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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

Ayurveda, as the name aptly suggests, is a part of vedic literature originated in भारतवर्षः । Bharatavarsha. It is considered to be the उपवेदः । [[Upavedas (उपवेदाः)|Upaveda]] of अथर्ववेदः । Atharvaveda with its main focus on maintenance of आयुः। Ayu. Ayurveda thus offers the divine methods to achieve Ayu and keep away the रोगाः । Rogas that create obstacles in the daily activities of human beings. Ayu (Samskrit: आयुः) is a union of 4 elements namely, शरीरम् । Shareeram (Body that has natural tendency to degenerate), इन्द्रियाणि । Indriyas (commonly known as sense organs and motor organs), सत्वम् । Satva (or मनस् commonly known as mind) and आत्मा । [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atma]] (commonly referred to as life energy, consciousness or indestructible spirit). It follows that, subject, scope and application of Ayurveda is not limited to physical body but to all the 4 elements and the union of all these.

Ayurveda, as the name aptly suggests, is a part of vedic literature originated in भारतवर्षः । Bharatavarsha. It is considered to be the उपवेदः । [[Upavedas (उपवेदाः)|Upaveda]] of अथर्ववेदः । Atharvaveda with its main focus on maintenance of आयुः। Ayu. Ayurveda thus offers the divine methods to achieve Ayu and keep away the रोगाः । Rogas that create obstacles in the daily activities of human beings. Ayu (Samskrit: आयुः) is a union of 4 elements namely, शरीरम् । [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram]] (Body that has natural tendency to degenerate), इन्द्रियाणि । Indriyas (commonly known as sense organs and motor organs), सत्वम् । [[Manas (मनः)|Satva]] (or मनस् commonly known as mind) and आत्मा । [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atma]] (commonly referred to as life energy, consciousness or indestructible spirit). It follows that, subject, scope and application of Ayurveda is not limited to physical body but to all the 4 elements and the union of all these.

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

=== आयुः ॥ Ayu ===

=== आयुः ॥ Ayu ===

Ayu is defined as the close union of 4 elements namely

Ayu is defined as the close union of 4 elements namely

# शरीर ॥ [[Shareeram (शरीरम्)|Shareeram]] (Body that has natural tendency to degenerate)  

# शरीर ॥ [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram]] (Body that has natural tendency to degenerate)  

# इन्द्रिय ॥ Indriyani (commonly known as sense organs and motor organs)   

# इन्द्रिय ॥ Indriyani (commonly known as sense organs and motor organs)   

# सत्व ॥ Satva (मनस् Manas or commonly known as mind)   

# सत्व ॥ [[Manas (मनः)|Satva]] (मनस् Manas or commonly known as mind)   

# आत्मा ॥ [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] (commonly referred to as life energy, consciousness or indestructible spirit)  

# आत्मा ॥ [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] (commonly referred to as life energy, consciousness or indestructible spirit)  

Dhaari (धारि), Jeevitam (जीवितम्), Nityaga (नित्यगः), Anubandha (अनुबन्ध) are the terms synonymously used with Ayu. This union is present till the time of death or in other words death is the discontinuation of this union. Therefore Shareeram, Indriyas, Satva and Atma are considered the essential components of Life. <blockquote>शरीरेन्द्रियसत्त्वात्मसंयोगो धारि जीवितम् । नित्यगश्चानुबन्धश्च पर्यायैरयुरुच्यते ।। (Char. Samh. 1.1.42)<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Sutrasthana Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>śarīrendriyasattvātmasaṁyogo dhāri jīvitam । nityagaścānubandhaśca paryāyairayurucyate ।।(Char. Samh. 1.1.42)</blockquote>

Dhaari (धारि), Jeevitam (जीवितम्), Nityaga (नित्यगः), Anubandha (अनुबन्ध) are the terms synonymously used with Ayu. This union is present till the time of death or in other words death is the discontinuation of this union. Therefore Shareeram, Indriyas, Satva and Atma are considered the essential components of Life. <blockquote>शरीरेन्द्रियसत्त्वात्मसंयोगो धारि जीवितम् । नित्यगश्चानुबन्धश्च पर्यायैरयुरुच्यते ।। (Char. Samh. 1.1.42)<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Sutrasthana Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>śarīrendriyasattvātmasaṁyogo dhāri jīvitam । nityagaścānubandhaśca paryāyairayurucyate ।।(Char. Samh. 1.1.42)</blockquote>

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 (पुरुषः)|Purusha]]. It is highly recommended for one to understand the concept of त्रिदन्डात्मकपुरुषः । Tridandatmaka Purusha described in Ayurveda to appraise 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]] (Life energy) and शरीरम् । Shariram (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 the main stream of practice mainly for this object.

Acharya 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 appraise 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]] (Life energy) and शरीरम् । Shariram (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 the main stream of practice mainly for this object.

== आयुर्वेदावतरणम् ॥ Ayurveda Avatarana ==

== आयुर्वेदावतरणम् ॥ Ayurveda Avatarana ==

As per Acharya Charaka, establishing धातुसाम्यम् । Dhatusamyam is the only aim of Ayurveda.<blockquote>धातुसाम्यक्रिया चोक्ता तन्त्रस्यास्य प्रयोजनम् ।। (Char. Samh. 1.1.43)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>dhātusāmyakriyā coktā tantrasyāsya prayojanam ।।</blockquote>Meaning: Establishing Dhatusamyam is the only aim of Ayurveda.       

As per Acharya Charaka, establishing धातुसाम्यम् । Dhatusamyam is the only aim of Ayurveda.<blockquote>धातुसाम्यक्रिया चोक्ता तन्त्रस्यास्य प्रयोजनम् ।। (Char. Samh. 1.1.43)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>dhātusāmyakriyā coktā tantrasyāsya prayojanam ।।</blockquote>Meaning: Establishing Dhatusamyam is the only aim of Ayurveda.       

In another discourse, Dhatusamyam (balanced state of body tissues) is defined as आरोग्यम्। Aarogya. Aacharya Charaka defines विकाराः।  Vikara (diseases) as धातुवैषम्यम्। Dhaatu vaishamya (Imbalance of body tissues).  Dhaatu samyam is labelled as प्रकृतिः । Prakruti or state of equilibrium of the human system. Vikaras are considered as दुःख । Dukkha and consequently the opposite, सुख । Sukha, is considered as the state of absence of vikara. <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Khuddakachatushpada_Adhyaya Sootrasthana Adhyaya 9 Sootra 4])</ref> Ultimately Dhaatu samyam is referred to as Aarogyam (Health) and Sukham (Wellbeing and happiness). This clarifies that, the aim of Ayurveda is to establish Aarogya or Dhatusamyam which ultimately helps for attainment of Sukha.   

In another discourse, Dhatusamyam (balanced state of body tissues) is defined as आरोग्यम्। Aarogya. Aacharya Charaka defines विकाराः।  Vikara (diseases) as धातुवैषम्यम्। [[Dhatus (धातवः)|Dhatu]] vaishamya (Imbalance of body tissues).  Dhatu samyam is labelled as प्रकृतिः । Prakruti or state of equilibrium of the human system. Vikaras are considered as दुःख । Dukkha and consequently the opposite, सुख । Sukha, is considered as the state of absence of vikara. <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Khuddakachatushpada_Adhyaya Sootrasthana Adhyaya 9 Sootra 4])</ref> Ultimately Dhatu samyam is referred to as Aarogyam (Health) and Sukham (Well-being and happiness). This clarifies that, the aim of Ayurveda is to establish Aarogya or Dhatusamyam which ultimately helps for attainment of Sukha.   

=== व्याधिपरिमोक्षः स्वस्थस्य रक्षणं च ॥ Curative and Preventive Medicine ===

=== व्याधिपरिमोक्षः स्वस्थस्य रक्षणं च ॥ Curative and Preventive Medicine ===

# Shalya Chikitsa: शल्यचिकित्सा) : Surgical procedures involving use of blunt and sharp instruments, fire, Ksharas (different forms of alkalis) and bloodletting procedures.

# Shalya Chikitsa: शल्यचिकित्सा) : Surgical procedures involving use of blunt and sharp instruments, fire, Ksharas (different forms of alkalis) and bloodletting procedures.

# Damstra Chikitsa (दन्ष्ट्राचिकित्सा) or Agadatantra (अगदतन्त्रम्) : Treatments similar to Toxicology

# Damstra Chikitsa (दन्ष्ट्राचिकित्सा) or Agadatantra (अगदतन्त्रम्) : Treatments similar to Toxicology

# Jara Chikitsa (जराचिकित्सा) or Rasayanatantra (रसायनतन्त्रम्) : Geriatrics, Rejuvenation

# Jara Chikitsa (जराचिकित्सा) or [[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|Rasayanatantra]] (रसायनतन्त्रम्) : Geriatrics, Rejuvenation

# Vrsha Chikitsa (वृषचिकित्सा) or Vajikaranatantra (वाजीकरणम्) : Aphrodisiac therapy, treatments assisting natural conception and fertility

# Vrsha Chikitsa (वृषचिकित्सा) or Vajikaranatantra (वाजीकरणम्) : Aphrodisiac therapy, treatments assisting natural conception and fertility

=== कायचिकित्सा ॥ Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine) ===

=== कायचिकित्सा ॥ Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine) ===

=== रसायनतन्त्रम् ॥ Rasayanatantra  (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. Detailed description of Rasayana can be found in Rasayana chapter of Charaka Samhita <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Rasayana Chikitsasthanam, Rasayana pada,  Adhyaya 1]) </ref> and other treatises of Ayurveda.

[[Rasayana (रसायनम्)|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. Detailed description of Rasayana can be found in Rasayana chapter of Charaka Samhita <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Rasayana Chikitsasthanam, Rasayana pada,  Adhyaya 1]) </ref> and other treatises of Ayurveda.

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

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