Ayurveda for You

The Science which deals with the principles and practices of the ways of healthy and happy living is known as Ayurveda. It is believed that the corporal human body is a medium in materialising the Dharmas (human duties) Arth, (Activities), Kam (desire) and therefore, it is the duty of every individual to preserve it by the best possible means. Bui at the same time one must keep in mind that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve Moksha i.e. Salvation unto the Supreme Soul. And for this reason only we are supposed to indulge in everything good on human grounds, from childhood.

If a person is inclined towards understanding and realise the nature of the soul, he will be able to face the burden of old age and sickness without distress and will achieve the ultimate goal, the Supreme happiness in the end.

To free men from this dangerous whirlpool we must observe the Ayurvedic principles, to maintain the health of the healthy person and give relief to the patients suffering from disease. This is the object of Ayurveda.

According to Indian Philosophy, the treatises that encompass the whole knowledge of the Universe are Vedas. They are four in number, viz Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samveda and Atharvaveda. Among these, since the Atharvaveda mainly deals with different facets of health welfare, it is considered to be the predecessor of Ayurveda. The term Ayurveda is conferred to this system because it gives the knowledge of the whole of the Ayu (the life). In brief, this term heralds each and every facet of life from birth to death; or, in other words the creation, substance and destruction phenomena are elaborately explained and this was the reason for which affix Veda is added to Ayurveda only; even though a good number of other sciences too did exists in ancient India. The creation and destruction of the world have, of course, been deduced in many ways, but the lving creatures, particularly the human being has its own importance, because the human body is a boon of nature, the Supreme one and in itself includes all the characteristics of its originator.

These five elements constitute the body in various distinct and indistinct forms, viz. Doshas (Metabolic components), Dhatus (Vital Components) and Malas (Eliminable and Products).

The Doshas are three in number, i.e. Vata (Air), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm). It is noted that Vata is mainly compounded of Air and Ether, Pitta is of fire and Kapha is the product of Water and earth. Similarly the vital components and by products are also of elemental origin and thus the study of these things makes the foundation of Ayurveda.

Any deficiency, excess or vitiation either in doshas or in dhatus may induce a disease. Theories always aim at keeping a physiological equilibrium in the level of these things and this is served b means of diets, deeds and medicines.

All substances have either a good or a bad effect on the body. It is the fundamental principle Ayurvedic treatment that excess or deficiencies of any of the substances are countermanded by the use of suitable contrary substances. The medicines used in Ayurveda are of herbal, mineral and animal origin.

At present people at large require Ayurvedic knowledge in brief for daily maintaining health & happiness. Therefore, this book is intended for the common man to understand Ayurveda. The Science of life, as it comprises articles which are of daily routine, diet as well as common disease with simple herbal remedies. I hope readers will derive maximum benefit out of it and make my efforts a success.

Vaidya Suresh Chaturvedi L.A.M.S. (Lahore) Ayurvedacharya (Delhi) B.I.M.S (Lucknow) M.A.M.S. (Calcutta) Specialist in Chronic diseases Consulting Physician Bombay Hospital Hon. Physician of Governor of Maharashtra Former principal K.G.M.P. Ayurvedic College Vice President of Dhanvantari Foundation Advisor Lupin Lab limited and Emami limited Managing Trustee Arogya Niketan.

The author is an Ayurvedic scholar and renowned physician and has been honoured with Padmashree Government of India and Bharat Nirman Pracharya Award and Fellowship of National Academy of Ayurveda. He has also been a Professor of Ayurvedic Medicine, at the University of Mumbai, guiding students for Ph.D.

His pioneering work in the field of Ayurvedic Science has been well recognized at the national & International levels. He has delivered research papers on Ayurveda at various national and international forums and has contributed immensely to the growth of Ayurveda and propogation of its principles internationally. He is a Neem research scientist in International Forum.

He has authored several books on Ayurveda and also various articles in the several magazines, as well as appeared in various T.V. Channels.

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