INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda is one of India's great gifts to the human kind. Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, the word ayurveda consists of the words āyus, meaning "longevity", and veda, meaning "related to knowledge" or "science".Evolving throughout its history, ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia.

The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India.The Suśruta Saṃhitā and the Charaka Saṃhitā were influential works on traditional medicine during this era. Over the following centuries, ayurvedic practitioners developed a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for the treatment of various ailments.

Western medicine has ayurveda classified as a system of complementary and alternative medicine that is used to complement, rather than replace, the treatment regimen and relationship that exists between a patient and their existing physician.

1. Ayurveda - The Ancient Method of Treatment

Ayurveda, the treatment method that originated in India about 5000 years is now regaining its past glory through global acclamation. The word Ayurveda is a combination of two Sanskrit words „ayur“ (life) and „veda“ (science) and the word roughly translates into „the science of life“.

Ayurveda principles are based on living in strict harmony with nature. According to Ayurvedic principles, diseases are caused when someone loses the balance between nature, mind, body and soul.

Ayurveda is also known as Ashtanga Veda (science with eight branches) because Ayurveda is classified into eight different branches of treatment:1. Kaya Chikitsa (general medicine) 2. Kaumara Bhritya (pediatrics)3. Graha Chikitsa (psychology)4. Shalakya Chikitsa (Treatment for diseases of eye, nose, throat, eye and head)5. Shalya Tantra (technique of Surgery)6. Agada Tantra (Toxicology)7. Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation treatment)8. Vajeekarana Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac Treatment).

Indians ascribe divinity to Ayurveda. Dhanwanthari, an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu gave the science of life to humans through some sages. The literature of Ayurveda was recorded in palm leaves, copper plates and stones. The knowledge was transferred through generations through word of mouth, through a systematic educational system called Gurukul (Gurukula) education. The students live at the ashrams of the sage teachers and learn the science directly from the mouth of their teacher.

The main traditions followed in Ayurveda are Charaka (after Charaka Samhitha by ancient physicist Charaka), Sushrutha (the founder of surgery) and less known Kashyapa. Education lasts for many years (usually seven). At the end of education, the student has to give a Guru Dakshina (an offering) to his teacher. In one specific instance, the Guru of Jeevaka (the physician that treated Buddha) asked him to give him a plant with no medicinal value at all. Jeevaka searched and searched for years and could not find a plant with no medicinal value. He then come to see his teacher empty handed and says: “Guruji, I am not able to locate a plant with no medicinal value, I could not give you the Guru Dakshina, Pardon Me”. His guru smiled and said, this is my Guru Dakshina, and you now know nothing in this universe is useless or meaningless. Under suitable conditions, everything (living things, non-living things, matter and energy in different forms) in this universe assume significance.

The main concept of Ayurveda is that everything is composed of Panchabhootas (Akash - space, Bhoomi - earth, Jal - water, vayu - air and agni - fire). These five bhootas combine to form three doshas or tridoshas (Vata– akash and vayu, Pitta– agni and jal and kapha– jal and bhoomi).

Ayurvedic treatment consists of four basic forms: medication, panchakarma, dietary regulation and lifestyle regulation. Medication is the application of medicines, dietary regime includes the control of food habits for proper health, panchakarma is five different karmas or systems of Ayurvedic therapy and lifestyle control. They all work as both cure and prevention methods.

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Panchakarma is the most important of all treatment methods. It is a process of careful expelling of toxins or excess doshas from the body system. Panchakarma mainly focuses to regain the natural healing power of body.

2. Ayurvedic treatments

Ayurvedic treatments differ from the majority of conventional cures in its unique approach towards healing. The principle of treating the sick and not the sickness is central to all forms of ayurvedic treatments. Rather than trying to cure a disease in isolatation, ayurveda takes into account an individual in his entirety.

"Samadosha samagnischa samadhatu malakriya Prasanna atma manah swastha itih abhidhiyate."

Having a balanced state of doshas, agni (digestive fire), dhatus (tissues) normal functioning of mala (waste products), cheerful state of atman (soul), sensory organs and mind are the symptoms of healthy life.

Ayurvedic treatments lay emphasis on examining the doshas/prakriti or the natural states of individuals before proceeding. The prakriti or the physical constitution, susceptibility to diseases, mental make-up and lifestyle of an individual is ascertained in accordance to the elemental constitution of the larger prakriti or the universe.

Ayurveda has drawn the most comprehensive picture of human body and the natural world, saying that, the elements of the nature (the Panchamahabhuts)

kshit (earth) ap (water) tejas (fire) marut(air) vyoma (space/ether)

- are also, the components of human body,which are manifested in three types of physic - kaph (water/earth), pitta (fire), vata (ether/ air).

These three types are further recognized by ayurveda as tridoshas or the three faults - vata, pitta and kapha irregularities. The smooth functioning of the body is hampered owing to the imbalances in the three doshas (prakriti) causing all kinds of diseases.

Ayurveda takes into consideration the body, mind and soul of an individual as the unit for diagnosis. Hence, it recognizes negative emotions like anger, fear, insecurity, jealousy and greed as incorrect thinking on the part of an individual. These can directly create an imbalance in the doshas. Sattva, or peaceful equilibrium, rajas, or excessive activity and tamas, or inertia - the three tendencies or gunas of mind influence the imbalances in the three doshas. Hence the mind-body imbalance impairs the creative functioning of man.

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2.1. The Doshas

2.1.1.Vata

Vata, which is identified with the cosmic element of vaayu or air and akash or ether, control all types of movements and is responsible for respiration too. This is the kinetic force in all kinds of biological forms, and controls the body`s auto-functions (nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination and heartbeats etc.) therein. In case of an imbalance (vikruti), vata prakriti individuals, who are quick in their mental process and initiation of action, tend to suffer from diseases of the neurological system especially motor functions. The diseases are pronounced during the old age, which is the period of vata (vata kala). The disease mostly affects the lower parts of the body since they are the predominant seats of vata dosha. Also, individuals belonging to this type suffer from angina (hridgraha).

2.1.2. Pitta

Pitta Prakriti is consists of agni or teja, the element of heat energy. It is responsible for maintenance of body heat and transforming in nature. All types of outside elements an individual takes-in are transformed into inside elements (microcosm) of the body by pitta. It governs the digestion or proper assimilation of physical, mental and emotional elements of a biological entity. Hence, Pitta is responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems, as well as cellular metabolism. The persons of this prakriti are sharp, quick in action and normally possess a very good intellect as well as grasping power. The pitta prakriti persons are prone to diseases of the digestive and metabolic systems. The diseases mostly affect the abdomen i.e. the area between the chest and umbilicus. Also, pitta disorders are pronounced in the middle ages, which is the period of pitta (pitta kala).

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2.1.3. Kapha

Kapha prakriti or dosha consists of prithvi (earth) and jala (water). Jala or ap, is essential for sustenance of life. Prithvi, or earth, is responsible for structure and bulk of the material. Kapha is responsible for body form and structure (fluids, fats, bones and muscles). The kapha prakriti endows the individuals with a good physic and strong perseverance but they are slow in their activities. The cold quality of kapha results in poor appetite as their agni or digestion is poor.

In case of an imbalance (vikruti), individuals tend to suffer from the diseases of the respiratory system especially phlegmatic disorders. The diseases normally affect the upper parts of the body i.e. chest and above. The diseases are pronounced during the early ages (childhood), which is the period of kapha (kapha kala). Generally people are a combination of two doshas i.e. dwandvaja prakriti. They possess characteristics of both doshas involved depending on the percentage of the combination. In this case, one is a primary and the other is the secondary dosha. Sometimes people are a combination of all the three imbalances of doshas. But, it is extremely rare to find a balanced state of all the three doshas. Not only the humans but also everything (animals, plants, geographical locations, times of day, seasons and activities performed etc.) in the universe is categorized according to these three doshas. An ayurvedic practitioner formulates a diet plan and recommends herbs for a patient after taking into consideration all these aspects. That`s why in ayurveda different people with the same disease sometimes receive different diet and herb plans.

2.1.4. Effect of Seasons on the Prakriti Types

The condition of human body depends on the continuous interaction between internal and external factors. Environmental factors include the nature of the land, water and various atmospheric phenomena such as temperature, humidity, wind, rain and snow shortly, the seasons and climes. Food and proper digestion of it in our systems is considered vital to maintain a reasonable balance of the three doshas of vata, pitta and kapha. Food is digested by agni (heat/fire) within us just as it is cooked by agni (heat/fire) outside. According to ayurveda, there is a "stimulus-response" relation between the agni within us and the outside agni - the sun. When the agni outside is strong (i.e. summer) the agni inside us (the digestive energy) is weak and vice-versa. Basing on this principle the Indian food customs (even festival delicacies) and of course, the diet and lifestyle regimen (Dinacharya and Ritucharya) of ayurveda have been adapted to seasonal changes.

3. Ayurvedic therapies

According to ayurveda, in a living body all the ailments and sufferings are due to the disharmony and disequilibrium of the doshas. Hence the ayurvedic therapies main aim is to treat disorders, prevent disease and rebalance the body doshas, dhatus, malas and mind gunas. Apart form the above said activities the ayurvedic therapies eliminate toxins from the body, increase immunity and soothe the senses thereby enhancing general physical and mental well-being.

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In ayurveda the therapies are directed to eliminate the disease completely, permanently. To understand the ayurvedic therapies completely step by step understanding of the following is necessary: • Balancing the dosha• Increasing the power of digestion• Maintaining proper elimination of wastes• Enhancing immunity• Developing a spiritual temperament.• Types of Therapies

Ayurveda defines therapy as any method that involves the process of balancing the doshas.

Therapies can involve activities like: • Balancing diet• Methods to increase the weight and strength of weak patients• Reduce obesity• Exercise• Meditation• Internal cleansing• Use of gems• Herbal pastes and compresses• Sweating• Massage• Herbal medications

3.1. Types of therapies

Ayurvedic Therapies are divided into two broad types: • Santarpan or strengtheningThe ayurvedic strengthening therapies are basically the rejuvenation therapies like (Rasayana) and aphrodisiacs (Vajikarana). These therapies further aim at enhancing the immunity, Ojas, happiness, peace of mind and longevity.• Apatarpan or emaciatingThese therapies refer to the removal of toxins from the body and balancing the aggravated dosha. Internal medicines and specialized cleansing therapies are included in this.

According to Charaka Samhita the therapies depend on the status of the doshas. Such as:• If the disease is new and the aggravated dosha are not very strong, fasting on its own may be sufficient to balance the dosha.• If the dosha are medium in strength, specific medicines are induced to balance the dosha inside the body and this type of therapy is termed as shamana therapy.• If the disease is in a chronic stage and the dosha aggravation is strong, shodhana therapy is applied to eliminate the excess dosha from the body.• Ayurvedic Basti Treatment • Panchakarma • Purva karma• Pradhan karma• Shamana• Shodhana- Elimination Therapy

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4. Ayurvedic massage

Ayurveda, today, is known as 'Alternative Medicine' but in the ancient India, it was the way of life. The original scriptures of Ayurveda have recommended the right ways of doing all the life activities. They suggest the proper food to be eaten, exercises to be done and common Indian herbs to be used when suffering from diseases.

One of the important part of Ayurveda is Massage. It doesn't see massage as something to be done only when one falls ill or experiences difficulty. Massage is the way of Indian life- a part of every day routine.

Each Indian child, right from the day he/she is born, gets everyday massage. Whether it is the occasion of marriage or issue of gaining post natal strength for a new mother- massage is the ultimate thing to do. Apart from the everyday massage, Ayurveda also recommends many special types of massages such as Abhyanga, Garshana, Shirodhara etc.

4.1. Basic Principle Behind Ayurvedic Massage

The Ayurvedic massage techniques rest on certain basic theories of Ayurveda. One of such theories is that of Panchkarma- the five types of therapeutic measures. Ayurveda believes that any problem occuring to human body is the result of imbalance among the three toxins or “doshas”- Vaata, Pitta and Kapha.

Panchakarma consists of five basic types of advanced treatment for balancing the vitiated Dosha from the body. Snehana or Massage is one of the subsidiary of Panchakarma. It includes other Ayurvedic therapies such as Swedana or fomentation/sweating, Basti or medicated enemas, Virechana or purging through herbs, Vamana or vomiting with the help of herbs, Nasya or nasal administration of oils etc.

4.1.1. Abhyanga Ayurvedic Massage

Snehana or Abhyanga means Oleation (oiling up). It is full body massage which is recommended to be done daily. The body is massaged with various Ayurvedic warm oils which moves the toxins towards the gastro - intestinal tract. It is nourishing, pacifies the doshas, relieves fatigue, provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep, enhances the complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body.

Marma therapy is followed while doing Abhyanga. Marma are the vital points of the body which contain Prana (life) energy. Oil is directly poured on these Marma points. Gentle pressure is given on Marma while doing massage. It provides Prana energy to the body and mind which leads to ultimate healing. Abhyanga massage is very relaxing. It harmonizes, detoxifies, strengthens and revitalizes the entire body apart from stimulating the immune system. It also calms and strengthens the

nervous system. Abhyanga is the real rejuvenator.

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4.1.2. Gharsana Ayurvedic Massage

Gharshana literally means “rubbing”. The Gharsana massage, basically is, a dry lymphatic skin brushing having an exfoliating effect on skin. It is a great therapy for skin care. It is done without oil. If gharshana is done on a regular basis, it helps in breaking down fat deposits by enhancing blood and lymphatic circulation. It cleans and exfoliates the skin, making it more receptive to herbs and therapeutic oils. It is followed by bathing or oil massage. Gharshana is done after wearing gloves made up of wool,raw silk, or terry cloth. During gharshana, light vigorous upward strokes are given. It can be done everyday.

When body is rubbed during Gharshana, heat is generated which improves circulation thereby eliminating wastes from body. The gentle strokes in upward direction activate the lymphatic flow. Gharshana produces exfoiliating effect due to the usage of wool or raw silk. Both of them are fairly abrasive but soothing to the skin. Exfoliated skin functions better in eliminating wastes. Raw silk is beneficial for Vata and Pitta body types whereas wool is good for kapha type of body. Terry cloth can be used for Vata and Pitta body types.

4.1.3. Shirodhara Ayurvedic Massage

Shiro means head and dhara means to flow. Shirodhara involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead, more specifically stated- on the ‘third eye’. It is the chakra point just above and between the eyebrows which is said to be the seat of human consciousness. The liquids used in shirodhara can include oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water according to the various treatments for different benefits.

Shirodhara is used to treat various diseases including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss,

insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Ménière's disease and certain skin diseases such as psoriasis. These days, shirodhara is mostly used non-medicinally at spas for its relaxing properties. The person wanting shirodhara is made to lie on his/her back and head is positioned under a metal bottle with a slow-flowing spout from which the oils streams gently onto the forehead. It has amazing quality of gently releasing stress and tension from the mind and body.

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4.1.4. Udvartana Ayurvedic Massage

Udvartana is deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic massage. This full body massage uses a paste prepared from ground grains to cleanse the skin, improve circulation, and help weight loss. It is particularly good for skin care as its powerful exfoliating effect magically conditions the skin. It is almost similar to Abhyanga but more invigorating. Also it uses herbal paste instead of oil. The paste is made with various organic grains, flours, herbs and oils and applied with upward strokes during massage. Udvartana massage is particularly used for people having Kapha dosha.

Udvartana helps to eliminate lymphatic toxins out of the body and also improves sluggish circulation and digestion. It balances Kapha dosha and cleans the skin. It increases the metabolic rate of the body and activates the rasa dhatu (lymph), which in turn enables the vayus (gases) to flow and make the nadi system more efficient.

4.1.5. Vishesh Ayurvedic Massage

Vishesh means special. It is a special deep muscular massage which breaks up adhesions and improves circulation deep within the muscles. It is done with the help of essential oils chosen according to the dosha or bodymind constitution. The techniques used in Vishesh massage include tapping, kneading and squeezing apart from the more traditional massage strokes that are gentle in nature.

The style and flow of the Vishesha massage is determined by the body type. Focus is placed on 'Marma' points. This type of massage dissolves and cleanses ama (toxins) from the tissues and stimulates

the lymphatic flow. Vishesh massage removes blockages to increase blood flow, improve digestion, and awaken the energy sources and deeper levels of consciousness. This deep tissue massage is especially helpful for soothing sore, tired or aching muscles.

5. Color Therapy

Colour has been known to have some of the most powerful effects on our mind and body. Colour contains the energy of the Sun, the life restoring force of nature. Hence, colour as well as music and fragrance are the efficient modes of nature to connect with the subconscious core. Light and Colours have an effect on the total energetic system of the body. Light is absorbed through the eyes as well as through the skin by our sensory nerve

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endings.Colours act like gems; they increase the aura the astral body.This is the ambit of pure colour, and is suitable for subtle or spiritual healing.

5.1. Use of Colours

Colour therapy affects the mind more than it affects the body. Thus there is greater consideration of the Satwik, Rajasik and Tamasic (three basic qualities if the mind) effects of colour, even more in their effect on the physical constitution.

Satwa: all colours have shades that are satwik, rajasik or tamasic, so it is imperative to use only the satwik shades- those shades that bring joy, harmony and serenity.Best colours are: white, gold, violet and blue.

Rajas: colours- bright, loud, flashy, artificial and rajasic shades- bright metallic, penetrating, are sometimes useful when there is low or inert energy. Combinations of opposite colours can also be too stimulating and irritating.Rajasic colours are: yellow, orange, red, purple.

Tamas: these colours are dull, dark, turbid and muddy, they cause the mind and senses to become heavy, inert and congested.Tamasic colours are: brown, black and grey.

White and black are not really considered colours, but are polar opposites of light and dark, from which colour is produced. When healing, primary colours should be used in their most characteristic shades.

5.2. Ayurvedic Concept of Colour Therapy

Vedic astrological and architectural scriptures make the use of colours to represent different deities. The seven colours of the spectrum namely, violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red are said to be the seven rays or the deities or the sun!

Colour Therapy balances the mental and physical doshas through the sense of sight. Colours are absorbed primarily through the eyes or Alochak Pitta and secondarily through the skin Bhrajak Pitta.

The therapeutic qualities of colour are the crucial part of subtle mental and pranic life-force nutrition as it energizes the nerves, which in turn stimulates the mind.

Colour therapy is a technique of restoring imbalances in the body by applying coloured light to the body. Through coloured archetypes the individual can become aware of areas once vague or subconscious, in need of further development or understanding, allowing for increased opportunities of developing one’s inner and outer potential. Each and every colour has a driving force within our very cell consciousness, which in turn has a driving

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force within the consciousness of the whole person. Bringing colour into our daily lives, acts as a catalyst and motivator to recognize our self-image.

5.3. Basic Postulates

Different colours can be used to achieve certain responses. Physical responses to colour are not tied to our individual psyches or bear much relation to our cultural background. In fact, everyone has the same general physical responses to certain colours.

Even a colourblind individual, who can't identify the colour himself, will react in the same way to these colours. All earthy objects such as plants, animals, human beings and all other living things have their own characteristics frequency of vibration. All living cells, tissues, organs and other human body parts have their own characteristics frequency of vibration in health. Illness is an altered physiological functioning that is nothing more than a change in frequency with the stepping up or lowering of the vibration caused by a stressor.

The stressor can be generated from a chemical, mechanical (physical) or thermal source. Mental and emotional stressor help to change a frequency when they cause a internal chemical response, such as hormonal stimulation.

All illness have a characteristic frequency of vibration. Applying a corrective frequency in the form of food, physical therapy, injection, nutrients,

oral drugs, exercise, colour or some other methods of healing, will help distressed body function return to its homeostatic pattern.

Body cells selectively take in normal rays and vibrations from the environment when they need them. However, if the environment presents overly strong rays vibrations, the cells will absorb them even when they don't need or want them.

Cells that lack colour vibrations, the same as cells that lack nutrition, will tend to de-polarise and alter their frequencies and therefore their pattern of growth. If too much colour is present in the immediate environment cells, it will overcharge to such a degree that their frequencies and growth pattern will alter to the point of damage.

Like that of a toxic food, a wrong colour can damage and change the electromagnetic force field or frequency of a cell, which sets up a chain reaction. The change of frequency will interact with a larger field of force of the organ, which in turn will effect the body system. In turn this will react upon the total individual, such a chain of reaction can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.

The fatigue may then bring on exhaustion in the organisms and eventually lead to death. Colour as pure vibration is the rational therapy for maintaining health and overcoming disease (as a complementary or alternative treatment to more traditional allopathic medicines or drug treatments) because it presents itself for the body's use in the right form (or food) in the right place and at the right time.

Colour can be readily adopted for clinical application by physicians who practice orthomolecular medicine.

In some specific cases , therapists prefer to direct the colours at specific parts of the body instead of bathing the whole body in colour.

The most vital thing is that application of colour therapy is not at all regarded as harmful to the body and mind.

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5.4. Color and You

When you favour one colour over other, you are telling a story about your personality and behaviour. For example, a person who dislikes all colours is also likely to hate music, children and the world as a whole. Most of all the colour haters intensely generate negative feelings within them, which lead them to frustrations and helplessness.

Colour preferences are innate. You are born with an attraction for particular colour. What you feel about them will probably remain with you throughout your life. Your colour choice is the result of your genes, early childhood memories, education, parent's beliefs, cultural trainings, political learning's and other aspects of life style.

Tender children who can't speak whole sentences will often express themselves eloquently with a set of crayons. A general delight in colours shown by an adult is thought by psychologist to demonstrate the normal emotional tendencies in him. Normally all children love bright colours.

A child's preference for the black crayon probably indicates repressed emotion or strict parental domination. A love of yellow is classified as revealing a youngster's infantile traits and a dependence on adults. Red shows carefree feelings. Green indicates that the child is balanced, with few emotional out bursts and having a simple and uncomplicated nature or mind structure. Youngsters' colour representations of their mothers are always nearly with pastel shades and that of their fathers with darker shades. And so it is with adults. A preference for one colour over another reveals your true personality - the characteristics of your real trait. You then feel and see within yourself through your inner vision. Following are some of the personality traits associated with the colour you adopt as your own.

6. Yoga

Ayurveda and yoga are sister Vedic sciences that have been united for thousands of years for the sake of healing body, mind, and consciousness. Generally speaking, Ayurveda deals more with the health of the body, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness, but in reality they complement and embrace each other.

The ancient rishis (seers) were the original masters of all Vedic sciences. They understood that good health is a great asset on the path toward Self-realization. If the body is neglected it can easily become an obstacle to spiritual practice. Anyone who has practiced

meditation for any length of time would agree to how difficult it can be to sit still for long periods of time without feeling discomfort and fatigue. Both yoga and Ayurveda are mutually supportive and offer many ways to prevent and heal various disorders as well as to cleanse and rejuvenate the body.

Besides sharing a philosophical foundation, both systems have many similarities in relation to attitude, nutrition, diet, hygiene, exercise, cleansing practices, as well as spiritual practices. Traditionally, a student of yoga would first live close to and serve the guru for many years, during which time he would learn healthy habits. The basic Ayurvedic principles

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for health and longevity were past on in the lineage in oral form to serve as a foundation for a life of sadhana (spiritual practice).

Nowadays, the teachings of yoga are easily available to all, and whether prepared or not we can leap headlong into its practice. Modern yoga practitioners would most certainly benefit from a basic knowledge of Ayurveda to help establish a healthy daily routine and adjust their practice according to the constitution, dosha imbalance, season, and so on, to prevent disease and promote longevity.

Similarities between yoga and Ayurveda: Both are ancient Vedic teachings. Yoga originates in the Yajur Veda, while Ayurveda

originates in the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda. Both recognize that keeping the body healthy is vital for fulfilling the four aims of life:

Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). Both recognize that the balance of doshas (humors), dhatus (tissues), and malas (waste

products) is essential for maintaining good health. Both share virtually the same metaphysical anatomy and physiology, which consists of

72,000 nadis (subtle channels), 7 main chakras (energy centers), 5 bodily sheaths, and the Kundalini Shakti (energy).

Both advocate the use of diet, herbs, asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, astrology, prayer, puja, and rituals for healing the entire being.

Both encourage physical health as a good foundation for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Both share the same view on psychology. Ayurveda embraces all six of the main schools of philosophy including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Vedanta (a non-dual philosophical and spiritual path). They both understand that the attachment to the body-mind complex is the root cause of all suffering and that the ultimate state of health is experienced when we abide in our true nature, which is total peace, regardless of the state of the physical body.

Both use cleansing methods for the body, all of which encourage the removal of waste products and toxins through their natural routes of elimination. Ayurveda has panchakarma (five cleansing actions) and yoga uses Shat Karma (six purification measures).

6.1. Ayurvedic approach to asana practice

The use of asana, pranayama, and meditation for healing is known as Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy and has been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic and yogic adepts. In Yoga Chikitsa, a group of yogic exercises are chosen that will best support the individual and are practiced daily. This can be done over an extended period of time in conjunction with an Ayurvedic regime and herbal and dietary therapies. Yoga Chikitsa also plays an integral role in the Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation process known as panchakarma.

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For a well balanced personal yoga practice, it is important to take into consideration the individual's body structure, prakruti (original constitution), and vikruti (present constitutional imbalance). The following are general recommendations according to the predominant dosha.

Vata predominant individuals should remember to focus on calming, grounding, stillness, strengthening, and balancing while doing their practice.

Precautions for vata: Vinyasa or flow styles of yoga tend to move too quickly from one pose to the next and can

aggravate the hyper-mobile quality of vata over time. Flow sequences can be made to be more vata pacifying if they are not excessively long, the length of time poses are held is extended, and transitions are done slowly and consciously.

Those with lower back problems may find that bending the knees in standing forward bends can prevent discomfort.

Back bends should be done slowly, carefully and within one's own limits.

Pitta individuals should maintain a calm, cool, and relaxed intention while doing asanas. Pitta types may benefit from trying to cultivate an attitude of forgiveness, and of surrendering or offering the fruits of their practice to the divine of to those in need of positive healing energy. Because asana practice tends to generate heat in the body, it is best to do them at cooling times of the day, such as dawn or dusk. Also, it is useful to place some emphasis on poses that help to release excess heat from the body, such as poses that compress the solar plexus and poses that open the chest like.

Kapha types tend to be sedentary and often dislike vigorous exercise. For this reason, their practice should be energetic, warming, lightening, and stimulating, providing they are physically capable. Vinyasa or flow style yoga is good for kapha because it is dynamic and moves quickly from one pose to the next, it induces sweating and gets the heart pumping.

Yoga poses that address specific doshic problems can be easily added to an Ayurvedic regime and integrated into an existing yoga routine, or they can be organized as a small session with the help of an Ayurvedic clinician who knows each individual case well and can help set up a well balanced program according to the needs of each client.

Ayurveda also offers Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga Therapy, for specific doshic disorders. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for an individualized regime.

It is obvious that Ayurveda and yoga not only complement each other. Both sciences actually embrace each other as they share similarities and fundamental principles on many levels. Ayurveda and yoga should go hand in hand if we want to achieve optimal health, peace, and longevity.

7. Ayurvedic Approach to Pranayama (breathing techniques)

Pranayama is a Sanskrit word meaning "extension of the prana or breath" or more accurately, "extension of the life force". The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, and "āyāma", to extend, draw out, restraint, or control.

The ultimate goal of pranayama is to calm the mind and prepare it for meditation. It also has a therapeutic effect on the physical body as well. It is not essential to do a pranayama practice according to dosha, but knowing its effects on the body is a valuable tool for

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management of the doshas. Below is a general list of pranayama and bandha exercises according to dosha.Vata: Nadi Shodhana, Kapala Bhati, Agnisara Dhauti, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.Pitta: Sheetali or Sitkari, Nadi shodhana.

Kapha: Bastrika, Agnisara Dhauti, Kapala Bhati, Ashvini Mudra (contracting and releasing Mula Bandha), Ashvini Mudra, Ujjayi, Tri Bandha, Maha Mudra.

Furthermore, the Four Purifications taught in our workshops is an ancient method from the Ashtanga Yoga for purifying the gross and subtle body in order to prepare it for more advanced practices.

They are tridoshic and safe for everyone, providing they are performed correctly.

Several researchers have reported that pranayama techniques are beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, and reducing signs of oxidative stress. Practitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong will-power, and sound judgement, and also claim that sustained pranayama practice extends life and enhances perception

8. Herbs

Herbs are more commonly called plants that have some value with them. They are used because of their qualities such as flavours, scent or some other properties. Each herb is used in different ways. They are mainly used for cooking and for making herbal products that are used for treating various diseases. Indian herbs are a significant part of the history of Ayurveda, the system of traditional medicine which is now popularly called alternative medicine.

The herbs have been used by the “Vaidyas”- the traditional Indian doctors for Ayurvedic treatment- since ages. Different herbs are obtained from different parts of a plant. They may come from roots, leaves, barks, seeds or flowers of a plant. However, the herbal extracts obtained from plants are used in very small quantities. Large amounts of herbs may result in poisoning. This is particularly important fact to be considered by those who use herbs as home remedies. They should always use herbs with utmost caution.

8.1. Analgestic Herbs

Analgesic herbs are the therapeutic herbs with analgesic effect that are commonly known as pain relief herbs or simply the pain herbs. Analgesic herbs are natural pain reliever that reduce or eliminate pain. These pain relief herbs are available in the market in analgesic topical forms like essential oil and analgesic cream- that can be directly applied at the pain sites- as well as in form of capsules, tea and tinctures for pain relief.

Being a natural pain relief herb, any type of analgesic herb has the advantage of not producing any side effects as is the case with other chemically produced pain relief medicine.

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There are many analgesic herbs that are typically known as joint herbs for their analgesic properties of giving relief from joint pains like those felt in arthritis, neck and back pain, or tendonitis. In fact, these therapeutic herbs are anti- inflammatory herbs and treat the pain conditions that result from inflammation of joints.

There are many pain relief herbs that include cannabis, valerian, turmeric, poppy, willow bark, St. John's wort, angelica, motherwort, black cohosh, wild yam, lavender, cayenne, kava kava, and rose etc. Essential oils of pine, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, rose, clove, frankincense, rosemary, ginger, juniper, and birch are also effective herbal pain relievers. Ten to twelve drops of essential oil herbs should be mixed in one ounce of a carrier oil like olive or coconut to apply for pain relief.

The list of Indian analgesic herbs contain the following therapeutic herbs among others.• Abutilon indicum• Aconitum heterophyllum• Asteracantha longifolia• Atropa belladonna• Cassia occidentalis• Cinnamomum camphora• Cissampelos pareira• Ginger• Turmeric• Oroxylum indicum• Parmelia perlata• Pinus roxburghi• Sida Cordifolia• Inula racemosa• Madhuca indica• Mimusops elengi

8.2. Antibacterial Herbs

Natural antibacterial herbs kill and block the development of bacteria in human body. The extracts of antibacterial plants or antibacterial essential oils work by interfering with the growth condition of bacteria and in turn reducing the chances of infections, sepsis or putrefaction due to bacterial growth in the body. As such, these herbs can also be called immune system herbs as they prevent diseases by strengthening body's capacity to fight off bacteria.

There are many Indian herbs with antibacterial effect that are used on a daily basis as spices or condiments for cooking such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, neem leaves etc. Antibacterial properties of other Indian herbs are made available in the form of such products as herbal tea, anti bacterial soaps and body washes, antibacterial essential oils, tinctures etc.

There are hundreds of Indian herbs with antibacterial effects that are used in herbal antibacterial medicine to treat bacterial infections.

This list of some antibacterial herbs contain names of many common as well as uncommon antibacterial plants and herbs.

• Allium Sativum (Garlic)• Alpinia galanga

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• Azadirachta Indica (Neem)• Berberis aristata• Cassia occidentalis• Celosia cristata• Cinnamomum camphora• Cissampelos pareira• Curcuma longa (Turmeric) • Eclipta prostata • Ficus racemosa• Ficus religiosa• Inula racemosa Ginger• Lepidium sativum• Leptadenia reticulata • Nyctanthes arbortristis• Ocimum sanctum (Basil herb) • Oxalis corniculata• Phyllanthus niruri• Plumbago zeylanica• Pudina (Mint)• Pomegranate seed oil• Pongamia pinnata • Premna obtusifolia• Punica granatum (Pomegranate) • Raphanus sativus Basil• Rubia cordifolia• Sapindus mukorossi • Saussurea lappa• Spilanthes acmella• Stevia rebaudiana• Syzygium aromaticum (Cloves)• Syzygium cumini (Plum)• Tephrosia purpurea• Tylophora indica ( t. asthmatica)• Vitex negundo• Zingiber Officinalis (Ginger)

Neem

9. Role of Ayurvedic oils in Ayurvedic therapies

Oil Therapy which involves usage of various Ayurvedic oils form an essential part of Ayurvedic treatment. Oil therapy, is in particular, used for treating Vata disorders. However, it is also used for treating diseases related to nervous system, bones and tissues and is also beneficial for other doshas.

Abhyanga, a massage procedure which involves the use of Ayurvedic oils, is a part of the Panchakarma treatment, and plays a major role in Ayurvedic therapies. Apart from the basic moisturizing and nourishing, Ayurvedic oils transfer their qualities to the body on psychological and physiological levels. In addition to serving as an antidote to addictions, stress, overindulgence and fatigue, an ayurvedic oil massage forms a medium of transport for the subtle properties of herbs to reach the body tissues.

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“Shirodhara” and “Pizhichil” are the other unique and ancient Ayurvedic therapies that are gaining popularity in Spas and health resorts. Shirodhara involves pouring of warm oil in a rhythmic, continuous manner on the forehead helps in alleviating mental stress, Vata imbalance, improves memory, prevents insomnia, relieves stress and increases circulation in the brain. Similarly Pizichil is a treatment meant for the whole body.

Ayurvedic oils are in other words referred to as “medicated oils” or “herbal oils” and when these are either consumed, or massaged in combination with coconut, castor or sesame oils, they are easily digested, and contribute to numerous healing properties. The Ayurvedic oils derived from bitter herbs helps in expelling toxins, oils from astringent herbs enhance cellular secretions, aromatic and pungent herbal oils remove any possible obstructions in the tissues and oils extracted from sweet herbs strengthen and nourish the tissues. Oils derived from herbs which do not fall into any said categories, has direct impact on specific parts of the body. Each oil helps in providing a specific benefit for a particular condition and body constitution.

For today’s health-conscious people, a self-massage with Ayurvedic oils are an important part of their daily routine. The oil is heated so that it is slightly higher than the room temperature and is applied in gentle strokes either to the specific area or the entire body, as required. The oil is left on for an hour and then washed off. Ayurveda recommends a steam treatment or hot bath, which magnifies the effect of the massage.

However, when Ayurvedic oils and massages are used for treating a specific body condition or health condition, it is advisable to get the massage done through trained professionals as the manner in which the massage is done, is equally important for its effectiveness.

10. Ayurveda Cosmetology

Ayurveda is considered as one of the ancient sciences of health & medicine. This complete health includes cosmetic aspects as well. As ayurveda the concept of beauty has an age-old origin as well.

Ancient scriptures like Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Meghadootam of Kalidasa and many mythological epics encompass the reference of cosmetics like: Tilak, Kajal, Alita and Agaru (Aquilaria agalbeha) that were used as body decorative and to create beauty spots on the chin and cheeks in the era ruled by gods and their deities. In fact, the concept of beauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civilization. Safe solutions, no side effects, use of natural herbs, long lasting impacts etc. have made ayurveda as choicest cosmetology.

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According to ayurveda healthy skin is the result of overall health condition of individuals and prescribes numerous skin care treatments that need to be pursued at every stage of life. The basic mantra of ayurveda is that everyone has got a unique body constitution and require different type of treatment as per their body type.

The person who studies the ayurveda cosmetology is called as ayurvedic cosmetologist. Ayurveda is a vast world of herbs and medicine; hence one has to do deep study of different herbs used in cosmetics, need to understand the medicinal properties of herbs to cure skin ailments, need to understand rasayana and cosmetology in order to be expert ayurvedic cosmetologist to provide adequate solutions and suggestions.

Ayurveda aims at eliminating vitiated doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) from the body as they are mainly responsible for skin disorders and other diseases. A connoisseur ayurvedic cosmetologist may miraculously revamp the one’s persona, that too without any side-effects. That is the reason why ayurveda cosmetology has become indispensable in world of beauty.

10.1. Medicinal Herbs as Cosmetics

The medicinal herb mentioned in ayurveda by experienced sages basically state that the function of ayurvedic herbs is to purify blood and eliminate vitiated doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) from the body as they are mainly responsible for skin disorders and other diseases.

Among the written information on ayurveda also, like in Charakh Samhita, the sage Charakh stated numerous medicinal plants in Varnya Kashaya. The herbs mentioned can be used to obtain glowing complexion.

Various herbs for which description and usage can be found in ayurvedic inscriptions are mentioned below:

Chandana Nagkeshara Padmak Khus Yashtimadhu Manjistha Sariva Payasya Seta (shweta durva) Lata (shyama durva)

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There is also the mention of various herbs from Kushthagna Mahakashaya that are effective curatives for skin disorders. Few such herbs are: Khadira Abhaya Amalaki Haridra Bhallataka Saptaparna Aragvadha Karavira Vidanga Jati

10.2. Skin Care and Ayurveda

It is not possible to get away with the process of aging and getting old but letting it not come very early is possible with ayurveda and its medicinal herbs. According to ayurveda healthy skin is the result of overall health condition of individuals and prescribes numerous skin care treatments that need to be pursued at every stage of life.

It is necessary to know about one's skin, whether it is oily, normal or dry and subsequently about its needs and necessities. Medically skin is a sensory organ that responds to reflexes and is a protective system that shields the entire living body. As ayurveda believes that all living beings have the panchamahabhoota as it is components, same is for skin. It is formed of the Pancha Mahabhootas and is the seat of sparshan indriya (a tactile sensory organ). Apart from perceiving sensations such as cold, warm, heavy, light, rough, smooth, etc. skin is also an excretory agent for Sweda (sweat). Skin is also the dwelling of Bhrajaka pitta and regulates the temperature of the living body and absorbs all local medicinal applications. The complexion and luster of our skin is also conferred to the skin. According to the sage Sushrut: "As the heating of milk forms a layer of cream on the milk surface, in a similar manner in the embryonic stage, dhatus (seven basic elements described in Ayurveda which compose the human body) form the different layers of the skin on our body."

According to Ayurveda skin is made up of seven layers and every successive layer is thicker than the previous one and can be affected by various disorders.

10.3. Common herbs used as cosmetics

Hibiscus Aloe vera Saffron

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According to ayurveda there are certain herbs that have their mention in the old ages also, such as: • Indigo - being blue in color it was used as a bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead and chin.• Madder Root - being available in color that suits the lips this was utilized as to beautify lips and cheeks.• Hibiscus Rosa Cynensis (Jaswand or Shoe Flower) - with dark color of its own this was used to blacken and maintain hair color.• Raktachandan - this was another natural component available in attractive color and hence was used as fresh, red bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead.• Aloe Vera - with the traits that prevent aging and regenerate growth of cells this was used as a essential component to keep oneself fit and young and protect the skin and prevents and heals skin irritations.• Chandan and Vertiver (Usheer) - it was used as scrubs and face packs that were applied on face and whole body to remove dead cells, regenerate growth of new cells and give a young look.• Haldi (Turmeric) - it was used as a face pack along with usher (vertiver) and also as an antiseptic.

Haldi Madder root

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11. Ayurveda resorts

11.1. Coconut Lagoon It is located hidden among the palm trees

on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad, at Kumarakom, at the mouth of the Kavanar River. It is set on an abandoned coconut plantation in the very heart of these fascinating backwaters, and has been designed to give visitors an authentic insight into Kuttanad life.

The resort can only be reached by boat- a ferry leaves from one of several "mainland" embarkation points at scheduled times throughout the day, the closest being Kumarakom.

11.2. Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort

Kairali is one of its kind unique and exclusive Ayurvedic Health Resort at Palakkad, Kerala, South India, where one could stay in a paradise like atmosphere and experience various Ayurvedic Therapies.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort is spread across 50 acres of lush green and beautifully landscaped garden with 30 independent villas designed distinctively different from each other and having luxurious, comfortable and with modern facilities.

Kairali is designed to retain traditional values yet contemporary to suit modern days living. Kairali is the one and only exclusive Ayurvedic Health Resort practicing Panchakarma treatments for rejuvenation, detoxification and treatments for various ailments including Yoga and Meditation practiced under the supervision of highly qualified and experienced doctors.

11.3. Marari Beach

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Marari Ayurveda Beach Resort is one of the finest resort with full of natural beauty near Kochi, Kerala set in 25 acres of Coconut Palm groves leading down to the vast expanse of beach. Marari originates from "Mararikulam", one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch.

Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience the local charm/and traditional Keralan Hospitality at it's best.

11.4. Somatheeram Beach Resort

A serene aryurvedic resort by the sea in South India. Here you can benefit from traditional Ayurvedic therapy as well as Yoga in a blissfully peaceful environment.Somatheeram, the world’s first Ayurvedic resort, is one of the best tourism spots in Kerala, India.

Located at Chowara Beach on a hillock 9 km south of the famous Kovalam Beach, Trivandrum, Kerala with over 15 acres of greenery all around.

Conclusion

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Ayurveda is the system of medicine incorporating centuries of wisdom in it. The emphasis here is on ways to promote health rather than just treat disease.

The beauty of the system is that every individual is unique rather than being just another case of particular disease. It is one of the few systems of medicine taking mental, emotional and spiritual well being into account. All the suggestions and remedies prescribed are totally in conjunction with nature.

Ayurvedic medicine is based on a life force and the pursuit of balance between the body, mind and nature.

According to Ayurveda, nature is permeated by intelligence. Intelligent laws govern the growth of all living things; kittens grow into cats, acorns into oak trees. Ayurveda helps us to understand the world we live in and offers us the tools we need to live in harmony with nature.

Laws of nature regulate everything.

Literature

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http://www.ecoglobus.com/http://www.vedic-academy.com/http://www.ayurvedictalk.com/http://health.indiamart.com/http://www.keralaayurvedics.com/http://www.lifepositive.com/http://www.ayurvedaonline.com/http://www.naturalfragrances.net/http://www.ayurveda-herbs.com/http://www.holisticonline.com/

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