The earliest source of ayurveda is the Rigveda. Some of its verses refer to panchamaha bhoota (five basic elements of the entire creation), and the three doshas or primary forces of life as the founding principles of ayurveda. The three doshas are prana or vata (air), Agni or pitha (fire) and soma or kapha (water and earth) and the five elements are earth, water, fire, air and ether.
This science of healing, as mentioned in the Rigveda, was revealed to Rishi Bharadwaja from the great Cosmic Intelligence. The knowledge consists of three aspects known as the Trisutras of ayurveda, which are-Etiology or the science of the causes of disease, Symptomatology or the study and interpretation of symptoms and Medication and herbal remedies.
It was during 4,000 to 3,000 BC, that Samaveda and Yajurveda, the second and third vedas came into being. The former was on chanting of mantras and the latter was on the performance of rituals. And the fourth Veda, Atharvana Veda, came to being, between 3,000 and 2,000 BC. It is in this Veda that ayurveda is an upaveda (Subsection). Though it had been practiced all along, it was around this time that ayurveda in India, was codified from the oral tradition to book form, as an independent science. It enlists eight branches/divisions of ayurveda: Kayachikitsa. (Internal Medicine), Shalakya Tantra (surgery and treatment of head and neck, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology), Shalya Tantra (Surgery), Agada Tantra (Toxicology), Bhoota Vidya (Psychiatry), Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics), Rasayana (science of rejuvenation or anti-aging), and Vajikarana (the science of fertility). The oldest treatise available on this codified version is Atreya Samhita.
The most fascinating aspect of ayurveda is that it uses almost all methods of healing like lifestyle regimen, yoga, aroma, meditation, gems, amulets, herbs, diet, astrology, color. Surgery etc. in treating patients.
Though ayurveda came into being as an independent upaveda of Atharvana Veda, it has close links with other vedas also. The Yajurveda, which recommends rituals to pacify the panchamahabhootas in a view to heal both the Cosmic Being and the individual soul, is related to ayurveda in its principles and regulations of lifestyle. The upaveda called Dhanur Veda or the martial arts and ayurveda both refer to each other in the treatment of marmas or sensitive points in the body. Ayurveda recommends specific ayurvedic massages, exercises and bodywork for this purpose.
Around 1,500 BC ayurveda was delineated into two distinct schools: Atreya- The school of physicians, and Dhanwanthari- The school of surgeons. This made ayurveda a more systematically classified medical science. Dhanwanthari, who is considered to be a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, was the guiding sage of ayurveda. He made this science of health and longevity, popular and widely acceptable. In fact, these two schools of thought led to the writing of two major books on ayurveda- Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.
These two Samhitas were written in the early part of 1000 BC the great sage- physician Charaka authored Charaka Samhita revising and supplementing the text written by Athreya, which has remained the most referred ayurvedic text on internal medicine till date. Susruta, following the Dhanwanthari school of thought, wrote Susruta Samhita, comprising the knowledge about prosthetic surgery to replace limbs, cosmetic surgery, caesarian operations and even brain surgery. He is famed for his innovation of cosmetic surgery on nose or rhinoplasty. Around 500 AD, Vagbhatta compiled the third major treatise on ayurveda, Astanga Hridaya. It contains knowledge comprising the two schools of ayurveda and is followed by ayurveda practitioners and vaidyas in India.

Fomentation is preparation of hot moist material applied to any part of the body to increase local circulation and to alleviate pain. In ayurveda, this technique is more elaborate and called “Swedana Karma”. Swedana, a sanskrit word, means “to sweat, to perspire, foment, soften” The basic principle is sweat is brought out on the skin by inducing heat from different sources or even without heat , through hair follicles, by opening the pores of the skin. Ayurveda believes that by fomentation, the Agni is increased. “Ama”, the toxic residue gets thrown out through the skin. In simple words, swedan is medical perspiration artificially produced.
There are several techniques of “swedan “. The major processes are:-
With or without using heat.
Swedan all over the body or only on affected part
Wet or dry fomentation.
Intensity of fomentation, Mild, moderate and strong.
For persons with vat vridhi fomentation by poultice. For kaf vridhi – dry and steam therapy. For pitta vyadhi – liquid fomentation.
Sweden Karma is taken up only after proper oleation A person undergoing this therapy is given heat either by using a decoction of medicinal herbs or by applying in direct heat to the body by covering with warm cloths or keeping the patient in warm cabin or partially open box.
The following can trigger sweating, without using fire
Exercise
Being inside a warm cabin
Wearing heavy cloths
Hunger
Excessive drinking of alcohol
Fear
Exposure to sun
Application of thick poultice
Wrestling
Procedure
Before diaphoresis, external oleation therapy or massage are carried out. A proper chart of blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate is to be made and studied. Apply paste of wheat flour or lotus paste on eyes, before starting fomentation.
Metals Balls, sand, salt etc are heated and wrapped in a cloth. The cloth is used to foment the local area.
Herbs are boiled in a wide vessel. The patient inhales directly.
Preparing a hot poultice of muslin cloth or wool or leather material containing herbs cooked in ghee or medicated oils and apply the poultice on the affected area.
The patient immerses his body or affected part in hot medicated oil / water.
Medicated steam is directed to the entire body or affected part through a hose or tube.
The patient is massaged with oil and wrapped in cotton linen. Then hot herbal decoction is showered over the body through small holes made in a pot or pitcher.
In an airtight room herbs are burnt in an oven. The patient is placed in the room and face the heat obtained by burning of herbs.
The patient is made to lie on a bed below which a layer of burnt dung of cow, elephant, goat, camel etc has been smeared.
For persons suffering from quite pain in the heels –Two bricks are heated and covered with leaves of madder plant. Patient is asked to stand on the bricks. The relief is immediate.
After the therapy, the patients are advised to go for rest, avoid cold, take warm baths and get adequate fresh air.
Precautions:
Pregnant women, diabetics, patients with liver diseases, haemophilics, Diarrhea, aneamia, jaundice, fever are not recommended swedan.
Only mild fomentation should be applied to heart, eyes and testis.
Avoid chilling patients.
Benefits
The patient feels cool because of excessive perspiration.
Stiffness of Joints in the body is reduced. Relaxes spasms or cramps.
Pain is reduced.
Relaxed muscles.
Relieves congestions.

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Ayurveda advocates five bio – purificatory procedures to treat disease of these five, ‘Raktamokshana’ (blood letting) is one of the treatments practiced in India since thousands of years.
Blood is an essential fluid constituent circulating throughout the body via the arteries and veins, transporting a variety of vital substances between the organs and tissues. It is composed of blood cells which are suspended in a liquid medium, the plasma. An average individual has approximately 70 ml of blood per kilogram body weight. That is, an average adult male has 5 litres of blood in his body. Without blood the human body will stop living. Blood is life.
Occasional blood letting eliminates toxins that are absorbed in the blood stream though the gastro – intestinal track. This preventive measure purifies the blood and is useful in treating skin diseases. Removal of impure blood from the body means removal of the root cause of the diseases. While blood letting could be done surgically with incision, our Ayurvedic saints cleverly made use of natural blood suckers like Leeches to do an efficient job of blood lelting. The therapy consists of letting clean, medicinal leeches on the area of treatment of patient to suck out impure blood. Use of leeches is indicated in cases where the blood is vitiated by pitta.
Indications where leech – therapy could be used:
Skin diseases, Leucoderma, Eczema, Psoriasis,
Herpes
Jaundice
Arthrites – osteo-arthrites, Rheumatoid, Gouty, psoriatic arthrites,
Piles
Sciatica
Filariasis
Sclerosis
Gout
Ulcers
Boils and abscess
ALOPECIA (Baldness)
About Leeches
Leeches are annelids (Phylum – Annelida) or segmented worms occurring in tropical forests, grass lands and in water. They possess powerful suckers at both ends of their bodies. There are 12 types – 6 types are poisonous and 6 types are non – poisonous.
Two species of therapeutic medicinal leeches are
(1). HIRUDO–MEDICINALIS
(2). HIRUDO-MYCHAELSENI
Leeches usually have three jaws and make an Y-shaped incision. A leech can remain dormant for 30 minutes to 6 hours as it fills itself with blood. During feeding it can suck 5 to 15 ml of blood. It stores the suckled blood over months in its stomach & digests it within a period of 11/2 years However following the suction process, the leech can perform active movements after a week.
Advantages of Using Leech for blood-letting
Leeches first suck the impure blood than the pure.
They can easily be dislodged from the patient’s skin by application of salt
An hungry leech is very responsive to light and mechanical stimuli.
Once a leech is attached to its place, it will likely to remain safely in the same spot, till it fills up with blood.
Importantly the salivary secretions of the leech contain anticoagulants, histamine, anesthetics etc that flood the wound / incision. Hiruclin, a potent anticoagulant found in leech saliva prevents blood clotting. The anti – coagulants in its salivary glands are being investigated for treatment of some types of heart disease.
Deep seated blood can be extracted with the help of leeches.

Storage and care of Medicinal Leeches
The leeches must be kept in a clean, suitable containers with sufficient
Water- 2 leeches per 250 ml of water.
The ideal temperature of the storage place for leeches is 15 to 25* Celsius
Leeches should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
The water in which the leeches are kept should be dechlorinated and sterile. When changing the water the replacement water should be of the same temperature as the previous one.
To prevent cross contamination, used leeches must never be kept with new, unused leeches.

Preparing the patient for leech therapy
The patient’s skin is cleaned thoroughly with soap and water or turmeric
Water. Proper oleation and sudation of the patient are to be carried out.
The leeches must be purified by pouring the leeches in water containing
turmeric powder.

The main therapy
Application of honey or blood or butter or by making an incision or a needle prick at the desired site so that of blood is produced and the leech attaches to the wound / incision quickly.
Steer the leeches head to the area to be treated. The head of the leech can be recognized by is searching forward movements, while the tail end is used as a sucker for attachment, The leeches must be applied in adequate numbers to area of maximum infection / congestion.
Cover the leech with wet cotton.
When the leech has finished sucking the blood, usually within 45 minutes, remove it (if it does not come off by itself) by applying salt or turmeric powder on Its head.
Ensure that the same leech is applied next time to the same patient.
Check the bleeding & clotting time of the patient. These should be normal.

After removal
Press the detached leech between fingers to force out the sucked impure blood. Then put back in fresh water container.
The patients area where the leeches have been put, should be examined for local infections. There may be other complications (due to the bacteria Aeromonas – hydrophilia present in the gut of the leech) like pneumonia Gastro – enteritis etc.
The minor wounds can be cleaned and washed with honey, and bandaged.

The leech therapy should be applied once in a week up to six sittings,
depending on the disease and its severity
One leech should be reserved for one particular patient.

Contra indications – when not to use leech therapy
Persons with Hemophilia and other blood disorders.
Anemic patients.s
Persons allergic to hirudin etc.
Patients with weak constitution.
Pregnant woman.
Excellent results have been obtained from leech – therapy in eczema, psoriasis and cases of alopecia. Leech therapy could be very effective in the following diseases
Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
Filariasis
Ulcers
Pemphigus.
Actually a clinical trial was carried out on 8 patients (age group 20 to 50 years) suffering from alopecia areata, (5 patients) rogenetic alopecia (2 patients) and scaring type of alopecia (one patient)
Alopecia in general means baldness. In non scaring type of alopecia the hair shafts are gone but the hair follicles are preserved. Such cases are reversible in nature.
In this clinical trial, the medicinal leech “HIRUDO MEDICINALIS” was used. The leech should not be too long or too small. The leeches used had the same characteristics as prescribed in ‘Sushruta samhita’. All care was taken while carrying out the therapy. The leeches were applied on the bald patches of the patients. After removal of the leeches the wounds were treated with turmeric powder.
The therapy was repeated once in a week. Some patients showed encouraging results after 5 sittings. There was fresh growth of hair from thevi bald paches. There was no response in cases of scarring type of baldness.

Myth 1: Ayurveda is primitive and not a scientific system of Medicine,
Fact : This is a common notion among the present generation.
Ayurveda is the science of life. It was the traditional form of medicine for more than 5000 years. It was very well documented when civilization had not even started in the western hemisphere. The human anatomy was well known and the knowledge about human body was obtained by dissection of dead bodies. There were researches and clinical trials that kept on increasing the knowledge gained. Diagnosis of each and every disease, description and use of each herb, mineral and facts about food were recovered and systematically documented. “Charaka Samhita” and “Sushruta Samhita” are the two ancient teatises on Ayurveda that have stood the test of time. Even surgery was known to the Ancients and “Sushurta Samhita” is the proof of this. Research in traditional medicines have confirmed the efficacy of most of the natural substances used by Ayurveda Doctors. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it can, not only treat persons who are ill but also those who are not sick but need preventive care, so that every one can enjoy a life of balance. To practice Ayurwedic medicine in Ancient India, 7 years of intense, disciplined studies in the eight different branches of Ayurveda was required.
On successful completion of the course, the student was required to take a solemn oath called the medical oath of charaka – similar to the ‘Hippocrates oath’ modern allopathic doctors take.
Myth 2: Ayurvedic medicines are free from side – effects
Fact : Ayurvedic medicines taken in wrong doses or in combination with other
Medicines may cause adverse effects. For e.g. “Guggulu “(l: commiphora mukul) based medications may trigger acidity especially when taken on empty stomach. Hence it is advisable to take such preparations after food, with milk. Like any other medicine, Ayurvedic drugs should be taken under supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor only.
Myth 3: Some Ayurvedic drugs contain heavy metals that cause toxic effects on
the liver and kidney.
Fact : It is true that heavy metals like mercury, lead etc are added to certain Ayurvedic proportions. If the medicines are correctly prepared as laid down in the texts, these metals will not cause any harm. The Ayurvedic “Gurus” of ancient India were aware on the toxic effects of heavy metals. But certain life savingdrugs need addition of these metals. In these preparations, the toxins of the metals are removed by the procedure “shodhan” and there metals are converted to their colloidal state by the process “Maran”, thus avoiding the metals being deposited on the organs. These two processes are very well described in Ayurvedic texts. May be a few pharmaceutical companies are not adopting good manufacturing practices. In allopathy high potency antibiotics and steroids that have harmful side effects are prescribed to save lives because the advantages are better than the disadvantages. Ayurvedic drugs with heavy metal content are far less harmful than anti biotics and steroids.
Myth 4: Ayruveda is good only for chronic illness and is slow – aching
Fact : There are certain serious diseases like cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, Parkinson’s disease etc which can be cured, by any system of medicine, only when detected early. Unfortunately, majority of patients come to Ayurvedic doctors only after trying other systems medicine especially after allopathy. When the disease is in advanced stage, it will take longer time for an Ayurvedic doctor to eradicate it.
Myth 5: Ayruveda belongs to Kerala
Fact : It can not be certainly said when and where Ayurveda Originated. It is a medical science that has been in existence since time immemorial. Probably it started in North India because the great physicians charka and sushrutha were from the North. Also abundant herbs are available in the Himalayan foot hills. It was propogated to all parts of India by the traveling physician “chakracharya”. But the foreign invaders the mughals and British, eliminated physicians and destroyed the ancient texts. As south was relatively less attacked by foreigners, Ayurveda found Its alode in southern most part of India, i.e. Kerala.

Massage is one of the familiar therapies of Ayurveda. It rejuvenates the body and mind. One must get a massage (with warm oil) at least once in a week. One can do it daily also. It does not take more than 30 minutes. You can do it daily because it is self – message. You do not need a masseur.
For the Indian women, especially of the south, oil bath is not an uncommon practice. Fridays are said to be auspicious for women to take head oil bath. Pure warm gingelly oil, is applied to the head and the body. After at least 10 or 30 minutes, using soap – nut powder the bath is taken. It is believed that oil bath cools the body, improves eyesight, memory and induces good sleep. Especially for cold prone persons the gingelly oil is warmed with a few black pepper.
When an ordinary oil bath could bring in so many benefits, think how healthy it will be when massage was done with the oil infused with ayurvedic herbs!
Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic self massage has a lot of benefits. It balances the three doshas. It pacifies vata and balances kapha dosha. It improves blood circulation. It revitalizes a lazy, lethargic person but at the same time it relaxes the body. It calms the mind. Dead cells are removed from the skin faster, promoting a clear, blemishless skin. Minor skin afflictions are cured. Regular massage gives your skin a rich shine. The skin gets soft and supple. Warm oil massage calms the brain and the nervous system. The joints get lubricated. Impurities of the body are removed letter. It ensures restful sleep at night with the result you feel refreshed and stay active throughout the day. Muscles, nerves and nerve ends are toned with better circulation of blood. It makes you feel younger.
The abhyanga is done in the morning before your bath. Early morning massage clears the toxins accumulated overnight. The oils used may be cured sesame oil, an herbalised massage oil or an aroma massage oil. As said earlier, the massage imparts health even when only base oil like sesame or almond oil is used. But for Abhyanga proper. Ayurvedic doctors infuse the base oil with nourishing herbs and flowers. Herbs such as Brahmi, Aswagandha, shatavari Sankapushpi, Tulasi, Bhringaraj and Turmeric are used in traditional Ayurvedic massage oil. The herbs are gently cooked into the oil for a specified period and the oil is then filtered for use. Aroma therapy massage oils contain essences such as sandal wood, jasmine and rose. The best choice of base oil is sesame oil (Gingelly oil) which is highly nourishing and purifying, has anti – inflammatory and anti – oxidant properties. It protects the skin from free radical damage.
To purify the sesame (Gingelly) oil, heat the oil to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the heat once this temperature is reached. Cool and store for use as needed. Almond oil also is a good base oil, it is both nourishing and soothing. So also is coconut oil. But the essential oils are chosen according to the condition and illness of the patient. Your ayurvedic doctor will recommend the correct oil you need.

Process of Abhyanga massage
Use warm oil. First using your finger tips, apply the oil lightly all over the body. Wait for 5 minutes to let some of the oil to be absorbed. Then massage the whole today applying even pressure with the whole hand – palm and fingers. Use more oil and massage a little longer areas where nerve endings concentrate such as soles of the feet, palms of the hands and along the base of finger nails. Go light over heart and abdomen.
After the massage relax for 10 to 15 minutes. The longer the oil is on, the deeper it penetrates. Then take your bath.
Professional Abhyanga is carried out with one or two persons massaging at the same time for 45 to 60 minutes. After massage a steam bath or hot shower is highly recommended.
Abhyanga massage is a relaxing, rejuvenating experience as well as a treatment in certain illness. A regular Abhyanga protects from stress, anxiety and vata disorder. It makes one younger and increases the life span. It is soporific, good for the skin, eyes and overall health.

The use of water at different temperatures, in the treatment of various diseases, is known as Water Therapy or Hydrotherapy. The Traditional Indian system of medicine has been using water, in different ways, for centuries to treat many a diseases. As the human body is made up of 75% of water it makes it completely compatible with water.
Water has been used in home treatments since ancient times. Hydrotherapy works especially well in concert with the other natural remedies such as sunlight, fresh air, hygiene, temperance, unrefined diet, rest, exercise, and acknowl­edgement of the spiritual in our lives.
The application of heat is soothing, easing muscle tension and relieving pain. Heat also improves circulation by causing blood vessels to dilate. Cold can either be stimulating or soothing.
Water healing is helpful in maintaining metabolic function, and in making us feel much better, and are easily accomplished right in our own homes.
A dip in hot water acts as a sedative; it slows down the activity of internal organs, promotes peripheral blood flow and increases oxygen supply to limbs. On the contrary cold water is used to numb the organ, desensitize pain, increase blood flow to internal organs, promote digestion and stimulate nerve supply.
Water therapies tones up the body, stimulates appetite, improve digestion, promotes blood flow, increases immunity and relieves pain. It has power to relieve stress and rejuvenate all organs of the body.
Hydrotherapy can be performed with or without medicated herbs in the following way:
Local/ general steam shower
Local/ general bath
Sitz bath
Hand and foot bath
Steam inhalation
Ice pack
Hot and cold compresses
Wet

The Full Bath should be about 90 to 95°F and shoulder deep. The hot bath should last at least 20 minutes.
The sitz bath should have only enough water to immerse the bottom and hips. The cold sitz bath or the hot followed by cold is especially beneficial for ailments affecting the abdomen and the reproductive system, inflammations, pelvic congestion, cramps, hemorrhoids (piles), menstrual problems, and kidney and intestinal pains.
With a foot bath, you simply put the feet and calves into a deep pot filled with water. For cold feet, a hot foot bath of about 15 minutes is helpful. This is also helpful for bladder, kidney, throat and ear inflammations.
For tired feet, a cold footbath is recommended. While an alternating hot and cold foot bath is said to promote circulation in the legs, help varicose veins, insomnia, headache and high blood pressure.
Alternating hot and cold baths are good for treating hands and feet, with water as hot as you can stand it, in one bowl, ice water in the other. Put hands or feet in the hot water for one minute, and then plunge into the cold for 20 seconds. Then back into hot and cold again until a total of 10 minutes have been spent doing this, ending with the plunge into the ice water.
Caution:
Persons with impaired temperature sensation run the risk of scalding or frostbite at temperature extremes.
When a condition is recurrent or persistent, please consult your physician to determine whether a physical therapy of this type is suitable in your case.
If you have diabetes, avoid hot application to the feet or legs. Also avoid full body heating treatments, such as body wraps.
Avoid cold application if you are diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease.
Hot immersion baths and long, hot saunas are not recommended for those with diabetes or multiple sclerosis, women who are pregnant or anyone with abnormally high or low blood pressure.
Don’t take cold foot baths if you are prone to bladder or rectal irritation. People suffering from sciatica, pelvic inflammation or rheumatism in the toes or ankles should avoid cold foot baths.
Elderly people and young children may be exhausted by too much heat and should avoid long full-body hot treatments such as immersion baths and saunas.
Common Techniques
A number of techniques are available under the general heading of hydrotherapy. These include: baths and showers, neutral baths, sitz baths, contrast sitz baths, foot baths, cold mitten friction rub, steam inhalation, hot compresses, cold compresses, alternating hot and cold compresses, heating compresses, body wrap, wet sheet pack, and salt glow.
Cold rubbings
Soak a linen cloth in cold water, wring out and briskly rub the upper and lower trunk, or the entire body. Go to bed until warm and dry.
Indications: For invigoration, to tone up the body,
Douches
Douches can be carried out with a watering can or hose. The water stream should always be directed from the periphery toward the heart. After douching, stroke off excess water, dress, and exercise.
Sauna and Steam Baths
Saunas and steam baths are similar in effect; the decision to take one rather than the other will be guided by personal preference. Saunas are deeply relaxing and are a great way to melt away stress.
A sauna is an eliminative procedure; it stimulates blood flow, increases the heart rate, has an immune-modulating effect, promotes hormone production, encourages mucosal secretions in the respiratory system, opens the airways, reduces resistance to respiration, regulates the vegetative system, relaxes, and can improve mental outlook. Children can start to take saunas at two or three years of age.
Indications: For “toning-up,” for health promotion, as a way of treating pain caused by pulled back muscles, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma, unstable hypertension (stages I and 11), severely disturbed peripheral blood circulation.
Warning: Saunas should not be taken by persons with acute rheumatoid arthritis, acute infection, active tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases, acute mental disorder, inflammation of an inner organ or blood vessels, significant vascular changes in the brain or heart, circulatory problems or acute cancer.
Do not spend more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time in a sauna. Wipe your face frequently with a cold cloth to avoid overheating.
Rising temperature hip bath
This is taken in a tub filled with a hand’s breadth of tepid water. Hot water is then gradually added until the level reaches the navel. The final temperature should be 103-104′F. Following this procedure, the patient is wrapped warm and proceeds to bed. It should last 15-30 minutes, not more than three times per week.
Indications: incipient and abating common colds, back pain (sciatica).
Warning: to be used with caution by persons with heart or circulation problems, hemorrhoids, or varicose veins.
Cold foot bath
The feet are placed into a foot bath filled to calf depth with cold water. Stop when a cold stimulus is felt or when the water is no longer perceived as being particularly cold.
Indications: Varicose veins, susceptibility to edemas, headaches, low blood pressure, circulatory problems, sleeplessness, proneness to the common cold, sweaty feet, or a contused ankle.
Warning: This type of treatment is best avoided by people who suffer from cold feet, very high blood pressure, an irritable bladder, urinary tract infection, diabetes, or vascular occlusion.
Rising temperature foot bath, warm foot bath
The feet are immersed in a foot bath filled with water at body temperature. Hot water is gradually added to give a final temperature of 103-104′F. The procedure should last 10-15 minutes and can be done daily.
Indications: Cold feet, start of a common cold, for relaxation.
Warning: Best avoided by people with varicose veins, Iymphostasis, or edema.
Cold arm bath
A basin is filled with cold water until it reaches a depth several inches above the immersed elbow.
Indications: Headaches, sleeplessness.
Warning: Best avoided by people with heart or circulatory problems.
Rising temperature arm bath
In principle, this is the same as the rising temperature foot bath. It should be followed by a cold arm douche, then by half an hour’s rest.
Indications: Bronchitis, asthma, incipient respiratory infection, circulatory problems, angina pectoris.
Sitz bath
This is generally taken in a hip bath as a cold, rising temperature, or warm sitz bath. Prior to a sitz bath, warm the feet, e.g. through a warm foot bath. Parts of the body not immersed in water should be covered.
Indications: Cold sitz bath for warm or rising temperature sitz bath for difficulty in voiding the bladder, an irritable bladder, inflammation or infection of the prostate, preparation for pregnancy.
Warning: Do not use warm or rising temperature sitz baths for hemorrhoids.
Wraps
A wrap is primarily used as a supportive measure for treating fever and local inflammation. The person receiving treatment should first adopt a relaxed position. Then a linen cloth is moistened with cold water (warm water for respiratory diseases), well wrung out, and then wrapped tightly around the appropriate part of the body, but not so tightly as to cause constriction. The moist linen cloth is in turn wrapped with a dry cotton or linen cloth. The patient is then usually wrapped in a blanket or another cloth, and should rest for 45-60 minutes or, if the intention is to induce sweating, for up to three hours.
If the wrap is not felt to be warm after a quarter of an hour, heat should be applied in the form of a hot water bottle or by giving warm tea. The wrap should be removed immediately if the person complains of feeling unwell.
Packs
Warm packs. A wrapping cloth is soaked in a hot infusion or decoction of herbs, then wrung out and applied to the patient’s body.
Indications: Painful chronic diseases such as arthrosis, renal disease, or cystitis, and for stimulating blood flow.
.Cold packs. Cooled cataplasm is spread onto the wrapping cloth and placed on the part of the body. Crushed ice in a plastic bag may also be repeatedly applied for one minute, then removed for four.
Indications: Various inflammatory arthropathies, sprains and strains, pleurisy. Ice packs can also be used for headaches.
Warning: When using ice packs, place a thin cloth between the pack and the skin to prevent frostbite.
Herbal Baths
Herbal baths can be particularly soothing when you are experiencing a period of stress. There are several ways to prepare an herbal bath:
Simmer 1/2 cup of herbs in 1 quart of water in a covered pot for fifteen minutes. While the herbs are simmering, take a short shower to cleanse your body, then fill the tub with hot or warm water. Strain the liquid from the decoction into the bath water, and wrap the herbs in a washcloth. Soak in the tub for at least twenty minutes, using the “herbal washcloth” to rub over your body. ­
Add 1/2 cup of herbs to running bath water, preferably hot. You might want to cover the drain with a thin mesh screen to prevent the herbs from clogging the pipes. Soak in the tub for twenty to thirty minutes.
Fill a thin cloth bag with 1/2 cup of herbs, either placing it in the bath water or tying it to the spigot so that the hot water runs through it as it fills the tub. Again, soak for twenty to thirty minutes.
Importance of Drinking Sufficient Water
It is very important that we drink sufficient amount of water in a day to make up for the water lost. The benefits of drinking water is widely recognized. Drinking pure, fresh water is essential to our health and well-being.
Our need for water increases as we grow older. As we age, our skin and mucus membranes become thinner and lose more water, and our kidneys function less efficiently. So our need for water increases. You may not feel thirsty. But you should get into the habit of drinking water, nevertheless.

The quest for good health requires daily and seasonal routine activities to prevent illness, Ayurveda advocates. Ayurveda recommends that in order to be optimally healthy we should tune our bodies to the nature’s master cycle which in turn regulates the various other rhythms. Ayurveda prescribes a daily routine.
There is a rhythm to every natural phenomenon. The human system too does not escape this rhythm. The kapha -pitta- vata trio changes in dominance not only during the life span of a person but also during change of season every day and every moment.
Everyday two cycles of change pass through us, each bringing Vata, Pitta, or Kapha predominance.
The approximate times of the cycles are as follows:
First cycle:
6 A.M. to 10 A.M. Kapha
10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Pitta
2 P.M. to 6 P.M. Vata
Second cycle:
6 P.M. to 10 P.M. Kapha
10 P.M. to 2 A.M. Pitta
2 A.M. to 6 A.M. Vata
Considering the above cycle the ideal schedule should be like this:
Morning
Time to wake up: A healthy person should get up two hours before sunrise. During this hour the Vata element is dominant. Waking up two hours before dawn you utilize the Vata qualities in the nature. Vata is light, subtle and clear and this helps in tuning the body to the delicate messages the nature sends. This is the time when there is the most sattva in the air. It is the most fresh and pure time of the day.
Drinking a glass or two of warm water helps in the elimination. Brush the teeth and scrape the tongue. Ayurveda considers the coating of the tongue as an indicator of ‘Ama’ or toxins in the colon.
Massage the body (abhyanga) with sesame oil. This massage need not be long and cumbersome. Massaging the Scalp, forehead, temples, hand and feet for about 5 minutes is sufficient. Bathe in water which is neither too hot nor too cold. Exercise a little doing some Yoga postures and breathing exercises (Pranayam).
Meditate for about 15 minutes. Breaking should be warm, nourishing and wholesome.
Noon
Lunch should be taken early between 12 and 1 P.M. This coincides with the peak pitta period. Pitta is responsible for the digestion. Ayurveda recommends that the lunch should be the largest meal of the day. After the meal it is good to take a little walk, a couple hundred steps only, to help the food digest. Anything more than a short nap should be avoided because sleeping in the day is prohibited in Ayurveda.
Sundown
Sundown is a special time of balance between day and night. In this balance it is easier for your mind to stop long enough so that you can see yours self. This is the time for evening prayers and meditations in many cultures around the world.
Dinner
It should be taken around 7 P.M. It should be lighter than the lunch. The dinner should be at least three hours before bedtime as it gives the body ample time to digest the food. Sleeping just after the dinner with a heavy stomach is not conducive to a sound sleep. Walk to aid digestion for about 10 – 15 minutes.
Bedtime
Go to sleep around 10 P.M. so that you can get 6 to 7 hours of sleep before 4:30 am. A good practice is to massage the soles of your feet to get a calming effect before going to bed. This will calm your system and promote well being.
One should try to keep the routine as close to the recommended Dincharya as possible. The body might resist the change far a first few days but if you do manage to persist then you are bound to get rewarded with a much healthier and satisfying life.

“The normal air moving about in nature performs the functions of holding up the Earth, Kindling the Fire, disposing continuous movements of the sun, the moon, and groups of stars and planets, cloud making and rain, initiation of streams, producing flowers and fruits, sprouting seeds, growth of plants, strengthening trees, …… the demarcation of seasons, removing excessive moisture, absorbing and transformation”
- Charaka Samhita

Of all the Milk products, Ghee has the best taste and flavour. Ghee is clarified butter. It is prepared from butter or cream of the milk. When butter is melted at approximately 100 degree C, the water evaporates and ghee is produced.
Ghee is called Ghrita or Ghrittham in sanskrit. In Hindi it is ghee and in Tamil, it is ‘Neyi’.
Ghee is a much respected food – stiff in Ayurveda. It is widely used in most of Ayurvedic medicinal preparations. Ghee pacifies all doshas, according to Ayurveda. It is hence called “Rasayana”, that helps overall health.
What the Ayurvedic Acharyas say about ghee
Acharya Caraka – “Ghee increases memory and intelligence, stimulates appetite (Jadaragni), improves semen, ojas, kapha and medas (fat tissues). Useful in treating poisoning, insanity, fever, phthisis. Old ghee is beneficial for treating – intoxication, seizures, phthisis, Ear ache, Head ache, pain in the female genitalia.”
Acharya sushruta:- “Ghrita (Ghee) is sweet, soft, gentle, least irritating and generally beneficial to the body. It balances vata and pitta, stimulates digestive process, but ghee it self is heavy to digest. It alleviates pain, fever, hysteria. It improves memory, intelligence, radiance, glow, beauty and strength. It improves longevity and semen. It is good for the eyes. It increases kapha”.
Acharya Vagbhatta:- “Ghee is suitable for all age groups. It stimulates fertility, heals wounds, burns and injuries.
Acharya Bhava Mishra:- “Ghee alleviates tuberculoes and cures many disorders of the blood. It improves digestion and eye sight. It protects the body from diseases. Improves memory and life.”
Constitugents
The main constituent of Ghee is fat. One hundred grams of ghee contains 100 gms of fat and 600 ug of carotene. Now carotene is an yellow or orange pigment occurring in four forms – alpha, Beta, Gamma and delta. of these four, the most important form is Beta – Corotene, which is converted in the body to Retinol (vitamin A). Except Ghee and cod liver oil and other fish oils, no other plant oil or fat contains vitamin A. This vitamin helps bubrication of the eyes and protects them. It keeps the ephithelial cells in order.
The fats in ghee are mainly Triglycerides (97%). Triglyceride is a lipid or neutral fat and is the form in which fat is stored in the body. The other constituents in ghee are Di-glycerides, monoglycerides, ketoacid glycerides, free fatty acids, steroles, vitamin A, traces of vitamin E K etc. The glycerides in the ghee are Butric acid, caproic, coprylic and capric acids, linoleic acid, stearic acid palmitic acid etc.

The special altributes of cow’s ghee:-
§ It is generally accepted that some fat is necessary for maintaing health. Ghee does not contain oxidised cholesterol or trans – fatty acids, associated with heart diseases. It imparts the goodness of fatty acids without the problems of oxidised cholesterol, transfatty acids or hydrogenated fats.
§ It’s linoleic acid (Un – saturated fatty acid essential for growth but cannot be synthesized by the body and has to come from foods) helps in regular body growth. Ghee has 4 to 5% linoleic acid.
§ Ghee contains high quality edible fats. These fats are lower saturated fatty acids. Because of this, ghee is easily digestible. Its rate of absorption is 95%, highest among all fats and oils.
§ Ghee resists spoilage by micro – organisms. It is also resistent to free radical damage and is lactose free. Because of its butric and linoleic acid contents, ghee has anti – viral, and anti – cancer properties. It does not need refrigeration.
§ The colour of ghee ranges from white to light yellow, depending on the quantity of carotene present in it. Ghee is aromatic with a rich taste and flavour.
§ Ghee melts as 35 degree C itself, less than human body’s temperature
§ Ghee has the special character of attraction to lipid cells (lipophilic action). It bonds easily with lipid soluble nutrients and herbs. Hence ghee / medicines with ghee directly reach the mito chondria, microsome and nuclear membranes parts of the cell easily, thus enhancing the potent action of the herbs.
§ Another reason for large use of ghee in Ayurvedic medicines is – Ghee added medicinal compounds have the three essential properties – delivery, digestion (of the medicine), and absorption. All these 3 actions are ably achieved by ghee.
§ According to Ayurveda, Ghee contains all the “Pancha mahabhutas” viz. Earth (pritvi), water (Jala), Avi (vayu) Fire (Agni) and Ether (Akash). The “contents” of these elements can be manipuleted in the Ghee so as to cure the disorders caused by vitiation of the three doshas (vata, kapha & pitta).
Medicinal Uses
1. Ghee promotes mental functions – learning, memorising and recalling. It is sometimes called ‘Ayush’ because it increases life span, keeps the body healthy. It facilitates growth.
2. It fortifies body’s immune system.
3. Ghee helps balancing the excess acid secreted in the stomach and ‘repairs’ the mucus lining of the stomach.
4. Caraka samhita says that ghee heals stomach ulcers.
5. It stimulates the digestive power if taken with every meal. The quantity taken per meal should not exceed 1 teaspoon.
6. It improves physical stamina, good for use in nervous disorders. Taken with juice of onion and boiled egg, it acts as a nerine tonic.
7. It corrects imbalances of vata and pitta.
8. When ghee gets frozen, a thin liquid forms on top. This liquid is good medicine for constipation pain in the pelvis and is a mild eaxative.
9. Fresh ghee prepared from butter that was gathered from a day old milk, has special qualities. It is called “Hayyanga veenam” in Ayurveda. It is good for reducing body heat, stomach ulcers, Nervous debility & pain.
10. Old ghee may not be accepted as food but has medicinal values. Caraka samhita uses the term “Mahaaghrits” for III years old ghee! Ghee does not spoil easily. Old ghee is very useful in treating brain and nerve disorders, chronic head aches and it improves eye – sight. It reduces fever. It is used in rheumaic afflictions, stift joints etc
11. Ghee has the characteristic of acquiring the properties of herbs with which is added or fortified. Such medicines are -
a) Bringraj Ghrits – For hari growth Ghee + Eclipta Alba
b) Sankupushpa Ghrita – For memory and intellect Ghee – convolvulus pluricalis
c) Tripala Ghrita – For improving vision. Ghee + 3 myrobalans
d) Shatavar Ghrita – Improves, Increases semen. Ghee + Asparagus race mosus
e) Brahmi Ghrita – For memory and in tellect. Ghee + Bacopa moneri.
Caution: While cow’s ghee is essential for health, do not take too much of
it. Limit your daily intake to one or two teaspoons a day.

India has always been the cynosure of other world communities in matters spiritual and intellectual. Two factors enhanced the awareness about india, abroad. These are Ayurveda and yoga. We can feel prowd that india contributed these two sciences to the world.
Ayurveda is perhaps the oldest medical system in the world. Some his torians place the origin of Ayurveda between 2000 and 3000 years B.C. The two texts “Caraka Samhita” and “Susruta Samhita” are the pillars of Ayurveda. The “Pakshshila” University was existing in the 7 century B.C. and Ayurveda was taught there. An Ayurvedic physician of Pataliputra, Jeevaka, was a student of this University. Legend says the Jeevaka was the physician for Gautama Buddha.
Ayurveda was a system ‘born’ from the vedas, specifically “Athawana Veda” . The core principles of Ayurveda are found in the Atharvana veda, In Rig Veda there is a mention about the celestial physicians, the twin Aswini Brothers, fitting an artificial leg made of Iron, to a person who lost his leg they also restored the eye sight of one blind person.
During the war between Rama and Ravana (described in the well known epic Ramayana) Rama & Lakshmana get hit by a spear from Indragith, son of Ravana, and fall down un-conscious. Hanuman went and brought the Sanjeevini mountain it self which, had four rare herbs
1. Herb that eliminates poison from the body (Vishalayakarni)
2. Herb that unite the injured parts (Sandhankarni)
3. Herb that restores the bodily structures of injured parts (Savarnkarni) and
4. Herb, that brings back consciousnests revives life (sanjeevini) of these four, sanjeevini was used to bring back Rama and Lakshmana to consciousness.
Ayurveda emanated from Lord Brahma, according to Acharya Caraka. He
taught it to Daksha Prajapathi who passed on the science to the Aswini Brothers. The brothers revealed it to Indra, Lord of the “Devas”.
Once a group of 50 Rishis gathered at the foot hills of Himalayas and discussed about the diseases that plagued the human beings and the solutions for these ailments. They decided to approach Indra and the Maharishi Bharatwaj was elected to go and meet Indra. Indra taught all aspects of Ayurveda to the Rishi – the causes of the diseases (Hetu), the symptoms (linga) and the remedies (aushadi). Maharishi Bharatwaj assimilated all these knowledge and passed on this knowledge to other Rishis, from whom it reached the son of Atri, Punarvasu Athreya. Athreya has six disciples
1. Agnivesa
2. Bhela
3. Jatukarna
4. Parasara
5. Harita and
6. Ksharpani
Mean while, it is said that Acharya Susruta approached Dhanvantri (Lord
of medicines and king of kasi) for getting instructed about Ayurveda. He was duly taught Dhanwantri, who is considered to be the God of Ayurveda and worshipped as sueh.
Probably the year 1500 B.C., Ayurveda divided into two major branches. General medicine, treatise on which was complied by Athreya and Surgery, treatise on which was authored by Susruta. The texts on these two branches of Ayurveda were divided into the following two categories:-
1. Brihat trayi – Containing classical texts of Caraka Samhita, Sushrut Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya.
2. Laghn trayi – Includes Sarangadara Samhita, Bhava Prakash and Madhavinidan.
As said earlier, Agnivesa, the disciple of Athreya complied a new, the texts
of Athreya and brought out the “Agnivesa Samhita”. Agnivesa probably lived in the year 1500 B.C. His Samhita was again updated and rewritten by the great Ayurveda Acharya, Caraka. Thereafter the complied treatise was lived around 1000 B.C. The complete Caraka Samhita is not available because air the period of time, some parts of it were destroyed. Acharya Drida bala, in the I century A.D., completed it. Some experts say this was in the 9th century A.D.
In the 4th century A.D. Acharya Vegathatta wrobe the Ayurvedic text “Astanga Hridya”. This was amended and rewritten in the 10th century us Chandrahat. Acharya Susruta, based on the teachings of Lord Dhanwantari, wroke the main text on surgery and opthalmolgy.
We sea find a lot of explantory commentaries on Vedas, Upanishads, Gita and “Thirukkural” similarly, there are a lot of explanatory commentaries on Ayurveda texts. Similarly in the 20th century, several explanatory commentaries were written on Caraka Samhita Susruta Samhita etc.
The main texts
1. Caraka Samhita, available as of now, is in the form of verses, written in Sanskrit. It has 8 sections and 120 chapters. The wonder of this treatise is adoption of group discussion on health issues, just like our modern group discussions and meetings. Several physcians gather and discuss a particular medical issue in detail and decide the best way of treatment. The theoretical part and the conclusion all are included in the Caraka Samhita, in detail. In this Samhita, Pathology of diseases is explained elaborately; and psycho – somatic themes are stressed and treatment prescribed includes treating the mind as well as the body. Description of ‘Pancha-karma’ treatment is found in Caraka Samhita. The Caraka Samhita, as said earlier, was brought to the present shape by the kashmiri pandit, Dridabala.
2. Surruta Samhita:- Acharya Susruta was a surgeon. He did plastic surgery in days of yore! He carried out cataract surgery also. His Samhita contains 6 sections and 186 chapters. He describes 101 blunt and 21 sharp surgical instruments. Susruta was a versatile surgeon. In his samhita, methods of dissection. Anaesthesia, Treatment for fractures, surgical treatment for Ear, nose and throat all these are described. Susruta himself carried out cosmetic surgery, caesarean operations, fixing artificial legs by surhery etc!
3. Astanga Hridyam This compilation by Acharyn Vayabhatta contains 6 sections and120 chaptres. This treatise includes important themes culled from both Caraka and susruta Samhitas. One more larger treatise, called ” Astanga Sangraha” appeared later than Astangn Hridiya and the author of this “nigandu” was also named vagabhatta. Whether these vagabhattas are one and the same is not known. Ayurvedic physicians of south India, especially of kerala follow mainly the ‘Astanga Hridiya’. The above three belong to the category of “Brihat Trayi”.
Treatises belonging to the ‘Laghu trayi’:-
1. Saranga = dara Samhita:- This was written by saranga dara in the year 1300 A.D. Its special feature is – it describes several methods of diagnosing diseases – reading of pulse etc. It also describes breathing exercises and methods of preparing Ayurvedic medicines.
2. Medhavndam Samhita:- The lexicon was written by Madhavkar in the 7th century A.D. this also contains methods of diagnosis, described clearly. This samhita details methods of preparing Ayurvedic medicines.
3. Bhava Prakash Samhita:- This was written Bhavamisra is the 13-14th centuries A.D. It includes family planning methods, medicines and discription of Veneral diseases.
A part pom these three, another Samhita, called Kashyapa Samhita
exists. This mainly deals with paediatrics. But unfortunately this samhita is not available is in full form. Only some sections are available.
Ayurveda formed such a uride, solid foundation lost its continuity and practice during the foreigneis rule of India. Now there is a revival – Ayurveda again is making a strong come back.

The Natural way to clean your body
The human body is a wonderful creation. It has “built-in” safe guards and properties to repair and regenerate by itself. Left to itself, it is capable of repairing and regenerating the body automatically till its full span of life.
However in the present day’s competitive life style, people tend to go against nature. Hence there is deterioration in the natural powers of the body.
The human body is composed of millions of cells with spaces in between them. This formation is like a big network of channels. The functional ability of the body depends on the performance of this network of channels. To perform efficiently the body should carry out functions of eating, digesting and evacuation, efficiently. The present life style, lack of physical exercises, food habits lead to wasteful, unhealthy, toxic depositions in the body. In a modern urban city, disposal of garbage is a primary concern. Imagine a city where the garbage disposal stops and streets get choked with garbage and gutters overflow with sewerage. Imagine if this kind of situation occurs to a human body. Waste and toxic depositions in the human body are a potential source of illness. It chokes the circulation of fluids, including blood. The regulatory channels are degraded. The permeability of cell membrane is affected and this reduces the in and out flows.
The depositions go toxic, causing pathological diseases. Cholesterol plaques found in larger arteries are an example of this. The remedy – the toxins and waste material coating have to be excreted out. Only then the body will be able to fight the illness by activating the defense mechanisms.
Here comes in the ultimate level of curative procedure- “Panchakarma”, (Pancha means “five” and karma means “procedures”). Ayurveda elucidates “Pancha karma “ – five methods of biopurificatory procedures. These procedures are basically expulsion of waste products and toxins through the natural orifices provided in the body.
Before the “pancha karma is started, it is essential to employ preparatory” (Poorva Karma) measures. These increase body’s “fire” and bring up the toxins and depositions from other locations of the body to the stomach from where they are easily expelled. Drugs like chitrakadi vati, lavana Bhaskara churana etc, medicated clarified butter, cream of curd with jaggery etc are some preparations given internally. Dry heat, steam baths, massage with hot oils etc are given externally.
After these preparations, the main ‘Pancha Karma’ – five different evacuatory procedures followed one by another – is started. These five procedures are tabulated below for quick reference