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.