Importance of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurveda is a main part of well known Indian Traditional System of Medicines and popularly known as AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy). Among all AYUSH, Ayurveda is highly recommended as an ancient health care tradition that has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years. According to modern Ayurvedic sources, the origins of Ayurveda have been traced to around 6,000 BCE, when they originated as an oral tradition. Some of the concepts of Ayurveda have existed since the times of Indus Valley Civilization. The first recorded forms of Ayurveda as medical texts evolved from the Vedas. The word “AYURVEDA” comes from the Sanskrit terms Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge).

It is said that the Hindu god Brahma, one of the chief triumvirate gods of Hinduism, created Ayurveda. He then transmitted this knowledge to his son, Daksha Prajapati. Daksha passed it down to the twin Vedic gods Ashwini kumaras (celestial physician). Then, Ashwani kumaras transmitted this to Indra (Satyuga). From, Indra, it is provided to three mahapurushas, the lord Dhanvantari (Treta Yuga), and he (Dhanvantri) again gave it to Sushruta, who wrote Sushruta Samhita.  Indira had given the same knowledge to maha muni Kashyap (Dwapar yuga) who was a children's gynecologist and also to maha muni Bharadwaj (Dwapar yuga) maha muni Bharadwaj known as human father of ayurvedic medicines. Then, from maha muni Bharadwaj, it comes to Atreya Punarvasu, who develops school of physician and also wrote Charaka Samhita, Astanga Hridayam, Madhava Nidan (treatise on diagnosis), Sharangadhara Samhita (ayurvedic recipes), etc. He introduced mercurial preparation in ayurvedic medicines in the 14^th century AD. 

Ayurveda is widely practiced on the Indian subcontinent — more than 90 percent of Indians use some form of Ayurvedic medicine and the tradition has gained popularity in the Western world, though it's still considered an alternative medical treatment. 

Principles of Ayurveda-

Health care is a highly individualized practice under Ayurvedic principles, which state that everyone has a specific constitution, or prakruti, that determines his or her physical, physiologic and mental character and disease vulnerability. 

Prakruti is determined by three basic doshas (Pitta, Vata & Kapha), and   everyone has some features of each, most people have more than one doshas that predominating on metabolic activities of the body.

Pitta energy is linked to fire, and is thought to control the digestive and endocrine systems. People with pitta energy are considered fiery in temperament, intelligent and fast-paced. When pitta energy is out of balance, ulcers, inflammation, digestive problems, anger, heartburn, and arthritis can result.

Vata energy is associated with air and space, and is linked to bodily movement, including breathing and blood circulation. Vata energy is said to predominate in people who are lively, creative, original thinkers. When out-of-balance, Vata types can endure joint pain, constipation, dry skin, anxiety, and other ailments.

Kapha energy, linked to earth and water, is believed to control growth and strength, and is associated with the chest, torso, and back. Kapha types are considered strong and solid in the constitution, and generally calm in nature. But obesity, diabetes, sinus problems, insecurity and gallbladder issues can result when Kapha energy is out of balance, according to Ayurvedic practitioners.

According to Ayurvedic beliefs, factors such as stress, unhealthy diet, weather and strained relationships can all influence the balance that exists between a person's doshas and ultimately affect the immune system of the body and thus the imbalanced energies (Imbalanced doshas) in turn leave individuals more susceptible to disease.

This is why our Government of India issued the guidelines and strictly recommending not allow the senior citizen as they are very prone to COVID – 19 as they have many chances to get week immune as many factors involve in this age to disturb a healthy life. Nowadays, many guidelines have also been issued to treat the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients affected with COVID-19 with the Indian Traditional System of India. These medicines have many benefits like -   

Ø More affordable than conventional medicine.

Ø Easier to obtain than prescription medicine.

Ø Stabilizes hormones and metabolism.

Ø Natural healing.

Ø Strength in the immune system.

Ø Fewer side effects.

Ø Cost-effective.

Ø Many more benefits that are not listed here.