Introduction to Ayurveda - Ayurveda in simple words

Ayurveda is India's “Science of Life”. The first treatise “Charak Samhita” is nearly 3000 years old. Ayurveda has been in continuous practice in India for 3000 years. The science of Ayurveda suffered many setbacks, the last one being- a period of 150 years, when India was under British rule. In spite of all the difficulties, Ayurveda, perhaps, is the longest system of medicine in active practice in the world.

Focus of Ayurveda is on prevention of disease, as is clear from the verse, “प्रयोजनं च अस्य आयुर्वेदस्य स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणम्, आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनं च”. Modern medicine had reached great heights with research in antibiotics and had practically gained good control on diseases of infectious nature. However, excessive use of Antibiotics has led to development of mutations in microorganisms. Therefore, now we find diseases on which conventional antibiotics do not work. This development over past few decades has stressed the need for improving immunity level of population. Moreover, sedentary lifestyle, changes in dietary habits and lack of physical exertion, have resulted in a new breed of diseases, namely, Lifestyle diseases. Utility of Ayurveda with its focus on prevention of diseases makes it appropriate for prevention of lifestyle diseases.

Principles of Ayurveda in the olden days were embedded in practice of religion and day-to-day life. Therefore, it was being followed although people did not know much about the concepts of Ayurveda. With urbanization, changes in Lifestyle, loss of contact with nature and religion and prevalence of nuclear family structure, we have lost track of health promoting practices of Ayurveda. Changes in dietary habits, cut throat competition and ever rising speed of life, have given rise to mental tension and depression, apart from diseases at physical level. We can’t turn the wheel back so as to make people follow religious practices. It is therefore, prudent that common man, especially the lady in the nuclear family, becomes health literate. With this goal, the series of articles in this sub menu will introduce the principles of Ayurveda as applicable for attaining and maintaining health in today’s scenario.

Ayurveda observes that the disease progresses through 6 stages, before it is recognised as a disease. It is interesting to note that it is possible to correct and reverse imbalance and restore health in the first three stages of progression of the disease by following wholesome/ agreeable diet and life style, avoiding unwholesome diet and lifestyle. One must, of course, recognise the symptoms of the imbalance in the first three stages of progression of the disease. The present series of articles aims at providing the necessary information for attaining and maintaining Wellness of the whole family.

Compiled by- Sudhir Gadre.
Ref. 1. “ स्वास्थ्यवृत्त ” Swasthyavritta- Dr. Sharadini Dahanukar



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