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About Ayurveda |
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Ayurveda :: An Overview
The word AYURVEDA is a combination of two words ayus & veda meaning` THE KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE`. The chief objective of this science is the preservation of health both by prevention of diseases & by curing, with importance to the former.
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Ayurveda is the first medical science to give a complete definition of health stating that ` HEALTH(SWASTA) is a state of well being of sarira(body) , indriyas(cognitive organs) manas(mind) & atma (soul) .
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Ayurvedic principles are based mainly on the sankhya philosophy which states that all matters are considered to have developed from the five gross elements-akash (ether) . ,vayu(fire) ,teja(fire), jala(water) & prithvi(earth). These five elements constitute the three essential biological component of the living body which are called as `TRIDOSHAS`(three humors).viz vatha (controlling physical activity & movements) ,pittha (controlling the biochemical as well as endocrine functions) , & kapha.(constituting the gross structure of the body). These three doshas have contradictory physical and physiological characters thus mainating the inherent equilibrium by their antagonizing activity . Any disease whether physical or mental occurs due to the loss of this equilibrium.
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Qualities of the Three Doshas |
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Vata is : dry, cold, light, mobile, clear, rough, subtle |
Pitta is : slightly oily, hot, intense, light, fluid, free flowing, foul smelling. |
Kapha is: oily, cold, heavy, stable, viscid, smooth, soft |
All these factors should function in a proper balance for good health. They are inter-related and are directly or indirectly responsible for maintaining equilibrium of the tridoshas. |
Prevention is better than cure - is the principle followed by Ayurveda, which is the oldest science ,aims at the following: |
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