Ayurveda : Ashtang Ayurveda

The writings that relate to Ashtang Ayurveda provide an introductory information of the eight branches of Ayurveda, namely: Surgery (Shalya), ENT with Ophthalmology (Shalakya), Medicine (Kaya), Bhoota, Gynac, Obstretics, Paediatrics (Kaumara), Medical jurisprudence and toxicology (Agada), Gerontology (Rasayan) and Science of Aphrodiasic (Vajikarana).

Shloka

Shusrut Sutra 1/6 - 7 Pg. 30 (Ayurveda Hitopadesha) Ayurveda, Upaveda of Atharvaveda, written by Brahma is named as the Brahma Sanhita. It envelops in utself one million shlokas in form of rhymes written in one thousand chapters.

Ayurveda was rewritten in the in eight parts popularly known as the ashtang ayurveda due to the decline in the intellectual level and life span of human beings.

Shalya

Shloka: Ref Shusrut Su. 7/4
the word shalya refers to the things that cause discomfort to the body and the mind. Shalya is of two types, namely: shaarir (within the body) and agantuj (outisde the body).

The shalya present inside the body is considered as the Shaarir Shalya.. Example: Unhealthy teeth, Hair, Nails, imbalanced doshas, dhatus and mala, abscess, tumor, fetus etc. Whereas agantuj are the shalya presen toutside the body. Example: Thorns, Stone pieces, iron pieces, dust particles, worry etc.

Shalya tantra (Surgery):

Shloka : Shusru. 1/8
It deals with the means such as Yantra (Tools), Shastra (Instruments), Kshara (Alkalies) and Agni (Fire) to remove the shalya in the body by different methods.

Shalakya

Shloka: Ref Shusrut Su. 1/8
It deals with the diseases related to Nose, Ear, Throat and Eyes. Inother words it deals with the disease of Urdhva Jatru region i.e diseases in the organs above the Clavicle (Jatru) and their treatment.

Kaya Chikitsa (Medicine/ Therapeutics)

Shloka : Shusrut Su. 1/8
it is the branch of Ayurved that deals with internal medicine. The treatment involved is called "Kayachikitsa", where Kaya means "Agni "and Chikitsa means "treatment".

It is noteable that the entire Ayurvedic therapeutics is based on this concept of Agni. The concept of Kaya (Agni) is unique and is responsible for bio- transformation.

As it is known that energy can neither be created nor it can be destroyed. In human body Kaya provides the necessary energy for all bodily activities. As energy can be changed from one form to another the living body derive energy from the food eaten and breathing air. Biological Kaya transforms this energy to the energy, which is utilized by our cells.

In simple words, the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats etc. eaten are bio transformed by this Kaya to the bodily substances. As long as Kaya is proper all the activities in body are carried out smoothly. Any disturbance in Kaya causes imbalance in the homeostasis (equilibrium) and disturbs physiology which is nothing but the disease. In ayurveda therapeutics devotes to correction and maintenance of biological Kaya through the means of Mantra, Mani and Aushadhi.

Keeping in mind all the benefits of ayurveda it must be kept in mind that anything and everything that is herbal can not naturally become Ayurvedic medicine, but only the therapy which considers the above mentioned concepts of Ayurved qualifies to be called as Ayurvedic medicine.

Bhoota (Graha)

it is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with diseases acquired or inherited from apparently unknown causes. In modern terminology it can be considered as idiopathic diseases in which the exact cause of disease is unknown.

According to Ayurveda, diseases are caused by affliction due to Deva, Asura, Gandharva, Yaksha, Rakshasa, Pitara, Pishacha, Naga and other bad demons or evils. The exact patho- physiology of these disorders is to be extensively researched.

Bala / Kaumara

it is the branch of ayurveda that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to preconception, childbearing (Pregnancy), childbirth (delivery) and diseases of children (Pediatrics).

Rasayana tantr

It is the branch of ayurveda that deals with various aspects of preventive health care. Without rasayana it is possible to gain neither oratory nor the desirable aura. It includes longevity, improved memory, health, youthfulness, glow, complexion, generosity, and strength of body and senses. Rasayana improves the metabolic activities and results in best possible bio- transformation leading to health.

Vajikarana

it is the branch of ayurveda that deals with the sexual aspects. It includes medications for diseases related with reproduction namely spermatogenesis, aphrodisiacs etc.