harmony of thoughts, understanding of the laws of nature and spiritual development.

European medicine the best way copes with acute diseases and injuries that require immediate, sometimes surgical, intervention. Westerners mainly suffer from heart vascular diseases, rhinitis, obesity, arthritis, different kind tumors, a sick psyche - the consequences of repetitive stress, drug addiction, alcoholism and some other diseases. Indian medicine Ayurveda is a complex system of knowledge in which one of the main medicines are correct behavior and lifestyle. Healing is carried out with the help of plants and minerals, yoga and meditation.

According to ancient Indian philosophy, matter consists of five primary elements - panchamahabhut: earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (agni), air (vayu), ether (akasha). Based on the combinations of panchamahabhutas, doshas are formed - these are pathophysiological factors that support the human body like corner pillars that support a house.

Doshas in Ayurveda Ether and air form the Vata dosha, which is responsible for inhalation and exhalation, movement, circulation of various substances in the body and excretion of decay products.

Fire and water form the dosha of Pitta, which governs vision, digestion, heat production in the body, flexibility, cheerfulness, and intelligence.

Water and earth form the Kapha dosha, responsible for splendor, joint work, courage, endurance, stability, resistance.

Basic principles of Ayurveda

Ayurveda formed the following doctrines. For each element, there is a balanced and an unbalanced state. When Vata is balanced, a person is energetic and creative, but when he is too mobile, he tends to experience anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, constipation and difficulty concentrating.

When Pitta is balanced, the person is warm and friendly, disciplined, and a good leader and speaker. When Pitta is out of balance, the person becomes obsessive and irritable, and may suffer from indigestion or inflammatory conditions. When Kapha is balanced, a person is pleasant, reliable and stable, but when Kapha is out of balance, there may be a feeling of lethargy, a tendency to overweight, sinus congestion.

An important goal of the "science of life" is to determine the ideal state of balance of the doshas in the body, to determine when they are out of balance. Restoration of a balanced state is carried out through the use of diet, herbs, aromatherapy, massage, music and meditation.

Origins of Ayurveda

According to legend, Ayurveda was part of the revelation of the holy sages, who gained a 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 Ashwin twins, who became "great healers" and later presented it to Indra. Indra passed on his knowledge to his disciples, including Bharadvajaya, one of the seven Indian sages.

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

The influence of Ayurveda on the medical traditions of other countries

Being one of the oldest medical systems, Ayurveda had a great influence on the development of Arabic and European medicine. Even in ancient times, Indian medicinal plants were transported by sea and land trade routes to Parthia, the countries of the Mediterranean and Central Asia, basins of the Caspian and Black Seas, South Siberia, China. The main export items were nard, musk, sandalwood, cinnamon, aloe and other plants and incense.

Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita, written in the 4th century BC. BC e. formed the basis of a treatise on Tibetan medicine Chud Shi. Ayurveda began to penetrate into the region of Tibet from the 7th century. AD, when personal doctor the ruler of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, became one of the representatives of the Bharadvaja school.

During the heyday of the Abbasid Caliphate, there were many doctors from India working in Baghdad, some of whom were influential in the Caliph's court. Mathematical, medical, including pharmacological and Ayurvedic texts (among them Sushruta Samhita) were translated into Arabic in Baghdad at the end of the first millennium of our era.

It is likely that Arabic translation treatise ("Ashtankar") was used by the Persian philosopher and physician Ibn Sina when writing the "Canon of Medicine". Subsequently, the texts of Ibn Sina were studied by European alchemists, whose works had a significant impact on the formation of European medicine and chemistry.

History of Ayurveda

Sources

Vedic sources

The first references to medicine and the healing properties of plants are found in the Vedas, most of all in the last of the four Atharvaveda. Atharva Veda is the first Indian text related to medicine. He identifies living agents as causes of disease, such as yatudhanya, krimi and durnama. The Atharvans seek them out and kill them with drugs to defeat the disease. This approach to disease is surprisingly advanced from 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 microbes to be the cause of leprosy. In the same chapter, Sushruta also expands on the role of helminths in causing disease. These two sayings can be traced back to the Atharva Veda Samhita. One of the hymns describes the disease of leprosy and recommends the use of aushadhi for the treatment of rajani. From the description of aushadha as a plant with black stems and dark spots it can be concluded that this is most likely a lichen with antibiotic properties. Thus, the Atharva Veda can be considered the first text to record the use of antibiotics. In addition, the bones of the human skeleton are described in detail in the Atharva Veda.

Buddhist sources

The first information about individual scientific works on medicine dates back to 1500. To date, 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 judged 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 prakasha samhita,
• Harita-samhita,
• Kasyapa Samhita,
• Bhela Samhita.

The first three of 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 works of which include the works of Dridhabala, Chakrapanadatta, Nagarjuna, Arunadatta, Hemadri and other authors belonging to the oldest medical dynasties. The final formation of the Ayurvedic canon dates back to BC. e.

Legend of the origin of Ayurveda

According to legend, Ayurveda was part of the revelation of the holy sages, who gained a 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 Ashwin twins, who became "great healers" and later expounded it to Indra. Indra passed on his knowledge to his students, including Bharadvajaya, one of the seven Indian sages.

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda is 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, 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 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 singled out as “especially important” (marman). The words of Sushruta testify to the versatility of knowledge of Indian healers of that time:

"A physician familiar with healing properties roots and herbs - a person; familiar with the properties of a knife and fire - a demon; knowing strength prayers - the prophet; familiar with the properties of mercury - God!

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

• At 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 5 organs of perception - 5 basic elements ( pancha mahabhuta) . The different quality of objects was explained by the different combination of the smallest particles of anu (“atoms”). The vital activity of the organism 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 fulfillment of the vital functions of the body, normal state sense organs and clarity of mind, and illness as a violation of these correct relationships and negative impact five elements on a person (the influence of the seasons, climate, indigestible food, unhealthy water, etc.). Diagnosis of diseases was based on a detailed survey of the patient and the study of body heat, skin color and tongue, secretions, noises in the lungs, voice, etc.

Krishna Atreya had six disciples: Agnivesha, Bhela, Jatukarna, Parashara, Harita and Ksharapani. Each of them compiled his own treatise, the best of which was recognized as the treatise of Agniveshi. Agniveshi, having created a new teaching, began to wander, passing on his knowledge to people. People called him a wandering doctor - "Charaka". His activities gave rise to the Charaka or Charana medical system, a school of itinerant physicians. Probably, it was to her that the wanderer in northwestern India in the 1st century BC belonged. BC. the physician Charaka, who was considered the incarnation of Agnivesha. Charaka was also from Taxila. The school founded by Charaka studied therapy and various methods treatment of diseases. (in the treatise "Charaka-samhita").

In the IV century. BC e. at the "university" in Taxila, the famous physician Jivaka, who treated the Magadhian king Bimbisara, the 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 III century. BC e. Mauryan emperor Ashoka made Taxila the main Buddhist center of learning.

In the 5th century BC e. Sushruta, educated at Taxila, founded new school surgery in 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 to the ancient Greeks at that time, which he recognized by the taste of urine.

Ayurveda in the Middle Ages

Ayurveda is practiced by approximately three hundred and fifty thousand registered physicians. Indian traditional medicine is studied in India under the general direction of the Central Council for Research on Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), which includes a national network of research institutes. The Government of India has established two research centers to work in the field of Ayurveda. More than 150 scientific associations and centers, as a rule, medical colleges explore various aspects of the ancient teachings with modern methods. In the city of Jamnagar, Gujarat, a university was founded, where specialists and researchers in the field of Ayurveda are trained. There are several pharmaceutical companies that produce Ayurveda and Unani medicines under government control. In India and Sri Lanka, Ayurveda doctors study for 5.5 years and pass State exam. It's complete training program(B.A.M.S., short 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.

Besides India, Ayurveda is used in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Robert Svoboda was the first westerner to graduate from the College of Ayurveda (c) and obtain 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 the 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 regarded this branch of medicine as "the first and best of all medical sciences". Still having no idea about antiseptics and asepsis, Indian healers, following Vedic ideas, kept cleanliness during operations. Surgical instruments were made by experienced blacksmiths from steel, which they learned to produce in India 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. Bleeding stopped with ash and cold pressure bandage and hot water. Strips of leather and tree bark served as dressing material. Linen, silk and wool bandages were soaked in melted fat. Healers performed amputations of limbs, opening of the abdominal cavity. Surgeons crushed kidney stones, repaired hernias, and repaired noses, ears, and lips. The method of rhinoplasty, described in detail in the treatise of Sushruta, went down in history under the name of the "Indian method". skin flap to form the future nose, it 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 fire". Its turbidity entailed the extinction of the inner flame. Therefore, the restoration of the patient's vitality depended on the skill of the surgeon, including during the operation to remove the cataract.

• Pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya Tantra

Already in the Classical period, obstetric care stood out as an independent field of healing. Sushruta's treatise details advice to pregnant women on maintaining cleanliness and a proper lifestyle, describes deviations from the normal course of childbirth, fetal deformity, embryotomy (which was recommended in cases where it was impossible to turn the fetus on a leg or head), caesarean section (used after the death of a woman in labor to save the baby ) and turning the fetus on the leg.

Philosophy of Ayurveda

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

Ayurveda is focused on the achievement by each person of harmony, "continuous happiness" and considers a person as part of the Universe, which is in the closest mystical relationship with it. According to the Charaka Samhita, "life itself" is defined as "the combination of body, sense organs, mind and soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and death, which preserves the body for a long time, and leads the processes of rebirth"

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

Three dosha system

According to the philosophy of Buddhism, 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 - dhatu. Elements are grouped into three main fundamental vitality, - doshas - which regulate all body functions. A person is healthy when the doshas are in a balanced state.

• Vata (ether and air) is the impulse principle needed 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 nutrient source for the arterial system.

Also, dhatus and doshas must receive food, water and so on for their life activity. If the quality and quantity of food and other substances consumed by a person are below the required level, then the balance is disturbed. The balance can also be disturbed by both mental factors and seasonal changes. Within certain limits, the body itself has the ability to cope with these disorders. But if they exceed the capabilities of the body, the person becomes ill. The disease can affect any organ, but the cause may not be rooted in the affected organ, because the disease-causing principle can move along any of the channels of the body. Therefore, when examining a patient, the doctor seeks to establish the root cause of the disease, to investigate homeostasis (stability) complete system and systematize its violations.

Ayurvedic texts describe different types of microorganisms and their pathogenic properties. However, Ayurveda considers microorganisms not as the root cause of the disease, but only as a secondary factor. The root cause of the disease is always a violation of the balance of elements in the body. If the body is in a state of equilibrium, then no microbes, even the most dangerous, are able to cause disease. That is why, in the treatment of 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 the fundamental concept of the Samkhya philosophical system of Hinduism, meaning primordial nature, the causeless root cause of the universe. Prakriti is independent and active, consists of three gunas:

• sattva - the basis of the mind, characterized by subtlety, lightness, light and joy;
• rajas - 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 of the tendency 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 the 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 affects the choice of treatment methods and the 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 the disease: shaman and shodhana. The first means relief, a palliative method. Shamana methods alleviate the disease and its symptoms. Shodhana means elimination, and its methods seek to eliminate the root cause of disease (i.e. doshas). If the disease can recur after Shamana, then after Shodhana it is impossible. The principles of Ayurveda pharmacology are different from other systems of medicine. Most medicines are made from herbs.

Medications

The 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 - surgical methods treatment, in which the ancient Indians reached a high level.

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

Substances 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 immune-boosting, anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and sedative properties.

Tulsi is widely used in Ayurveda

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

The American Medical Association believes that patients undergoing treatment with Ayurvedic medicines risk their health - toxic substances have been found in the preparations. heavy metals(lead, mercury, arsenic) in unacceptable high concentrations. Row clinical trials showed no effect in the treatment of Ayurvedic preparations, different from the placebo effect.

Use of psychotropic drugs

Influence of taste

Ayurveda believes that the tastes of foods or herbs have certain physiological effects and are used in the system of diagnosis and treatment. Those tastes that are formed after digestion (Vipaka) are stronger.

• Sweet (Madhura) - Sweet foods nourish, cool, moisturize, lubricate, and increase weight
• Sour (Amla) - Sour foods warm, lubricate, and add weight
• Salty (Lavan) - Salty warm foods, stimulate, soften, lubricate, and increase weight
• Bitter (Katu) - Bitter foods, cool, dry, purifying and reduce weight
• Spicy (Tikta) - spicy foods, warm, dry, stimulate, and reduce weight
• Astringent (Kasaya) - Astringent foods, 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 detailed in Ayurvedic texts, and doctors always give dietary advice when prescribing a course of treatment. It is considered that one of the most important properties food are her taste qualities, of which there are six: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent, as well as their diverse combinations. Each of the taste sensations causes a certain physiological affect: sweet promotes the formation of blood, tissues and fat in the body; sour promotes digestion, bitter improves appetite, etc.

To cleanse the body of dosha imbalances, five different procedures or purification methods are used, which are indicated in the texts of ancient Indian medicine and prescribed for a small amount diseases, as well as for periodic seasonal cleaning. These five procedures are better known as panchakarma ("pancha-karma" - "five actions"). The course of panchakarma usually includes short-term dietary nutrition, massage, herbal application. May include laxatives, baths, sweating techniques, enemas containing medicinal substances, sinus cleaning, bloodletting.

Panchakarma as a cleansing therapy is perhaps the most underrated of all the methods of Ayurveda. Due to ignorance, it is often perceived as a different massage system. So, massage with the use of oils is one of the methods used in ancient Indian medicine. In Sanskrit, massage using oils is abhyanga, which translates 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 a medicinal treatment, oil massages involve the entire body, making it a holistic, holistic treatment. Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff muscles and reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. Advocates argue that toxins rooted in joints and tissues are released into the excretory systems through massage to eliminate them. naturally. Panchakarma can also be used as a rejuvenation therapy. In different regions there are differences in procedures, technique of execution, compositions of oils used. The practice of this therapy should always be performed by competent professionals.

Criticism

Critics cite the lack of rigorous scientific research, clinical trials of Ayurvedic methods. Thus, the National Center for Additional and alternative medicine states that "most of the trials were small, lacked appropriate controls, 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 dubious reliability discredits the methodology as a whole and reduces confidence in correctly conducted studies.

A number of clinical trials have shown the absence of effects in 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 Ayurveda is largely undertaken by a 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 also carry out research on various aspects of Ayurveda.

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. Story ancient world v.3. The Decline of Ancient Societies: in 3 volumes, Second Edition / Ed. I. M. Dyakonova, V. D. Neronova, I. S. Sventsitskaya - M.: Nauka Publishing House, 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, 25.10.2008
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 Cyavana 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

Recently, Eastern practices and religions have been of particular interest in society. Ancient techniques, dating back centuries in their history, help to understand issues and problems that traditional faith, medicine and psychology give in to. Today we will talk about Ayurveda: what is it - philosophy or, consider the methods of treatment and features of Ayurvedic preparations.

Indian Ayurveda - basic principles and methods of treatment

The principles of treatment and diagnostics are based on the belief of the sages in the relationship of a person with the outside world. If a person lives with an open soul, in harmony with the rhythms of nature, then they bypass him. Great importance is given to spiritual purity, and not to physical symptoms. Therefore, drugs are prepared from substances that have living energy: , metals.

A bit of history

According to legends, the founder of ancient science was the god of healing Dhanvantari, it is he who is credited with the authorship of the first teaching texts.

The exact time of the origin of ancient science has a discrepancy in dates, it can be said with certainty that already in the seventh century BC there were two schools whose specialization was therapy (the school in Taxila) and surgery (the school in Kashi).

The golden age of the development of the ancient medical system is considered to be the period of 327 BC. e.-750 AD e., the heyday of Buddhism in India.

The treatises of the Indian sages were translated into many languages ​​and influenced the medicine of many Mediterranean countries, Tibet, China, Persia, and later (VIII-XIII centuries) were studied by European alchemists.

Did you know? In their medical practice, such minds of antiquity as Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, Zhud Shi turned to Ayurvedic methods of treatment.

Already in the seventeenth century, Indian surgeons were trained in rhinoplasty operations. Starting from the 18th century, science began to lose ground, unable to compete with technological progress. But in the 20th century, it is being actively studied in the USA, Russia and Central Asia.

The connection between the soul and the body - the main elements of Ayurveda

Let's understand what Ayurveda is in fact. If you do not go into the accuracy of the translation from Sanskrit, but speak in simple words, the practice is based on a strong connection between the mental, spiritual and physical principles of a person. Following the teachings, a person is responsible for his own health, the doctor can only relieve physical symptoms. The cause of all diseases is in ourselves: somewhere succumbed negative influence, deviated from the intended path, lost faith, envied, became angry. That is, in order to gain health, you need to put things in order in your soul, to understand the psycho-emotional imbalance. Detailed introspection will help you find a purpose and incentive for recovery. The basic idea of ​​life in Indian practice says that life is a close interaction of the soul, mind, feelings and body.

Ayurvedic diagnostics

Ancient Indian medicine, in order to establish a diagnosis, first determines the state of the doshas (dominant character types, more details below). Ayurvedic diagnostics uses eight main types of examinations.

• Pulse measurement.
• Chair research.
• Urine study.
• Palpation.
• Checking the condition of the mucous membrane of the eyes.
• Language examination.
• The sound of a voice.
• General impression.

• (dosha) of a person;
• season and time of day (dosha activity varies by season and time period);
• patient's mental health possible features in terms of neurology.

Fecal and urine studies are similar to those in official medicine, color, consistency, frequency of bowel movements are also important.

During palpation, great attention is paid to special points of the body, their softness or hardness is assessed, a point is pressed under pressure or there is swelling.

Much attention is paid visual inspection hair, skin and tongue conditions. Any change in the color of the nail plates, for example, or peeling off already speaks of a problem. By the way, traditional classical medicine also has narrow specialization, doctors identify problems by the condition of hair or nails, skin - mycologist, trichologist.

The tongue, according to ancient practice, is associated with many organs and systems of the body, according to the plaque on it or its absence, by the color and degree of dryness, the specialist can find out which of the organs has a problem.

Such a scrupulous study of the patient allows the doctor to put the maximum accurate diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment.

Illness is a teacher. Features of treatment

Consider what Ayurveda is in medicine, and its relation to the disease. Indian practice divides diseases into five types:

• disease-teacher. This is a kind of stop sign or litmus test indicating wrong actions, vices and that lead a person to a dead end, take him away from a given program;
• illness is a friend. Often some illnesses accompany serious pathologies in the body and help to reduce severe illness. For example, veins in an epileptic reduce convulsive syndrome;
• helper disease. Many past infections strengthen ours and help us fight more complex diseases later on;
• disease-conductor. This is, roughly speaking, a kind of code that stops The biological clock organism and accompanying a person to another world;
• disease is the enemy. Status associated with external influence such as exposure to radiation, toxic poisoning, frostbite.

Any treatment, whether it be, or medications, in terms of ancient medicine meaningless until the body is freed from those that provoke the disease. This also takes into account psycho-emotional state patient: a person experiencing anger, fear and others will block defensive forces organism. If detoxification is pure medical problem, then getting rid of negative energy is the concern of the patient himself, of course, not without the help of a specialist.

Very important in Ayurveda and water balance, walking on fresh air, strengthening physical form and spiritual self-improvement.

Among the methods of treatment, in addition to wellness, the following are used:

• cleansing procedures;
• herbal treatment;
• aroma and color therapy;
• breathing exercises;
• sound therapy;
• classes and more.

Did you know? At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, Ayurveda was officially recognized as the most effective alternative science in medicine. The decision was made at a meeting of the World Health Organization.

Ojas and the Foundation of a Healthy Lifestyle

Ayurveda is the science of, which is based on maintaining life in the body, and is called ojas.

Ojas is a kind of subtle matter that connects and nourishes the physical, emotional and spiritual principles of the individual. It is responsible for the immune system, for the aging of the body, all systems and organs. She is our connection with the Supreme mind of the universe.

Ojas is born in every child during his conception and develops when the baby drinks mother's milk. We spend this energy on recovering from severe injuries, mental shocks, and illnesses. Therefore, the amount of ojas directly depends on the amount in our life.

Replenishes the supply of ojas spiritual and physical purity, good sleep, proper nutrition, the predominance of creative positive energy around. A person filled with life-giving energy is healthy, good-natured and responsive, any science or action is easily given to him, he is full of strength, and those around him intuitively strive to join his society.

Human types according to Ayurveda - a brief description of the doshas

According to the doctrine, there are three main types of human character:, and, consider their brief characteristics.

Character and habits of Vata type:

• impressionable, sensitive and responsive;
• knows how to hear and sympathize;
• prone to contemplation.

Outwardly, these are slender and thin people, thin-skinned and thin-boned, the skin is dry and prone to early aging. Their career is most often associated with the humanities or social activities, pedagogy.

Characteristics of Kapha:

• strong in character;
• cheerful;
• energetic but stable;
• selfish (owner).

General description of the Pitt type:

• smart;
• ambitious, can be aggressive in achieving the goal;
• has creative potential;
• overly emotional;
• witty;
• brave.

Ayurvedic nutrition - basic rules for each type

For each type of person in Ayurveda there are their own, we will briefly consider the main ones.

Cotton wool. These are thin people with a fast metabolism, but this does not mean that they can indulge in gluttony. Three meals a day are recommended for Vata. Breakfast is better early and hearty; lunch - around noon, not too rich; dinner - at six in the evening, it can be light, but satiating. Vata should drink plenty of water and not abuse alcohol. Products and dishes for Vata: meat and meat broths, cereals with butter, pastries, sweets; not recommended to use sour fruit and more raw vegetables.

Kapha. Overweight Kaphas should skip breakfast and drink a cup of herbal tea instead of eating. At noon, it would be appropriate to dine with a hearty, even hearty, dish, but give preference to natural and healthy products. Near four hours in the afternoon you can have a light snack, dinner can be moved to six in the evening. After each Kapha meal, it is advisable to take a walk or do something that requires effort. Foods for Kapha: lean cereals (except rice), sour fruits, raw vegetable salads, seasoned lemon juice, lean meat (poultry), pickled vegetables. It is desirable to exclude sweets from the diet.

Pitt. This type also has good digestion and, in principle, can afford dense and satisfying food. However, proper nutrition can bring harmony to the explosive nature of these people. It is advisable for them to avoid spicy, smoked and salty, red meat, give preference to vegetables, fruits, fish and legumes.

Ayurvedic recipes - examples of Ayurvedic nutrition

Basic principles of nutrition:

• food should be eaten only freshly prepared (do not store for a long time);
• food is best digested at noon (lunch time);
• eating is akin to meditation (eat slowly, in a good mood, do not read, do not watch TV);
• you need to eat when you are hungry, and not because you have nothing to do;
• There should be no overeating, full saturation, it is good to experience a slight feeling of hunger.

Delicious Ayurvedic salad with fruits and nuts

Ingredients:

• natural ;
• (fresh or dried), ;
• Ayurvedic cosmetics - basic principles

  Consider what is Ayurveda in. This, in simple terms, is tracking external problems ( , ) and comparing them with internal problems.
  

  To solve cosmetic problems, only those ingredients that have living energy are used in treatment, everything that is in nature: herbs, fruits, vegetables, grated cereals or legumes, roots, spices, clay, algae, animal milk, plant oils. That is, in fact, Ayurveda cosmetics is what we eat, a product that a priori will not harm our body.

  Most people perceive the world by tactile sensations, Indian practice pays great attention to various. An important condition The work of the master is his attitude to love for his neighbor. Working with the patient's body, working on the desired area of ​​the body, the massage therapist directs the positive energy of his thoughts. No matter how strange it may sound, but the warmth of the master brings more relief to the patient than the impact of soulless devices of classical cosmetology. Therefore, you should not be surprised if acne, the master will massage the feet.

  An important condition for carrying out any procedures is our relationship with the lunar cycles. For example, procedures aimed at cleansing or getting rid of a problem are carried out on a waning moon. In working with women, the specialist also clarifies her menstrual cycle. An individual approach is also practiced in the selection of treatments: herbs and roots, oils of various extractions and other ingredients are selected taking into account the physiological characteristics of the patient.
  

  To sum up: our health is in our hands. If you look from the point of view of classical medicine, most diseases are directly related to the psychological state. Anger, irritability, constant dissatisfaction provoke bodily ailments. A person who lives in harmony with himself, as a rule, is in good health.