Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine from the literary point
of view is composed of two words viz. Ayu and Veda.
Ayu means life and Veda denotes the science. Ayu is defined as a
combination of Sarira (body), Indriya (senses), Satva (mind), Atma (spirit)
.Body without senses, mind, and spirit is dead and it is not Ayu.
Therefore while defining the Svastha it has been mentioned that
one having equilibrium of Dosha and Agni (digestive and metabolic enzymes) with
proper functioning of Dhatu (tissues) and Mala (metabolic bye products and
excretions), and possess happiness of Atma (spirit), Indriya (senses) and Mana
(mind) is Svastha or healthy. The Ayurveda deals with the diseased person and
not solely with the disease. It is a complete science of life and not merely a
treatise on some of the medicines or treatment of diseases.
Ayurveda has mainly three aims viz. first to preserve the
health, second to promote the health of healthy person and third to cure the
disease of the patient.
It fulfills these three aims through 8 branches viz.
-
Kayachikitsa(medicine)
-
Shalya Tantra (surgery)
-
Shalakya Tantra(otorhinolaryngology and ophthalmology)
-
Kaumara Bhartya(paediatric and obstetric)
-
Rasayana
-
Vajikarana
-
Agada Tantra(toxicology)and
-
Bhuta Vidya
Out of these generally Rasayana and Vajikarana including
Svasthavratta deal with the preservation and promotion of health of healthy
person and the remaining deal with the diseased person.
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