A Science of Life
May 17, 2010 by admin
Filed under A Science of Life, Ayurveda
Ageless Ayurveda – the Science of Life
Om Namo Bhagavate
Maha Sudharshana
Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye;
Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya
Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya
Sarva Roka Nivaranaya
Thri Lokya Pathaye
Thri Lokya Nithaye
Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa
Sri Dhanvantari Swarupa
Sri Sri Sri
Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha | |
This Holy Mantra means…
Let us pray to the God, who is known as Sudarshana Vasudev Dhanvantari who holds a pot full of the nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantari removes all fears and diseases and he is the well-wisher and the preserver of the three worlds like Lord Vishnu who is empowered to heal the Jiva souls. We bow to you.
Dhanvantari is believed to be the God of Ayurveda. He is said to be in Vishnu avatar as in Hindu epic. Mythology says that this science of healing originated in the cosmic conscious of Brahma – the creator.
According to Puranas, there are four Vedas – Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. Ayurveda is considered as a branch of Atharva Veda. The Vedic sages took passages from Vedic scriptures relating to Ayurveda and compiled separate books dealing only with Ayurveda. One of these books is the “Atreya Samhita”, which is considered to be the oldest medical book in the world.
Distinctive Growth of Ayurveda in Kerala
Though Ayurveda is practiced all over India, Kerala has become a mascot for this holistic science which still follows the age- old traditional laws. Due to Kerala’s exceptional location, natural wealth and rich culture, the system of Ayurveda practiced here has developed certain characteristics different from those observed elsewhere. Kerala has incomparable wealth of herbs and natural vegetation. Kerala geographical conditions and tropical climate has given superior effect to Ayurveda in Kerala.
The Ayurvedic system in Kerala is also enriched by the Siddha and Marma traditions in southern Kerala while in the north it joins hands with Kalaripayattu and Kalari therapy. Another factor that makes Kerala supreme in the field of Ayurveda is the rich Sanskrit tradition of the State. The State has an unbroken tradition of Sanskrit learning that enables healers to correctly interpret the ayurvedic teachings and practice it. Even today, the Namboodiri Brahmins follow vedic traditions and systems of knowledge.
Five Elements of Body
According to Ayurveda, every living and non – living thing is made up of five eternal elements. These elements manifest themselves in the body as three humours or tridosha; namely vata (air), pitta (heat) and kapha (water). A perfect balance of these three dosha is the key to good health. Any imbalance of these three energies will cause diseases. There are seven tissue systems or dhatu in the body and each dhatu is developed or transformed out of the previous tissue layer. These seven tissue systems are Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle), Meda (fatty tissue), Asthi (bone), Asthi (bone-marrow) and Shukla (semen/ova).
Therapeutic Ayurveda treats a vast spectrum of ailments, from gynecological problems to rheumatic diseases and nervous disorder to haemophilia. Ayurveda treatment centres on treating the entire body, both externally and internally.
Ayurveda is also used for revitalization. Revitalizing treatments include medicated steam baths, herbal massages, correction of breathing techniques and the intake of Ayurvedic powders and juices. Kerala offers special anti-ageing remedies, slimming packages and beauty treatments, along with meditation and yoga, are finding the exhausted visitors flowing into Kerala from all over the world.