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In Ayurveda, the word ‘Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)’ means treatment of a [[Roga (रोगः)|Roga]] or Vyadhi (Illness or disease). Naturally, this word is used frequently in Ayurveda literature. Other terms like Bheshajam, Aushadham, Upachara, Karyam, Kriya, Prashamanam, Vyadhiharam, Pathyam and Sadhanam are synonymously used with the word ‘Chikitsa’.   

In Ayurveda, the word ‘Chikitsa (Samskrit: चिकित्सा)’ means treatment of a [[Roga (रोगः)|Roga]] (रोगः) or Vyadhi (व्याधिः Illness or disease). Naturally, this word is used frequently in Ayurveda literature. Other terms like Bheshajam (भेषजम्), Aushadham (औषधम्), Upachara (उपचाराः), Karyam (कार्यम्), Kriya (क्रिया), Prashamanam (प्रशमनम्), Vyadhiharam (व्याधिहरम्), Pathyam (पथ्यम्) and Sadhanam (साधनम्) are synonymously used with the word ‘Chikitsa’.   

== परिचयः॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः॥ Introduction ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः॥ Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः॥ Etymology ==

The word ‘Chikitsa’ is derived from root word ‘Kit’

The word ‘Chikitsa’ is derived from root word ‘Kit’ (कित्)

In Samskrit, Kit means eradication or elimination (of diseases)<blockquote>कित् रोगापनयने।</blockquote>Thus, the word ‘Chikitsa’ means eliminaitno or separation or destruction of a diseases from the body

In Samskrit, Kit means eradication or elimination (of diseases)<blockquote>कित् रोगापनयने।</blockquote>Thus, the word ‘Chikitsa’ means eliminaitno or separation or destruction of a diseases from the body

== चिकित्साभेदाः॥ Types of chikitsa ==

== चिकित्साभेदाः॥ Types of chikitsa ==

Understanding the various types of chikitsa described in Ayurveda , is important in a way that, one can realise the deep thinking of ancient Ayurveda scholars regarding what all modalities can be used to combat the diseases. It is interesting to know that, Ayurveda scholars have also listed a method wherein a medicinal substance is not directly used. Also, use of chanting vedic mantras, fasting and even holding a precious gem is considered as treatment for certain diseases affecting the union of body, mind, senses and consciousness. Ayurveda chikitsa can be classified in numerous ways. In depth description is available in classical Ayurveda treatises. To name the few, some classifications are listed below based on the following.

Understanding the various types of chikitsa described in Ayurveda, is important in a way that, one can realise the in-depth thinking of ancient Ayurveda scholars regarding what all modalities can be used to combat the diseases. It is interesting to know that, Ayurveda scholars have also listed a method wherein no medicinal substance is used but some other element or activity works as a medicine. Also, use of chanting vedic mantras, fasting and holding a precious gem is considered as treatment for certain diseases affecting the union of body, mind, senses and consciousness. Ayurveda chikitsa can be classified in numerous ways. In depth description is available in classical Ayurveda treatises. To name the few, some classifications are listed below based on the following criteria,

# Use of medicinal substance- Dravya and adravya chikitsa (द्रव्य चिकित्सा- अद्रव्या चिकित्सा)

# Use of medicinal substance- Dravya and adravya chikitsa (द्रव्य चिकित्सा- अद्रव्य चिकित्सा)

# Type of modality used- Shodhan and Shaman chikitsa (शोधन तथा शमन)

# Type of modality used- Shodhan and Shaman chikitsa (शोधन तथा शमन)

# Fundamental cause of pathogenesis and chief protocol- Santarpan and Apatarpan chikitsa (संतर्पण- अपतर्पण चिकित्सा)

# Fundamental cause of pathogenesis and chief protocol- Santarpan and Apatarpan chikitsa (संतर्पण- अपतर्पण चिकित्सा)

# Mode of administration of a drug- Anta parimarjana, Bahiparimarjana and Shastrapranidhana (अन्तःपरिमार्जन बहिपरिमार्जन तथा शस्त्रप्रणिधान चिकित्सा)

# Mode of administration of a drug- Anta parimarjana, Bahiparimarjana and Shastrapranidhana (अन्तःपरिमार्जन बहिपरिमार्जन तथा शस्त्रप्रणिधान चिकित्सा)

=== Three Basic Types of Disease ===

=== Three Basic Types of Chikitsa ===

==== दैवव्यपाश्रया चिकित्सा॥ Daiva Vyapāśraya Chikitsa ====

==== दैवव्यपाश्रया चिकित्सा॥ Daiva Vyappashraya Chikitsa ====

It consists of wearing the Auṣadha and practice of Mantra, Maṅgala etc. It is not in common use now a days.  

Daivavyapashraya chikitsa (Divine therapy) includes chanting of mantras, wearing the Aushadha and performances of homas. Daivavyapashraya chikitsa largely revives normal functioning of Sattva and removes obstacles of Rajas. It is not in common use now a days.  

==== सत्त्वावजय चिकित्सा॥ Sattvāvajava Chikitsa ====

 

 

==== सत्त्वावजय चिकित्सा॥ Sattvavajava Chikitsa ====

It is specially useful for the mental diseases and it consists of Manonigraha i.e. control of mind.

It is specially useful for the mental diseases and it consists of Manonigraha i.e. control of mind.

It is being widely used for the prevention and elimination of diseases by the Āyurvedic physicians since time immemorial. This type of treatment consists of planning (Yojanā) of dietetic regimen (Pathya) and medication.

 

It was Acharya Charaka, who introduced Satwavajaya Chikitsa for mental disorders, which is a non-pharmacological approach equivalent to modern psychotherapy. The word Satwavajaya comprises of „Satwa‟ and „Avajaya‟. The word „Satwa‟ is derived from the Sanskrit root „Sat‟ by adding suffix „Ktva‟. The word „Avajaya‟- Ava + Ji - Achaparajaye „Yenendralokhavajayaya‟ means overcoming, victory, conquer and the word „Satwavajaya‟ refers to self-command, strength of mind or character. In other words, Satwavajaya literally means overcoming of mind or victory over mind or control of mind. Satwavajaya therapy aims at the control of mind by restraining the mind from desires for wholesome objects. Acharya Charaka was the first person to use the word Satwavajaya but only once. No further description of Satwavajaya is available in Charaka Samhita. Even, this word is never mentioned anywhere else in the ancient literature. It seems that Acharya Charaka used the word to name the treatment of the diseases where Satwa‟s balance is interfered with. Hence, he has defined it as a method of controlling or restraining the mind from unwholesome objects. It can be achieved by increasing Satwa to subdue the exaggerated Rajas and Tamas.<ref name=":1" />

 

Uses of Satwavajaya Chikitsa Satwavajaya is an approach which prevents the impairment of intellect, patience and memory and brings them back to normal state. There by all the measures included under Satwavajaya i.e. Jnanam, Vijnanam, Dhairya, Smriti, Harshana, Ashwasana, helps, 1. Individual to discriminate between thoughts and actions. 2. To divert mind and makes the patients to involve with commitment in other (or) next activity. 3. To regulate thought process. To take out phobic nucleus by making awareness of subject knowledge and true facts. 5. Retraining of ideas. 6. For proper guidance and advice for taking right decisions. 7. They initiate Bhakti (or) regard (or) strengthen his belief in god. These measures convey the idea of health to subconscious mind through scientific imagination. There by Satwavajaya Chikitsa uplift the Satva of the patients<ref name=":1" />

The main object of Yukti-Vyapāśraya Cikitsā is Yukti or Yojanā which means planning. In this type of treatment the physician plans the Āhara, Vihāra, Auṣadha, Matrā, Kāla etc. by taking into consideration, Deśa, Kāla, and causes, symptoms, signs, stage, complications, curability etc. of the disease. Taking all these points in view, a physician whatever plans (by Yukti) for prevention or elimination of a disease is known as Yukti-Vyapāśraya Cikitsā.

 

The main object of Yukti-Vyapashraya Cikitsa is Yukti or Yojana which means planning. In this type of treatment the physician plans the Ahara, Vihara, Aushadha, Matra, Kala etc. by taking into consideration, Desha, Kala, and causes, symptoms, signs, stage, complications, curability etc. of the disease. Taking all these points in view, a physician whatever plans (by Yukti) for prevention or elimination of a disease is known as Yukti-Vyapashraya Cikitsa.

=== शोधन तथा शमन॥ Shodhana and Shamana ===

=== शोधन तथा शमन॥ Shodhana and Shamana ===

Taking the different Yukti into consideration, the physician plans two types of treatment depending upon the condition of the patient. These are Śodhana and Śamana.

Taking the different Yukti into consideration, the physician plans two types of treatment depending upon the condition of the patient. These are Shodhana and Shamana.

==== शोधन चिकित्सा॥ Shodhana Chikitsa ====

==== शोधन चिकित्सा॥ Shodhana Chikitsa ====

The above mentioned treatment is done through Auṣadha (medicine), Āhāra (diet) and Vihāra (treatment with other means excluding medicines and diet e.g. exercise, rest, etc.).

The above mentioned treatment is done through Auṣadha (medicine), Āhāra (diet) and Vihāra (treatment with other means excluding medicines and diet e.g. exercise, rest, etc.).

== References ==

== References ==

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[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]