Branches of Ayurveda

Branches of Ayurveda-Many may have the notion that there is nothing like a surgical, ENT, or ophthalmology branches in Ayurveda. But in fact the very origin of the discussion of the human body, regarding the details of the anatomical structures has been mentioned in Ayurveda. 'Ayurveda' describes its eight well developed branches of different medical disciplines as follows:1. Kayachikitsa - General Medicine2. Balaroga Chikitsa - Paediatrics3. Grahachikitsa- Psychiatry and Parapsychology.4. Urdhwanga Tantra or Shalakya Tantra- ENT and Ophthalmology.5. Shalya Tantra- General Surgery6. Danshtra Chikitsa or Agada Tantra - Toxicology7. Jara Chikitsa- Geriatrics8. Vrishya Chikitsa- Aphrodisiac treatment. CLASSICAL TREATMENTSIn Ayurveda treatment of diseases are classified into "Shodhana (purification)" and “Shamana (pacification)”.SHODHANA CHIKITSAShodhana Chikitsa in Ayurveda is termed as Panchakarma. It is a curative line of treatment for all diseases which are not amenable to shamana chikitsa. Panchakarma procedures are purificatory one.The word panchakarma comprises of two words namely Pancha and Karma. Pancha means five and Karma means therapy.The five methods or procedures are the elimination of vitiated doshas from the body. They are:1. Vamana Karma (Emesis therapy)2. Virechana Karma (Purgation therapy)3. Anuvasana Vasti Karma (Unctuous enema therapy)4. Nirooha Vasti Karma (Decoction enema therapy)5. Nasya Karma ( Errhine therapy)Before doing this Panchakarma procedures a physician has to consider the strength, age, sex, disease condition, constitution etc. of the patient.Benefits of Panchakarma:1. The vitiated doshas will be eliminated from the body through the elementary tract.2. The power of digestion and metabolism is enhanced.3. Diseases are cured and health is restored.4. The sense faculties , mind, intelligence and complexion becomes clear.5. Gains strength.6. The individual will not be affected by old age and lives long healthily.7. Rejuvenates the body.8. Prevents diseases in the body. Increases power of Immunity.9. Nourishes the body.10. Revitalises the nervous system. SHAMANA CHIKITSAIt is mainly the oral medication system. The medicines used are Asavas, Choornas, Kashayas, Lehas, Gulikas, Ghees, Bhasmas, Sindooras. This method also includes external application of medicines such as Tailas and rasakriyas.Hence, “Ayurveda” denotes the knowledge of life, not only the system to cure diseases but also a method to achieve “Perfect Health”. It provides the way to improve the quality of life both physical and mental in addition to attain the bliss of real life. With above all it represent as God’s own medicine to God’s most adoring species in universe. Ancient seers says,“Ayurveda makes an individual an Healthy, Happy and Balance toEnjoy Life to its fullestIt Maximize an Individual’s own unique Potential throughThe Secretes of this Ancient Science”