Ayurveda, literally meaning the science of life, is more than 3500 years old. Traditionally the knowledge of Ayurveda was passed on through the 'Gurukula' system ie, one master teaching a group of selected students. It was common to have the students residing in the masters' house and working for the upkeep of the house. And whenever the master felt them fit to practice medicine, he would let them start practicing on their own. Now the traditional knowledge has been improved through scientific research and is taught in various Ayurveda Colleges in Kerala. A graduate doctor in Ayurveda, takes5 years of course at college besides six months of internship and is considered on par with doctors of modern medicine.
Ayurveda is based on the vedic philosophy of healthy living as pres prescribe in the 'Atharvaveda', a vedic txt on Hindu philosophy. It is a system of preventive medicine which provides remedies for various illnesses and prescribes ideal lifestyles to prevent the onset of sickness and disease. The majority of ayurvedic medicines are not mass produced, as ayurveda treatment is based on the premise that every that every person has an individualised constitution and medicines have to be tailored to suit the individual. According to ayurveda the human body comprises of 3 constituents known as the 'Tridoshas'. They are 'Vatha', 'Pitha' and 'Kapha'. Though these constituents vary from person to person, one of the 'Tridoshas' predominance can be identified by the physical and emotional characteristics of a person ('Personality types'). Accordingly two people suffering from the same ailment may be prescribed different medicines to suit their constitutions.
To stay healthy, the Tridoshas need to function in harmony with each other, as well as with the five basic elements of the Universe, Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Most illnesses arise due to the imbalance in functioning of any one or two of the Tridoshas which leads to malfunction of the internal organs. Although ayurveda acknowledges that infective diseases are spread by germs, the treatment is based on the theory of Tridoshas. Ayurveda does not 'kill' an infection like antibiotics but instead it strengthens body's immune system to fight or infection.
Ayurveda Treatments :
Pizhichil :
A cloth is dipped in lukewarm medicated oil, and then squeezed over the body for 45 - 60 minutes. This is followed by a gentle body massage. The oils are prescribed depending on the specific ailment.This is a process traditionally followed once a year, aimed at keeping the body fit and healthy and preventing premature ageing. It is also recommended for papaplegia, hemiplegia and general weakness.
Njavarakizhi :
Small cotton bags are filled with a particular kind of cooked rice which is dipped in warm milk with medicated decoction and rubbed on to the body.
This is very effective in cases of wasting of muscles, weakness and rheumatism. The duration varies from 7 to 14 days.
Patraswedam :
Little cloth bundles made of specially selected herbs are dipped in warm oil and rubbed over the whole body. Recommended for certain types of muscular and nervous ailments. The duration varies from 3 to 7 days.
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