Ayurveda the Indian Art of Natural Medicine and Life Extensi
J Tradit Complement Med. 2017 Jan; 7(1): fifty–53.
A glimpse of Ayurveda – The forgotten history and principles of Indian traditional medicine
Received 2015 December eleven; Revised 2016 Jan 19; Accustomed 2016 February 1.
Abstruse
Ayurveda is considered as one of the oldest of the traditional systems of medicine (TSMs) accepted worldwide. The ancient wisdom in this traditional system of medicine is nevertheless non exhaustively explored. The junction of the rich knowledge from different traditional systems of medicine can lead to new avenues in herbal drug discovery process. The lack of the understanding of the differences and similarities between the theoretical doctrines of these systems is the major hurdle towards their convergence apart from the other impediments in the discovery of plant based medicines. This review aims to bring into limelight the historic period old history and the basic principles of Ayurveda. This would assist the budding scholars, researchers and practitioners gain deeper perspicuity of traditional systems of medicine, facilitate strengthening of the commonalities and overcome the challenges towards their global acceptance and harmonization of such medicinal systems.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy
Graphical abstract
1. Introduction
Ayurveda is 1 of the well-nigh renowned traditional systems of medicine that has survived and flourished from ages till engagement. With the enormous knowledge of nature based medicine, the relationship of human being trunk constitution and function to nature and the elements of the universe that act in coordination and bear on the living beings, this system volition go on to flourish in ages nevertheless to come up. In that location are many avenues withal to exist explored by the researchers, practitioners and experts in the field who deport the responsibility of keeping the traditional systems of medicine (TSMs) alive and contributing to their growth in the future. However, due to many barriers such every bit lack of literature sources in different languages and insufficiency of awareness about the bones principles and histories of the systems from dissimilar ethnic origins, there is a lacuna of commutation of information from systems around the world. Knowledge of systems from different ethnic origins would bring nigh interchange of knowledge and increment the understanding of different systems, and this tin ultimately contribute to integration and advancement of herbal drug enquiry when accompanied by collaborative work of researchers from different countries. These futuristic goals can be accomplished when one gains insights about the systems, the principles and histories and works upon the strengthening aspects common between the various TSMs. In this review, nosotros accept made an endeavor to put forth the basic principles of doctrine and history of Ayurveda to contribute to the above said perspectives.
To date, there have been several reviews detailing Ayurveda. Withal, very few reviews detail the modalities of the basic principles and history of Ayurveda.1 Through this review the authors wish to provide the readers an understanding of the age old history and the basic principles of Ayurveda.
ii. History of Ayurveda
Ayurveda has an age sometime history since the 2nd Century BC. Ayurveda has its foundations laid by the ancient schools of Hindu Philosophical teachings named Vaisheshika and the school of logic named as Nyaya. It is besides related to the manifestation framework, well-known every bit Samkhya, and information technology was established in the aforementioned period when schools of Nyaya and Vaisheshika flourished.
The Vaisheshika Schoolhouse preached about inferences and perceptions that should be obtained most a patient's pathological condition for handling. Whereas, Nyaya school propagated its teachings on the footing that 1 should accept an extensive knowledge of the patient'due south condition, and the affliction condition before proceeding for treatment. The school of Vaisheshika, classifies the attributes of whatsoever object into six types: substance, particularity, action, generality, inherence and quality called as Dravya, Vishesha, Karma, Samanya, Samavaya and Guna respectively, in Sanskrit language.two , 3 After, Vaisheshika and Nyaya schools worked together and jointly founded the nyāya–vaiśeṣika school. The nyāya–vaiśeṣika schoolhouse, in the later years brought glory to the aboriginal knowledge and helped in disseminating the cognition about Ayurveda. Fifty-fifty before these schools were established and also today, the origin of Ayurveda is considered to be divine, from the Hindu God, Brahma who is called every bit the creator of the universe.4 , five It is believed that the creator of the universe passed on this holistic cognition of healing onto the sages for the well-being of flesh. From the sages the knowledge of traditional medicines was passed on to the disciples and then to the common man by various writings and oral narrations. The information nearly the healing properties of the herbs was composed in the course of poems, called "Shlokas". These were used by sages to describe the use of medicinal plants. The Hindu system of healing is believed to exist based on iv eminent compilations of noesis (Vedas) chosen as Yajur Veda, Rig Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda. The Rig Veda is the most well-known of all the four Vedas and describes 67 plants and 1028 Shlokas. The Atharva Veda and Yajur Veda describe 293 and 81 medicinally useful plants. The practice of Ayurveda is based upon the cognition gained from these Vedas. The writings in Rig Veda and Atharva Veda are attributed to "Atreya" who is believed to have been conferred with this knowledge from Lord Indra, who initially received it from Lord Brahma. half dozen , 7 Agnivesha compiled the knowledge from the Vedas, and it was edited by Charaka and some other scholars and is presently called as "Charaka Samhita". Charaka Samhita describes all aspects of Ayurvedic medicine and Sushruta Samhita describes the Scientific discipline of Surgery.8 , 9 , x , 11 Both these legendary compilations are even so used by practitioners of traditional medicine. These ancient texts are available in various translations and languages like Tibetan, Greek, Chinese, Standard arabic and Western farsi.12 There are several other centrolineal minor compilations like Nighantu Granthas, Madhava Nidana and Bhava Prakasha from the contributions of various scholars, however Charaka Samhita is the near respected of all the records.13 , 14
three. Basic doctrine principles of Ayurveda
Ayurveda believes that the unabridged universe is composed of 5 elements: Vayu (Air), Jala (Water), Aakash (Space or ether), Prithvi (Globe) and Teja (Fire). These five elements (referred to as Pancha Mahabhoota in Ayurveda) are believed to form the three bones humors of human body in varying combinations. The three humors; Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha are collectively called as "Tridoshas" and they control the basic physiological functions of the trunk forth with v sub-doshas for each of the master doshas. Ayurveda believes that the human trunk consists of Saptadhatus (vii tissues) Rasa (tissue fluids), Meda (fat and connective tissue), Rakta (claret), Asthi (basic), Majja (marrow), Mamsa (muscle), and Shukra (semen) and three Malas (waste products) of the torso, viz. Purisha (faeces), Mutra (urine) and Sweda (sweat). Vata dosha maintains the cellular transport, electrolyte remainder, elimination of waste products and its effect is increased by dryness. Pitta dosha regulates the body temperature, optic nerve coordination and hunger and thirst management. Heat weather of the trunk beal Pitta. Kapha dosha is increased due to sweet and fatty nutrient and it provides lubrication to the joints for proper operation. The catabolism of the trunk is believed to be governed past Vata, metabolism by Pitta and anabolism by Kapha.xv For a healthy land of health, a rest between the three doshas and other factors should be maintained. Any imbalance between the three causes a state of disease or disease.sixteen In Ayurveda it is believed, that a perfect balance between the nature elements and the Tridoshas of the human torso should be maintained for a healthy state of living by following the principles of divine wisdom.17 The body is believed to be composed of seven types of tissues chosen as "Sapta Dhatus". These seven tissues work in coordination with each for proper physiological functioning of the human torso. The Rakta Dhatu resembles the blood and regulates the apportionment of blood cells and provision of blood components to the torso. The Mamsa Dhatu (Muscle tissue) provides supports in the form of skeletal muscles for the Meda Dhatu (adipose fat). The Asthi Dhatu comprises the bones of the torso and the Majja Dhatu is made up of the bone marrow and fluids required for the oleation of the bones and their functioning. The Shukra Dhatu is responsible for functions of the reproductive organs of the torso.
Apart from the Doshas and the Dhatus, the other of import factors considered in the doctrine of Ayurveda are the Tri Malas and Trayo Dosa Agni. Tri Malas are the three types of waste matter products formed in the body due to metabolic and digestive functions of the body. They comprise of the Mutra (urine), Purisa (faeces), and Sveda (sweat). Ayurveda explains that if the residue between Tridosha is not maintained the waste products of the body are not effectively eliminated and these lead to further complications like diarrhea, constipation, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and such other complications. If the Mutra Mala (urine) is not removed from the body, information technology can lead to urinary tract infections, cystitis and gastric hurting. If the Sveda Mala is non cleared from the trunk, information technology tin can lead to pare irritation problems, and improper fluid rest. As per the principles of Ayurveda the biological burn down of the torso for all the metabolic office is chosen every bit "Agni". There are thirteen categories of Agni in a human torso and the most important is the 1 responsible for digestive fire, called as Jatharagni. Jatharagni has a close relation with Pitta and ultimately Vatta of the body. If the digestive burn of the body is increased in the body by increase in acidity conditions, the height in Pitta levels and its relative symptoms are observed. Digestive burn is of import in controlling the normal microflora, proper digestive functions and provision of energy to the entire body. Whatsoever disturbances in its balance, creates discomfort to the gastro-intestinal tract and results in pathological complications like ulcers, diarrhea and constipation.18
Considering the actual constitution, pathological history, the Dosha characteristics, life mode and environmental atmospheric condition in an private's routine life style, Ayurveda has many treatment strategies for promoting well-beingness to individuals.19 , 20
Ayurveda employs the "Pancha karma" method in its therapies. Pancha karma therapy applies various processes for the rejuvenation of the body, cleansing and enhancing longevity. The Pancha karma is composed of five karmas (actions) that are used for removal of toxins from the torso tissues. They are the Virechan (purgation though use powders, pastes or decoction), Vaman (forced therapeutic emesis by utilize of some medicines), Basti (use of enemas prepared from medicated oils), Rakta moksha (detoxification of blood) and Nasya (administration of medicines like decoctions, oils and fumes through nasal route).
Primarily, Pancha karma consists of 3 steps viz. Poorva karma (preparatory process of the torso for the therapy), Pradhan karma (the principal procedure of therapy) and the Paschat karma (consisting of regimens to be followed to restore digestive and other absorbent procedures of the body, dorsum to the normal state). Clarified butter and medicated oils are used in the oleation process. Swedan (sweating) is brought about past exposure to steam for particular areas of handling of the trunk. Forced emesis or vamana is brought virtually by administration of decoction of liquorice, honey with a few hours of prior administration of curd and rice. These substances are believed to cause pinnacle in the emesis effect. The Virechana, or laxative therapy is carried out by administration of herbs and liquids like senna, cow milk, psyllium seed, and castor oil. The enemas used in Pancha karma tin can be prepared from medicated oils or decoction of herbs like sesame or anise.
In practise, Ayurveda has eight disciplines chosen every bit "Äshtanga Ayurveda". They are Kayachikitsa (internal medicine treatment), Bhootavidya (treatment of psychological disorders), Kaumar Bhritya (pediatric treatment), Rasayana (report of geriatrics), Vajikarana (treatment through aphrodisiacs and eugenics), Shalya (surgical handling), Shalakya (otorhinolaryngological and ophthalmological handling), Agada Tantra (toxicological studies).
With a rich knowledge of plants, minerals and animate being based products, and the above based principles of doctrine, Ayurveda has achieved its widespread acceptance globally.21 , 22
4. Centrolineal systems of medicine in Ayurveda – a brief overview
India has a rich history of traditional system of medicine based upon six systems, out of which Ayurveda stands to exist the most ancient, virtually widely accepted, practiced and flourished indigenous arrangement of medicine. The other allied systems of medicine in India are Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Yoga and Naturopathy.23 Ayurveda is the most dominant system amid the other Indian systems of medicine and finds its prevalence globally since centuries. In this newspaper, nosotros take restricted the detailed discussion of various aspects of Indian systems of Medicine (ISM) to Ayurveda lone, and merely a comprehensive overview of the other systems is provided in the text. Afterward Ayurveda, the Siddha, Homeopathy and Unani system of medicine are widely used. Naturopathy is even so developing and in future it may sally as a flourished system of medicine. Yoga, is a system of centrolineal medicine that deals with physical, mental and spiritual state of an individual.
The Siddha arrangement of medicine is based upon the principle like to Ayurveda considering that the human being torso is constituted from the 5 elements of the Universe similar the pancha mahabhootas. Along with these elements Siddha organization considers that the physical, moral and physiological well-beingness of an private is governed by 96 factors. These 96 factors include perception, spoken communication, diagnosis of pulse etc. Perception is usually used determinant for treatment of psychosomatic organisation with the assistance of minerals, metals and to a lesser extent some found products. Siddha organisation uses many preparations of found and mineral origin in powder form, prepared through various procedures including calcinations.23
Unani system of medicine originated in Greece and was introduced by Hippocrates; a famous philosopher and medico during the 460–366 BC period. Hippocrates laid down the "humoral theory" for treatment of diseases and describes the wet and dry characteristic of each humor that constitutes the human body. This arrangement of medicine was introduced in India by the Arabs and it grew stronger when some scholars and physicians of Unani arrangement fled to India later invasion of Persia past the Mongols. Since then, this system of medicine has made a firm ground in India and is recognized by the Indian government for clinical practice and research funding. The plants based formulations like oils, tinctures, powders and ointments are used in treatment.23
Homeopathy was brought into practise by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who was a German physician in the mid-17th and 18th century.9 Homeopathy is based upon the laws of "immunological memory" and "retention of water" and the similarities in the pharmacological aspects of the drug and the disease. It utilizes medicines which produce symptoms similar to that of the disease for treatment of the pathological condition initially by producing or aggravating the pathological conditions and then treating it. For more than a century this system is been practiced in India and has formed an integral part of the Indian traditional organisation of medicine. Information technology is recognized by the regime of Bharat and there are various institutions, inquiry centers and regulatory bodies that aid propagation of this system.24 In homeopathy the female parent tinctures or aqueous extracts of the drugs (plants, animal origin substances, venoms and minerals) are diluted and succussed (specific method of mixing or shaking) every bit per Pharmacopeial methods to prepare the formulations of very low potencies.
Yoga originated in Republic of india in aboriginal times. Through its therapies and diagnosis based on pulse and analysis of Tridosha state of an individual, information technology suggests meditative exercises and life style management to obtain tranquility and improve health.25 , 26 , 27 The Asanas (postures) of Yoga are practical in diverse clinical and nonclinical weather condition for curing diverse physical and emotional conditions.
Naturopathy, too termed as naturopathic medicine originated in Deutschland in the 19th century and today it is adept in several countries. It is non an ancient system of medicine but some practitioners who exercise traditional medicine sometimes utilize Naturopathy in combination to the major system. The Naturopathic system is based upon using the curative power of nature in combination with the traditional and mod techniques to aid restore skillful health. Homeopathy, herbal formulations, hydrotherapy are some of the treatment methods used by this system.28
five. Current status of Ayurveda and perspectives for its future applications
In the recent decades, Ayurveda has experienced a considerable shift in its paradigm and a significant modify in the outlook of researchers, towards its applications has occurred. The therapeutic principles of Ayurveda focus on prakriti and tridoshas, and these principles explain that every individual has his unique constitution called as prakriti. Prakriti determines the feature response of each private to medications, environmental conditions and dietary factors. 'Ayurgenomics' a recently introduced inquiry field, bridges this gap between genomics and Ayurveda and serves as an help in understanding of inter-individual differences in responses to therapies in various diseases.29 Information technology especially emphasizes on studying inter-individual variances in patients from identical ethnic backgrounds. TSMs are now been looked upon for recourse to some limitations faced past western medicine, such as the need for individualized therapies, potential side effects and lack of desired therapeutic efficacy.30
Rotti et al, accept published several studies correlating the concept of prakriti in Ayurveda to nowadays-day science. A report indicating the correlation of ascendant prakriti with the Body Mass Index (BMI) and place of nativity in individuals was published.31 Studies involving subjects of diverse prakriti types viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, were carried out to place molecular differences that affect susceptibility and responses of individuals to various environmental or affliction weather. A nomenclature method for human population, with respect to Dna methylation signatures is reported based upon traditional Ayurveda concept of prakriti.32 In a study involving genome-wide SNP (unmarried nucleotide polymorphism) in 262 male individuals from three dissimilar prakritis, information technology was found that PGM1 gene is associated with energy production. PGM1 was found to be more homogeneous in Pitta prakriti, than the Kapha and Vata prakriti.33
An integration of the knowledge of modernistic belittling techniques with a broader perspective for applications of Ayurveda principles can help in its wider acceptance globally. There is an increasing need of proving and fostering the scientific footing of the principles of Ayurveda, to keep this age old valuable organization of medicine, as a living tradition in hereafter.
six. Summary
Ayurveda has a rich history; even so there were sure drawbacks in approaches towards it, which inhibited its growth similar the western system of medicine. The active components of the herbal drugs prescribed were not known, and even today many drugs nevertheless need further exploration for their active elective characterization and elucidation of the mechanism of action. Even after decades of applying advanced belittling techniques for drug assay, herbal drugs withal face up some drawbacks. The administration of combinations of several drugs adds to the complexity of study of the activity of these medications. A merit of traditional medicine systems as discussed before is that, they consider every individual equally the prime focus of treatment rather than the disease. Just this factor also possesses a hurdle to the applicability of medications on a full general population basis. Several problems like, the variation in the authority due to difference in species, absence of an integrated coding for every species used ordinarily in TSMs, varying geographical location of growth, and wrong identification and adulteration of drugs, not-uniform quality control standards, differences in processing methods, direct an alarming need towards comparative report of drugs used in both these system of medicine.
Conflicts of interest
None.
Footnotes
Peer review under responsibleness of The Centre for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University.
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