Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) or ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive system of medicine, more than 5,000 years old and based on a holistic approach rooted in Vedic culture. Its conspicuous use of the word veda, or knowledge, reveals its role in early Hinduism and describes its hallowed place in India. Ayurveda also had a tradition of surgery. Two early texts of Ayurveda are the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The great ...

Including:

Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology Ayurveda - Qualities Ayurveda - The Five Elements Ayurveda - Doshas
Ayurveda - Vata Ayurveda - Pitta Ayurveda - Kapha
Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine Ayurveda - Historically Ayurveda - Today
Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine
Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia - Ayurveda

See also:

Ayurveda, Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad, Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology, Ayurveda - Qualities, Ayurveda - The Five Elements, Ayurveda - Doshas, Ayurveda - Vata, Ayurveda - Pitta, Ayurveda - Kapha, Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurveda - Historically, Ayurveda - Today, Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine, Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia II - Ayurveda - Today

It could be said that the simple essence of ayurveda is knowledge and awareness of the qualities of nature – called gurvadi gunah. By understanding the qualities inherent in the environment, in foodstuffs, in activities, etc., one gains an appreciation of their effects on the individual constitution through the principle of similarities; i.e., that similarities cause increase while dissimilarities cause decrease. Thus hot qualities in the environment or diet wi ...

See also:

Ayurveda, Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad, Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology, Ayurveda - Qualities, Ayurveda - The Five Elements, Ayurveda - Doshas, Ayurveda - Vata, Ayurveda - Pitta, Ayurveda - Kapha, Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurveda - Historically, Ayurveda - Today, Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine, Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia II - Ayurveda - Qualities

Ayurveda and Herbal Medicine

Today, you may think in this technologically advanced society, (as I sit by my computer writing this, and you sit by yours reading it) there are a whole range of patented chemical drugs tailored for all ailments, so why use herbal medicines?

Herbs are as effective for healing today as they were in our grandmothers' day, and for thousands of years before that. We may live in a very different world today but the human body hasn't changed, in fact it's often struggling to cope with ifs new modern environment.

Read more here: » Herbal Medicine: Ayurveda and Herbal Medicine

Body Characteristics - double dosha body types

PITTA-KAPHA

Pitta-Kapha people probably adjust best of any constitution to the confusions,irregularityand constant change which characterizes today’s world because they combine kapha’s stability and pitta's adaptability. many of the people who achieve all – round success in life are pitta-kapha. Pitta’s active metabolism balances kapha’s powerful physique to promote good health, and pitta’s anger is well tempered, by kapha’s cautiousness to encourage good mental balance.

The ease with which they succeed in the world promotes pitta’s arrogance and overconfidence and kapha’s smug self satisfaction which can insulate the personality totally and efficiently from all realisties other than the real

Bitter and Astringent are their best tastes.

(See also: Double dosha body types  , Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Ayurveda is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. Derived from its ancient Sanskrit roots - ‘ayus' (life) and ‘ved' (knowledge) – and offering a rich, comprehensive outlook to a healthy life, its origins go back nearly 5000 years. To when it was expounded and practiced by the same spiritual rishis, who laid the foundations of the Vedic civilisation in India, by organising the fundamentals of life into proper systems.

The main source of knowledge in this field therefore remain the Vedas, the divine books of knowledge they propounded, and more specifically the fourth of the series, namely Atharvaveda that dates back to around 1000 BC. Of the few other treatises on Ayurveda that have survived from around the same time, the most famous are Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita which concentrate on internal medicine and surgery respectively. The Astanga Hridayam is a more concise compilation of earlier texts that was created about a thousand years ago. These between them forming a greater part of the knowledge base on Ayurveda as it is practiced today.

The art of Ayurveda had spread around in the 6th century BC to Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea and Sri Lanka, carried over by the Buddhist monks travelling to those lands. Although not much of it survives in original form, its effects can be seen in the various new age concepts that have originated from there.

No philosophy has had greater influence on Ayurveda than Sankhaya’s philosophy of creation and manifestation. Which professes that behind all creation there is a state of pure existence or awareness, which is beyond time and space, has no beginning or end, and no qualities. Within pure existence, there arises a desire to experience itself, which results in disequilibrium and causes the manifestation of the primordial physical energy. And the two unite to make the "dance of creation" come alive.

Imponderable, indescribable and extremely subtle, this primordial energy – which and all that flows from it existing only in pure existence – is the creative force of all action, a source of form that has qualities. Matter and energy are so closely related that when energy takes form, we tend to think of it in terms of matter only. And much modified, it ultimately leads to the manifestation of our familiar mental and physical worlds.

It also gives rise to cosmic consciousness, which is the universal order that prevades all life. Individual intelligence, as distinct from the everyday intellectual mind, is derived from and is part of this consciousness. It is the inner wisdom, the part of individuality that remains unswayed by the demands of daily life, or by Ahamkara, the sense of `I-ness’.

A Sanskrit word with no exact translation, Ahamkara, is a concept not quite understood by everyone as it is often misleadingly equated to `ego’. Embracing much more than just that, it is in essence that part of ‘me’ which knows which parts of the universal creation are ‘me’. Since ‘I’ am not separate from the universal consciousness, but ‘I’ has an identity that differentiates and defines the boundaries of `me’. All creations therefore have Ahamkara, not just human beings.

There arises from Ahamkara a two-fold creation. The first is Satwa, the subjective world, which is able to perceive and manipulate matter. It comprises the subtle body (the mind), the capacity of the five sense organs to hear, feel, see, taste and smell, and for the five organs of action to speak, grasp, move, procreate and excrete. The mind and the subtle organs providing the bridge between the body, the Ahamkara and the inner wisdom, which three together is considered the essential nature of humans.

The second is Tamas, the objective world of the five elements of sound, touch, vision, taste and smell – the five subtle elements that give rise to the dense elements of ether or space, air, fire, water and the earth – from which all matter of the physical world is derived. And it is Rajas, the force or the energy of movement, which brings together parts of these two worlds.

It is worth noting that even at the stage of the dense elements the philosophy of creation –which according to Sankaya is now and in the present, without any past and any future – is still dealing with aspects of existence beyond our simple physical realms. The point of contention being that we are the first and foremost spirit experiencing existence. To use Ayurveda in daily life, one has neither to accept nor even understand this philosophy. But it does provide a deeper insight into how Ayurveda works towards betterment of your health.

Ayurveda therefore is not simply a health care system but a form of lifestyle adopted to maintain perfect balance and harmony within the human existence, from the most abstract transcendental values to the most concrete physiological expressions. Based on the premise that life represents an intelligent co-ordination of the Atma (Soul), Mana (Mind), Indriya (Senses) and Sharira (Body). That revolves around the five dense elements that go into the making of the constitution of each individual, called Prakriti. Which in turn is determined by the vital balance of the three physical energies - Vata, Pitta, Kapha and the three mental energies - Satwa, Rajas,

Ayurveda thus offers a unique blend of science and philosophy that balances the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary for holistic health.

(See also: Ayurveda, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Vastu Shastra

Vastu Shastra is an ancient science energy flow throughout the house/office/factory that allows inflow of fresh air and natural light that promotes health, wealth, peace and happiness.

The most ancient science of architecture that goes back to the Vedic ages, it is composed of specific rules and regulations, set down by sages of those times, that an architect / builder / owner was expected to religiously follow to avoid coming under negative or evil influences. Today, it is looked upon as a highly evolved, comprehensive building philosophy in which directions and shapes are the most vital aspects of designing.

Right from the selection of site to correct slope of land down to the shape of the building, this oldest form of architecture covers nearly every aspect of construction. Not only for houses but temples, palaces, forts, offices...just about every possible form of construction. Often providing relief if not cures to physical or emotional problems simply by relocating an entrance, window or room.

Some of the important points made therein are:

• Directional Alignment
• Shape Of The Site
• Slope Of The Land Surface
• Impact of Gates At Various Locations
• Brahmasthan (Central Zone of the Building)
• The Staircase
• Inner Planning of a House
• Inner Planning of an Office
• Internal Planning of any Industrial Building

See also: Vastu Shastra   (See also: Vastu Shastra, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

hatha yoga: (Sanskrit) "Forceful yoga."

Hatha yoga is a system of physical and mental exercise developed in ancient times as a means of rejuvenation by rishis and tapasvins who meditated for long hours, and used today in preparing the body and mind for meditation.

Its elements are

1)    postures (asana),

2)    cleansing practices (dhauti or shodhana),

3)    breath control (pranayama),

4)    locks (bandha, which temporarily restrict local flows of prana) and

5)    hand gestures (mudra), all of which regulate the flow of prana and purify the inner and outer bodies.

Hatha yoga is broadly practiced in many traditions. It is the third limb (anga) of Patanjali's raja yoga. It is integral to the Saiva and Shakta tantra traditions, and part of modern ayurveda treatment. In the West, hatha yoga has been superficially adopted as a health-promoting, limbering, stress-reducing form of exercise, often included in aerobic routines.

Esoterically, ha and tha, respectively, indicate the microcosmic sun (ha) and moon (tha), which symbolize the masculine current, pingala nadi, and feminine current, ida nadi, in the human body. The most popular hatha yoga manuals are Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gheranda Samhita.

See: hatha yoga, asana, kundalini, nadi, yoga, raja yoga.

(See also: Hatha yoga, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Body Characteristics - double dosha body types

VATA-PITTA

Their characteristics show a combination of vata & pitta, for example they often have wavy hair, caused by a combination of vata’s curliness and pitta’s straightness. They generally have the poor circulation , though they love to eat but they will have trouble digesting large meals.

A healthy balanced vata - pitta person have a capacity for original thought, a vata’s characteristic, and also expertise at application of theory, a pitta’s characteristic. As lightness and intensity are the common qualities of vata & pitta. Proper direction of this intensity calls for harnessing the lightness for intensive self development. When a person having imbalanced vata & pitta fear alternates with anger as a response to stress.

PITTA-KAPHA

Pitta-Kapha people probably adjust best of any constitution to the confusions,irregularityand constant change which characterizes today’s world because they combine kapha’s stability and pitta's adaptability. many of the people who achieve all – round success in life are pitta-kapha. Pitta’s active metabolism balances kapha’s powerful physique to promote good health, and pitta’s anger is well tempered, by kapha’s cautiousness to encourage good mental balance.

The ease with which they succeed in the world promotes pitta’s arrogance and overconfidence and kapha’s smug self satisfaction which can insulate the personality totally and efficiently from all realisties other than the real

Bitter and Astringent are their best tastes.

KAPHA-VATA

Vata–Kapha people tend to be tall but are average in build and most other physical qualities are just as pitta type. Vata and kapha are united in their coldness. Though they do not suffer as intensely from physical cold as do pure vata types because of the strength and insulation of kapha. They Have a double emotional need for heat.

Their lack of heat usually manifests physically as digestive disturbances, especillay constipation, respiratory disease with much mucus production is also common. They may be wary of jumping to conclutions without proper preliminary investigation.

They should use sour, salty and pungent taste foods.

(See also: Body Characteristics, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

The 3 main doshas (medical humours) are Vata (resembles the classical element air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). All bodily processes are believed to be governed by a balance of the 3 doshas. Whichever dosha appears to dominate a person's behavior and physique is called his constitution type. Each constitution type has particular strengths and susceptibilities. See also four humours Ayurveda - Vata. Vata, composed of air, governs all movement in the mind a ...

See also:

Ayurveda, Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad, Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology, Ayurveda - Qualities, Ayurveda - The Five Elements, Ayurveda - Doshas, Ayurveda - Vata, Ayurveda - Pitta, Ayurveda - Kapha, Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurveda - Historically, Ayurveda - Today, Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine, Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia II - Ayurveda - Doshas

According to the ancient Sankhya theory of cosmology, on which ayurveda is based, the "five great elements" (Panchamahabhuta); combine in different proportions to form the material world. Each element possesses different amounts of the above-mentioned gunas; thus each element has its unique qualitative nature. The elements are: Akasha – aether Vayu or Pavan – air or wind Agni or Tejas – fire Ap or Jala – water) < ...

See also:

Ayurveda, Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad, Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology, Ayurveda - Qualities, Ayurveda - The Five Elements, Ayurveda - Doshas, Ayurveda - Vata, Ayurveda - Pitta, Ayurveda - Kapha, Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurveda - Historically, Ayurveda - Today, Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine, Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia II - Ayurveda - The Five Elements

At the closing of the initiation, the guru gave a solemn address to the students where the guru directed the students to a life of chastity, honesty, and vegetarianism. The student was to strive with all his being for the health of the sick. He was not to betray patients for his own advantage. He was to dress modestly and avoid strong drink. He was to be collected and self-controlled, measured in speech at all times. He was to constantly improve his knowledge and technical skill. In the home of the patient he was to be courteous and modest, ...

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Ayurveda, Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad, Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology, Ayurveda - Qualities, Ayurveda - The Five Elements, Ayurveda - Doshas, Ayurveda - Vata, Ayurveda - Pitta, Ayurveda - Kapha, Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurveda - Historically, Ayurveda - Today, Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine, Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia II - Ayurveda - Historically

The Charaka and Sushruta Samhitās are compendiums of two traditions rather than texts authored by single authors. A third tradition is that of the Kāshyapas. Some plant remedies of ayurveda are also mentioned in the earlier Vedic literature 2nd millennium BC. Both the Sushruta and Charaka Samhitās are the product of several editorial hands, having been revised and supplemented over a period of several hundred years. The scholar Vāgbhata, who lived in Sind at the beginning of the 7th century AD, produced a grand synthesis of earlie ...

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Ayurveda, Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad, Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology, Ayurveda - Qualities, Ayurveda - The Five Elements, Ayurveda - Doshas, Ayurveda - Vata, Ayurveda - Pitta, Ayurveda - Kapha, Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurveda - Historically, Ayurveda - Today, Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine, Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia II - Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad

Traditonal Āyurveda speaks of eight branches: kāyāchikitsā (internal medicine), shalyachikitsā (surgery including anatomy), shālākyachikitsā (eye, ear, nose, and throat diseases), kaumārabhritya (pediatrics), bhūtavidyā (psychiatry, or demonology), and agada tantra (toxicology), rasāyana (science of rejuvenation), and vājīkarana (the science of fertility). Apart from learning these, the student of Āyurveda was expected to know ten arts that were indispensable in the preparation and application of his medicines: distilla ...

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Ayurveda, Ayurveda - Brhat Trayi The greater triad, Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology, Ayurveda - Qualities, Ayurveda - The Five Elements, Ayurveda - Doshas, Ayurveda - Vata, Ayurveda - Pitta, Ayurveda - Kapha, Ayurveda - Herbs and Minerals in Ayurvedic Medicine, Ayurveda - Historically, Ayurveda - Today, Ayurveda - Ayurvedic Herbs in Western Medicine, Ayurveda - Partial Bibliography

Read more here: » Ayurveda: Encyclopedia II - Ayurveda - Basic concepts and methodology