Purva Karma in Panchakarma, Ayurveda

  

Purva Karma refers to the preparation of body for Panchakarma therapy. It helps to mobilize and liquefy waste products from the tissues and to move it out towards the intestines, which then allows the Panchakarma treatments to flush them out. This is necessary for the body to achieve the complete benefits of Panchakarma.

Panchakarma is an extensive treatment process of Ayurveda that eliminates toxins and restores the body’s health. This method cleanses the body, and also augments digestive and metabolic abilities. Panchakarma includes three broad sub-categories namely;

i. Purva Karma (preparatory procedures),
ii. Pradhan Karma (main procedures) and
iii. Paschat Karma (follow up treatments).

Methods of Purva Karma in Panchakarma
Before the actual operation of purification begins, there is a need to prepare the body in prescribed methods to encourage the body to let go of the toxins. The two procedures are Snehana and Swedana.

Snehana: Snehana (Oleation) makes the body soft and disintegrates the toxins. Snehan can be of two types, internal snehan and external snehan. In internal snehan, Siddha ghrita (medicated clarified butter) or Siddha Taila (medicated edible oil) is administered orally in accordance with the dose prescribed by the Ayurvedic therapist. This ghee (ghrita) or oil is known as sneha. Acting as a lubricant to the entire body, it helps in reducing dryness. This applied oil finds entry into the dhatu (body tissues) and strotasa (body passages) and eventually purges out the impurities. The applied ghee if prepared from cow milk works best. In external snehan, there are all kinds of body massages with the help of sneha, as instructed by the Ayurvedic physician. Siddha ghrita or Siddha Taila is massaged on the skin. A strict program of body massage according to the need of the patient is carried out to attain the desired level of snehan. A lustrous skin marks external snehan. This type of snehan is beneficial for skin problems or when the patient is in bed ridden condition for a long time.

For more on Purva Karma in Panchakarma, visit the link below:

https://www.indianetzone.com/5/purva_karma_panchkarma.htm

Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda

  

Sushruta Samhita is one of the oldest books in Ayurveda that was written by Sushruta, the legendary Ayurvedic Physician of ancient India. The Sushruta Samhita is the complete book that deals with the practical problems of surgery and midwifery or obstetrics. In India the practice of surgery is very ancient that dates back to around 800 BC. Surgery was termed as ‘Sastrakarma’ and was one of the eight branches of Ayurveda, which is the ancient Indian system of medicine.

Sushruta: Composer of Sushruta Samhita
Sushruta is recognized today as the ‘Father of Plastic Surgery’ all over the world. He was the first person who studied human anatomy. Sushruta was the specialist of Rhinoplasty or plastic surgery and Opthalmology or the elimination of cataracts. He was equipped with excellent surgical skills and elevated the practical science of surgery to the level of art.

Context of Sushruta Samhita
In the Sushruta Samhita this detailed study of anatomy is described. It consists of 184 chapters and is divided into two parts, The Purva Tantra and Uttara Tantra.

The Purva Tantra gives the signs and symptoms of important surgical diseases, obstetrics, geriatrics, anatomy, embryology, nature of poisons and their removal.

The Uttara Tantra gives account of various diseases of the ear, eye, head and nose and solutions to complications that may arise out of surgery.

Sushruta Samhita mentions about 1,120 medical conditions, including injuries and illnesses relating to ageing and mental illness. There are eight main divisions of human surgery in Sushruta Samhita namely;

Chedya (excision)

Lekhya (scarification)

Vedhya (puncturing)

Esya (exploration)

Ahrya (extraction)

Vsraya (evacuation)

Sivya (Suturing)

For more, visit the link below:

https://www.indianetzone.com/21/sushruta_samhita.htm

Tridosha System in Ayurveda

  

Tridosha System in Ayurveda demonstrates the life cycle of an individual. According to Ashtanga Ayurveda, the body is constituted of five elements or Panch Mahabhutas - space, air, fire, water and earth. These elements give rise to the three bodily humours or the Tridoshas -

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

These three govern all physical and mental functions of the body. To maintain good health and vitality and to protect the body from foreign invasions, a balance of the three doshas is a vital necessity.

Amalgamation of Panch Mahabhutas with Tridosha
Each dosha is a combination of any two of the five elements of Panch Mahabhutas with the predominance of one. Since these three doshas are responsible for all the physiological and the psychological processes within the body and mind, they can explain every physical activity, characteristic, mental capacity, physical energy, thoughts and the emotional tendency of human beings.

While the space and air together forms the ‘Vata’ personality, it is the combination of fire and water that forms the ‘Pitta’ constitution and the unification of water and earth therefore forms the ‘Kapha’ constitution. These actually govern the physio-biological changes and also mark the physio-pathological changes in the body. Therefore when the three doshas are balanced body remains healthy. According to Charaka, the great Ayurvedic sage: “Vata, pitta and kapha maintain the integrity of the living human organism in their normal state and combine so as to make the man a complete being with sense organs possessing strength, good complexion and assured of longevity of life”.

Role of Tridosha in Ayurveda
Doshas exist in every cell, tissue and organ. The interplay of the Tridosha determines the conditions of health and characteristic attributes of a person. A perfect balance of these rewards health and positive growth. When the body suffers from an imbalance within the three doshas, disease is caused.

Vata controls mobility and is embodied by the nervous system. Pitta is the principle of bio-transformation and the generator of the whole metabolic process in the body. Kapha is associated with cohesion and channelization of body-fluids.

For more, visit the link below:

https://www.indianetzone.com/4/tridosha_system_ayurveda.htm

Principles Of Ayurveda

  

Principles of Ayurveda aim at establishing such a state in which the function and structure of an individual operates optimally and that individual attains a state of mental, physical and spiritual equilibrium. In Ayurveda, there are several aspects of this traditional system of medicine, which discriminates it from other approaches to health care. The principle of Ayurveda is based on the Panchabhuta theory. The principle of Ayurveda perceives body, mind and spirit.

Ayurveda defines that the four basic aspects of life – ‘Atma’ (the soul), ‘Manas’ (the mind), ‘Indriyas’ (the senses) and ‘Sharira’ (the body) have their specific functions and that contribute to the completeness of life. Ayurveda mainly focuses on a balanced and integrated relationship among these four components. It also focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of the life energies within the individual. The principle of Ayurveda is based on the self healing process where the individual’s inherent tendency is to move from the diseased state towards the healthy state. In order to have a full knowledge and understanding of the functions of the body, understanding the senses of the body is very essential.

Atma: The Soul
Atma is defined as the motivating intelligence that guides the human mind and life. Though, it is also said that atma is actually the least tangible part of human life. Each and every aspect of life has inherent coordination with other parts of the body. The principle of atma is also defined as the governing principle that existed within as a part of human beings. Further, this guiding principle has two aspects, first one being the ‘Jiva Atma’ where the intelligence is associated with entire concept of ‘soul’. It guides as per the particular destiny of an individual’s life. The second aspect is the ‘Param Atma’ or more commonly defined as the ‘universal soul’. It is the very consciousness of the nature and it is the essence of the individual soul. Param atma is responsible for unifying all diversity of nature. In short, Jiva atma is an appearance of the Param atma.

Manas: The Mind
Ayurveda specifies that all the happiness or unhappiness, health or ill-health and all the feelings arise in human mind first. Soul or atma is defined as the director of life and manas or mind is actually the controller of all senses that determines the actions of the body. It is responsible for maintaining a balance or harmony between the universal intelligence and human life. In Ayurveda, manas or mind is given the central importance. It is believed that all the phenomena of life or the universe are directly influenced by the ‘gunas’ or the three primary phases of life. The gunas govern the human existence and regulate the minds. These phases generate action, motivation, fascination and inspiration.

For more, visit the link below:

https://www.indianetzone.com/39/principles_ayurveda.htm

Indian Medicinal Plants

  

Indian medicinal plants are being used to cure diseases, since several millennia. These plants are grown throughout the Indian subcontinent. They are significant parts of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is one of the most popular codified medical traditions in India. This treatment method traces its origins to the Vedic ages. Numerous Indian medicinal plants are mentioned in the Vedic texts. Besides Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicinal practices use several medicinal plants to prepare medicines. Whilst most of the medicinal plants are native to India, some have their origin in foreign countries. The probable trade taking place during the existence of ancient civilizations and the arrival of the Europeans, paved the way for medicinal plants in India.

Different Indian Medicinal Plants
Some of the most popular Indian medicinal plants are tulsi, ginger, turmeric, sunflower, Indian cherry and prickly pear. Each of these species has a botanical name, but they are more popular in India by regional names. For instance, turmeric is known as Halud in Bengali, Halaad in Gujarati, Haldi in Hindi, Arishina in Kannada, Halad in Konkani, Niannal in Malayalam, Halde in Marathi, Haldar in Punjabi and so on. Almost all parts of Indian medicinal plants, including leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, barks, etc are used to prepare medicines. Some important Indian medicinal plants are:

Tulsi: Among all herbs, Tulsi occupies the most respected and important position. Tulsi plant can be used for prevention as well as cure of illnesses. A Tulsi plant at the doorstep is said to keep the atmosphere of the house pure and clean, and keep illness away. Tulsi is known to treat cough, cold, bronchitis and loss of appetite.

Ginger: It is used for abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea and rheumatism. Ginger is commonly used in the Ayurvedic systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory joint diseases, such as arthritis and rheumatism. Ginger is beneficial in treating nausea, especially morning sickness.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a popular spice that has been used as a remedy for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is popular for its medicinal values, utilised as part of home remedy. It is proven to improve immune function with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties. The main active ingredient of Turmeric is curcumin, which may offer protection against certain cancers, treat arthritis, benefit those with inflammatory bowel disease, reduce blood sugar and help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds enhance digestion and brain power. They have low level of cholesterol and sodium and can therefore protect the cardiovascular system. They are rich in healthy fats, beneficial plant compounds and several vitamins and minerals. These nutrients may play a role in reducing risk of common health problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Prickly Pears: As with several other Indian medicinal plants, Prickly Pear also bears vital medicinal properties and uses. The fruit of the plant is considered a cooling agent and finds usefulness in the treatment of gonorrhoea. The baked fruit is purportedly used in the treatment of whooping cough, with the syrup of the fruit believed to increase secretion of bile and controlling of spasmodic cough and expectoration. The mashed joints of Prickly Pear are used as a poultice to relieve inflammation and the heated joint is applied to boils to accelerate suppuration.

Pudina: This aromatic Ayurvedic herb is a natural coolant, with a sweet and a pungent aftertaste. Mint has the quality to pacify all the three doshas and chiefly manages the Pitta dosha. Pudina leaves owing to its carminative properties helps in digestion and assimilation of food and treats colic pain. The extract of pudina leaves is used to treat intestinal worms.

Henna: Henna is exceedingly beneficial for a number of disorders, like hairfall, dysentery, liver, headaches, stinging feet, skin infection and female diseases. The leaves have curative properties, like checking secretion or blood loss and forestalling skin disorders. The bark and seeds of the plant are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine.

Guggulu: Guggulu is said to be demulcent, aperient, alterative and a purifier of the blood. It is used in rheumatism, nervous diseases, scrofulous affections, urinary disorders and skin diseases.

Aloe Vera: Indian aloe comes to requisite use in everyday sicknesses like, liver enlargement, cold, arthritis, indigestion, skin irritations, or sciatica. The leaves of the plant possess numerous curative properties. They are useful in reinstating the perturbed processes of nutrition. They boost libido and control secretion or blood loss. They also encourage and regularize menstrual cycle.

For more, visit the link below:

https://www.indianetzone.com/39/indian_medicinal_plants.htm

Primitive Medicinal Practices in India

 Inoculation against small-pox and snake-bite were performed by rubbing the contents of a pustule into an incision in the skin. In the long process of discovering which plants are edible, humans in the Stone Age also identify many which seem to cure ailments or soothe a fever. ‘Venesection’ was performed on various veins. Even a difficult and severe operation as ‘Trephining’ of the skull was performed by the primitive men as early as the Stone Age. Modern research has brought to light the skulls on which it was performed. Even the world’s earliest surgical operation, practised at least 4000 years ago, is more probably intended to strengthen the doctor’s own powers than to cure a patient.

Medicinal Practice in Vedic Age
During the Vedic ages the course of instruction lasted for 6 years and included the mastery of the basic standard medical works as well as practical training in medicine and surgery under the guidance of qualified and reputed teachers. After the completion of the study, permission to practice had to be obtained from the king, like the various board certifications of the present world. The Indians developed the system of prognostication and differential diagnosis to a very high degree.

Sushruta, the founding father of Indian medicine, establishes a tradition later enshrined in a classic text, the "Sushruta Samhita". He identifies 1120 diseases, lists 760 medicinal drugs, and says that the surgeon’s equipment amounts to 20 sharp instruments including knives, scissors, saws and needles and 101 blunt ones such as forceps, tubes, levers, hooks and probes.

His explanation of how to rebuild a patient’s nose has given him the status of the ‘First Plastic Surgeon’. This is an important operation in Ancient India. Amputation of the nose is a punishment for adultery.

Indian medicine enshrines the theory that the human body consists of three substances, and that health requires a balance between them. They are usually translated as spirit, phlegm and bile.

In surgery, the attainments of the Indians, which were based entirely on keen observation, rich experience and rational considerations remained unrivalled for many centuries by any other nation. Their most astonishing performances were in the domains of laparotomy, lithotomy and plastic surgery. As a matter of fact the plastic surgery of the 19th century was stimulated by the example of Indian methods.

For more check the link below:

https://www.indianetzone.com/76/primitive_medicinal_practices_india.htm

Meditation and Diseases

Meditation is a practice to increase the concentration power of mind as well as to make a person more self-aware. The person who practices meditation daily becomes more aware about surrounding environment and ultimately the person have more control over self as well as on the surroundings. In this process, meditation is successful in reducing anxiety and stress as it generates a sense of empowerment and one have more control about his/ her physical well-being.
The diseases which are cured by meditation are as follows:

Drug Addiction: The Transcendental meditation technique has proven to be successful in coping strategy to deal with drug addiction.

Pain Management: Meditation helps people to cope up with pain. It reduces psychological pain like arthritis, backache, headaches, etc.

Heart Disease: Transcendental meditation has also been found to reduce the risk of death, heart attack and stroke by 48 percent.


High Blood pressure: meditation reliably reduced the blood pressure people with moderately elevated blood pressure.

Psoriasis: According to studies conducted, the skin patches of meditation practitionerdisappeared more quickly in comparison to the patients who receive only the regular medicines.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Another meditation technique called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been reported to have a wonderful curative effect on the arthritis patients.

Read more : Meditation and Diseases