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

AYURVEDA: Ancient Indian system of medicine of preventative medicine and treatments which includes diet, yoga and meditation.

(See also: AYURVEDA, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

ANCIENT MEDICINE: CHINESE AND GREEK

Chinese

According to the ancient Chinese system of philosophy, the human body is governed by Chi, which can loosely be translated as the 'Life Force'.

·      The Chi is made up of the Yin and the Yang - the feminine and masculine principles - that in perfect balance ensure health, peace and well being.

·      Any imbalance between the two causes disease.

·      As early as 2700 BC, the complicated system of Acupuncture had identified pressure points in the human body that were considered crucial for the healing process. By manipulating these pressure points, ancient Chinese physicians could treat the most complicated of diseases.

Greek

·      Ancient Greek medicine (circa 450 BC) is synonymous with the name of Hippocrates, who is deemed to be the father of modern medicine.

·      Hippocrates based his study and his practice of medicine on logic, reasoning and scientific experimentation.

·      For the first time in the ancient world medicine was separated from religion, philosophy and superstition. He recorded all his theories and observations in a series of books, which are now held sacred by the practitioners of modern medicine all over the world.

• From about 6th century BC, many important developments were made in the fields of surgery, orthopaedics, opthalmology and obstetrics in Greece. Greek surgeons using various types of knives, syringes and forceps as surgical tools. Although there is a school of thought that believes that transfer of similar knowledge from India through the trade connections cannot be ruled out entirely.

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

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

What is a "Jyotish" or "Ayurvedic Quality" Gemstone?

Jyotish is the sanskrit name for vedic astrology, meaning "science of light". Ayurveda is the Indian system of medicine meaning "science of life". For gems to be capable of transmitting cosmic planetary rays that may enhance physical, emotional, or spiritual health or attract positive influences toward a person, they must first of all be natural. This means they are created by tectonic pressure within the earth over time periods up to millions of years. Gems also transmit cosmic colors that are in turn absorbed by the chakra centers in the ethereal body and therefore they must be of good quality in clarity.

Read more here: » Gemstones Crystals: Gemstones in Ayurveda- What is a Jyotish or Ayurvedic Quality Gemstone?

Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda Sri Lankan Ayurvedic Tradition Other related archivesAyurveda, Sri Lankan Ayurvedic Tradition

Read more here: » Ayurvedic medicine: Encyclopedia - Ayurvedic medicine

Vedic science is the term used in modern attempts to systematize ancient scientific thought to be found in early Indian scriptures, especially the Vedas. Vedic science - Types of Vedic science. Adherents of Maharishi Vedic science describe it as the science of self (atmavidya). Veda means knowledge; and Vedic science asserts that there are two kinds of knowledge: lower or outer, and higher or inner. Further, the Vedic system asserts that one needs traditional modes of reas ...

Including:

• Vedic science - Types of Vedic science
• Vedic science - Criticisms of Vedic science

Read more here: » Vedic science: Encyclopedia - Vedic science

Vedic may refer to: Hindu scriptures: The Vedas, the oldest preserved Indo-Aryan texts Vedic Sanskrit, their language Vedic religion Vedic civilization Hindu culture: Vedic astrology the Ayurveda (Vedic medicine) Maharishi Mahesh Yogi: Vedic science Maharishi Vedic Medicine

Read more here: » Vedic: Encyclopedia - Vedic

Ayurvedic physicians were traditionally supported by their patients and the communities they worked in, with a minority gaining royal patronage. Under the centralised governments systems established by the Mughals and subsequent British rule in India, many Ayurvedic physicians were paid small stipends by the state. But when the British government in India began to establish hospitals and organised state-wide healthcare institutions, leading eventually to the Indian Medical Service, Ayurveda was not included. In the early 20th century, Ayurve ...

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

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

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

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

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, ...

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 - Historically

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 ...

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 - Basic concepts and methodology

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 ...

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 - Brhat Trayi The greater triad

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine of preventative medicine and treatments which includes diet, yoga and meditation.

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

Ayurveda (Ayurveda Medicine, Ayurvedic healing, Ayurvedic healthcare, Ayurvedic medicine, ayurvedism, Indian medicine, Science of Longevity, traditional Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, Vedic medicine): The medical phase of Hinduism.

Ayurvedic theory posits a subtle anatomy that includes:

(a)    nadis, canals that carry prana (cosmic energy) throughout the body;

(b)    chakras, centers of consciousness that connect body and soul; and

(c)     marmas, points on the body beneath which vital structures (physical and/or subtle) intersect.

Ayurvedic diagnosis involves examination of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, nails, and pulse.

Ayurvedists associate parts of the lips and tongue, for example, with internal organs and maintain that discolorations, lines, cracks, and irritability in various areas indicate disorders in corresponding organs. The pulse is important because the heart is the seat of the underlying intelligence of nature: human consciousness.

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

classical Indian medicine (ancient Indian medicine, Ayurveda, classical Ayurveda, classic Hindu medicine, traditional Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine): A group of certain of the ancient indigenous medical ways of India that stems principally from two ancient treatises - the Caraka Samhita and the Susruta Samhita. Both describe Ayurveda's source as divine.

(See also: Classical Indian medicine, Body Mind and Soul, Alternative Health, Alternative Health Dictionary)

Ayurveda: (ancient Indian medicine, Vedic medicine): Ancient Hindu medical-metaphysical healing science based on the harmony of body, mind and universe through diet, exercise, herbs, and purification procedures. It emphasizes the capability of the individual for self-healing using natural remedies to restore balance.

Allegedly, the most complete system of natural medicine and the mother of all healing arts. Ayurvedic theory includes a subtle anatomy that includes: nadis, canals that carry prana (cosmic energy) throughout the body; chakras, "centers of consciousness" that connect body and soul; and marmas, points on the body beneath which vital structures (physical and/or subtle) intersect. Ayurvedic diagnosis involves examination of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, nails, and pulse. The pulse is important because of the belief that the heart is the seat of the underlying intelligence of nature ie human consciousness.

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

Emetic: Medicine that produces vomiting

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