Therapies and Regimen

In Ayurveda the process of learning, research and clinical practice are experiential and scientific. Like other systems of ancient Indian learning, Ayurveda is discovered through most recognized schools of acquiring knowledge and producing evidence (Pramanas) viz. (1) Direct perception through sense organs (Pratyaksa), (2) Inference (Anumana) (3) Verbal texts from many of the trustworthy persons, who knows truth and communicate correctly (Aptopadesha) and (4) Logical/rational interpretation (Yukti), etc.

Every individual has a peculiar body-mind constitution which is responsible for the health or disease pattern of an individual. Ayurvedic concept of examination of constitution (Prakriti pareeksha) is to know body, mind constitution while selecting diet, medicine or treatment regimen. The human mind has three components i.e. Sattva, Raja and Tama, which interact with the biological components Vata, Pitta & Kapha and decides the psychosomatic constitution of an individual (Prakriti).

The diagnosis in Ayurveda is based on a two-fold approach to diagnostics viz. (1) Examination of the patient i.e., Rogi-pareeksha; and (2) Examination of the disease i.e., Roga-pareeksha. Therefore, Rogi- pareeksha is essentially concerned with ascertaining the constitution of the individual and status of his health and vitality.

 

This is achieved through ten fold examination of patients (Dasavidha pareeksha) comprising of (1) Constitution (Prakriti) (2) Disease susceptibility (Vikriti), (3) Essence (Sara),(4) Compactness (Samhanana), (5) Anthropometry (Pramana), (6) Compatibility (Satmya), (7) Mind (Sattwa), (8) Digestion capacity of food (Aharasakti), (9) Physical strength (Vyayamasakti) and (10) Age (Vaya).

The general examination is made through popular eight types of examination of patient (Ashtasthana pareeksha) comprising examination of pulse (Nadi), urine (Mootra), faeces (Mala), tongue (Jihva), voice (Sabda), touch (Sparsha), eye/vision (Drik) and stature (Akriti) and also considering the state of pathways of internal transport systems (Srotas) and digestive faculty (Agni).

Ayurveda conceives life as a four dimensional entity. Ayu, the living entity is the sum total of physical body, senses, the psyche and the soul. The health is defined as balance of the three doshas, the agni, seven dhatus and the three malas, as well as the sensorial, mental and emotional and spiritual well being (prasanna). Ayurveda, the Science of Life lays great emphasis on preservation and promotion of health, thereby preventing diseases.

Elaborate descriptions are available on personal hygiene, which includes diet and regimen during day (Dinacharya), during night (Ratricharya), seasonal routine (Ritucharya) and behavioural and ethical practices (Sadvritta). Observance of certain rules regarding suppressible and non-suppressible natural urges also paves the way towards positive health.

Ideal treatment according to Ayurveda is one, which cures the disease without causing adverse effect. Three classical therapeutic streams advocated by Ayurveda are (1) Therapies with inexplicable mode of action (Daivavyapasraya chikitsa), (2) Rationale treatment (Yukti vyapasraya chikitsa) and (3) Preventive and remedial measures to Psychic disorders (Satwavajaya chikitsa).

The rational Ayurveda treatment is carried out in four parts. They are (1) Dosha pacifying therapy (Samsamana), and (2) Bio-cleansing therapy (Samsodhana or Panchakarma) (3) Avoiding causative factors (Nidana Parivarjana) and (4) Dietetics (Pathya Vyavastha).

Ayurvedic treatments rely heavily on plant materials. Sometimes, botanicals are mixed with metals, minerals or other naturally occurring substances and the formulae are prepared according to specific Ayurvedic text procedures; such preparations involve several precise treatment to detoxify and potenciate the medicines.

Specific diet (Pathya) is prescribed along with the drugs and treatment. The diet regimen is as important as remedies since the former helps to restore the balance as much as the latter.

Specialized Procedures

Ayurveda emphasizes preventative and healing therapies along with various methods of bio-cleansing and rejuvenation. Some procedures are aimed at the management of the disease. Scientific studies have validated the efficacy and acceptability of these procedures.

Panchakarma - Panchakarma means the "five therapies"/five therapeutic means of eliminating toxins from the body are Vaman (emesis), Virechan (purgation), Nasya (nasal insufflation), Basti (enema) and Raktamoskshana (blood-letting by using leech and different instruments). This series of five therapies help remove deep-rooted stress and illness causing toxins from the body while balancing the doshas (energies that govern all biological functions).

Kshara Sautra- A procedure using medicated thread is a unique minimally invasive para-surgical measure being successfully practiced  as a promising therapy for ano-rectal disorders   since time immortal   by Indian surgeons, widely cited in ancient medical literatures for its safety and efficacy.  This technique was practiced by Sushruta (1000-600 B.C.), the famed ancient Indian surgeon. This technique was revived, developed and standardized in the early seventies  by eminent scientists like Prof.P.J.Deshpande, Dr.P.S.Shankaran (Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi ).

Rasayana- Literally, rasayana means the augmentation of rasa, the vital fluid produced by the digestion of food. It is the rasa flowing in the body that sustains life. Rasayana in ayurveda is the method of treatment through which the rasa is maintained in the body. This is a specialized branch of clinical medicine meant for preventing the effect of ageing and to improve memory, intelligence, complexion, sensory and motor functions. Numerous rasayana medicines are reported to possess diversified actions like immuno-enhancement, free radical scavenging, adaptogenic or anti-stress and nutritive effects.