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Ayurveda literally means "Science of life" <ref name="WHO benchmarks">Official document by World Health Organization on Benchmarks for training Ayurveda available from https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/BenchmarksforTraininginAyurveda.pdf accessed on 30/05/2020</ref> or "Knowledge of life". This life-care and healthcare system deals with good, bad, blissful and sorrowful life. It describes all wholesome and unwholesome for life, longevity, and about what Ayu (life) is in itself. [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/41] ]] It is not merely a system of medicine, rather it is a way of life to increase lifespan by preventing or delaying the aging process. <ref>Sharma H., Chandola H.M., Singh G., Basisht G. Utilization of Ayurveda in health care: an approach for prevention, health promotion, and treatment of disease. Part 1 – Ayurveda in primary health care. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(9):1011–1019.</ref> Though Ayurveda finds its roots in India, it has also been internationalised, partly via migration and partly through an increased learning interest in the West, where studies point toward increased use.<ref>Niemi M, Ståhle G. The use of ayurvedic medicine in the context of health promotion--a mixed methods case study of an ayurvedic centre in Sweden. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:62. Published 2016 Feb 17. doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1042-z</ref>
Ayurveda literally means "Science of life" <ref name="WHO benchmarks">Official document by World Health Organization on Benchmarks for training Ayurveda available from https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/BenchmarksforTraininginAyurveda.pdf accessed on 30/05/2020</ref> or "Knowledge of life". This life-care, healthcare and disease care system deals with good, bad, blissful and sorrowful life. It describes the beneficial and harmful factors for life. [[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/41] ]] Ayurveda deals with guidelines for preservation, protection of health and prevention of disease. It is not merely a system of medicine, rather it is a way of life to increase lifespan by preventing or delaying the aging process. <ref>Sharma H., Chandola H.M., Singh G., Basisht G. Utilization of Ayurveda in health care: an approach for prevention, health promotion, and treatment of disease. Part 1 – Ayurveda in primary health care. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(9):1011–1019.</ref>
== Definition of Health ==
Ayurvedic definition of health described by Sushruta clearly states what health is with five components.[Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/48] <ref> Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.</ref> These five components need to be in a state of equilibrium to attain and preserve health. Their disequilibrium is precursor to disease. Each component can be identified clinically by an Ayurvedic physician to act upon and are described as follows:
*Three [[dosha]] (interaction between epigenes and genes)- [[vata]], [[pitta]], and [[kapha]] - are the fundamental physiological governing regulators of the body,
*[[Agni]] (metabolic and digestive processes by various enzymes and interaction with microsomes)
*[[Dhatu]] (principles that uphold the formation of body tissues).
*[[Mala]] or bodily wastes produced that are either reutilized or excreted well, and
*The sense organs, mind and the Soul
In addition, Ayurveda also emphasizes on normal physique, sensory-motor functions, appetite, thirst, endurance to heat, cold and exertion for assessment of status of health. [[Ashtauninditiya_Adhyaya#The_importance_of_ideal_body_proportion|[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/18-19]]]
On the other hand, allopathic system is primarily an excellent disease-care system <ref name="Basisht Symbiohealth">Basisht GK. Symbiohealth-Need of the hour. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Sep 22];32:6-11. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/1/6/85715</ref> with vague understanding of what health is. The World Health Organization defines health as “State of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”<ref>Constitution. (2020). Retrieved 22 September 2020, from https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/constitution</ref>
It is obvious that there is no clear understanding of components of physical, mental and social wellbeing. The advantage of Ayurveda over the current medical system is its core principles of human ecosystem,<ref name="Basisht Symbiohealth"/> personified biological concepts in accordance with the body type and nature. Though, Ayurveda finds its roots in India, the core principles are universal and applicable across globe. This is clearly visible through its increasing popularity in western world.<ref>Niemi M, Ståhle G. The use of ayurvedic medicine in the context of health promotion--a mixed methods case study of an ayurvedic centre in Sweden. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16:62. Published 2016 Feb 17. doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1042-z</ref>
{{Infobox
{{Infobox
==Source of Ayurveda==
==Source of Ayurveda==
The Vedic medicine is developed in India during the period 2000-1000 B.C. and considered as one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.<ref name="WHO benchmarks"/> There are four major ancient Indian compendiums of knowledge (veda) named Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Rigveda is the oldest recorded document regarding use of plants as medicine in India, and this tradition continued in another ancient text, Atharvaveda (1500-1000 BC), which described more plants and introduced basic concepts.<ref name="WHO benchmarks"/> Ayurveda physicians owe their loyalty to the Atharva Veda because this deals with the treatment of diseases by resorting to various practices like sacrifices, prayers, and chants, charity, moral discipline, the atonement of sins, austere practices like fasts, etc. These are advocated for treatment as well as for living a healthy, long life.
The Vedic medicine is developed in India during the period 2000-1000 B.C. and considered as one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.<ref name="WHO benchmarks"/> There are four major ancient Indian compendiums of knowledge (veda) named Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Rigveda is the oldest recorded document regarding use of plants as medicine in India, and this tradition continued in another ancient text, Atharvaveda (1500-1000 BC), which described more plants and introduced basic concepts.<ref name="WHO benchmarks"/> Ayurveda physicians owe their loyalty to the Atharva Veda because this deals with the treatment of diseases not only by herbs but also resorting to various practices like sacrifices, prayers, and chants, charity, moral discipline, the atonement of sins, austere practices like fasts, etc. These are advocated for treatment as well as for living a healthy, long life.
Thus,it is sourced as a section (upaveda) developed from Atharvaveda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Source of Ayurveda| [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/21] ]]
Thus,it is sourced as a section (upaveda) developed from Atharvaveda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Source of Ayurveda| [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/21] ]]
''Ayu'' (life) implies the conjunction of physical body, senses, mind and soul. It is known by the synonyms ''dhari'' (that which sustains), ''jivita'' (that which is live), ''nityaga'' (that which is in continuum), and ''anubandha'' (that which is interdependent, or a link between past life and the future life).[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayu (life) and its synonyms|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/42]]]
''Ayu'' (life) implies the conjunction of physical body, senses, mind and soul. It is known by the synonyms ''dhari'' (that which sustains), ''jivita'' (that which is live), ''nityaga'' (that which is in continuum), and ''anubandha'' (that which is interdependent, or a link between past life and the future life).[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayu (life) and its synonyms|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/42]]]
Thus life (Ayu) is continuity(''anuvritti'') of consciousness (''chetana''), liveliness (''jeevita''), bonding with the body (''anubandha'') and sustenance(''dhari'').[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#The meaning of Ayu|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/22] ]].
Thus life (Ayu) is continuity(''anuvritti'') of consciousness (''chetana''), liveliness (''jeevita''), bonding with the body (''anubandha'') and preserving vitality(''dhari'').[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#The meaning of Ayu|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/22] ]].
Life is not merely the existence of machine-like physical structure of body. The conscious interaction of soul, mind and sense organs makes it live. Therefore these are essential components of Ayurvedic biology of human beings.
Life is not merely the existence of machine-like physical structure of body. The conscious interaction of soul, mind and sense organs makes it live. Therefore these are essential components of Ayurvedic biology of human beings.
Those who are the well-wishers of all beings, who do not wish to take other's wealth, who are truthful, peace loving, who are thoughtful before taking action, who are vigilant, who experience the three important objectives of life (righteousness, wealth and desire) without one affecting the other, who respect superiors, who are endowed with the knowledge of arts, sciences and tranquility, who serve the elders, who have full control over lust, anger, envy, arrogance and pride, who constantly indulge in various types of charity, meditation, acquisition of knowledge and quiet life (solitude), who have full spiritual knowledge and are devoted to it, who work both for the present as well as for the next life, and are endowed with memory and intelligence lead a useful rather beneficial life, while others don't. [[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Characteristics of happy and healthy life|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/24] ]]
Those who are the well-wishers of all beings, who do not wish to take other's wealth, who are truthful, peace loving, who are thoughtful before taking action, who are vigilant, who experience the three important objectives of life (righteousness, wealth and desire) without one affecting the other, who respect superiors, who are endowed with the knowledge of arts, sciences and tranquility, who serve the elders, who have full control over lust, anger, envy, arrogance and pride, who constantly indulge in various types of charity, meditation, acquisition of knowledge and quiet life (solitude), who have full spiritual knowledge and are devoted to it, who work both for the present as well as for the next life, and are endowed with memory and intelligence lead a useful rather beneficial life, while others don't. [[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Characteristics of happy and healthy life|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/24] ]]
The above are clinical parameters of good quality of life.
The above are clinical parameters of good quality of life.The same assessment parameters are categorized under heads of physical wellbeing, psychological wellbeing, independence and social wellbeing reflected in the quality of life scale by the World Health Organization. <ref>WHO | WHOQOL: Measuring Quality of Life WHO | WHOQOL: Measuring Quality of Life. (2020). Retrieved 22 September 2020, from https://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/whoqol-qualityoflife/en/index4.html</ref>
== Signs of decrease in lifespan ==
== Signs of decrease in lifespan ==
The decrease of lifespan is signaled by various abnormal changes in the sensory perception, objects of perception, mind, intellect, and movement. These signals help in predicting the remaining lifespan and death of an individual at a particular moment. Return to the natural state(''Svabhava''), cessation(''uparama'') of all activities (''pravritti''), death(''marana''), temporary state(''anityata''), restriction (''nirodha'') in the continuation of life are synonymous with death. In the absence of such signs and symptoms, the life span is to be determined as unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In Ayurveda, life span is determined by the characteristics of natural constitution.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Signs of decreasing life span|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/25] ]]
The decrease of lifespan is signaled by various sudden abnormal changes in the sensory perception, objects of perception, mind, intellect, and movement. These signals help in predicting the remaining lifespan and death of an individual at a particular moment. The signals include cessation of all activities (pravritti uparama), death (marana), transient changes (anityata), restriction in vital functions (nirodha). If the signs are absent, the lifespan is unlimited from the prognostic point of view. In Ayurveda, life span is determined by the characteristics of natural constitution.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Signs of decreasing life span|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/25] ]]
== Objective of Ayurveda ==
== Objective of Ayurveda ==
== Authenticity and eternal qualities of Ayurveda ==
== Authenticity and eternal qualities of Ayurveda ==
Ayurveda is eternal because of the following: It has no beginning; its characteristics are self-evident, and those of things dealt with it are eternal. It has been seen that Ayu (the combination of body, its organs, mind, and soul) and intelligence about Ayu (knowledge about Ayu) are perpetual. Hence Ayu and its knowledge (i.e. Ayurveda) have been eternal. The knower becomes eternal after knowing Ayurveda. Concepts such as happiness and suffering (i.e., health and illness), therapeutics and pathogens, etc. - their causes, signs, and perpetuation are all eternal. This is what is described in Ayurveda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Eternal qualities of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/27] ]] It is observed in clinical practice that the principles described in Ayurveda texts are universal, time tested and stand true on scientific validation tests. For example, the theory of similar and dis-similar (Samanya Vishesha siddhanta) is applicable universally with immense importance.<ref> Pandey Deep Narayan , Pandey Neha Prakash. Universal significance of the principle of Samanya and Vishesha beyond Ayurveda.Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.2018;9(4),308-311. available online from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947617305727 </ref>
Ayurveda is eternal because It has no beginning and its characteristics are self-evident., Ayu (the combination of body, its organs, mind, and soul) and intelligence about Ayu (knowledge about Ayu) are perpetual. The knower becomes eternal after knowing ayurveda. Concepts such as happiness and suffering (i.e., health and illness), therapeutics and pathogens, etc. - their causes, signs, and perpetuation are all eternal. [[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Eternal qualities of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/27] ]] The principles described in Ayurveda texts are universal, time tested and stand true on scientific validation. For example, the theory of similar and dis-similar (Samanya Vishesha siddhanta) is applicable universally which is of immense importance.<ref> Pandey Deep Narayan , Pandey Neha Prakash. Universal significance of the principle of Samanya and Vishesha beyond Ayurveda.Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.2018;9(4),308-311. available online from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947617305727 </ref>
== Health and Healthcare system of Ayurveda ==
== Healthcare system of Ayurveda ==
The healthcare system of Ayurveda includes four components like physician, therapeutic substance, care taker and patient. Ayurveda emphasizes on importance of best qualities of these components to achieve maximum efficacy in healthcare management.[[Khuddakachatushpada Adhyaya|[Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 9]]]
=== Fundamental principles===
=== Fundamental principles===
=== Academic perspectives ===
=== Academic perspectives ===
The Ayurvedic system of healthcare owes its own fundamental principles and methodology in every aspects. In academic perspectives, the compendiums of Ayurveda elaborately describe the standards of a medical treatise; writing, teaching and learning methodologies; communication and debate codes with the dispute resolution techniques.[[Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana|[Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/3-67]]]
The ayurvedic system of healthcare owes its own fundamental principles and methodology in every aspect. In academic perspectives, the compendiums of Ayurveda elaborately describes the standards of a medical treatise; writing, teaching and learning methodologies; communication and debate codes with the dispute resolution techniques.[[Rogabhishagjitiya Vimana|[Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/3-67]]]
=== Understanding human being ===
=== Understanding human being ===
=== Diagnostic and pathological perspectives ===
=== Diagnostic and pathological perspectives ===
In pathological understanding abnormalities and disease diagnosis, the [[Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Ten_factors_for_examination_in_therapeutics|methods of clinical examination[Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 79-133]]]; diagnostic methods without any invasive techniques; diagnosis by perception, observation, palpation and interrogation methods[[Trividha_Roga_Vishesha_Vijnaniya_Vimana#Three_methods_for_knowledge_of_disease|[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 4/3-8]]]; classification of diseases based on abnormalities of basic body constituents[[Maharoga_Adhyaya|[Cha.Sa, Sutra Sthana Chapter 20]]]; [[Shatkriyakala|six stages of disease progression]]; [[Kha vaigunya|opportunistic susceptibilities]] for disease states; and comprehensive knowledge of pathologies of major diseases[[Nidana Sthana|[Cha. Sa. Nidana Sthana]]] is present. The tools to know endogenous and exogenous diseases with their important causes, features, pathogenesis are also described. The near death or fatal signs and factors to be considered in examination of a critically ill patient are described in a separate section. [Cha.Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]]]
In understanding pathological abnormalities and disease diagnosis, [[Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Ten_factors_for_examination_in_therapeutics|methods of clinical examination[Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 79-133]]]; diagnostic methods without any invasive techniques; diagnosis by perception, observation, palpation and interrogation methods[[Trividha_Roga_Vishesha_Vijnaniya_Vimana#Three_methods_for_knowledge_of_disease|[Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 4/3-8]]]; classification of diseases based on abnormalities of basic body constituents[[Maharoga_Adhyaya|[Cha.Sa, Sutra Sthana Chapter 20]]]; [[Shatkriyakala|six stages of disease progression]]; [[Kha vaigunya|opportunistic susceptibilities]] for disease states; and comprehensive knowledge of pathologies of major diseases[[Nidana Sthana|[Cha. Sa. Nidana Sthana]]] is present. The tools to know endogenous and exogenous diseases with their important causes, features, pathogenesis are also described. The near death or fatal signs and factors to be considered in examination of a critically ill patient are described in [[Indriya Sthana|Indriya sthana]].
=== Pharmaco-therapeutic and dietary aspects ===
=== Pharmaco-therapeutic and dietary aspects ===
Ayurveda deals with basic understanding of [[Prakriti|fundamental constitution]] of any substance of medicinal or dietary value, its interactions with human biology, pharmaco-therapeutic activity, indications and contra-indications, [[Satmya|suitability]] and heterogenicity, its processing guidelines, storage guidelines, safety and efficacy profiles.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] chapters 25-28] Classification of herbs is based upon their activity profile.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] chapters 1-4] Classification of dietary substances is based upon their forms and cooking methods.[[Annapanavidhi Adhyaya| Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana Chapter 27]] Special [[Ahara vidhi|dietary guidelines]] are described to achieve greater health benefits. Behaviour guidelines, codes of conducts are described to prevent lifestyle disorders.[[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya| Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana Chapter 8]]
Ayurveda deals with basic understanding of [[Prakriti|fundamental constitution]] of any substance of medicinal or dietary value, its interactions with human biology, pharmaco-therapeutic activity, indications and contra-indications, [[Satmya|suitability]] and heterogenicity, its processing guidelines, storage guidelines, safety and efficacy profiles.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] chapters 25-28] Classification of herbs is based upon their activity profile.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] chapters 1-4] Classification of dietary substances is based upon their forms and cooking methods.[[Annapanavidhi Adhyaya| Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana Chapter 27]] Special [[Ahara vidhi|dietary guidelines]] are described to achieve greater health benefits. Behavior guidelines, codes of conducts are described to prevent lifestyle disorders.[[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya| Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana Chapter 8]]
=== Preventive and curative aspects ===
=== Preventive and curative aspects ===
#Vajikaranam (Science of sexual health and aphrodisiac).
#Vajikaranam (Science of sexual health and aphrodisiac).
The details about these specialties are given in context of [[Chikitsa Sthana#Specialties of Ayurveda therapeutics|Chikitsa Sthana]]. Each of these specialty is developed in current era in terms of education, research and practices.
The details about these specialties are given in context of [[Chikitsa Sthana#Specialties of Ayurveda therapeutics|Chikitsa Sthana]]. Each of these specialties are developed in current era in terms of education, research and practices.
== Education ==
== Education ==
At present, Ayurveda is taught as an under-graduate medical course governed by [https://www.ccimindia.org/| Central Council of Indian Medicine] under [https://www.ayush.gov.in/ Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India]. There are 339 colleges to conduct Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) course in India. Various international institutes conduct post graduation courses for specialization and Ph.D. programs for research in fourteen departments of Ayurveda. Some of the renowned institutes are enlisted below :
At present, Ayurveda is taught as an under-graduate medical course governed by [https://www.ccimindia.org/| Central Council of Indian Medicine] under [https://www.ayush.gov.in/ Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India]. There are 339 colleges to conduct Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) course in India. Various international institutes conduct post graduate courses for specialization and Ph.D. programs for research in fourteen departments of Ayurveda. Some of the renowned institutes are enlisted below :
#[http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda], [http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,India]
#[http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda], [http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,India]