Chapter 3- Indian Systems of Medicine

'Ayurveda' a holistic system of medicine is referred as the

science of life with long traditional attachment to the Indian
culture dated back more than 5000 years.
Ayurvedic medicines has eight specialised divisions such as-
Viz.
1.Kayacikitsa (Medicine)
2.Salakya (Ent. &Optha.)
3.Salya (Surgery)
4.Visa Vigyan (Toxicology)
5.Bhuta Vidya (Psychiatry Medicine)
6.Kaumarabhrtya(Pediatrics)
7.Rasayana (Rejuvenates)
8.Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac)
Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda
The ancient science believes in fundamentals that whole
universe is the combination of the five great eternal elements
(Panchamahabhoota)- Akasha(ether), Vayu(Air), Agni(Fire),
Jala (Water) and Prithvi(Earth). Whereas a living being is
composed of five eternal elements and soul. These mahabhutas
combine into Tridosha - vital bioenergies named as Vata, Pitta
and Kapha that govern the all metabolic mechanisms of the
body. There are 3 levels of metabolism mentioned in Ayurveda
as Jatharagni (gastric digestion), SaptaDhatvagni (tissue level
metabolism and Panchabhutagni(cellular level metabolism).
'Prakriti' the unique three dosha combination of an individual
describes genetic differentiation and basic physical and mental
constitution as well. The nutritious components of food forms
the seven levels of tissue organisation named as the 'Dhatu'
which are as follows:
1) Rasa(wholesome digested nutritious part of food) ,
2) Rakta (Blood),
3)Mamsa(Muscle tissue),
4)Meda(Fat tissue),
5)Asthi(bone tissue),
6)Majja(bone marrow) and
7)Shukra(semen).
Mala are the by-products of metabolism on first six tissue levels.
Understanding of the dosha constitution of an individual the
'Prakrati', guides to decide their diet, lifestyle and medicines
regimen.

Ayurvedic diagnostics emphasizes upon the assessment of

Patient and disease by 10 point