Introduction of Ayurveda for common people.

1. ORIENTATION OF AYURVEDA
Prof. G.S.LAVEKAR,
FORMER DIRECTOR GENERAL,
CCRAS
gslavekar@gmail.com

2. What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is the science of life,
coined of two words;
Ayu = Life and Veda =Knowledge i.e. Science of life
is one of the ancient health sciences of the world.
It is considered as the upveda of Atharvaveda and
is one of the oldest recorded wisdom on the earth
(6000 BC).

3. What are the main objectives of Ayurveda?
There are two main objectives of Ayurveda :
• (a.) 'Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam' –
to maintain the health of healthy and
• (b.) 'Aturasya vikar prashamanamcha' –
to pacify the diseases of diseased.

4. What are the branches of Ayurveda?
• Ayurveda has eight main branches & many sub-
branches,
Main Branches
• Kaya Chikitsa (Internal medicine)
• Kaumar Bhritya (Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
• Griha Chikitsa (Psychiatry)
• Shalakya Tantra (Diseases of Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat)
• Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
• Agadatantra (Toxicology)
• Rasayana (Rejuvanetion & Geriatric care)
• Vajikarana (Andrology)

5. What is the definition of health according
to Ayurveda
The Ayurvedic view of a healthy person is:
• Samadosha, Samagnischa, Samadhatumalkriyah,
Prasannatmendriyamanah, Swastha iti abhidhiyate.
(Sushrut Samhita, Sutrasthan,
Chapter 15, Shloka 10)
'He whose doshas (Bodily humours) are in balance,
appetite is good, all tissues of the body and all
natural urges are functioning properly, and whose
body, mind, and spirit (self) are cheerful or full of
bliss, is the state of health.'

6. What are the basic structural & functional component
of the body according to Ayurveda?
The Universe, according to Ayurved is composed of five basic
elements
The ‘Panch Mahabhootas’ namely
• Aakash (space),
• Vayu (initiating force for all actions),
• Agni (transforming energy),
• Aapa (cohesion energy) and
• Prithvi (base or ground force).
The human body is similarly constituted, there is fundamental
harmony between universe and man, a healthy balance
between the microcosm and macrocosm. The sixth
mandatory component of life is Atma (spirit) without which
life doesn’t exist.

7. • Ayurveda believes in the theory of tridosha
(Bodily Humours) i.e. Vata, Pitta and kapha,
• Theory of sapta dhatu i.e. Rasa (body fluids), Rakta (Blood
cells), Mamsa (Muscular tissue), Meda (Fatty tissue), Asthi
(Bone & Joints), Majja (Bone marrow) and Shukra (Semen)
& Ojas (Vital essence) and
• Theory of Trimalas i.e. Mutra (Urine), Purisha (Faeces) and
Sveda (Sweat).
• The balanced state of all these factors is called health and
when this balance is disturbed it results in a disease.

8. What are the measures for restoration and promotion
of Health?
• According to Ayurveda health is the dynamic integration of
environment, Body, mind and spirit. Ayurved lays great
emphasis on preservation and promotion of health thereby
preventing the diseases. Elaborated description is available
on personal hygiene, which includes:
• Dinacharya - daily regimen,
• Aahar - Diet
• Ritucharya Seasonal routine and
• Achara Rasayana -Behavioral & ethical essential practices.
• Observance of certain rules regarding suppressible and
non-suppressible urges also paves way towards positive
health.

9. What is the Ayurvedic approach to diagnose the
disease?
• As per Ayurvedic principles the diagnosis is
based on two fold manner:
• Rogi Priksha (examination of the Patient)
• Roga Pariksha (examination of the disease)
• Rogi Priksha is essentially concerned with
ascertaining the constitution of the individual and
status of his health and vitality. This is achieved
through ten fold methodology
- Dashavidh Pariksha comprising of

10. DASHVIDH PARIKSHA = TEN FOLD EXAMINATION
• 1 Prakruti (Bio-constitution),
• 2 Vikriti (Disease susceptibility),
• 3 Sara (Quality of Tissues),
• 4 Samhana (Compactness of the body),
• 5 Pramana (Anthropometry)
• 6 Satmya (Adaptability,
• 7 Satva (mental stamina),
• 8 Ahara Shakti (digestive power),
• 9 Vyayama Shakti (Physical streangth),
• 10 Vaya (Age and rate of ageing).

11. The General examination is made through
Ashtavidh Pariksha = eight-fold examination
comprising examination of
• 1 Nadi (Pulse),
• 2 Mutra (Urine),
• 3 Mala (excreta),
• 4 Jivha (Tongue),
• 5 Shabda (Voice / Speech),
• 6 Sparsha (Touch),
• 7 Drika (Eyes & Vision),
• 8 Aakriti (Structure).

12. What are the modes of Ayurvedic
treatment?
The main objective of the treatment in Ayurveda is to
restore the balance of Dosha, Dhatu and Malas. The
rational Ayurvedic treatment is carried out in two
parts:
• Samsamana (to pacify the disease) – it consist of two
types of treatment i.e. Drugless therapy like chanting
mantras, observing fast, meditation ,observing silence
etc. and Drug therapy mostly plant based single or
compound drugs.
• Samshodhana (Body cleansing therapy) – removal of
aggravated doshas from the body through external &
internal measures through panchakarma procedures.

13. What is Panchakarma?
Panchakarma comprises of following five therapeutic
measures which always preceeded with pre operative
(Poorva karma) and succeeded (Pashchata karma) post-
operative procedures, the five panchakarma procedures
are as follows:
• Vaman (Therapeutic emesis)
• Virechan (Therapeutic Purgation)
• Vasti (Medicinal enemata)
• Nasya (Nasal medication )
• Raktamokshana (Blood letting) 1. Without instrument
(Leech – Bio-apperatus)
2. With instrument

14. What are the authentic texts of
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is survived through two sets of original
authentic texts is consisting of
Brihattrayii i.e. the three major classics-
• Charak samhita (600BC),
• Sushruta Samhita (500 BC), and
• The samhitas of Vagbhatta (600 AD)
Laghuttrayii i.e. the three minor classics namely:
• Madhava Nidana (900 AD),
• Sharangadhar Samhita (1300 AD) and
• Bhava Prakash (1600 AD)

15. How is Ayurveda different from modern
medicine?
• Allopathic medicine treats the disease symptos,
rather than treating the patient.
• Ayurveda treat the patient rather than disease.
• Ayurveda makes its special contribution by
addressing the uniqueness of each patient and by
helping body to heal itself.
• Ayurveda approach is comprehensive – system
biology
• Ayurvedic Medicine is having side-benefits rather
than side effects
• Multi route approach like Samshaman, Shodhan,
Shalya karma

16. Advantages of Ayurvedic Treatment
Is it better than Allopathic medicine?
• Yes, as the approach is holistic i.e. patient
oriented and not disease oriented and thus
restores the proper balance to keep it normal
& healthy.
Are all Ayurvedic products of natural origin?
• Yes, about 85% are plant origin and remaining
animal, marine & very few mineral / metal.

17. What are popular pharmaceutical forms of
Ayurvedic medicines?
• Choorna (Fine powder)
• Kashaya (Decoction)
• Gutika (Pills)
• Lehya (Paste)
• Asavarishta (Fermented preparation)
• Ghrita (Medicated Ghee)
• Rasakriya (Ophthalmic preparation)
• Bhasma (Incinerated metals and minerals)
• Lepa (Poultice)
• Many more……..

18. What are the types of Ayurvedic Healthcare
products?
The Types / Category of Ayurvedic Healthcare
products are:
• Medicines
• Nutraceuticals
• Cosmeceuticals

19. Does Ayurvedic system of Medicine have a plus
point over conventional medicinal system?
Being holistic with principles of individualized
treatment, with availability of abundance of
formulations for any particular disease, use of
food items as medicine and lifestyle rules,
Ayurveda enjoys a better place in respect of
prevention and cure of the disease is
concerned in comparison to western medical
system.

20. Can one take Ayurveda Medicine with modern
medicines?
Ayurvedic Medicines can generally be taken
along with allopathic medicine as an adjuvant
or supplement one in most of chronic and
degenerative diseases but better to take
under the supervision of Physician to avoid
drug - drug interactions

21. To whom any one should contact for Ayurvedic
treatment?
Any qualified and registered Ayurvedic
Physician can be contacted for Ayurvedic
treatment.

22. Is safe to buy Ayurveda Medicines over the
counter?
 For common remedies OTC products can be
used.
 For prevention of diseases & to built immunity
Popular Ayurvedic OTC Products can be used.

23. Is Ayurveda recognized by W.H.O.?
Yes, Ayurveda is duly recognized by W.H.O.
more over it is the policy to involve all
traditional health care systems in catering the
health care at grass root level. The Ayurveda
being the mother of all traditional health care
systems is having more potential

24. What are the specific diseases for which
Ayurvedic treatment is more cost effective?
• Ayurveda has effective treatment for diseases of
all systems of the body and persons of all age
groups. There are special treatment for the
diseases of elderly, women and children.
Disorders of nervous system, respiratory system,
digestive system, circulatory system, diseases of
uro-genital tract, skin diseases, Psychological
problems, Loco motor system, Geriatric
problems, Sexual disorders and many more
illnesses can be successfully treated with plant
based Ayurvedic products.

25. Are there any Minimal invasive surgical
procedures in Ayurveda
Yes, there are so many procedures described in Ayurvedic
Classics. But two are significant like:
• Ksharasutra- is a medicated alkaline thread
impregnated with paste of Snuhi (Euphorbea nerifolia
Linn.), Turmeric powder and alkaline substance of
Apamarga (Achyranthus aspera) is well established
procedure in management of anorecatal disorders like
Piles, Fistula,etc. which is less cost effective without
any side effect.
• Leech Therapy (Bio-apparatus)- is for blood letting in
the disorders caused by aggravated Rakta-Pitta Doshas.

26. What is regulatory mechanism for Ayurvedic i.e.
Education, Practice, analytical laboratories &
Pharmaceutical Industry?
• The Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) is
responsible for maintaining the minimum
standards of education and Practices.
• The analytical laboratories & Pharmaceutical
Industry are regulated by Drug Controller General
of India, Department of AYUSH, Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare, Government of India for
Good Manufacturing practices (GMP) and Good
Laboratory Practices (GLP).

27. What is the status of research in Ayurveda?
• In Ayurveda the process of research and clinical practices are
scientific and evidence based like other systems of ancient Indian
learning. Ayurveda is discovered through most suitable sources
(Pramanas) viz.
• Pratyaksha (Direct perception)
• Anumana (Logical inference)
• Aptopadesha (Verbal & Authentic documentary testimony)
• Yukti (Experimental evidence)
• To globalize the existing time tested products & procedures of
Ayurveda Govt. of India has taken steps for revalidation. Central
council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha (CCRAS), an
autonomous, apex research organization is working for this purpose
since 1971.
• Educational institutions like Banaras Hindu University, IPGT&RA,
Jamnagar (Gujarat Ayurved University), National Institute of
Ayurveda (NIA)-Jaipur, Jodhpur Ayurved University etc. are the
premier institutions conducting research in Ayurveda. Industry is
also contributing a major role in this regard.

28. Is there any Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia?
• Yes, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia consists of
two parts. The objective is to standardize more
than 80,000 single and Poly herbal formulations
described in Ayurvedic classics.
• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India –
• Part-1 has five volumes consisting of 400
monographs on single drugs of plant origin and
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India,
• Part-2 consists Pharmacopoeial standards of 50
compound formulations
• Part-3 consists Pharmacopoeial standards of
51compound formulations and many more are in
pipeline.

29. What are the common Ayurvedic medicine for
Pratisyaya - Common Cold ?
• Trikatu Churna mixed with Honey
• Sanjivani Vati
• Vyoshadi Vati
• Trikatu churna
• Sudarshan ghan vati
• Tulsi Kadha
• Sitopaladi churna
• Talisadi churna
• Khadiradi vati
• Kanthasudharak vati
•

30. What is ‘Tridosha’?
• Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the names of Tridoshas.
Vata(air), Pitta(bile) and Kapha(phlegm). Doshas are
basically three different forms of energy. The three
doshas contain two of the five elements as any other
matter. The Doshas work as a team in a natural healthy
individual. Perfect balance of these three
Doshas(energies) is the basis of well being. These
constituents give specific properties to Doshas with
each Dosha having one property particular to itself and
two opposite to others. Hence the character of Doshas
is influenced mainly by what is eaten as also by
temperature, season, mental state etc. In most persons
either one or combination of Doshas would be
dominant. This defines the constitution of the person.

31. How Tridosha work?
• Ayurveda describes each individual as a state of balance of
the three doshas, which govern different aspects of the
body. Vata dosha controls the principle of transportation,
Pitta dosha controls internal processes such as digestion
and metabolism, Kapha dosha encompasses our bodily
protection, strength and growth. Because no two people
have the same combination of these three doshas,
everyone is a unique individual and individualized care and
attention is needed for the treatment. When an imbalance
occurs, proper diet and lifestyle changes can be
implemented restore the balance. In such a case, one may
be advised for specific dosha-reducing / aggravating foods,
activities and medications or may even opt for Pancha
Karma, an internal cleansing system of treatment
mentioned in Ayurveda.

32. What is the effect of Vata Dosha?
• If 'Doshas' are dynamic energies, 'Vata Dosha' is the kinetic
energy. Word 'Vata' means 'which moves'. Vata dosha is
initiator of all forms of activity. It is important in the
communication network of the body; from sense organ to
brain and consciousness, from tissue to tissue and cell to
cell.'Vata'is responsible for perception (that includes pain),
assimilation and reaction. It brings a thought from memory
to consciousness and transfers current experience into
memories. It inspires speech and is the base of laughter
and exaltation. At the level of physical body it is responsible
for micro and macro movement. ‘Vata’ is more cerebral.
Stress vitiates ‘vata’ which in turn alters ‘Pitta’ or ‘Kapha’
leading to wide variety of symptoms. Lack of sleep,
excessive physical activity and long hours of fasting also
vitiate ‘Vata’. There are five types of Vata Dosha.

33. What is the effect of 'Pitta Dosha’?
• 'Pitta dosha' is responsible for all types of
transformations in the body. Pitta controls digestion of
food as well as conversion of light rays falling on the
retina to electric impulses. In the brain there is a local
‘Pitta Dosha’, responsible for comprehension and
analysis of data received. A person with pre
determined ‘pitta dosha’ is highly intelligent, quick to
process sensory inputs and able to reach decisions
promptly. Pitta controls emotions like anger, fear and
bravado. Pitta controls digestion of food, it is
responsible for hunger, appetite and thirst. It gives
shine to the skin. In contrast to Vata, Pitta is more
physical. There are five types of 'Pitta Dosha'.

34. What are the effects of Kapha Dosha?
• 'Kapha Dosha', is also termed as phlegm. It is the
cohesive energy in the body, it smoothes out problems,
lubricates and provides support when needed. If ‘Vata’
is kinetic energy, ‘Kapha’ is potential energy. ‘Kapha’ is
very close to tissues and like ‘Pitta’, it has greater
physical form than ‘vata’. It shares many of the
properties of the tissue it influences. It is anti thesis of
‘Pitta’ and is protective in nature. Its main property is
stability. In contrast to ‘Pitta’, ‘Kapha’ denotes loyalty,
compassion and love. A predominance of this ‘Dosha’
makes a person forgiving in nature free from envy and
endowed with patience. It gives mental strength and
resistance to diseases. It gives firmness to joints while
keeping them lubricated. It also enhances sexual
potency. There are five types of 'Kapha Dosha'.

35. • What is the approach of Life-style according to
Ayurveda ?
• Health is greatly influenced by Life-Style (Swastha-
vritta). According to Ayurveda, Life-style (the rules and
guidelines) is divided into three parts:
-- Dincharya (Diet and regimen for the daytime)
-- Ratricharya (Diet and regimen for the night)
-- Ritucharya (Seasonal Diet and regimen) - Sandhikal
(diet instructions for the joint period of two seasons)
One more thing that is very helpful for the knowledge
of proper life-style 'Samsarjan kram' means specific
diet program after illness or after Panchkarma
Treatments. For perfect health, long disease free body
status, one must follow these instructions.

36. What is the importance of Ayurvedic procedures?
• These are basically therapeutic measures
taken either to prevent diseases or cure them.
Thus Ayurvedic procedures are done either to
detoxify the body or as a prelude to
strengthening the immune system.
‘Panchakarma’ or five procedures is the most
sought after anti aging, detoxification therapy.

37. What are the five procedures in Panchakarma >
Body cleansing therapy?
Vaman
What is Vaman?
• Vaman : Vomiting (Vaman) is intended to remove
the Kapha dosha. It is not to be adopted for
‘Kapha’ only but necessarily in case of 'kapha’s'
conjunction with one or both. Vaman is essential
in the case of food poisoning or other type of
poisoning. Vaman employs certain emetic drugs
that induce a severe spell of vomiting to clean the
upper gut. Bronchial asthma is prevented by
periodically inducing ‘Vaman’.

38. What is Virechan?
• Virechan : Purging is a purification treatment as
important as emesis or vomiting. ‘Virechan’
concentrates on the lower part of the gut and
uses purgatives to clean the bowel. This
procedure helps in getting rid of all three Doshas,
though Pitta and Kapha benefit the most. To cure
piles, boils, discolouration of face, jaundice,
chronic fever, spleen enlargement, cataract,
intenstinal disorders, ailments of the womb,
arthritis, constipation, diabetes, skin diseases,
tumours, asthma, cough, ailments of the head
and many other diseases.

39. What is Vasti?
• Vasti : The classical Text ‘Ashtanga Hridaya’ says, 'A purge properly
carried out leads to clarity of intellect, power to the organs,
elemental stability and glow to digestive fire and it delays aging'.
Medical enema ‘Vasti’ predominates in the five course of treatment
(Panchakarma). This is prescribed for ‘Vata’ dominated patients and
helps to overcome all diseases, revives vital force and rejuvenates
body. The rectal lining is very permeable and the drug reaches the
circulation directly without passing through liver. Ayurveda offers
‘Vasti’ as a therapy for several indications. These are digestive,
evacuating, rejuvenating and health promotive ‘Vastis’.
In general Vastis tackle Vata dosha the best way. The fluid for Vasti is
either medicinal decoction or herbal oil to suit the ailment. ‘Vasti’
for the head gives extra ordinary relief for all ailments connected
with ‘Vata’ in the head, ear ache, humming in the ear, deafness,
numbness of the head and all ailments based on the cranial nerves.
This procedure is usually done for 7 days.

40. What is Nasya?
• ‘Nasya’ (Nasal administration of substances) is
essential for more or less all the ailments
above the neck. This is effective for many
diseases like facial paralysis. ‘Nasya’ is of three
types : purgative, nourishing and palliative.
For each ailment, a substance that gives
desirable result is selected. By this procedure
shoulders, neck and face will become dense
and firm, the skin soft. All organs become firm
and hair will not gray.

41. • What is Raktomokshana?
• Raktomokshana : Blood letting
(Raktamokshana) is a therapy advised by
Ayurveda to treat heart conditions and
varicose veins. Ayurveda advocates the use of
leeches application every alternate day to
reduce congestion.
The digestive fire is low after the ‘panchakarma’.

42. Can it give permanent relief?
• Yes, we do not claim miracles. This is a well-
proven Indian system of medicine. It takes up
to 3 years to bring fundamental balance in our
body. After this, the change is permanent.

43. The salient features of Ayurveda Health care system
• What Ayurvedic healthcare system has perfected
efficient methods and herbal preparations to keep the
physical, mental and emotional health of a person in its
prime throughout life. It is contrary to the current
practice of seeking treatment when a disease strikes or
waiting to get medical help till symptoms manifest. It is
a mind and body health care system evolved to help
human beings get the maximum out of their lives in a
perfectly natural and healthy way. Ayurveda instills in
you a view of life that is holistic and congenial to enjoy
the pleasures of life in a sustainable way. This can be
achieved without disturbing the rhythm of your life.

44. Which are the authentic texts, on which these health
care products are based?
Ancient classical texts of Ayurveda
• Charaka Samhita,
• Susrutha Samhita,
• Ashtanga Samgraha,
• Ashanga Hridayam,
• Sargadhara Samhita,
• Bhaisajya Ratnavali AND MANY MORE…..
are the treatises of effective practices and formulations
and these form the basis of Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals.
Recent scientific research has proved the efficacy of
herbs used and also the formulations. Number of
Ayurvedic research institutes in different parts of the
country has taken up scientific research into these
health care products

45. What are the diseases for which treatment is
available in Ayurveda?
• Ayurveda has effective treatment for diseases of
all systems of the body, of persons of all age
groups.
• There are special treatment for the diseases of
elderly, women and children. Disorders of
nervous system, respiratory system, digestive
system, circulatory system, diseases of urinary
tract, water metabolism disorders of reproductive
system, fibril and infectious diseases, mental
disorders and many more illnesses are
successfully treated with herb and plant based
Ayurvedic procedures.