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Line 1: − {{#seo: − |title=Ayurveda − |titlemode=append − |keywords=Ayurveda, Ayurveda meaning, Ayurveda defination, What is Ayu, Benefits of Ayurveda, Eight specialties of Ayurveda,Indian system of medicine − |description=Ayurveda literally means "Knowledge of life" or "Science of life" − |image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg − |image_alt=carak samhita − |type=article − }} − − 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> − − {{Infobox − − |title = Contributors − − |label1 = Section/Chapter − |data1 = [[Ayurveda]] / [[Ayurveda]] − − |label2 = Authors − |data2 = Deole Y.S. − |label3 = Reviewer & Editor − |data3 = Basisht G. − − |label4 = Affiliation − |data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar − − |label5 = Correspondence email: − |data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com − − |label6 = Date of publication: − |data6 = 24 September 2020 − − |label6 = DOI − |data6 = 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.029 − − }} − − + − 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. + − + − + − + − + − + − + − + − + − + − + − + − + − == Health and Healthcare system of Ayurveda ==+ − − Ayurveda defines health as a personified state of equilibrium of body components like [[dosha]], [[dhatu]], [[mala]] and [[agni]] with blissful state of mind and spirit.<ref>Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Doshadhatumala Kshayavriddhi Vigyaniya Adhyaya 15/48, Ayurveda Tatva Sandipika commentary by Dr. Ambika Datta Shastri, 14 th ed. New Delhi: Chaukhamba publications; 2003.</ref> In addition, it also emphasizes on normal physique, sensori-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]]] 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=== − − === 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]]] − − === Understanding human being === − − In perspective of medical and human biological understandings, the [[Yajjah Purushiya Adhyaya|origin of human being]], [[Pancha mahabhuta|fundamental elements]], unification with [[Atma|soul]], [[Atulyagotriya_Sharira#Pre-requisites_for_conception_.28Verse_3.29|conception]], [[Mahatigarbhavakranti Sharira|embryonic development]], [[Prenatal care (garbhini paricharya)|prenatal care]] and its benefits to prevent congenital disorders, [[Sharira sthana|the anatomical and physiological concepts, fundamental body constitution and psychological traits, statistical analysis and classification]], development into holistic human being([[purusha]]) are described. The physiological aspects of body i.e. [[dosha]], [[dhatu]] and [[mala]], biological transportation systems, [[Grahani Chikitsa Adhyaya|processes of digestion and metabolism]] are extensively discussed with analogies. − − === 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]]] − − === 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]] − − === Preventive and curative aspects === − − Good portion of the compendiums deal with guidelines of preservation, promotion and protection of health.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] chapters 5-8] The management of diseases with purification procedures, pacification treatments and surgery are elaborated in respective sections[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] chapters 1-30].Five procedures of purification ([[Panchakarma]]), six methods of management ([[Langhanabrimhaniya Adhyaya|shadvidhopakrama]]), application of alkali, cautery and leeches are included in main forms of treatment. − + Line 120:
Line 58: − + − − == 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 : − − #[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.nia.nic.in/| National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur,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] − − The list of institutes that conduct above courses can be found [https://www.ccimindia.org/colleges-ayurveda2016-17.php| here]. − − ==Publications== − − ===Samhita=== − − The compendiums [[Charak Samhita]], [http://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/index.php| 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> − − ===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> − − ===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. − − ==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> − − A good scientific evidence exists to support the safety and efficacy of Ayurveda therapies, herbs, classical medicines, proprietary medicines. Attempts are being made to organize the data from classical compendiums and published researches.<ref>Narayana DBA, Durg S, Ayurveda: (W) Here is the evidence, J Ayurveda Integr Med, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2020.07.001</ref> − − == Efficacy of Ayurveda in contemporary healthcare systems == − − Ample evidence is found through researches on various topics of Ayurveda to show safety and efficacy. It can be seen in the vidhi vimarhsa section of each chapter of this [[Charak Samhita New Edition]]. − − Sharma H. et.al. has studied and analyzed over 130 research works to observe efficacy of Ayurveda in healthcare management. It is concluded that the Ayurveda therapies are time tested as a natural health care system and comprehensively treat the patient as a whole. Research over the last 100 years has shown encouraging results of various ailments, especially chronic disorders.<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 2 – Ayurveda in primary health care. J Altern Complement Med. 2007;13(10):1135–1150.</ref> − − A 6 month controlled clinical trial compared two Ayurvedic formulations of plant extracts against the natural product glucosamine sulfate and the drug celecoxib in 440 people with knee osteoarthritis. In this study , Ayurvedic formulations (combination of Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinale, Emblica officinalis, Boswellia serrata) significantly reduced knee pain and improved knee function. The results were equivalent to glucosamine and celecoxib.<ref>Chopra A, Saluja M, Tillu G, et al. Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative to glucosamine and celecoxib in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013;52(8):1408-1417. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kes414</ref>In another double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study on 40 patients of rheumatoid arthritis, the efficacy of Ayurveda, Methotrexate, and their combination was compared. All three treatments were observed equally effective. Adverse events were lower in Ayurveda treated group.<ref>Furst DE, Venkatraman MM, McGann M, et al. Double-blind, randomized, controlled, pilot study comparing classic ayurvedic medicine, methotrexate, and their combination in rheumatoid arthritis [published correction appears in J Clin Rheumatol. 2011 Oct;27(7):407]. J Clin Rheumatol. 2011;17(4):185-192. doi:10.1097/RHU.0b013e31821c0310</ref> − − The ayurvedic interventions are found effective in management of hepatic diseases.<ref>Rastogi S, Srivastav P S. Ayurveda in critical care: Illustrating Ayurvedic intervention in a case of hepatic encephalopathy. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Sep 19];32:345-8. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/3/345/93911</ref>,<ref>Rastogi S, Rastogi R. Ayurvedic intervention in metastatic liver disease. J Altern Complement Med. 2012;18(7):719-722. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0351</ref> − − The ayurveda formulations are observed effective to reduce the adverse effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. <ref>Vyas P, Thakar AB, Baghel MS, Sisodia A, Deole Y. Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha as adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in reducing adverse effects. AYU 2010;31:417-23. </ref>,<ref>Das D, Agarwal S K, Chandola H M. Protective effect of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) against side effects of radiation/chemotherapy in head and neck malignancies. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Sep 19];32:196-9. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/2/196/92579</ref>,<ref>Nafiujjaman M, Nurunnabi M, Saha SK, Jahan R, Lee Yk, Rahmatullah M. Anticancer activity of Arkeshwara Rasa - A herbo-metallic preparation. AYU [serial online] 2015 [cited 2020 Sep 19];36:346-50. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2015/36/3/346/182757</ref> − − The classical Ayurveda formulations like Brahmi ghee<ref>Deole YS,Chandola HM. A Clinical Study on Effect of Brahmi Ghrita on Depression.AYU 2009;29:207-14</ref>,rasayana ghana tablets<ref>Deole YS, Chavan SS, Ashok B K, Ravishankar B, Thakar A B, Chandola H M. Evaluation of anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet (A compound Ayurvedic formulation) in albino mice. AYU [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Sep 19];32:375-9. Available from: http://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2011/32/3/375/93918</ref>are observed effective in management of psychiatric disorders like depression and generalized anxiety disorders. − *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§ion=15]+ − *National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage [http://niimh.nic.in/] − − The article is under revision process. If you are interested to add or modify the content with authorship, please contact carakasamhita@gmail.com
Reverted edits by Agnivesha (talk) to last revision by Gopalbasisht
==What is Ayurveda?==
==What is Ayurveda?==
The careful, critical and unbiased study of the classical Ayurveda texts show that by the time compendiums ([[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 to as Science and Art of life.
Ayurveda literally means "Knowledge of life". 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.
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 Upaveda from Atharva veda.[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Source of Ayurveda|(Cha.Su.30/21)]]
==What is Ayu?==
==What is Ayu?==
''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 and is known by the synonym ''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.Su.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 ''Ayu'' means the ''anuvritti'' (continuity) of ''chetana'' (consciousness) i.e., ''chetananuvritti'', being alive (''jeevita''), bonding with the body (''anubandha'') and sustenance of life (''dhari'').[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#The meaning of Ayu|(Cha.Su.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.
== 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.Sa. Sutra Sthana 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.Sa. Sutra Sthana 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 for 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.
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.Su.30/24)]]
The above are clinical parameters of good quality of life.
The above are clinical parameters of good quality of 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. 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 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.Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/26] ]] Thus Ayurveda focuses on the preservation and promotion of health and 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.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 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>
The texts [[Charak Samhita]], Sushruta Samhita and Ashtang Hridayam are three major ''samhitas'' (compendiums) of Ayurveda.
== Eight specialties of Ayurveda ==
== Eight specialties of Ayurveda ==
There are eight main branches of Ayurveda:[[Arthedashmahamooliya Adhyaya#Eight branches of Ayurveda|[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 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]]. 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]].
==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§ion=15]]
==References==
==References==