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 yus, meaning "longevity", and veda, meaning "related to knowledge" or "science".Evolving throughout its history, ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia. he earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the !edic period in India. he Su"ruta Sahit and the #haraka Sahit were influential works on traditional medicine during this era. $ver the following centuries, ayurvedic practitioners developed a num%er of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for the treatment of various ailments. &estern 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 e'ists %etween a patient and their e'isting physician.

1. Ayurveda - The Ancient Method of Treatment Ayurveda, the treatment method that originated in India a%out ())) years is now regaining its past glory through glo%al acclamation. he word Ayurveda is a com%ination of two Sanskrit words *ayur+ ,life- and *veda+ ,science- and the word roughly translates into *the science of life+. Ayurveda principles are %ased on living in strict harmony with nature. According to Ayurvedic principles, diseases are caused when someone loses the %alance %etween nature, mind, %ody and soul. Ayurveda is also known as Ashtanga !eda ,science with eight %ranches- %ecause Ayurveda is classified into eight different %ranches of treatment. /. 0aya #hikitsa ,general medicine1. 0aumara 2hritya ,pediatrics3. 4raha #hikitsa ,psychology5. Shalakya #hikitsa , reatment for diseases of eye, nose, throat, eye and head(. Shalya antra ,techni6ue of Surgery7. Agada antra , o'icology8. 9asayana #hikitsa ,9e:uvenation treatment;. !a:eekarana #hikitsa ,Aphrodisiac reatment-. Indians ascri%e divinity to Ayurveda. <hanwanthari, an incarnation of =ord >aha !ishnu gave the science of life to humans through some sages. he literature of Ayurveda was recorded in palm leaves, copper plates and stones. he knowledge was transferred through generations through word of mouth, through a systematic educational system called 4urukul ,4urukula- education. he students live at the ashrams of the sage teachers and learn the science directly from the mouth of their teacher. he main traditions followed in Ayurveda are #haraka ,after #haraka Samhitha %y ancient physicist #haraka-, Sushrutha ,the founder of surgery- and less known 0ashyapa. Education lasts for many years ,usually seven-. At the end of education, the student has to give a 4uru <akshina ,an offering- to his teacher. In one specific instance, the 4uru of ?eevaka ,the physician that treated 2uddha- asked him to give him a plant with no medicinal value at all. ?eevaka searched and searched for years and could not find a plant with no medicinal value. @e then come to see his teacher empty handed and says. +4uru:i, I am not a%le to locate a plant with no medicinal value, I could not give you the 4uru <akshina, Aardon >eB. @is guru smiled and said, this is my 4uru <akshina, and you now know nothing in this universe is useless or meaningless. Cnder suita%le conditions, everything ,living things, nonDliving things, matter and energy in different forms- in this universe assume significance. he main concept of Ayurveda is that everything is composed of Aancha%hootas ,Akash D space, 2hoomi D earth, ?al D water, vayu D air and agni D fire-. hese five %hootas com%ine to form three doshas or tridoshas ,!ataE akash and vayu, AittaE agni and :al and kaphaE :al and %hoomi-. Ayurvedic treatment consists of four %asic forms. medication, panchakarma, dietary regulation and lifestyle regulation. >edication is the application of medicines, dietary regime includes the control of food ha%its for proper health, panchakarma is five different karmas or

systems of Ayurvedic therapy and lifestyle control. hey all work as %oth cure and prevention methods. Aanchakarma is the most important of all treatment methods. It is a process of careful e'pelling of to'ins or e'cess doshas from the %ody system. Aanchakarma mainly focuses to regain the natural healing power of %ody.

2. Ayurvedic treatments Ayurvedic treatments differ from the ma:ority of conventional cures in its uni6ue approach towards healing. he principle of treating the sick and not the sickness is central to all forms of ayurvedic treatments. 9ather than trying to cure a disease in isolatation, ayurveda takes into account an individual in his entirety. "Samadosha samagnischa samadhatu malakriya Arasanna atma manah swastha itih a%hidhiyate." @aving a %alanced 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 e'amining the doshasFprakriti or the natural states of individuals %efore proceeding. he prakriti or the physical constitution, suscepti%ility to diseases, mental makeDup 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 %ody and the natural world, saying that, the elements of the nature ,the Aanchamaha%huts-

kshit ,earth-

ap ,water-

te:as ,fire-

marut,air-

vyoma ,spaceFether-

D are also, the components of human %ody,which are manifested in three types of physic D kaph ,waterFearth-, pitta ,fire-, vata ,etherF air-. hese three types are further recogniGed %y ayurveda as tridoshas or the three faults D vata, pitta and kapha irregularities. he smooth functioning of the %ody is hampered owing to the im%alances in the three doshas ,prakriti- causing all kinds of diseases. Ayurveda takes into consideration the %ody, mind and soul of an individual as the unit for diagnosis. @ence, it recogniGes negative emotions like anger, fear, insecurity, :ealousy and greed as incorrect thinking on the part of an individual. hese can directly create an im%alance in the doshas. Sattva, or peaceful e6uili%rium, ra:as, or e'cessive activity and tamas, or inertia D the three tendencies or gunas of mind influence the im%alances in the three doshas. @ence the mindD%ody im%alance impairs the creative functioning of man.

2.1. The Doshas

2.1.1. ata !ata, which is identified with the cosmic element of vaayu or air and akash or ether, control all types of movements and is responsi%le for respiration too. his is the kinetic force in all kinds of %iological forms, and controls the %odyHs autoDfunctions ,nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination and heart%eats etc.- therein. In case of an im%alance ,vikruti-, vata prakriti individuals, who are 6uick in their mental process and initiation of action, tend to suffer from diseases of the neurological system especially motor functions. he diseases are pronounced during the old age, which is the period of vata ,vata kala-. he disease mostly affects the lower parts of the %ody since they are the predominant seats of vata dosha. Also, individuals %elonging to this type suffer from angina ,hridgraha-. 2.1.2. !itta Aitta Arakriti is consists of agni or te:a, the element of heat energy. It is responsi%le for maintenance of %ody heat and transforming in nature. All types of outside elements an individual takesDin are transformed into inside elements ,microcosm- of the %ody %y pitta. It governs the digestion or proper assimilation of physical, mental and emotional elements of a %iological entity. @ence, Aitta is responsi%le for meta%olism in the organ and tissue systems, as well as cellular meta%olism. he persons of this prakriti are sharp, 6uick in action and normally possess a very good intellect as well as grasping power. he pitta prakriti persons are prone to diseases of the digestive and meta%olic systems. he diseases mostly affect the

a%domen i.e. the area %etween the chest and um%ilicus. Also, pitta disorders are pronounced in the middle ages, which is the period of pitta ,pitta kala-. 2.1.". #a$ha 0apha prakriti or dosha consists of prithvi ,earth- and :ala ,water-. ?ala or ap, is essential for sustenance of life. Arithvi, or earth, is responsi%le for structure and %ulk of the material. 0apha is responsi%le for %ody form and structure ,fluids, fats, %ones and muscles-. he kapha prakriti endows the individuals with a good physic and strong perseverance %ut they are slow in their activities. he cold 6uality of kapha results in poor appetite as their agni or digestion is poor. In case of an im%alance ,vikruti-, individuals tend to suffer from the diseases of the respiratory system especially phlegmatic disorders. he diseases normally affect the upper parts of the %ody i.e. chest and a%ove. he diseases are pronounced during the early ages ,childhood-, which is the period of kapha ,kapha kala-. 4enerally people are a com%ination of two doshas i.e. dwandva:a prakriti. hey possess characteristics of %oth doshas involved depending on the percentage of the com%ination. In this case, one is a primary and the other is the secondary dosha. Sometimes people are a com%ination of all the three im%alances of doshas. 2ut, it is e'tremely rare to find a %alanced state of all the three doshas. Iot only the humans %ut also everything ,animals, plants, geographical locations, times of day, seasons and activities performed etc.- in the universe is categoriGed according to these three doshas. An ayurvedic practitioner formulates a diet plan and recommends her%s for a patient after taking into consideration all these aspects. hatHs why in ayurveda different people with the same disease sometimes receive different diet and her% plans. 2.1.%. &ffect of 'easons on the !ra(riti Ty$es he condition of human %ody depends on the continuous interaction %etween internal and e'ternal 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. Jood and proper digestion of it in our systems is considered vital to maintain a reasona%le %alance of the three doshas of vata, pitta and kapha. Jood is digested %y agni ,heatFfire- within us :ust as it is cooked %y agni ,heatFfire- outside. According to ayurveda, there is a "stimulusDresponse" relation %etween the agni within us and the outside agni D the sun. &hen the agni outside is strong ,i.e. summer- the agni inside us ,the digestive energy- is weak and viceDversa. 2asing on this principle the Indian food customs ,even festival delicacies- and of course, the diet and lifestyle regimen ,<inacharya and 9itucharyaof ayurveda have %een adapted to seasonal changes.

". Ayurvedic thera$ies According to ayurveda, in a living %ody all the ailments and sufferings are due to the disharmony and dise6uili%rium of the doshas. @ence the ayurvedic therapies main aim is to treat disorders, prevent disease and re%alance the %ody doshas, dhatus, malas and mind gunas. Apart form the a%ove said activities the ayurvedic therapies eliminate to'ins from the %ody,

increase immunity and soothe the senses there%y enhancing general physical and mental wellD %eing. In ayurveda the therapies are directed to eliminate the disease completely, permanently. o understand the ayurvedic therapies completely step %y step understanding of the following is necessary. K 2alancing the dosha K Increasing the power of digestion K >aintaining proper elimination of wastes K Enhancing immunity K <eveloping a spiritual temperament. K ypes of herapies Ayurveda defines therapy as any method that involves the process of %alancing the doshas. herapies can involve activities like. K 2alancing diet K >ethods to increase the weight and strength of weak patients K 9educe o%esity K E'ercise K >editation K Internal cleansing K Cse of gems K @er%al pastes and compresses K Sweating K >assage K @er%al medications ".1. Ty$es of thera$ies Ayurvedic herapies are divided into two %road types. K Santarpan or strengthening he ayurvedic strengthening therapies are %asically the re:uvenation therapies like ,9asayanaand aphrodisiacs ,!a:ikarana-. hese therapies further aim at enhancing the immunity, $:as, happiness, peace of mind and longevity. K Apatarpan or emaciating hese therapies refer to the removal of to'ins from the %ody and %alancing the aggravated dosha. Internal medicines and specialiGed cleansing therapies are included in this. According to #haraka Samhita the therapies depend on the status of the doshas. Such as. K If the disease is new and the aggravated dosha are not very strong, fasting on its own may %e sufficient to %alance the dosha. K If the dosha are medium in strength, specific medicines are induced to %alance the dosha inside the %ody and this type of therapy is termed as shamana therapy. K If the disease is in a chronic stage and the dosha aggravation is strong, shodhana therapy is applied to eliminate the e'cess dosha from the %ody. K Ayurvedic 2asti reatment K Aanchakarma K Aurva karma K Aradhan karma

K Shamana K ShodhanaD Elimination herapy %. Ayurvedic massa)e Ayurveda, today, is known as 'Alternative >edicine' %ut in the ancient India, it was the way of life. he original scriptures of Ayurveda have recommended the right ways of doing all the life activities. hey suggest the proper food to %e eaten, e'ercises to %e done and common Indian her%s to %e used when suffering from diseases. $ne of the important part of Ayurveda is >assage. It doesn't see massage as something to %e done only when one falls ill or e'periences difficulty. >assage is the way of Indian lifeD a part of every day routine. Each Indian child, right from the day heFshe is %orn, gets everyday massage. &hether it is the occasion of marriage or issue of gaining post natal strength for a new motherD massage is the ultimate thing to do. Apart from the everyday massage, Ayurveda also recommends many special types of massages such as A%hyanga, 4arshana, Shirodhara etc. %.1. *asic !rinci$+e *ehind Ayurvedic Massa)e he Ayurvedic massage techni6ues rest on certain %asic theories of Ayurveda. $ne of such theories is that of AanchkarmaD the five types of therapeutic measures. Ayurveda %elieves that any pro%lem occuring to human %ody is the result of im%alance among the three to'ins or +doshasBD !aata, Aitta and 0apha. Aanchakarma consists of five %asic types of advanced treatment for %alancing the vitiated <osha from the %ody. Snehana or >assage is one of the su%sidiary of Aanchakarma. It includes other Ayurvedic therapies such as Swedana or fomentationFsweating, 2asti or medicated enemas, !irechana or purging through her%s, !amana or vomiting with the help of her%s, Iasya or nasal administration of oils etc. %.1.1. A,hyan)a Ayurvedic Massa)e Snehana or A%hyanga means $leation ,oiling up-. It is full %ody massage which is recommended to %e done daily. he %ody is massaged with various Ayurvedic warm oils which moves the to'ins towards the gastro D intestinal tract. It is nourishing, pacifies the doshas, relieves fatigue, provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep, enhances the comple'ion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the %ody. >arma therapy is followed while doing A%hyanga. >arma are the vital points of the %ody which contain Arana ,lifeenergy. $il is directly poured on these >arma points. 4entle pressure is given on >arma while doing massage. It provides Arana energy to the %ody and mind which leads to ultimate healing. A%hyanga massage is very rela'ing. It harmoniGes, deto'ifies, strengthens and revitaliGes the entire %ody apart from stimulating the immune system. It also calms and strengthens the nervous system. A%hyanga is the real re:uvenator.

%.1.2. -harsana Ayurvedic Massa)e 4harshana literally means +ru%%ingB. he 4harsana massage, %asically is, a dry lymphatic skin %rushing having an e'foliating effect on skin. It is a great therapy for skin care. It is done without oil. If gharshana is done on a regular %asis, it helps in %reaking down fat deposits %y enhancing %lood and lymphatic circulation. It cleans and e'foliates the skin, making it more receptive to her%s and therapeutic oils. It is followed %y %athing or oil massage. 4harshana is done after wearing gloves made up of wool,raw silk, or terry cloth. <uring gharshana, light vigorous upward strokes are given. It can %e done everyday. &hen %ody is ru%%ed during 4harshana, heat is generated which improves circulation there%y eliminating wastes from %ody. he gentle strokes in upward direction activate the lymphatic flow. 4harshana produces e'foiliating effect due to the usage of wool or raw silk. 2oth of them are fairly a%rasive %ut soothing to the skin. E'foliated skin functions %etter in eliminating wastes. 9aw silk is %eneficial for !ata and Aitta %ody types whereas wool is good for kapha type of %ody. erry cloth can %e used for !ata and Aitta %ody types. %.1.". 'hirodhara Ayurvedic Massa)e Shiro means head and dhara means to flow. Shirodhara involves gently pouring li6uids over the forehead, more specifically statedD on the Lthird eyeM. It is the chakra point :ust a%ove and %etween the eye%rows which is said to %e the seat of human consciousness. he li6uids used in shirodhara can include oil, milk, %uttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water according to the various treatments for different %enefits. 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, >NniOre's disease and certain skin diseases such as psoriasis. hese days, shirodhara is mostly used nonDmedicinally at spas for its rela'ing properties. he person wanting shirodhara is made to lie on hisFher %ack and head is positioned under a metal %ottle with a slowDflowing spout from which the oils streams gently onto the forehead. It has amaGing 6uality of gently releasing stress and tension from the mind and %ody.

%.1.%. Udvartana Ayurvedic Massa)e Cdvartana is deeply penetrating her%al paste lymphatic massage. his full %ody 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 e'foliating effect magically conditions the skin. It is almost similar to A%hyanga %ut more invigorating. Also it uses her%al paste instead of oil. he paste is made with various organic grains, flours, her%s and oils and applied with upward strokes during massage. Cdvartana massage is particularly used for people having 0apha dosha. Cdvartana helps to eliminate lymphatic to'ins out of the %ody and also improves sluggish circulation and digestion. It %alances 0apha dosha and cleans the skin. It increases the meta%olic rate of the %ody and activates the rasa dhatu ,lymph-, which in turn ena%les the vayus ,gases- to flow and make the nadi system more efficient. %.1... ishesh Ayurvedic Massa)e !ishesh means special. It is a special deep muscular massage which %reaks up adhesions and improves circulation deep within the muscles. It is done with the help of essential oils chosen according to the dosha or %odymind constitution. he techni6ues used in !ishesh massage include tapping, kneading and s6ueeGing apart from the more traditional massage strokes that are gentle in nature. he style and flow of the !ishesha massage is determined %y the %ody type. Jocus is placed on '>arma' points. his type of massage dissolves and cleanses ama ,to'ins- from the tissues and stimulates the lymphatic flow. !ishesh massage removes %lockages to increase %lood flow, improve digestion, and awaken the energy sources and deeper levels of consciousness. his deep tissue massage is especially helpful for soothing sore, tired or aching muscles.

.. Co+or Thera$y #olour has %een known to have some of the most powerful effects on our mind and %ody. #olour contains the energy of the Sun, the life restoring force of nature. @ence, colour as well as music and fragrance are the efficient modes of nature to connect with the su%conscious core. =ight and #olours have an effect on the total energetic system of the %ody.

=ight is a%sor%ed through the eyes as well as through the skin %y our sensory nerve endings.#olours act like gemsQ they increase the aura the astral %ody. his is the am%it of pure colour, and is suita%le for su%tle or spiritual healing. ..1. Use of Co+ours #olour therapy affects the mind more than it affects the %ody. hus there is greater consideration of the Satwik, 9a:asik and amasic ,three %asic 6ualities if the mindeffects of colour, even more in their effect on the physical constitution. Satwa. all colours have shades that are satwik, ra:asik or tamasic, so it is imperative to use only the satwik shadesD those shades that %ring :oy, harmony and serenity. 2est colours are. white, gold, violet and %lue. Rajas. coloursD %right, loud, flashy, artificial and ra:asic shadesD %right metallic, penetrating, are sometimes useful when there is low or inert energy. #om%inations of opposite colours can also %e too stimulating and irritating. 9a:asic colours are. yellow, orange, red, purple. Tamas. these colours are dull, dark, tur%id and muddy, they cause the mind and senses to %ecome heavy, inert and congested. amasic colours are. %rown, %lack and grey. &hite and %lack are not really considered colours, %ut are polar opposites of light and dark, from which colour is produced. &hen healing, primary colours should %e used in their most characteristic shades. ..2. Ayurvedic Conce$t of Co+our Thera$y !edic astrological and architectural scriptures make the use of colours to represent different deities. he seven colours of the spectrum namely, violet, indigo, %lue, green, yellow, orange, red are said to %e the seven rays or the deities or the sunR #olour herapy %alances the mental and physical doshas through the sense of sight. #olours are a%sor%ed primarily through the eyes or Alochak Aitta and secondarily through the skin 2hra:ak Aitta. he therapeutic 6ualities of colour are the crucial part of su%tle mental and pranic lifeD force nutrition as it energiGes the nerves, which in turn stimulates the mind. #olour therapy is a techni6ue of restoring im%alances in the %ody %y applying coloured light to the %ody. hrough coloured archetypes the individual can %ecome aware of areas once vague or su%conscious, in need of further development or understanding, allowing for increased opportunities of developing oneMs inner and outer potential. Each and every

/)

colour has a driving force within our very cell consciousness, which in turn has a driving force within the consciousness of the whole person. 2ringing colour into our daily lives, acts as a catalyst and motivator to recogniGe our selfDimage. ..". *asic !ostu+ates <ifferent colours can %e used to achieve certain responses. Ahysical responses to colour are not tied to our individual psyches or %ear much relation to our cultural %ackground. In fact, everyone has the same general physical responses to certain colours. Even a colour%lind individual, who can't identify the colour himself, will react in the same way to these colours. All earthy o%:ects such as plants, animals, human %eings and all other living things have their own characteristics fre6uency of vi%ration. All living cells, tissues, organs and other human %ody parts have their own characteristics fre6uency of vi%ration in health. Illness is an altered physiological functioning that is nothing more than a change in fre6uency with the stepping up or lowering of the vi%ration caused %y a stressor. he stressor can %e generated from a chemical, mechanical ,physical- or thermal source. >ental and emotional stressor help to change a fre6uency when they cause a internal chemical response, such as hormonal stimulation. All illness have a characteristic fre6uency of vi%ration. Applying a corrective fre6uency in the form of food, physical therapy, in:ection, nutrients, oral drugs, e'ercise, colour or some other methods of healing, will help distressed %ody function return to its homeostatic pattern. 2ody cells selectively take in normal rays and vi%rations from the environment when they need them. @owever, if the environment presents overly strong rays vi%rations, the cells will a%sor% them even when they don't need or want them. #ells that lack colour vi%rations, the same as cells that lack nutrition, will tend to deD polarise and alter their fre6uencies 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 fre6uencies and growth pattern will alter to the point of damage. =ike that of a to'ic food, a wrong colour can damage and change the electromagnetic force field or fre6uency of a cell, which sets up a chain reaction. he change of fre6uency will interact with a larger field of force of the organ, which in turn will effect the %ody system. In turn this will react upon the total individual, such a chain of reaction can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. he fatigue may then %ring on e'haustion in the organisms and eventually lead to death. #olour as pure vi%ration is the rational therapy for maintaining health and overcoming disease ,as a complementary or alternative treatment to more traditional allopathic medicines or drug treatments- %ecause it presents itself for the %ody's use in the right form ,or food- in the right place and at the right time. #olour can %e readily adopted for clinical application %y physicians who practice orthomolecular medicine. In some specific cases , therapists prefer to direct the colours at specific parts of the %ody instead of %athing the whole %ody in colour. he most vital thing is that application of colour therapy is not at all regarded as harmful to the %ody and mind.

//

..%. Co+or and /ou &hen you favour one colour over other, you are telling a story a%out your personality and %ehaviour. Jor e'ample, a person who dislikes all colours is also likely to hate music, children and the world as a whole. >ost of all the colour haters intensely generate negative feelings within them, which lead them to frustrations and helplessness. #olour preferences are innate. Sou are %orn with an attraction for particular colour. &hat you feel a%out them will pro%a%ly remain with you throughout your life. Sour colour choice is the result of your genes, early childhood memories, education, parent's %eliefs, cultural trainings, political learning's and other aspects of life style. ender children who can't speak whole sentences will often e'press themselves elo6uently with a set of crayons. A general delight in colours shown %y an adult is thought %y psychologist to demonstrate the normal emotional tendencies in him. Iormally all children love %right colours. A child's preference for the %lack crayon pro%a%ly 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. 9ed shows carefree feelings. 4reen indicates that the child is %alanced, with few emotional out %ursts and having a simple and uncomplicated nature or mind structure. Soungsters' 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 D the characteristics of your real trait. Sou then feel and see within yourself through your inner vision. Jollowing are some of the personality traits associated with the colour you adopt as your own.

0. /o)a Ayurveda and yoga are sister !edic sciences that have %een united for thousands of years for the sake of healing %ody, mind, and consciousness. 4enerally speaking, Ayurveda deals more with the health of the %ody, while yoga deals with purifying the mind and consciousness, %ut in reality they complement and em%race each other. he ancient rishis ,seers- were the original masters of all !edic sciences. hey understood that good health is a great asset on the path toward SelfDrealiGation. If the %ody is neglected it can easily %ecome an o%stacle to spiritual practice. Anyone who has practiced meditation for any length of time would agree to how difficult it can %e to sit still for long periods of time without feeling discomfort and fatigue. 2oth yoga and Ayurveda are mutually supportive and offer many ways to prevent and heal various disorders as well as to cleanse and re:uvenate the %ody. 2esides sharing a philosophical foundation, %oth systems have many similarities in relation to attitude, nutrition, diet, hygiene, e'ercise, cleansing practices, as well as spiritual

/1

practices. raditionally, a student of yoga would first live close to and serve the guru for many years, during which time he would learn healthy ha%its. he %asic Ayurvedic principles 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-. Iowadays, the teachings of yoga are easily availa%le to all, and whether prepared or not we can leap headlong into its practice. >odern yoga practitioners would most certainly %enefit from a %asic knowledge of Ayurveda to help esta%lish a healthy daily routine and ad:ust their practice according to the constitution, dosha im%alance, season, and so on, to prevent disease and promote longevity. Similarities %etween yoga and Ayurveda. 2oth are ancient !edic teachings. Soga originates in the Sa:ur !eda, while Ayurveda originates in the Atharva !eda and 9ig !eda. 2oth recogniGe that keeping the %ody healthy is vital for fulfilling the four aims of life. <harma ,duty-, Artha ,wealth-, 0ama ,desire-, and >oksha ,li%eration-. 2oth recogniGe that the %alance of doshas ,humors-, dhatus ,tissues-, and malas ,waste products- is essential for maintaining good health. 2oth share virtually the same metaphysical anatomy and physiology, which consists of 81,))) nadis ,su%tle channels-, 8 main chakras ,energy centers-, ( %odily sheaths, and the 0undalini Shakti ,energy-. 2oth advocate the use of diet, her%s, asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, astrology, prayer, pu:a, and rituals for healing the entire %eing. 2oth encourage physical health as a good foundation for mental, emotional, and spiritual wellD%eing. 2oth share the same view on psychology. Ayurveda em%races all si' of the main schools of philosophy including the Soga Sutras of Aatan:ali and !edanta ,a nonDdual philosophical and spiritual path-. hey %oth understand that the attachment to the %odyD mind comple' is the root cause of all suffering and that the ultimate state of health is e'perienced when we a%ide in our true nature, which is total peace, regardless of the state of the physical %ody. 2oth use cleansing methods for the %ody, all of which encourage the removal of waste products and to'ins through their natural routes of elimination. Ayurveda has panchakarma ,five cleansing actions- and yoga uses Shat 0arma ,si' purification measures-. 0.1. Ayurvedic a$$roach to asana $ractice he use of asana, pranayama, and meditation for healing is known as Soga #hikitsa, or Soga herapy and has %een used for thousands of years %y Ayurvedic and yogic adepts. In Soga #hikitsa, a group of yogic e'ercises are chosen that will %est support the individual and are practiced daily. his can %e done over an e'tended period of time in con:unction with an Ayurvedic regime and her%al and dietary therapies. Soga #hikitsa

/3

also plays an integral role in the Ayurvedic cleansing and re:uvenation process known as panchakarma. Jor a well %alanced personal yoga practice, it is important to take into consideration the individual's %ody structure, prakruti ,original constitution-, and vikruti ,present constitutional im%alance-. he following are general recommendations according to the predominant dosha. !ata predominant individuals should remem%er to focus on calming, grounding, stillness, strengthening, and %alancing while doing their practice. Arecautions for vata. !inyasa or flow styles of yoga tend to move too 6uickly from one pose to the ne't and can aggravate the hyperDmo%ile 6uality of vata over time. Jlow se6uences can %e made to %e more vata pacifying if they are not e'cessively long, the length of time poses are held is e'tended, and transitions are done slowly and consciously. hose with lower %ack pro%lems may find that %ending the knees in standing forward %ends can prevent discomfort. 2ack %ends should %e done slowly, carefully and within one's own limits. Aitta individuals should maintain a calm, cool, and rela'ed intention while doing asanas. Aitta types may %enefit 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. 2ecause asana practice tends to generate heat in the %ody, it is %est 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 e'cess heat from the %ody, such as poses that compress the solar ple'us and poses that open the chest like. 0apha types tend to %e sedentary and often dislike vigorous e'ercise. Jor this reason, their practice should %e energetic, warming, lightening, and stimulating, providing they are physically capa%le. !inyasa or flow style yoga is good for kapha %ecause it is dynamic and moves 6uickly from one pose to the ne't, it induces sweating and gets the heart pumping. Soga poses that address specific doshic pro%lems can %e easily added to an Ayurvedic regime and integrated into an e'isting yoga routine, or they can %e organiGed as a small session with the help of an Ayurvedic clinician who knows each individual case well and can help set up a well %alanced program according to the needs of each client. Ayurveda also offers Soga #hikitsa, or Soga herapy, for specific doshic disorders. It is advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for an individualiGed regime. It is o%vious that Ayurveda and yoga not only complement each other. 2oth sciences actually em%race 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.

1. Ayurvedic A$$roach to !ranayama 2,reathin) techni3ues4 Aranayama is a Sanskrit word meaning "e'tension of the prana or %reath" or more accurately, "e'tension of the life force". he word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Arna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the %reath, and "yma", to e'tend, draw out, restraint, or control.

/5

he ultimate goal of pranayama is to calm the mind and prepare it for meditation. It also has a therapeutic effect on the physical %ody as well. It is not essential to do a pranayama practice according to dosha, %ut knowing its effects on the %ody is a valua%le tool for management of the doshas. 2elow is a general list of pranayama and %andha e'ercises according to dosha. Vata: Iadi Shodhana, 0apala 2hati, Agnisara <hauti, C::ayi, ri 2andha, >aha >udra. Pitta. Sheetali or Sitkari, Iadi shodhana. Kapha. 2astrika, Agnisara <hauti, 0apala 2hati, Ashvini >udra ,contracting and releasing >ula 2andha-, Ashvini >udra, C::ayi, ri 2andha, >aha >udra. Jurthermore, the Jour Aurifications taught in our workshops is an ancient method from the Ashtanga Soga for purifying the gross and su%tle %ody in order to prepare it for more advanced practices. hey are tridoshic and safe for everyone, providing they are performed correctly. Several researchers have reported that pranayama techni6ues are %eneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, improving autonomic functions, relieving symptoms of asthma, and reducing signs of o'idative stress. Aractitioners report that the practice of pranayama develops a steady mind, strong willDpower, and sound :udgement, and also claim that sustained pranayama practice e'tends life and enhances perception

5. 6er,s @er%s are more commonly called plants that have some value with them. hey are used %ecause of their 6ualities such as flavours, scent or some other properties. Each her% is used in different ways. hey are mainly used for cooking and for making her%al products that are used for treating various diseases. Indian her%s are a significant part of the history of Ayurveda, the system of traditional medicine which is now popularly called alternative medicine. he her%s have %een used %y the +!aidyasBD the traditional Indian doctors for Ayurvedic treatmentD since ages. <ifferent her%s are o%tained from different parts of a plant. hey may come from roots, leaves, %arks, seeds or flowers of a plant. @owever, the her%al e'tracts o%tained from plants are used in very small 6uantities. =arge amounts of her%s may result in poisoning. his is particularly important fact to %e considered %y those who use her%s as home remedies. hey should always use her%s with utmost caution. 5.1. Ana+)estic 6er,s Analgesic her%s are the therapeutic her%s with analgesic effect that are commonly known as pain relief her%s or simply the pain her%s. Analgesic her%s are natural pain reliever that reduce or eliminate pain. hese pain relief her%s are availa%le in the market in analgesic

/(

topical forms like essential oil and analgesic creamD that can %e directly applied at the pain sitesD as well as in form of capsules, tea and tinctures for pain relief. 2eing a natural pain relief her%, any type of analgesic her% has the advantage of not producing any side effects as is the case with other chemically produced pain relief medicine. here are many analgesic her%s that are typically known as :oint her%s for their analgesic properties of giving relief from :oint pains like those felt in arthritis, neck and %ack pain, or tendonitis. In fact, these therapeutic her%s are antiD inflammatory her%s and treat the pain conditions that result from inflammation of :oints. here are many pain relief her%s that include canna%is, valerian, turmeric, poppy, willow %ark, St. ?ohn's wort, angelica, motherwort, %lack cohosh, wild yam, lavender, cayenne, kava kava, and rose etc. Essential oils of pine, lavender, peppermint, cinnamon, rose, clove, frankincense, rosemary, ginger, :uniper, and %irch are also effective her%al pain relievers. en to twelve drops of essential oil her%s should %e mi'ed in one ounce of a carrier oil like olive or coconut to apply for pain relief. he list of Indian analgesic her%s contain the following therapeutic her%s among others. K A%utilon indicum K Aconitum heterophyllum K Asteracantha longifolia K Atropa %elladonna K #assia occidentalis K #innamomum camphora K #issampelos pareira K 4inger K urmeric K $ro'ylum indicum K Aarmelia perlata K Ainus ro'%urghi K Sida #ordifolia K Inula racemosa K >adhuca indica K >imusops elengi 5.2. Anti,acteria+ 6er,s Iatural anti%acterial her%s kill and %lock the development of %acteria in human %ody. he e'tracts of anti%acterial plants or anti%acterial essential oils work %y interfering with the growth condition of %acteria and in turn reducing the chances of infections, sepsis or putrefaction due to %acterial growth in the %ody. As such, these her%s can also %e called immune system her%s as they prevent diseases %y strengthening %ody's capacity to fight off %acteria. here are many Indian her%s with anti%acterial effect that are used on a daily %asis as spices or condiments for cooking such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, neem leaves etc. Anti%acterial properties of other Indian her%s are made availa%le in the form of such products as her%al tea, anti %acterial soaps and %ody washes, anti%acterial essential oils, tinctures etc. here are hundreds of Indian her%s with anti%acterial effects that are used in her%al anti%acterial medicine to treat %acterial infections.

/7

his list of some anti%acterial her%s contain names of many common as well as uncommon anti%acterial plants and her%s. K Allium Sativum ,4arlicK Alpinia galanga K AGadirachta Indica ,IeemK 2er%eris aristata K #assia occidentalis K #elosia cristata K #innamomum camphora K #issampelos pareira K #urcuma longa , urmericK Eclipta prostata K Jicus racemosa K Jicus religiosa K Inula racemosa K =epidium sativum K =eptadenia reticulata K Iyctanthes ar%ortristis K $cimum sanctum ,2asil her%K $'alis corniculata K Ahyllanthus niruri K Alum%ago Geylanica K Audina ,>intK Aomegranate seed oil K Aongamia pinnata K Aremna o%tusifolia K Aunica granatum ,AomegranateK 9aphanus sativus K 9u%ia cordifolia K Sapindus mukorossi K Saussurea lappa K Spilanthes acmella K Stevia re%audiana K SyGygium aromaticum ,#lovesK SyGygium cumini ,AlumK ephrosia purpurea K ylophora indica , t. asthmaticaK !ite' negundo K Tingi%er $fficinalis ,4inger-

-in)er

*asi+

Neem

7. Ro+e of Ayurvedic oi+s in Ayurvedic thera$ies $il herapy which involves usage of various Ayurvedic oils form an essential part of Ayurvedic treatment. $il therapy, is in particular, used for treating !ata disorders. @owever, it is also used for treating diseases related to nervous system, %ones and tissues and is also %eneficial for other doshas.

/8

A%hyanga, a massage procedure which involves the use of Ayurvedic oils, is a part of the Aanchakarma treatment, and plays a ma:or role in Ayurvedic therapies. Apart from the %asic moisturiGing and nourishing, Ayurvedic oils transfer their 6ualities to the %ody 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 su%tle properties of her%s to reach the %ody tissues. +ShirodharaB and +AiGhichilB are the other uni6ue 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, !ata im%alance8 im$roves memory8 prevents insomnia8 re+ieves stress and increases circu+ation in the ,rain. Similarly AiGichil is a treatment meant for the whole %ody. Ayurvedic oils are in other words referred to as +medicated oilsB or +her%al oilsB and when these are either consumed, or massaged in com%ination with coconut, castor or sesame oils, they are easily digested, and contri%ute to numerous healing properties. he Ayurvedic oils derived from %itter her%s helps in e'pelling to'ins, oils from astringent her%s enhance cellular secretions, aromatic and pungent her%al oils remove any possi%le o%structions in the tissues and oils e'tracted from sweet her%s strengthen and nourish the tissues. $ils derived from her%s which do not fall into any said categories, has direct impact on specific parts of the %ody. Each oil helps in providing a specific %enefit for a particular condition and %ody constitution. Jor todayMs healthDconscious people, a selfDmassage with Ayurvedic oils are an important part of their daily routine. he 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 %ody, as re6uired. he oil is left on for an hour and then washed off. Ayurveda recommends a steam treatment or hot %ath, which magnifies the effect of the massage. @owever, when Ayurvedic oils and massages are used for treating a specific %ody condition or health condition, it is advisa%le to get the massage done through trained professionals as the manner in which the massage is done, is e6ually important for its effectiveness.

19. Ayurveda Cosmeto+o)y Ayurveda is considered as one of the ancient sciences of health U medicine. his complete health includes cosmetic aspects as well. As ayurveda the concept of %eauty has an ageDold origin as well. Ancient scriptures like A%hi:nana Shakuntalam and >eghadootam of 0alidasa and many mythological epics encompass the reference of cosmetics like. ilak, 0a:al, Alita and Agaru ,A6uilaria agal%eha- that were used as %ody decorative and to create %eauty spots on

/;

the chin and cheeks in the era ruled %y gods and their deities. In fact, the concept of %eauty and cosmetics is as old as mankind and civiliGation. Safe solutions, no side effects, use of natural her%s, long lasting impacts etc. have made ayurveda as choicest cosmetology. According to ayurveda healthy skin is the result of overall health condition of individuals and prescri%es numerous skin care treatments that need to %e pursued at every stage of life. he %asic mantra of ayurveda is that everyone has got a uni6ue %ody constitution and re6uire different type of treatment as per their %ody type. he person who studies the ayurveda cosmetology is called as ayurvedic cosmetologist. Ayurveda is a vast world of her%s and medicineQ hence one has to do deep study of different her%s used in cosmetics, need to understand the medicinal properties of her%s to cure skin ailments, need to understand rasayana and cosmetology in order to %e e'pert ayurvedic cosmetologist to provide ade6uate solutions and suggestions. Ayurveda aims at eliminating vitiated doshas ,vata, pitta, kapha- from the %ody as they are mainly responsi%le for skin disorders and other diseases. A connoisseur ayurvedic cosmetologist may miraculously revamp the oneMs persona, that too without any sideDeffects. hat is the reason why ayurveda cosmetology has %ecome indispensa%le in world of %eauty. 19.1. Medicina+ 6er,s as Cosmetics he medicinal her% mentioned in ayurveda %y e'perienced sages %asically state that the function of ayurvedic her%s is to purify %lood and eliminate vitiated doshas ,vata, pitta, kapha- from the %ody as they are mainly responsi%le for skin disorders and other diseases. Among the written information on ayurveda also, like in #harakh Samhita, the sage #harakh stated numerous medicinal plants in !arnya 0ashaya. he her%s mentioned can %e used to o%tain glowing comple'ion. !arious her%s for which description and usage can %e found in ayurvedic inscriptions are mentioned %elow. #handana Iagkeshara Aadmak 0hus Sashtimadhu >an:istha Sariva Aayasya Seta ,shweta durva=ata ,shyama durva-

/P

here is also the mention of various her%s from 0ushthagna >ahakashaya that are effective curatives for skin disorders. Jew such her%s are. 0hadira A%haya Amalaki @aridra 2hallataka Saptaparna Aragvadha 0aravira !idanga ?ati 19.2. '(in Care and Ayurveda It is not possi%le to get away with the process of aging and getting old %ut letting it not come very early is possi%le with ayurveda and its medicinal her%s. According to ayurveda healthy skin is the result of overall health condition of individuals and prescri%es numerous skin care treatments that need to %e pursued at every stage of life. It is necessary to know a%out one's skin, whether it is oily, normal or dry and su%se6uently a%out its needs and necessities. >edically skin is a sensory organ that responds to refle'es and is a protective system that shields the entire living %ody. As ayurveda %elieves that all living %eings have the panchamaha%hoota as it is components, same is for skin. It is formed of the Aancha >aha%hootas 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 e'cretory agent for Sweda ,sweat-. Skin is also the dwelling of 2hra:aka pitta and regulates the temperature of the living %ody and a%sor%s all local medicinal applications. he comple'ion 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 em%ryonic stage, dhatus ,seven %asic elements descri%ed in Ayurveda which compose the human %ody- form the different layers of the skin on our %ody." According to Ayurveda skin is made up of seven layers and every successive layer is thicker than the previous one and can %e affected %y various disorders. 19.". Common her,s used as cosmetics

1)

@i%iscus

Aloe vera

Saffron

According to ayurveda there are certain her%s that have their mention in the old ages also, such as. K Indigo D %eing %lue in color it was used as a %indi F tika ,dot- on the forehead and chin. K >adder 9oot D %eing availa%le in color that suits the lips this was utiliGed as to %eautify lips and cheeks. K @i%iscus 9osa #ynensis ,?aswand or Shoe Jlower- D with dark color of its own this was used to %lacken and maintain hair color. K 9aktachandan D this was another natural component availa%le in attractive color and hence was used as fresh, red %indi F tika ,dot- on the forehead. K Aloe !era D 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. K #handan and !ertiver ,Csheer- D it was used as scru%s and face packs that were applied on face and whole %ody to remove dead cells, regenerate growth of new cells and give a young look. K @aldi , urmeric- D it was used as a face pack along with usher ,vertiver- and also as an antiseptic.

@aldi

>adder root

1/

11. Ayurveda resorts 11.1. Coconut :a)oon It is located hidden among the palm trees on the eastern shore of =ake !em%anad, at 0umarakom, at the mouth of the 0avanar 9iver. It is set on an a%andoned coconut plantation in the very heart of these fascinating %ackwaters, and has %een designed to give visitors an authentic insight into 0uttanad life. he resort can only %e reached %y %oatD a ferry leaves from one of several "mainland" em%arkation points at scheduled times throughout the day, the closest %eing 0umarakom.

11.2. #aira+i Ayurvedic 6ea+th Resort 0airali is one of its kind uni6ue and e'clusive Ayurvedic @ealth 9esort at Aalakkad, 0erala, South India, where one could stay in a paradise like atmosphere and e'perience various Ayurvedic herapies. 0airali Ayurvedic @ealth 9esort is spread across () acres of lush green and %eautifully landscaped garden with 3) independent villas designed distinctively different from each other and having lu'urious, comforta%le and with modern facilities. 0airali is designed to retain traditional values yet contemporary to suit modern days living. 0airali is the one and only e'clusive Ayurvedic @ealth 9esort practicing Aanchakarma treatments for re:uvenation, deto'ification and treatments for various ailments including Soga and >editation practiced under the supervision of highly 6ualified and e'perienced doctors.

11

11.". Marari *each >arari Ayurveda 2each 9esort is one of the finest resort with full of natural %eauty near 0ochi, 0erala set in 1( acres of #oconut Aalm groves leading down to the vast e'panse of %each. >arari originates from ">ararikulam", 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 %ringing in the daily catch. >arari offers endless miles of super% sand %eaches %acked %y swaying palms, virgin territory where you can e'perience the local charmFand traditional 0eralan @ospitality at it's %est.

11.%. 'omatheeram *each Resort A serene aryurvedic resort %y the sea in South India. @ere you can %enefit from traditional Ayurvedic therapy as well as Soga in a %lissfully peaceful environment.Somatheeram8 the worldMs first Ayurvedic resort, is one of the %est tourism spots in 0erala, India. =ocated at #howara 2each on a hillock P km south of the famous 0ovalam 2each, rivandrum, 0erala with over /( acres of greenery all around.

13

Conc+usion Ayurveda is the system of medicine incorporating centuries of wisdom in it. he emphasis here is on ways to promote health rather than :ust treat disease. he %eauty of the system is that every individual is uni6ue rather than %eing :ust another case of particular disease. It is one of the few systems of medicine taking mental, emotional and spiritual well %eing into account. All the suggestions and remedies prescri%ed are totally in con:unction with nature. Ayurvedic medicine is %ased on a life force and the pursuit of %alance %etween the %ody, mind and nature. According to Ayurveda, nature is permeated %y intelligence. Intelligent laws govern the growth of all living thingsQ 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. =aws of nature regulate everything.

15

:iterature http.FFwww.ecoglo%us.comF http.FFwww.vedicDacademy.comF http.FFwww.ayurvedictalk.comF http.FFhealth.indiamart.comF http.FFwww.keralaayurvedics.comF http.FFwww.lifepositive.comF http.FFwww.ayurvedaonline.comF http.FFwww.naturalfragrances.netF http.FFwww.ayurvedaDher%s.comF http.FFwww.holisticonline.comF

1(