Atreya’s guide to Ayurveda Practice

Book excerpt: Ayurveda, the science of life, holistic medicine offers a complete solution with medicines, diet and lifestyle. The radical shift occurred in defining health encourages the medical fraternity of modern times to look deeply into empirically evolved ayurvedic techniques for the maintenance of positive health. The recent WHO report says that 70% of the world population is using herbal medicines for their primary health care. In last decade the use of herbal medicines increased tremendously. Safe and effective prescribing is a basis of proper patient care. Many pocket books or practical prescriber available for allopathic medicine in market but very few for Ayurveda. In order to fulfill this we have undertaken this task. In order to diagnose the disease on the basis of Ayurvedic principles, the physician should have to work very hard to know the subtle changes occurring inside the body due to the imbalance of Dosha. To become perfect in Ayurvedic diagnosis, the physician needs to understand Dosha Vikalpa (Dravyataha-Gunataha-Karmataha Vriddhi of Dosha), Dhatu Vaishamya (the quantum of vitiation, the status of Dhatu & Srotas), Agni Sthiti and nature of Ama. It is essential to get the practical training from the Guru (Teacher) in order to become perfect in Ayurvedic diagnosis, as evidenced from the Vagbhata’s citation “The proficiency comes by continuous practice just like the the genuineness of diamond etc. can’t be known by mere reading of books”. The fundamental principles for treating any disease are Bio-purification, Palliative medicine and avoiding the causative factors. Considering this, the author tried to incorporate these triad principles of treatment. For every diseases, there is explanation regarding causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, line of treatment, Panchakarma treatment, Palliative treatment, formulations, Prescriptions, Pathyaapathya. I hope the Vaidyas will become efficient by practicing the remedies, regime and diet described in this book.