Ayurveda

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TYPES OF THERAPIES IN AYURVEDA

SHAMANA, SHODHANA, KAAYAKALPA, THE REJUVENATION THERAPY

METHODS OF TREATMENT IN AYURVEDA

a) Oral medication, single or compounded medicinal substances;

b) Eye drops, salves for eye disease and in loss of visual power, etc.;

c) Gargles for disease of mouth, throat, teeth, gums;

d) Medicated cigars, smoking mixtures for diseases of head, nose, throat and bronchial tract;

e) Nasal medicinal powders, ointments, fumes and inhalation in fainting fits, epilepsy and insanity;

f) Liquid unguents, creams-lotions and medicinal oil for skin;

g) Suppositories, cotton swabs soaked in medicinal oil, for the ear passage, lower orifices, wounds;

h) Enemas of nutritive and healing fluids (per rectal, per vaginal, per urethral);

i) Sweating, sun bath, heated air, steam, contact with hot surfaces;

j) Douches to flush rectal/vaginal/urethral passages;

k) Bandages, splints, tourniquets and ligatures for poisonous bites;

l) Blood letting by incision, using leeches or other methods;

m) Eight types of surgical methods; and

n) Psychiatric methods.

        Ayurveda conceptualises the human being as a miniature replica of the Universe and with a close relationship with it. Astrology, therefore, runs parallel to the Ayurvedic doctrines. The balance or imbalance of the doshas is influenced by the 12 zodiacs, 27 stars and nine planets. The position of the celestial bodies at the time of one’s birth, is hence an important factor in determining the constitution of a person. The use of mantras incantation to bring in an equilibrium in the disturbance caused by the astrological factors is recommended in Ayurveda. Mantras are propitiatory hymns to Gods and celestial figures, now interpreted as packages of ordinated sound waves. They afford a psychological therapy combined with a form of sound therapy. Hence, a correct pronunciation and the proper style of chanting the mantras is a crucial aspect, mastered only by a few.

        By tradition, the Vaidya, the Ayurvedic physician is well integrated with the society and knows the patient and family. He is the friend, guide and philosopher and is well respected by the community. This attitude is recommended in every system of medicine. Unfortunately, this ideal situation has undergone a vast change in recent times, with increased urbanisation, but by and large is still present in the rural places.

PRIME SOURCE TEXTS, 

MATERIA MEDICAE, 

AYURVEDIC FORMULARIES, 

AYURVEDIC ANATOMY, 

AYURVEDIC PAEDIATRICS, 

CLINICAL METHODS AND PATHOLOGY, 

SURGICAL AND PARASURGICAL TRADITION, 

SPECIAL THERAPEUTICS, 

THE SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY OF AYURVEDA