Ayurveda is no more an unknown word to the world and it is no more confined to the shores of India; though there is no better place than India for an Ayurvedic treatment. The word Ayurveda is derived from 'Ayur' meaning life and 'Veda' meaning the science of knowledge. Ayurveda is unique field of medicine developed centuries ago in India. It is holistic and herbal form of cure that is based on two principle ayurvedic schools, Atreya (the school of physicians) and Dhanvantari (the school of surgeon).The main idea of Ayurveda is that it does not consider one part or the effected area; it takes into account the whole body and then treat the individual. Thus leaving no room for any side effects. In fact, apart from the results of ayurvedic treatment, it is the complete absence of side effect that is attracting more and more people to Ayurveda. It is completely natural with all medicines made purely from natural ingredients with no added chemicals.
Ayurveda is a very vast field of study and is thus divided into eight different branches. These sections are collectively called 'Ashtanga Hridaya' meaning the heart of eight organs. The following are the eight branches of Ayurveda.
- Kaya Chikilsa - General Medicine
This branch deals with all the general diseases of entire body. Kaya itself means body (inner and outer) and Chikilsa means treatment. This is the most commonly used branch of Ayurveda. - Kaumara Britya - Pediatrics
Kaumara Birtya is the branch that is dedicated to prenatal, postnatal, infant related problems and gynaecology. The principle on which it works is that the physical and mental state of mother heavily influences the well being of the child. So along with the child, mothers are also required to be a part of the treatment. - Graha Chikilsa - Psychiatry
Graha Chikilsa, also called Bhoot vidya, is related to mind problems and diseases, and psychiatry troubles. It is totally different from modern psychiatry as Graha Chikilsa takes into account the past habits and doings when prescribing a cure. In most cases, meditation, pranayama combined with special herbs is the prescribed medicine. - Shalakya Tantra - Ent, Opthamology
This branch deals with diseases of ear, eye, throat and nose. Not only does Shalaka Tantra tackles minor problems like dryness of eye, ulcers etc., but many major diseases as well. In Susruta Samhita, a guide on this branch, mentions 72 diseases of eye with their cure. Some of them are still not in the allopathy branch of medicine. - Shalya Tantra - Surgery
Shalya Tantra is the most advanced branch of Ayurveda. The concept of surgery was developed in ancient India by Sage Susruta, who was the first to perform surgery. The branch describes in detail the pre operation procedures, post surgery care and anesthesia. Special mention is provided on the kind of instruments that are to be used during surgery. The instruments are made only from natural materials. A person is known to recover quicker after Ayurvedic surgery than Allopathic ones. - Agada Tantra - Toxicology
Agada Tantra branch of Ayurveda is referred for flushing out poisonous toxins out of the body. The range of toxins that are described in this branch is astounding. They cover all origination sources like animals, plants, air, birds and vegetables. - Rasayana Chikilsa - Rejuvenation
Rasayana Chikilsa branch underlines the main principle of Ayurveda, complete health of mind and of body. The Rasayana treatment increases an individual's immunity to all types of diseases and stresses and helps in quick regeneration of tissues and healthy cells. - Vajeekarana Chikilsa - Science of Aphrodisiac
This branch of Ayurveda mainly deals with sexual well being of an individual. It also explains the necessities for having a healthy offspring.
