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 Put simply, Ayurveda (a Sanskrit word meaning the 'science' or 'wisdom of life') is an ancient philosophy based on a deep under standing of eternal truths about the human body, mind and sprit. Unlike orthodox medicine, it is not based on the frequently changing finding of specific research projects, but rather on permanent, wise eternal principles of living.
Although it originated in the east several thousand years ago, Aurveda could not be more appropriate for present-day Western society, where so many people suffer from stress-related conditions which conventional medicine has been unable to remedy. It is the oldest healing system known and also the most complete. Its logical, commonsense approach to health and living is combined with philosophy, psychology and spiritual guidance.
Ayurveda has an armoury of physical treatments, from medication to massage, yoga, cleansing and detoxification progammes, and remedies for such disorders as infertility, impotence, arthritis, hypertension, gastro-intestinal problems, chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. It offers natural, herbal remedies which counteract imbalances in the body and can successfully treat most health problems encountered in the West today. Aurveda does not treat cancer, but it is believed that does not treat cancer, but it is believed that following the Ayurvedic lifestyles can reduce the risk of contracting the disease. It also offers counseling for a range of conditions, advocates meditation and has recommendations for harmonious living and good relationships.
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Definition of Ayurveda :
Ayurveda is the science of life, which deals with Sukha Ayu, Dukkha Ayu, Hita Ayu, Ahita Ayu. Ayurveda deals with the ways and means to achieve health and also the path, which leads to disease. It also deals with quantum of the Ayu (life).
Ayu :
The literal meaning of "ayu" is life. According to Ayurved this is explained as the combined state of Sharira (body), Indriya (Sense), Mana (Psyche) and Atma (Soul). Out of these Sharir is visible and is considered as sthoola sharir, which is made up of Panchamahabhoota. Indriya, mana and atma are not visible and hence are called as sukshma sharir or linga sharir.
At death (mrutyu) the Sukshma sharir leaves Sthoola sharir. The Sthoola sharir decomposes back to Panchmahabhoota. The Sukshma sharira takes rebirths (punarjanma) until it attains moksha. After attaining moksha the sukshma sharir splits to indriya, mana and atma. Indriya and mana, which were produced from prakruti remerge with the same (See also Shrushtiutpatti krama). The atma, which was an image of parmatma merges back to it.
Punarjanma :
After death if moksha is not attained then the sukshma sharir i.e indriya, mana and atma, combines with new sthoola sharia at the time of shukra-shonita sanyoga (fertilisation) in the uterus. This combination of sukshma and sthoola sharira occurs according to the Karmafala which is to be enjoyed (?) by this new sthoola sharira. This Karmafala is decided according to the karma performed by previous sthoola sharira. It is not necessary that the sukshma sharira will combine with the sthoola sharira of the same species. But it could combine with any of the species i.e 8.4 million species according to vedic science.
This splitting and combining of sooksma sharir with sthoola sharir is cyclically repeated till moksha is attained. Attainment of moksha is one of the chaturvidh purushartha. (four main objectives of life).
Atma is said to be all mighty and is comparable to God, the Creator. Once it get attached to the sookshma sharira and then to sthoola sharira, all its strength and might is lost due to karmafalbandhan. It has to lead this cyclical phase of life only according to its karmafala .
Synonyms of Ayu i.e life:
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Dhari
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Jeevita
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Nityaga
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Anubandha
Dhari : - As the physical properties of body are sustained (dharana) during life .
Jeevita :- As the lively activities are carried out.
Nityaga :- As the time of life is continuously spent.
Anubandha :- As life is possible with the combination (Bandhan) of sooksma and sthoola sharira.
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"Ayurveda" is a science which has a vast knowledge in it, but we have put our little efforts to cover some aspects of it which can be very well cleared up by the following given points; click them to get more information.