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अधिकरणम् । Adhikarna means the substratum or the object for which the entire knowledge is offered.   

अधिकरणम् । Adhikarna means the substratum or the object for which the entire knowledge is offered.   

Aacharya Charaka has clearly mentioned that, knowledge about life offered in Ayurveda is related to the Ayu of त्रिदन्डात्मकपुरुषः । Tridandatmaka [[Purusha]]. It is highly recommended for one to understand the concept of त्रिदन्डात्मकपुरुषः । Tridandatmaka Purusha described in Ayurveda to identify the scope and application of Ayurveda. The entire knowledge in Ayurveda has been offered for this object known as Tridandatmaka Purusha.  <blockquote>सत्वमात्मा शरीरं च त्रयमेतत्त्रिदण्डवत् । लोक्स्तिष्ठति संयोगात्तत्र सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् ।</blockquote><blockquote>स पुमांश्चेतनं तच्च तच्चाधिकरणं स्म्रुतम् । वेदस्यास्य, तदर्थं हि वेदो अयं प्रकाशितः ।। (Char. Samh. 1.1.46,47)<ref name=":0" /> </blockquote><blockquote>satvamātmā śarīraṁ ca trayametattridaṇḍavat । lokstiṣṭhati saṁyogāttatra sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitam ।</blockquote><blockquote>sa pumāṁścetanaṁ tacca taccādhikaraṇaṁ smrutam । vedasyāsya, tadarthaṁ hi vedo ayaṁ prakāśitaḥ ।।(Char. Samh. 1.1.46,47)</blockquote>Meaning: सत्वम्। Satva (Mind), आत्मा। [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] (Soul) and शरीरम् । Shareeram (Body) are the three basic components. The union of these three components form the tripod of life. The entire life depends and sustains on this union. It must be understood that any one of these is not sufficient to uphold the life individually. When each one of these factors supports other and form a union, they develop the ability to sustain the life. When any one of these factors is absent and their union breaks, the life discontinues. Hence each of these 3 factors and their union hold equal importance. This union is also called as  पुमान् । Puman or चेतनम् । Chetan and, this is the object under discussion in Ayurveda. In fact Ayurveda had been brought into light for this object only.   

Aacharya Charaka has clearly mentioned that, knowledge about life offered in Ayurveda is related to the Ayu of त्रिदन्डात्मकपुरुषः । Tridandatmaka [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]]. It is highly recommended for one to understand the concept of त्रिदन्डात्मकपुरुषः । Tridandatmaka Purusha described in Ayurveda to identify the scope and application of Ayurveda. The entire knowledge in Ayurveda has been offered for this object known as Tridandatmaka Purusha.  <blockquote>सत्वमात्मा शरीरं च त्रयमेतत्त्रिदण्डवत् । लोक्स्तिष्ठति संयोगात्तत्र सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् ।</blockquote><blockquote>स पुमांश्चेतनं तच्च तच्चाधिकरणं स्म्रुतम् । वेदस्यास्य, तदर्थं हि वेदो अयं प्रकाशितः ।। (Char. Samh. 1.1.46,47)<ref name=":0" /> </blockquote><blockquote>satvamātmā śarīraṁ ca trayametattridaṇḍavat । lokstiṣṭhati saṁyogāttatra sarvaṁ pratiṣṭhitam ।</blockquote><blockquote>sa pumāṁścetanaṁ tacca taccādhikaraṇaṁ smrutam । vedasyāsya, tadarthaṁ hi vedo ayaṁ prakāśitaḥ ।।(Char. Samh. 1.1.46,47)</blockquote>Meaning: सत्वम्। Satva (Mind), आत्मा। [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] (Soul) and शरीरम् । Shareeram (Body) are the three basic components. The union of these three components form the tripod of life. The entire life depends and sustains on this union. It must be understood that any one of these is not sufficient to uphold the life individually. When each one of these factors supports other and form a union, they develop the ability to sustain the life. When any one of these factors is absent and their union breaks, the life discontinues. Hence each of these 3 factors and their union hold equal importance. This union is also called as  पुमान् । Puman or चेतनम् । Chetan and, this is the object under discussion in Ayurveda. In fact Ayurveda had been brought into light for this object only.   

== आयुर्वेदावतरणम् ॥ Ayurveda Avatarana ==

== आयुर्वेदावतरणम् ॥ Ayurveda Avatarana ==

It deals with Internal Medicine for systemic diseases caused due to disturbances in Agni. The word Kayachikitsa is composed of 2 parts. First is काय । Kaay, meaning complete physical body composed of multiple अवयवाः । Avayava (various organs and systems) in all the stages of life, while चिकित्सा । Chikitsa refers to the treatment methods. Thus, Kayachikitsa offers the knowledge of treatments for bodily diseases. This branch is commonly co related with internal medicine. It is believed that imbalances in दोषाः । Dosha, धातवः । Dhatu, मलाः। Mala and अग्निः । Agni are the fundamental causes for development of almost all the diseases. These imbalances can be managed using various orally administered medicines, पथ्यम् । dietary regimens, lifestyle changes and other important methods like पंचकर्मः। Panchakarma. Hence, Kayachikitsa is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with management of systemic disorders.  

It deals with Internal Medicine for systemic diseases caused due to disturbances in Agni. The word Kayachikitsa is composed of 2 parts. First is काय । Kaay, meaning complete physical body composed of multiple अवयवाः । Avayava (various organs and systems) in all the stages of life, while चिकित्सा । Chikitsa refers to the treatment methods. Thus, Kayachikitsa offers the knowledge of treatments for bodily diseases. This branch is commonly co related with internal medicine. It is believed that imbalances in दोषाः । Dosha, धातवः । Dhatu, मलाः। Mala and अग्निः । Agni are the fundamental causes for development of almost all the diseases. These imbalances can be managed using various orally administered medicines, पथ्यम् । dietary regimens, lifestyle changes and other important methods like पंचकर्मः। Panchakarma. Hence, Kayachikitsa is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with management of systemic disorders.  

=== Baala Chikitsa OR Koumarabhrutyatantram: बालचिकित्सा । कौमारभृत्यतन्त्रम् । (Paediatrics) ===

=== कौमारभृत्यतन्त्रम् ॥ Koumarabhrutyatantram (Pediatrics) ===

This branch includes knowledge of treating diseases occurring in neonates, infants and children. Diseases in this age group are considered to be caused by imbalances in nutrition, contaminated breast milk from feeding mother and sometimes some unknown factors or evil forces known as ग्रह । Graha. Causes, Clinical manifestations and methods to treat these diseases can be found in Kaumarbhrutya which is also known as Balachikitsa.  

This branch includes knowledge of treating diseases occurring in neonates, infants and children. Diseases in this age group are considered to be caused by imbalances in nutrition, contaminated breast milk from feeding mother and sometimes some unknown factors or evil forces known as ग्रह । Graha. Causes, Clinical manifestations and methods to treat these diseases can be found in Kaumarbhrutya which is also known as Balachikitsa बालचिकित्सा ।.  

=== Graha Chikitsa OR Bhootavidya : ग्रहचिकित्सा । भूतविद्या । (Demonology / Psychology) ===

=== ग्रहचिकित्सा ॥ Graha Chikitsa (Demonology / Psychology) ===

This branch focuses on management of various diseases caused due to unknown etiological factors which might include ill spirits, demons, astrological factors etc. these factors primarily affect चेतस् । Chetas. Hence this branch offers knowledge of methods to fight psychological and psycho-somatic diseases. It includes mention of various शान्तिकर्माणि । Shantikarmas, मन्त्राः। Mantras etc. This aspect is considered unique to Ayurveda.  

Also known as Bhootavidya भूतविद्या । This branch focuses on management of various diseases caused due to unknown etiological factors which might include ill spirits, demons, astrological factors etc. these factors primarily affect चेतस् । Chetas. Hence this branch offers knowledge of methods to fight psychological and psycho-somatic diseases. It includes mention of various शान्तिकर्माणि । Shantikarmas, मन्त्राः। Mantras etc. This aspect is considered unique to Ayurveda.  

=== Urdhvaanga Chikitsa or Shalakyatantra: उर्ध्वाङ्गचिकित्सा। शालाक्यतन्त्रम्। (Head and Neck Treatment) ===

=== शालाक्यतन्त्रम्॥ Shalakyatantra (Head and Neck Treatment) ===

It involves treatment of diseases occurring in head and neck. Includes diseases of Ear, Eyes, Oral cavity, Nose etc. Shalakya is the term derived from the name of instrument शलाका। 'Shalaka' appearing like a probe. Since most of the procedures performed in head and neck region involve use of this instrument. The entire branch is thus named after it.  

Shalakyatantra शालाक्यतन्त्रम्॥ is also known as Urdhvaanga Chikitsa उर्ध्वाङ्गचिकित्सा। It involves treatment of diseases occurring in head and neck. Includes diseases of Ear, Eyes, Oral cavity, Nose etc. Shalakya is the term derived from the name of instrument शलाका। 'Shalaka' appearing like a probe. Since most of the procedures performed in head and neck region involve use of this instrument. The entire branch is thus named after it.  

=== Shalya Chikitsa: शल्यचिकित्सा। (Surgery) ===

=== शल्यचिकित्सा॥ Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery) ===

It consists of surgical procedures involving use of blunt and sharp instruments, fire, Kshara and bloodletting and hence commonly referred as Surgery. Knowledge of various procedures performed using various types of blunt यन्त्रम्। and शस्त्रम्। sharp instruments, क्षाराः । Ksharas (Alkaline Ash like substances), अग्निः । fire and various local treatments for wound healing are described here.

It consists of surgical procedures involving use of blunt and sharp instruments, fire, Kshara and bloodletting and hence commonly referred as Surgery. Knowledge of various procedures performed using various types of blunt यन्त्रम्। and शस्त्रम्। sharp instruments, क्षाराः । Ksharas (Alkaline Ash like substances), अग्निः । fire and various local treatments for wound healing are described here.

=== Damstra Chikitsa OR Agadatantra: दन्ष्ट्राचिकित्सा । अगदतन्त्रम् । (Toxicology) ===

=== दन्ष्ट्राचिकित्सा ॥ Damstra Chikitsa (Toxicology) ===

Agadatantra is a very well-developed branch in Ayurveda which deals with management of poisoning from various sources like snakes, insects, food combinations, natural and artificial poisons etc. It provides details of identification, causes, clinical manifestations and methods to eliminate the poison from body. Commonly referred as Toxicology in Ayurveda.  

दन्ष्ट्राचिकित्सा ॥ Damstra Chikitsa is also known as Agadatantra अगदतन्त्रम् । It is a very well-developed branch in Ayurveda which deals with management of poisoning from various sources like snakes, insects, food combinations, natural and artificial poisons etc. It provides details of identification, causes, clinical manifestations and methods to eliminate the poison from body. Commonly referred as Toxicology in Ayurveda.  

=== Jara Chikitsa OR Rasayanatantra: जराचिकित्सा । रसायनतन्त्रम् । (Geriatrics, Rejuvenation) ===

=== रसायनतन्त्रम् । Rasayanatantra  (Geriatrics, Rejuvenation) ===

Rasayana tantra is a specialty of Ayurveda. It is also known as Jarachikitsa. Various methods to prevent premature ageing, achieve longevity (by preventing diseases and preserving the health), increase the strength, endurance and immunity are discussed under this branch of Ayurveda. The word जरा । ‘Jara’ means Ageing or senility. Thus, Jarachikitsa also signifies the specialty treatments in Ayurveda for diseases occurring in old age. Therefore, this branch is commonly referred to as Geriatrics but its scope is not limited to the subject of Geriatrics. Detail description of Rasayana is found in Rasayana chapter of Charaka Samhita.<ref>Rasayana Adhyaya, Charaka Samhita available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Rasayana</ref>  

Rasayana tantra is a specialty of Ayurveda. It is also known as Jarachikitsa. Various methods to prevent premature ageing, achieve longevity (by preventing diseases and preserving the health), increase the strength, endurance and immunity are discussed under this branch of Ayurveda. The word जरा । ‘Jara’ means Ageing or senility. Thus, Jarachikitsa also signifies the specialty treatments in Ayurveda for diseases occurring in old age. Therefore, this branch is commonly referred to as Geriatrics but its scope is not limited to the subject of Geriatrics. Detail description of Rasayana is found in Rasayana chapter of Charaka Samhita.<ref>Rasayana Adhyaya, Charaka Samhita available from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Rasayana</ref>  

=== Vrisha Chikitsa OR Vajikarana tantra: वृषचिकित्सा । वाजीकरणतन्त्रम् । (Aphrodisiac therapy) ===

=== वृषचिकित्सा ॥ Vrisha Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac therapy) ===

Vajikarana tantra is also known as Vrisha chikitsa in Ayurveda. This stream of Ayurveda offers knowledge of methods to preserve sexual health and treat diseases related to reproduction. This involves use of medicines, diet, lifestyle modifications and psychotherapy to correct the imbalances that cause deficiency, impurity, insufficient production and dryness of रेतस् । Retas (Commonly known as शुक्रम्। Shukra, which is one of the 7 Dhatus of पुरुषः । Purusha and is responsible for reproduction. Not equal to but similar to semen). It elaborates on the therapeutic measures for nourishment, fortification and enhancement of the quality and quantity of Shukra. Moreover, it also provides knowledge about methods to increase the libido and aphrodisiac agents.  

Vrisha chikitsa is also known as Vajikaranam वाजीकरणम् । in Ayurveda. This stream of Ayurveda offers knowledge of methods to preserve sexual health and treat diseases related to reproduction. This involves use of medicines, diet, lifestyle modifications and psychotherapy to correct the imbalances that cause deficiency, impurity, insufficient production and dryness of रेतस् । Retas (Commonly known as शुक्रम्। Shukra, which is one of the 7 Dhatus of पुरुषः । Purusha and is responsible for reproduction. Not equal to but similar to semen). It elaborates on the therapeutic measures for nourishment, fortification and enhancement of the quality and quantity of Shukra. Moreover, it also provides knowledge about methods to increase the libido and aphrodisiac agents.  

It is extremely important to understand that, in Ayurveda, Sexual intercourse is considered for the purpose of reproduction. Therefore, this branch of Ayurveda is developed to correct the imbalances in the factors responsible for reproduction and generation of healthy progeny. This specialty deals with diseases of infertility resulting from unhealthy Shukra. It is not intended for enhancing the carnal pleasures like it is misinterpreted many times. Detail description of Vajikarana is found in Vajikarana chapter of Charaka Samhita.<ref>Vajikarana Chikitsa, Charaka Samhita available online from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Vajikarana</ref>  

It is extremely important to understand that, in Ayurveda, Sexual intercourse is considered for the purpose of reproduction. Therefore, this branch of Ayurveda is developed to correct the imbalances in the factors responsible for reproduction and generation of healthy progeny. This specialty deals with diseases of infertility resulting from unhealthy Shukra. It is not intended for enhancing the carnal pleasures like it is misinterpreted many times. Detail description of Vajikarana is found in Vajikarana chapter of Charaka Samhita.<ref>Vajikarana Chikitsa, Charaka Samhita available online from http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Vajikarana</ref>