Changes

[[Ayurveda]] means "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.Su.1/41)]]

Ayurveda means "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.Su.1/41)]]

==What is [[Ayurveda]]?==

==What is Ayurveda?==

The careful, critical and unbiased study of the classical [[Ayurveda]] texts show that by the time [[Samhita]]-granthas were compiled, the Science and Art of [[Ayurveda]] had already passed through the stage of specialization and, knowledge flowing from different specialized fields of medicine and allied sciences generalized, simplified and principles enunciated.<ref> Dwarakanath C. Preface to Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia;1996.Third Edition;Varanasi.</ref> Thus, [[Ayurveda]] is referred as Science and Art of life. The practice of [[Ayurveda]] as a form of medicine dates back to 3000 BC.  

The careful, critical and unbiased study of the classical Ayurveda texts show that by the time [[Samhita]]-granthas were compiled, the Science and Art of Ayurveda had already passed through the stage of specialization and, knowledge flowing from different specialized fields of medicine and allied sciences generalized, simplified and principles enunciated.<ref> Dwarakanath C. Preface to Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia;1996.Third Edition;Varanasi.</ref> Thus, Ayurveda is referred as Science and Art of life. The practice of Ayurveda as a form of medicine dates back to 3000 BC.  

==Source of [[Ayurveda]]==

==Source of Ayurveda==

Out of the four vedas – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda - 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.  

Out of the four vedas – Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda - 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.  

Thus,it is sourced as Upaveda from Atharva veda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Source of [[Ayurveda]]|(Cha.Su.30/21)]]

Thus,it is sourced as Upaveda from Atharva veda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Source of Ayurveda|(Cha.Su.30/21)]]

==What is Ayu?==

==What is Ayu?==

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.  

== Scope of [[Ayurveda]] ==

== Scope of Ayurveda ==

[[Ayurveda]] is the source of knowledge that teaches about or deals with Ayu. Through its virtues, it imparts the knowledge of joy and suffering, benefit and harm, and authentic/authoritative and unauthentic/unreliable (sources of information). It also informs about the lifespan and substances with properties and actions that result in the same. This is dealt with in the entire text of [[Charak Samhita]] at various appropriate contexts.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Scope of [[Ayurveda]]|(Cha.Su.30/23)]]

Ayurveda is the source of knowledge that teaches about or deals with Ayu. Through its virtues, it imparts the knowledge of joy and suffering, benefit and harm, and authentic/authoritative and unauthentic/unreliable (sources of information). It also informs about the lifespan and substances with properties and actions that result in the same. This is dealt with in the entire text of [[Charak Samhita]] at various appropriate contexts.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Scope of Ayurveda|(Cha.Su.30/23)]]

Thus, [[Ayurveda]] deals with good, bad, bliss and sorrow in life, and with (what is) wholesome and unwholesome for it, longevity, and about what Ayu (life) is in itself.[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of [[Ayurveda]]|(Cha.Su.1/41)]]

Thus, Ayurveda deals with good, bad, bliss and sorrow in life, and with (what is) wholesome and unwholesome for it, longevity, and about what Ayu (life) is in itself.[[Deerghanjiviteeya Adhyaya#Definition of Ayurveda|(Cha.Su.1/41)]]

==Benefits of following [[Ayurveda]]-good life==

==Benefits of following Ayurveda-good life==

The following are characteristics of happy and healthy life. These are indeed benefits of following [[Ayurveda]].  

The following are characteristics of happy and healthy life. These are indeed benefits of following Ayurveda.  

People whose body and mind are disease-free, and those who are endowed with youth, enthusiasm, strength, virility, reputation, manliness, courage, knowledge of arts and sciences, healthy senses, objects of sensory perceptions, ability of the sensory organs, riches and various luxurious articles for enjoyment, and who can achieve whatever they want and think about wellness can enjoy a happy life.  The people with opposite characteristics have sad life.  

People whose body and mind are disease-free, and those who are endowed with youth, enthusiasm, strength, virility, reputation, manliness, courage, knowledge of arts and sciences, healthy senses, objects of sensory perceptions, ability of the sensory organs, riches and various luxurious articles for enjoyment, and who can achieve whatever they want and think about wellness can enjoy a happy life.  The people with opposite characteristics have sad life.  

== 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. ''Svabhava''(return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravritti'' (cessation of all activities), ''marana'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state) ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these 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.Su.30/25)]]

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. ''Svabhava''(return to the natural state), ''uparama'' of ''pravritti'' (cessation of all activities), ''marana'' (death), ''anityata'' (temporary state) ''nirodha'' (restriction in the continuation of life)- all these 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.Su.30/25)]]

== Objective of [[Ayurveda]] ==  

== Objective of Ayurveda ==  

The prime objectives of this science is to preserve the health of the healthy and cure the disease of the unhealthy.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Objectives of [[Ayurveda]]|(Cha.Su.30/26)]] Thus [[Ayurveda]] focuses on preservation and promotion of health at first and then management of diseases.  

The prime objectives of this science is to preserve the health of the healthy and cure the disease of the unhealthy.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Objectives of Ayurveda|(Cha.Su.30/26)]] Thus Ayurveda focuses on preservation and promotion of health at first and then management of diseases.  

== 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.Su.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 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 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.Su.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 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>   

== Eight specialties of [[Ayurveda]] ==

== Eight specialties of Ayurveda ==

There are eight main branches of [[Ayurveda]]:[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Eight branches of [[Ayurveda]]|(Cha.Su.30/28)]]

There are eight main branches of Ayurveda:[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Eight branches of Ayurveda|(Cha.Su.30/28)]]

#Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)

#Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)

#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]].

The details about these specialties are given in context of [[Chikitsa Sthana#Specialties of Ayurveda therapeutics|Chikitsa Sthana]].

== Education ==  

== Education ==  

At present, [[Ayurveda]] is taught as an under-graduate medical course governed by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Council_of_Indian_Medicine| Central Council of Indian Medicine] under [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_AYUSH| 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 National and International Institutes conduct post graduation courses and Ph.D. programs for super-specialization in fourteen departments of [[Ayurveda]]. Some of the important institutes  are enlisted below :  

At present, Ayurveda is taught as an under-graduate medical course governed by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Council_of_Indian_Medicine| Central Council of Indian Medicine] under [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_AYUSH| 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 National and International Institutes conduct post graduation courses and Ph.D. programs for super-specialization in fourteen departments of Ayurveda. Some of the important institutes  are enlisted below :  

#[http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in [[Ayurveda]]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_Ayurved_University| Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,India]

#[http://www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in/| Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gujarat_Ayurved_University| Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar,India]

#[http://www.nia.nic.in/| National Institute of [[Ayurveda]], Jaipur,India]

#[http://www.nia.nic.in/| National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur,India]

#[http://www.bhu.ac.in/| Faculty of [[Ayurveda]], Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India]

#[http://www.bhu.ac.in/| Faculty of Ayurveda, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India]

#[https://aiia.gov.in/| All India Institute of [[Ayurveda]], New Delhi]

#[https://aiia.gov.in/| All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi]

The list of institutes that conduct above courses can be found [https://www.ccimindia.org/colleges-ayurveda2016-17.php| here].

The list of institutes that conduct above courses can be found [https://www.ccimindia.org/colleges-ayurveda2016-17.php| here].

===Samhita===

===Samhita===

The compendiums [[Charak Samhita]], [https://dharmawiki.org/index.php/Sushruta_Samhita_(%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE)| Sushruta Samhita] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagbhata| Ashtanga Hridayam] are three major [[Samhita]](compendiums) of [[Ayurveda]].  

The compendiums [[Charak Samhita]], [https://dharmawiki.org/index.php/Sushruta_Samhita_(%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE)| Sushruta Samhita] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagbhata| Ashtanga Hridayam] are three major [[Samhita]](compendiums) of Ayurveda.  

The Madhav Nidana, Bhavaprakash and Sharangadhara Samhita are followed as three other important texts. The texts are published online by National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad, India.<ref> Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ accessed on May 01, 2019 </ref>  

The Madhav Nidana, Bhavaprakash and Sharangadhara Samhita are followed as three other important texts. The texts are published online by National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad, India.<ref> Available from http://niimh.nic.in/ accessed on May 01, 2019 </ref>  

===Books===

===Books===

More than 4400 entries of published books covering over 19 different subjects are available in Database ‘International Catalogue of Ayurvedic Publications' prepared by Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in [[Ayurveda]] in collaboration with World Health Organization.<ref>Available from http://www.ayurvedacatalogue.in/aboutproject.html</ref>

More than 4400 entries of published books covering over 19 different subjects are available in Database ‘International Catalogue of Ayurvedic Publications' prepared by Institute for Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda in collaboration with World Health Organization.<ref>Available from http://www.ayurvedacatalogue.in/aboutproject.html</ref>

===Research Journals and Database===

===Research Journals and Database===

In India, research in [[Ayurveda]] is undertaken by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_AYUSH| Ministry of AYUSH], through a national network of research institutes.<ref> Available from Official website of Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences [http://ccras.nic.in/] accessed on April 05, 2019 </ref>.  Peer reviewed journals like [http://www.ayujournal.org| AYU] and [http://www.ancientscienceoflife.org| Ancient Science of life] publish research articles on various topics of [[Ayurveda]]. The database like [http://ayushportal.nic.in| AYUSH research portal]  and [http://www.dharaonline.org| Digital Helpline for [[Ayurveda]] Research Articles (DHARA)] are available for searching more than 10000 research articles published on [[Ayurveda]]. A [https://www.researches-in-ayurveda.co.in/ directory for researches in [[Ayurveda]]] comprising  more than 20000 research titles and 1000 complete post graduate theses on [[Ayurveda]] is published online.

In India, research in Ayurveda is undertaken by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_AYUSH| Ministry of AYUSH], through a national network of research institutes.<ref> Available from Official website of Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences [http://ccras.nic.in/] accessed on April 05, 2019 </ref>.  Peer reviewed journals like [http://www.ayujournal.org| AYU] and [http://www.ancientscienceoflife.org| Ancient Science of life] publish research articles on various topics of Ayurveda. The database like [http://ayushportal.nic.in| AYUSH research portal]  and [http://www.dharaonline.org| Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles (DHARA)] are available for searching more than 10000 research articles published on Ayurveda. A [https://www.researches-in-ayurveda.co.in/ directory for researches in Ayurveda] comprising  more than 20000 research titles and 1000 complete post graduate theses on Ayurveda is published online.

==Researches==

==Researches==

[[Ayurveda]] as a healthcare system can restore the innate intelligence of the body and awareness for healing. Ayurvedic therapies can affect both the genetic and phenotypic expression of life. It can be appreciated through the science of epigenetics. The epigenetic factors in life affect the phenotype in a positive or negative way, and indirectly affect the genetic expression in a positive or negative way, which can be transmitted to the progeny. [[Ayurveda]] covers both aspects of life – genetic and phenotypic – and is a comprehensive, holistic, and personalized system of health care.<ref>Sharma H. [[Ayurveda]]: Science of life, genetics, and epigenetics. AYU [serial online] 2016 [cited 2019 Jun 3];37:87-91. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2016/37/2/87/217789</ref>

Ayurveda as a healthcare system can restore the innate intelligence of the body and awareness for healing. Ayurvedic therapies can affect both the genetic and phenotypic expression of life. It can be appreciated through the science of epigenetics. The epigenetic factors in life affect the phenotype in a positive or negative way, and indirectly affect the genetic expression in a positive or negative way, which can be transmitted to the progeny. Ayurveda covers both aspects of life – genetic and phenotypic – and is a comprehensive, holistic, and personalized system of health care.<ref>Sharma H. Ayurveda: Science of life, genetics, and epigenetics. AYU [serial online] 2016 [cited 2019 Jun 3];37:87-91. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2016/37/2/87/217789</ref>

==External links==

==External links==

*[[Ayurveda]] [https://dharmawiki.org/index.php?title=[[Ayurveda]]_(%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83)&veaction=edit&section=15]

*Ayurveda [https://dharmawiki.org/index.php?title=Ayurveda_(%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83)&veaction=edit&section=15]

*NIIMH [http://niimh.nic.in/]

*NIIMH [http://niimh.nic.in/]

==References==

==References==