Ayurveda Series Conclusion

This is the conclusion part of the Ayurveda series

This also marks my 50th post on this platform:)

I shall now explain the treatment aspect of Ayurveda and before which we got to understand the causative factors for the diseases.

Our diet and lifestyle habits which we can term under a concept called Prajnaparada( Intellectual Blasphemy), besides the desha and kala changes(as discussed in previous posts), also our karma/prarabdha.. Yes, Ayurveda also believes in purva janma and hence mentions that our karmas, curses, sins and wrong position of the planets are also contributing factors for manifesting of diseases. Therefore, Ayurveda chikitsa(treatment) aspect has three categories of approach in treating a disease.

They are-

1. Yukti Vyapashraya Chikitsa- Here the Vaidya carefully examines the Rogi(patient), and proper leading questions, understands the Nidana(Hetu- Causative factors), Linga(Symptoms), and finally prescribes the medicines(Aushadha) accordingly with his experience and rational thinking. Once the cause is ruled out, the first line of treatment is Nidana Parivarjana i.e avoiding the causative factors. The major treatment aspect of Ayurveda is panchakarma i.e 5 procedures/therapies- Vamana(Emesis), Virechana(Purgation),Basti(Enema), Nasya(Nasal drops),Raktamokshana(Blood letting). The therapies are meant for complete purification also called Shodhana Chikitsa. All of these procedures come with purvakarma(pre procedures), Pradhana Karma(the main procedure) and Paschata Karma(Post procedure). The suitable therapy is decided by the vaidya and you would be advised to follow certain food and lifestyle changes before, during and after the therapy/procedure. Surgery(shalya/shastra chikitsa) too falls under yukti vyapashraya chikitsa.
2. Daivavyaprashraya Chikitsa- Daiva( supernatural/God), because Ayurveda also considers astrology as part of it, it clearly indicates certain shanti karmas to pacify the effects of grahas(you remember mention of Bhuta vidya in Ayurveda series intro), curses/sins or our karmas. Methods considered here are- Mantra chanting, Use of amulets/Talisman, Wearing of gems, Homa/Havana, Fasting, Visiting temples/pilgrimage, Prayaschita(Atonement), Charity, Offerings to God, following the scriptural rules, Auspicious ceremonies, Chanting hymns and complete surrender to the supreme.
3. Satvavajaya Chikitsa- The right conduct physically and mentally. 

This post concludes the Ayurveda series.. Although this entire series is just the tip of the ice burg, I still hope it helped you all to  understand Ayurveda in a nutshell.. Thanks to all you wonderful souls who have been following the series and shared your encouraging views:) Take care:)