Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that has been practiced for over 5000 years. The word Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words "Ayur" meaning life and "Veda" meaning knowledge or science. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda recommends methods for appropriate living and longevity through yoga, treatments, herbal medicines, correct diet, and lifestyle changes.
Ayurveda has eight branches, which are known as Ashtanga Ayurveda. Each branch is specialized in its own way and is a separate field of study. The eight branches of Ayurveda are:
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Kaya Chikitsa: This branch deals with general medicine, treatment of metabolic errors and disorders, and systemic disorders.
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Bala Chikitsa: This branch deals with pediatrics, including obstetrics.
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Graha Chikitsa: This branch deals with psychological disorders due to possession by evil spirits, idiopathic disorders, and psycho-somatic diseases.
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Urdhvanga Chikitsa: This branch deals with diseases of the head, including ear, nose, tongue, throat, and teeth.
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Shalya Tantra: This branch deals with surgery and treatment for external injuries.
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Damshtra Chikitsa: This branch deals with toxicology, treatment for poisoning, snake and insect bites, and the effect of various types of poisons and toxins.
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Jara Chikitsa: This branch deals with geriatrics, treatment of old age-related problems and diseases, anti-aging medicine, immune-modulators, and rejuvenation treatment.
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Vrisha Chikitsa: This branch deals with aphrodisiacs and treatment for sterility.
Ayurveda has various treatments available for different ailments. Some of the popular ones are:
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Abhyangam: A full body massage with medicated oil that helps in relaxation, improves blood circulation, and strengthens muscles and joints.
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Shirodhara: A treatment where warm oil is poured on the forehead in a continuous stream, which helps in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
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Kashayadhara: A treatment where a stream of warm herbal decoction is poured on the forehead, which helps in treating insomnia, stress, and hair fall.
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Greeva Basti: A treatment where medicated oil is poured and retained on the neck region, which helps in treating psoriasis, eczema, and scalp lesions.
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Janu Basti: A treatment where medicated oil is poured and retained on the knee joint, which helps in treating knee pain and arthritis.
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Kati Basti: A treatment where medicated oil is poured and retained on the lower back, which helps in treating back pain, sciatica, and lumbar spondylosis.
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Spine Basti: A treatment where medicated oil is poured and retained on the spinal cord, which helps in treating back pain, sciatica, and lumbar spondylosis.
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Kizhi: A treatment where herbal leaves, powders, or rice is tied in a cloth bag and dipped in warm medicated oil and then applied to the body, which helps in treating spine arthritis, spondylosis of the spine, and pain.