Ayurveda : Introduction
Ayurveda, the perfect science or knowledge of life is believed to be
the oldest treatment method which evolved around 600 BC in India. The
word Ayurveda originated from the two Sanskrit words, 'Ayur' meaning life
and 'Veda' meaning knowledge. Ayurveda practiced by special physicians
called 'Vaidyas' is known to promote positive health, natural beauty and
long life.
Life, according to Ayurveda, is a combination of senses,
mind, body and soul. The medicinal system believes that human beings and
nature should be in perfect harmony and that disease occurs when the equilibrium
between these two is disrupted. Restoration of this fundamental balance,
through the use of nature and its products is the main goal of this medical
system. The concept is not just on curing bodily ailments but also on
preventing. Ayurveda emphasizes that 'Prevention is better than cure'.
In Ayurveda, which is basically a humoural medical system,
diseases are understood as an imbalance between the body's three humors,
Vata (nerve energy), Pitta (catabolic fire energy) and Kapha (anabolic
nutritive energy). Natural herbs and minerals are used for preparing
medicines.
Apart from herbs, purification and detoxification, dietary changes, body
massages and meditation are used to promote health and prevent and treat
illness. Ayurvedic medicines are rapidly gaining acceptance all over the
world as they have no side effects and is found to have cures for even
rare ailments. Check out the link Ayurveda
to know more about the system.
Central Council for Research in Indian medicine and
Homoeopathy (CCRIMH ) was established in 1969 by the Government
of India for a systematic research in Ayurveda . In the year
1978, CCRIMH was split into four separate councils, one each for Ayurveda
& Siddha, Unani, Yoga & Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. The
Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha (CCRAS), an autonomous
organization formed under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
is engaged in research in various fundamental & applied aspects of
Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Education in India is presently monitored by the Central Council
of Indian Medicine (CCIM), (www.ccimindia.org)
a Statutory Central Government body. At present there are about 154 recognized
Under-graduate and 33 Post-graduate Ayurvedic Colleges in India. The five
and half year under-graduate programs in Ayurveda lead to a Bachelor of
Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Post-graduate programs
is structured into16 branches leading to a Doctorate in Ayurveda.
Nowadays Ayurveda has become very popular among the tourists especially
foreigners. It is a part of a new movement towards a global medicine that
includes the best developments from the whole world. As modern medicine
with its strong synthetic chemical drugs fails to combat nature, there
is rapid and progressive acceptance of this system. Patients from all
over the world are coming to India for Ayurveda treatment. With the
popularity of the system the demand for Ayurvedic doctors are on the rise.
|
