• Ayurveda    

Ayurveda, the original science of health is as old as human race. “Ayurveda” which is Sanskrit word means “Science of Life”. [Ayur - life & Veda - science]. The written records of this complete system of natural health care are about 5,000 years old. From age to age Sages and Physicians have re-discovered this timeless health wisdom.

Life should synchronize with the laws of nature. This is the sole emphasis of Lanjewars Total Health. Ayurveda is not just medicine but takes in its ambit other related faculties like food, lifestyle Panchakarma etc..

Although Ayurveda has been known to be the ancient Indian health science, its knowledge in its totality is not available today. Researchers have been working hard to revive this ancient and wealthy health science. People have started realizing its importance, with the growing cost of treatment through modern medicine and its side effects.

If one tries to peep into the vast knowledge of the people in our country about the life on the earth, animals and plants, one realizes that the Ayurveda and its branches were developed to help people live a healthy life instead of treating a diseased person for a particular ailment.

It is therefore wrong to term Ayurveda, a therapy for treating ailments. It is in fact the science to develop the immunity of a person or let’s call him a patient for our understanding, so that his body can fight the attacks by infectants (Pathogens). Hence, Ayurveda believes in developing immunity of the body instead of treating diseases.

There are several branches of the Ayurveda which later developed into different forms of treatment / therapies. It is believed that Lord Dhanwantari, developed this health science for a better life of other people on the earth including Rishi, Muni, scholars and researchers in modern terms.

It is a misconception that, this Health Science was developed without any research or surgery. Intense research was done so as to understand the flow of fluids in animal and plant bodies and their qualities and effects on the human body. The work of the modern stethoscope was then done by ‘Naadi Pariksha’.

Living in consonance with nature is the basic principle of "Good Health".

 

• Aim of Ayurveda   

" Swasthyas swasthya rakshanam"   i.e. To protect health and prolong life.

"Aturasya vikar prashamanam cha" i.e. To eliminate diseases and dysfunctions of the body.

The first Aim is to maintain the health of those who are well. This entails specific diet and nutrition, hygiene, living habits, exercises and stabilizing techniques. Following these guidelines enables a healthy person to maintain health and increase their life-span.

The Second Aim is to cure diseases of those who are sick. This aspect relates to various diseases, their causes, diagnosis, remedies and therapies to cure and prevent relapses of illness.

Although both of these aims are connected and are comprehensive areas in their own right, the primary focus of this science is to maintain your health from the outset. This is done on a daily basis with attention to diet and lifestyle, helping the body and mind to be clean and stable. In this way, diseases do not find ground for establishment and growth.

A patient being treated with Ayurveda is considered as the total combination of body, mind, senses and soul. The Ayurvedic doctor aims to achieve complete health for the patient, not just to suppress or alleviate troubling physical symptoms. The approach is to diagnose the root cause and eliminate it, allowing genuine healing to take place.

• Principles Of Ayurveda

1. Panchamahabhoota Siddhanta

Ayurveda has always believed that the human body is a direct replica of the Universe. Just as everything in the Universe that is physical is Panchbhautika (Pancha means five, Mahabhoota means basic elements) i.e., it is made up of five basic elements. These are-

1. Akaasha (Space /Vacuum/ Ether) - Akaasha component makes up for the space that the body or its part constitute.
2. Vayu   (Biological Air)                - Vayu is responsible for various movements.
3. Pruthvi / Bhu (Biological Earth)      - Pruthvi is responsible for giving shape
4. Agni / Teja (Biological Fire)               - Agni / Teja is responsible for transformation
5. Aapa / Jala (Biological Water)         - Aapa / Jala component is responsible for holding / binding various tissues together.

Ayurveda further goes on to say that each and every component in this universe is made up of these five basic elements and therefore there is nothing is this universe which cannot be used as medicine. When the balance of these Mahabhoota in the body is disturbed Purusha (Human) falls ill.

 

Characteristic of Panchmahabhoota:

	Akaasha	Vayu	Agni  / Teja	Jala /  Apa	Prithvi / Bhu
Qualities	Soft, Light, Subtle and Abundant.	Weightless, Mobile, Cool, Dry,  Porous and Subtle	Hot, Sharp, Dry, Subtle, Weightless and Rough	Oily(Unctuous),  Moist, Cool, Soft, and Sticky	Heavy, Rough, Solid, Stable, Slow.
Action	Provides Room, Looseness, Openness, Hollowness,	Motion Or Movement, Dryness, Evaporation,	Radiation Of Heat and Light	Cohesion, Lubrication	Resistance, Density
Facilitates	Sound & Non-Resistance	Touch & Vibration	Form, Color & Temperature	Fluidity & Taste (Via Saliva)	Fragrance, Odor & Shape
Substance	Light, Profuse, and Ethereal	Anything Dry & Airy, or that creates Gas	Anything Combustible and Spicy	Anything Liquid, Fluid or Watery	Anything Solid & Heavy
Example	Hollow and Light Foods – Popcorn, Wafers	Toast, Cookies, Cabbage, Beans	Chilies, Ginger, Pepper, Clove, Cumin	Drinks, Soups, Melons, Cucumber	Fried Foods, Cheese, Cakes, Banana
Intake	Increases Softness and Lightness in the Body	Increases Coolness, Dryness, Movement and Circulation	Increases Digestion, Metabolism (Fire & Heat), Glow & Color of Skin	Increases Smoothness, Coolness, Softness & Flow of Fluids	Increases Heaviness, Stability, Obesity and Solidity in the Body

 

• Tridosha Siddhanta

Doshas also often called subtle energies; are the functional entities with designated functions. Doshas are also called as Humors, which govern or control the functioning of the body.

These are commonly called as Trigunas in health and Tridoshas in disease. These perform various important functions in a healthy human body so that processes like movements, digestion and holding the tissues together goes on. These three Doshas (Humors) remaining in perfect equilibrium maintain good health. A disturbance in their equilibrium amounts to diseases.

These Doshas are:-

1.        Vata

2.      Pitta

3.      Kapha

Vata governs movement, Pitta is concerned with functions of heat, metabolism, and energy production and Kapha, governs physical structure and fluid balance. Thus in Ayurveda, disease is viewed as a state of imbalance in one or more of these doshas, and the treatments aims to establish the balance in these three fundamental qualities

 

	Vata	Pitta	Kapha
Basic Function	Governs bodily functions concerned with Movement	Governs bodily functions concerned with Heat, Metabolism and Energy production	Governs bodily functions concerned with Physical structure and fluid balance
Qualities	Moving quick, Light , Cold, Minutes, Rough Dry, leads the order Doshas.	Hot, Sharp, Light, Acidic, Slightly, Oily	Heavy, Oily, Slow, Cold, Steady, Solid, Dull
Results of Balance	Mental alertness Proper formation of body tissues, Normal alimentation, Strong immunity, Sound sleep, Sense of exhilaration	Normal heat & thirst mechanism, Strong digestion, Sharp intellect, Lustrous complexion, contentment	Muscular strength, Strong immunity, Affection, Generosity, Courage, Dignity Healthy, Normal, Joints Vitality and Stamina Stability of Mind.
Results of Imbalance	Dry or Rough Skin, Constipation, Common fatigue (non-specific cause), Tension, Worry, Headaches, Anxiety Underweight Intolerance Insomnia of cold	Rashes, Skin inflammations, Heartburn, Hostility, Premature graying, Baldness,  Irritability, Visual problems Excessive body heat	Oily skin, Sinus congestion, Obesity, Slow digestion, Nasal allergies, Lethargy, Dullness.

Further Different Types of Doshas:

Each Dosha is further divided into five types depending on the place where it is located (site) and the functions (action) it carries out. 

Dosha	Vata	Pitta	Kapha
1	Prana	Alochaka	Bodhaka
2.	Udana	Pachaka	Kledaka
3.	Samana	Ranjaka	Shleshka
4.	Vyanaa	Sadhaka	Tarpaka
5.	Apana	Bhrajaka	Avalambhaka

 

• Sapta Dhatu

In Ayurveda, the structural components of our body are described as Dhatu. Seven Dhatu have been described and are popularly known as Sapta Dhatu. These seven components maintain the posture, strength, and shape of the body and therefore they are rightly called Dhatu meaning - the components responsible for maintenance.

The Dhatu or the body tissues in Ayurveda have been described to be of seven types viz.

1. Rasa (Fluids) - It is the first basic body tissue. It can be compared crudely with serum although it may not always mean so. It primarily performs the function of nourishment, giving body energy and glow, soft and smoothness.
2. Rakta (Blood)- It is an important body element also known as blood. It gives life to each and every tissue of body.
3. Mamsa (Flesh)- This comprises of the soft and bulky fleshy parts of body. It can be called as muscle tissue and gives strength, gives body a definite shape and structure.
4. Meda (Fat) - These are soft parts, which are also known as fats or Adipose tissue. It protects the inner structures and acts as reservoir of energy and lubricates the most vital parts such as brain and joints etc.
5. Asthi (Bone) - The bony tissue that is very hard and solid is what Asthi Dhatu means. It performs the function of protecting vital organs, giving body a definite structure.
6. Majja (Bone-marrow) - Soft, fleshy part situated inside bones also known as Bone marrow is what is termed as Majja Dhatu

1. Shukra (Ojas) - This refers to a tissue that plays a major role in the reproduction. Although many people try to compare it with Seminal fluid, it is not limited to semen alone. The references suggest that it is something, which is circulating throughout the body and is responsible for giving bravery like qualities to the individual. May be reproduction of the new cells that is going on every moment forms a part of the functions assigned to Shukra Dhatu. There is no doubt that it is the most important function of Shukra to reproduce by offering the best quality sperms and ovum from both males as well as females.

 

• Mala

The last components which the body is made up of is the Mala or the excretory contents of our body. They are primarily three - Purisha (i.e. stools), Mutra (i.e. urine) and Sweda (i.e. Sweat). Although these are waste products still they are responsible to maintain health if they are retained and thrown out in time and in the quantity in which they are normally expected to. Increase or decrease in their quantity or if they are not retained and are thrown out very fast in huge quantities becomes a causative or precipitating factor for several illnesses.

These are :-

1. Mootra (Urine): In Ayurved, urine production is described in a different way. The process of urine production starts form large intestine where the water is re-absorbed from the GI Tract. Then it traverses through kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra.
2. Pureesha (Feces / Stool) : These are solid forms of excreta which holds the body balance. It is said to be very important that these Malas normally in the body offer several useful functions.
3. Sweda (sweating) : These are watery droplet forms of excreta from the skin, which holds the body temprature.

Dosha, Dhatu and Mala are the three pillars of body. If any one of these pillars is weak then the healthy state of body falls in a danger.

Hence health can also be defined as the perfect equilibrium between Dosha, Dhatu and Mala,

• Prakruti (Body Constitution)   

Every individuals psychosomatic temperament or body constitution is determined by these three doshas at the time of fertilization. When the embryo is formed the body constitution i.e. Prakruti is determined.

There are 7 basic constituents according to Ayurveda.

1. Vata,
2. Pitta,
3. Kapha,
4. Vatapitta,
5. Pittakapha,
6. Kaphavata,
7. Vatapittakapha.

Every individuals constitution has its own balance of Vata - Pitta - Kapha. The balance of Vata-Pitta-Kapha is the natural order.

• Mana (Mind)

Along with Doshas, Dhatus and Malas, Mana (Mind) is also an integral part of one’s personality. Its role in health as well as disease is no longer a matter of controversy. It is also termed as Mann which means Mind or Psyche. This component is responsible for the thought, perception, knowledge, consciousness, likes or dislikes of human beings. In the human context, guna usually refers to the quality of the mind and character of a person. That is, whether they are calm, gentle, patient and tolerant (Sattvic), passionate, spontaneous, greedy, materialistic, exploitative and focused on sense gratification (Rajasic), or ignorant, lazy, insensitive and deceitful (Tamasic)

The quality of the food we eat, and our environment, are therefore crucial to maintaining mental health.

This is followed by disease and sickness in a variety of forms. If your dosha is unbalanced it can similarly disturb the mind guna. This link between the mind and body can often make diagnosis of the origin of some diseases difficult.

• Satva/Guna:

Guna is simply defined as character or quality. A guna is also an influence or impulse. The cosmic matter is made up of three guna. Everything on Earth also has a predominant guna, as well as the more specific qualities obtained from their elemental makeup. Just as our bodies contain all of the elements; our minds have each of the guna.

The three basic Guna / qualities have no directly equivalent terms in English. They are:

1. Satva       (Knowledge, Purity)
2. Rajasa   (Action, Passion)
3. Tamasa          (Inertia, Ignorance)

• Panchmahabhoota And Tridosha:                     

As mentioned earlier everything is said to be made of the five basic elements. The three Dosha too have the following composition as far as Panchamahabhua are concerned:

1.       Vata           =   Space + Air

2.       Pitta          = Fire + Water

3.       Kapha       = Water + Earth

• Panchmahabhoota And Sense Organs:

Each Mahabhoota is associated with a special sense.

1.       Vayu               (Vata)            - Sense of  touch                - Skin

2.       Akaasha         (Space)         - Sense of  Hearing           - Ear

3.       Agni / Teja    (Fire)             - Sense of  Seeing              - Eyes

4.       Aapa / Jala    (Water)        - Sense of  Taste                - Tongue

5.       Prithvi            (Earth)         - Sense of  Smell                - Nose

 

• Panchmahabhoota And Perception Of Rasa (Taste)

Taste has been recognized to be of six types in Ayuveda. Each taste that is perceived by the tongue has also been said to comprise of Panchamahabhoota in different proportions. A definite combination of two basic elements forms 6 types of taste.

These are as follows:

1.       Madhur (Sweet)             = Earth + water

2.       Amla (Sour)                     =  Earth + Fire

3.       Lavana (Salt)                   = Fire + Water

4.       Tikta (Bitter)                    =  Space + Air

5.       Katu (Pungent)               = Fire + Air

6.       Kashay (Astringent)     = Earth + Air

• Srotasa (Channels in The Body):

The flow of nutrients and other materials has to be maintained to see that all the body tissues get adequate amount of nutrients and other essential material. The channels are facilitating this job. These channels are called as Srotasa, And are thirteen in no. These Srotasa are the channels that perform the function of transformation, transportation excretion, maintenance, growth etc.

The Srotasa described are as under:

1. 1. Pranavaha srotasa:  Channels of respiration.
   2. Udakavaha srotasa: Channels of fluid or water, canals distribution.
   3. Annavaha srotasa:    Channels for Alimentary canals.
   4. Rasavaha srotasa:     Channels of Lymphatic canals.
   5. Raktavaha srotasa:   Channels of Vascular system.
   6. Mamsavaha srotasa:           Channels through which nutrition to Mamsa or muscle tissue is transported.
   7. Medovaha srotasa:   Channels through which nutrition to adipose tissue is transported.
   8. Asthivaha srotasa:    Channels through which nutrition to bone tissue is transported.
   9. Majjavaha srotasa :  Channels through which nutrition to marrow tissue is transported.
   10. Shukravaha srotasa:            Channels through which nutrition to reproductive tissue is transported.
   11. Mutravaha srotasa:  Channels through which urine is transported.
   12. Swedavaha srotasa: Channels through which sweat is transported.
   13. Purishavaha srotasa:          Channels through which feces is transported.

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are stated to traverse the entire body and move through different kinds of Srotasas.

 

• Different types of Ayurvedic way of Diagnosing Disease

1. Tri-vidha Pareeksha or Three Fold Examination

Ayurveda States 3 basic barometer of diagnosis: -

1. Darshana  - Visual observation
2. Sparshana             - Tactile perception
3. Prashna      - Questioning

2. Asta-vidha Pareeksha or Eight-Fold Examination

Ayurveda States another eight type of normal barometer of diagnosis

1. Sabda                  - Any type of Sound in the body
2. Sparsha    - Any type of Sensation and perception of Touch
3. Netra         - visualization of Eye
4. Mala                   - consistency of Faces
5. Mutra       - consistency of Urine
6. Naadi        - Pulse Diagnosis
7. Jiwha                  - visualization of Tongue
8. Akruti       - visualization of body structure

3. Dasha-vidha Pareeksha or Ten-Fold Examination

Ayurveda States another ten types of deeply barometer of diagnosis

3. 1. Prakruti     - Body constitution
   2. Vikruti       - Pathological state
   3. Dhatu Saara       - Tissue vitality
   4. Samhanana        - Physical build
   5. Pramana    - Body measurement
   6. Satmya        - Adaptability to food & activities
   7. Satwa                       - Psychic constitution
   8. Ahaara Shakti- Digestive capacity
   9. Vyayama Shakti - Capacity of exercise
   10. Vaya              - Age
4.  Nadi Parikshana or Pulse Diagnosis: -

Pulse diagnosis in the ancient art and science of detecting the existing status of a persons body mind, soul & spirit. It informs about the state of doshas, body functions, health of the Srotasa or micro circulatory channels. Taking the radial pulse with 3 fingers, which represent 3 dosha, Vata, Pitta & Kapha. The first finger feels Vata, the second finger probes Pitta & third finger picks up Kapha.

In superficial pulse each finger can pick up information of each dosha. The deep pulse reveals genetic information telling how unique are people different from each one on.

In pulse diagnose both doctor & patient experience a taste of transcendent, pure awareness, the underlying silence. It is so intimately communicative that some healing occurs even while taking pulse. Every individuals psychosomatic temperament or body constitution is determined by these 3 doshas at the time of fertilization. When the embryo is formed the body constitution i.e. Prakruti is determined.

There are 7 basic constituents according to Ayurveda. Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-pitta, Pitta-kapha, Kapha-vata, Vata-pitta-kapha. Every individuals constitution has its own balance of Vata - Pitta - Kapha. The balance and combination of VPK is the natural order and is same throughout life. Prakruti is made at the time of conceive in Garbha.

 

• Health & Disease
• Definition of Health in Ayurveda,

Sama dosha sama agnischa sama dhatu mala kriyaaha|

Prasanna atma  indriya manaha swastha iti abhidheeyate ”  - Acharya Shusruta

One is said to be in perfect health when  the Three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) thirteen types of Agni - Digestive fire (digestion, assimilation and metabolism),  Seven Dhatus (all the body tissues & components, the entire physical body), Three types of Mala (all the excretory functions, the physiological functions of urination, defecation and sweating) along with  Prasanna Aatma (well being of spirit), Prasanna Indriya (Normal senses), and  Prasanna Mana  (pleasantly disposed and contented mind) are in perfect equilibrium.

Mentally, Physically, Spiritually well being can only be possible when all these criteria are met.

WHO (World Health Organization) DEFINITION OF "HEALTH"

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

• Concept of Vyadhi Disease according to Ayurveda

Ayurveda has a very profound insight in understanding the disease and its time of manifestation and the various approaches to treat the diseases.

Whenever the equilibrium between Dosha, dhatu, Mala, Man is disturbed or the balance of these systems is disturbed the Vyadhi disease (disorder) begins.

Vitiated doshas produce dullness in Agni (gastric or other fire) through which Ama (immature, undigested food substance) is produced.  This Ama dosha travelling in the body when gets stuck and obstructs the channels of circulation and disease is caused.

The intrinsic cause of the Vyadhi disease, Ama, the toxin should be expelled. Panchakarma best does this process to remove the toxins out of the bout and creates equilibrium in the body.

• Diagnostic Approach to Vyadhi Diseases

• Nidana Panchaka

Pathogenesis of diseases is further subdivided into five categories which are as under:

1. Nidana / Hetu - causative factor.
2. Purvarupa     - prodromol symptoms.
3. Rupa                  - Main signs & symptoms
4.    1. Upashya               - Relieving factors

  2. Anupshaya - Aggravating factors

5. Samprapti    - The etio-pathogenesis or patho-physiology of disease.

•  Shatkriya Kaala:

The diseases when they occur, they follow a pattern from the earliest and very mild form to the very severe form or the stage of complications. Earlier a disease is diagnosed better prognosis it has if treated appropriately in that particular stage or else it passes on to the next stage. These three Doshas when loose equilibrium they cause an illness. The moment one of the Doshas starts increasing in its own place the disease process sets in and hence that becomes the first stage. The six stages are:

1. Sanchaya     - (Accumulation of Doshas in their own place)
2. Prakopa        - (Doshas trying to come out of their places where they had accumulated.)
3. Prasara        - (Doshas start circulating in the body.)
4. Sthana samshraya - (Doshas get lodged at places where there is tissue/organ abnormality).
5. Vyakti                      - (Clinically overt disease that manifests with all symptoms)
6. Bheda                        -(The development of types or the stage of complications)