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== अष्टाङग आयुर्वेदः ॥  Ashtanga Ayurveda ==
 
== अष्टाङग आयुर्वेदः ॥  Ashtanga Ayurveda ==
 
This entire knowledge of life in Ayurveda is divided under 8 main branches. These are called उपाङ्गानि। Upanga of Ayurveda and as they are 8 in number, Ayurveda is also called Ashtanga Ayurveda.<ref name=":1" /> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%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/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Sootrasthanam Adhyaya 1])</ref> These 8 branches are as follows:
 
This entire knowledge of life in Ayurveda is divided under 8 main branches. These are called उपाङ्गानि। Upanga of Ayurveda and as they are 8 in number, Ayurveda is also called Ashtanga Ayurveda.<ref name=":1" /> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%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/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Sootrasthanam Adhyaya 1])</ref> These 8 branches are as follows:
# Kayachikitsa (कायचिकित्सा): Internal Medicine for systemic diseases caused due to disturbances in [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]]
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# Kayachikitsa (कायचिकित्सा): Internal Medicine for systemic diseases caused due to disturbances in [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]] (digestive fire)
 
# Bala Chikitsa (बालचिकित्सा) or Koumarbhrutyatantram: (कौमारभृत्यतन्त्रम्) : Treatment of neonates, infants and children like Paediatrics
 
# Bala Chikitsa (बालचिकित्सा) or Koumarbhrutyatantram: (कौमारभृत्यतन्त्रम्) : Treatment of neonates, infants and children like Paediatrics
 
# Graha Chikitsa (ग्रहचिकित्सा) or Bhutavidya (भूतविद्या) : Demonology / Psychology
 
# Graha Chikitsa (ग्रहचिकित्सा) or Bhutavidya (भूतविद्या) : Demonology / Psychology
 
# Urdhvaanga Chikitsa (उर्ध्वाङ्चिकित्सा) : Treatment of disease occurring in head and neck
 
# Urdhvaanga Chikitsa (उर्ध्वाङ्चिकित्सा) : Treatment of disease occurring in head and neck
# Shalya Chikitsa: शल्यचिकित्सा) : Surgical procedures involving use of blunt and sharp instruments, fire, Kshara and bloodletting
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# 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 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) ===
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 । [[Pathya (पथ्यम्)|Pathyam]] or 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.  
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It deals with Internal Medicine for systemic diseases caused due to disturbances in Agni ( digestive fire). 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 । [[Pathya (पथ्यम्)|Pathyam]] or 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.  
    
=== कौमारभृत्यतन्त्रम् ॥ Koumarabhrutyatantram (Pediatrics) ===
 
=== 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 बालचिकित्सा । Balachikitsa.  
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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 refered as ग्रह । Grahas. Causes, Clinical manifestations and methods to treat these diseases can be found in Kaumarbhrutya which is also known as बालचिकित्सा । Balachikitsa.  
    
=== ग्रहचिकित्सा ॥ Graha Chikitsa (Demonology & Psychology) ===
 
=== ग्रहचिकित्सा ॥ Graha Chikitsa (Demonology & Psychology) ===
This is also known as भूतविद्या । Bhutavidya and deals with Demonology & Psychology a branch unique to Ayurveda. 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 for the treatment of such ailments. Such remedy measures are also ancient and considered unique to Ayurveda.  
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This is also known as भूतविद्या । Bhutavidya and deals with Demonology & Psychology, a branch unique to Ayurveda. 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 (mental faculties). Hence this branch offers knowledge of methods to fight psychological and psycho-somatic diseases. It includes mention of various शान्तिकर्माणि । Shantikarmas, मन्त्राः। Mantras etc for the treatment of such ailments. Such remedy measures are also ancient and considered unique to Ayurveda.  
    
=== शालाक्यतन्त्रम्॥ Shalakyatantra (Head and Neck Treatment) ===
 
=== शालाक्यतन्त्रम्॥ Shalakyatantra (Head and Neck Treatment) ===
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=== शल्यचिकित्सा॥ Shalya Chikitsa (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 to 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 under this section. Many instruments of surgery used in the present day are identical to those mentioned in Ayurveda Samhitas.
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It consists of surgical procedures involving use of blunt and sharp instruments, fire, Kshara and bloodletting and hence commonly referred to as Surgery. Knowledge of various procedures performed using various types of यन्त्रम्। blunt and शस्त्रम्। sharp instruments, क्षाराः । Ksharas (Alkaline Ash like substances), अग्निः । fire and various local treatments for wound healing are described under this section. Many instruments of surgery used in the present day are identical to those mentioned in Ayurveda Samhitas scripted thousands of years ago.
    
=== दन्ष्ट्राचिकित्सा ॥ Damstra Chikitsa (Toxicology) ===
 
=== दन्ष्ट्राचिकित्सा ॥ Damstra Chikitsa (Toxicology) ===
Damstra Chikitsa is also known as Agadatantra (अगदतन्त्रम्). It is a very well-developed branch in Ayurveda which deals with management of cases of poisoning from various sources like snakes, insects, food combinations, natural and artificial poisons. It provides details of identification, causes, clinical manifestations and methods to eliminate the poison from body. It is commonly referred as Toxicology.  
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Damstra Chikitsa is also known as Agadatantra (अगदतन्त्रम्). It is a very well-developed branch of Ayurveda which deals with management of cases of poisoning from various sources like snakes, insects, food combinations, natural and artificial poisons etc. It provides details on identification of source of poison, causes, clinical manifestations and methods to eliminate the poison from body. It is commonly referred as Ayurvedic Toxicology.
    
=== 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 is 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>  
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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) ===
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.  
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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. Shukram is one of the 7 Dhatus (body tissues) of पुरुषः । Purusha and it is responsible for reproduction, growth and development. 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 use of aphrodisiac agents.  
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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>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Vajikarana Chikitsasthanam, Vajikarana Pada,  Adhyaya 1]) </ref>  
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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 developing healthy progeny. This specialty also deals with diseases of infertility resulting from unhealthy Shukra. It is not intended for enhancing only the carnal pleasures like it is misinterpreted many times. Detail description of Vajikarana is found in Vajikarana chapter of Charaka Samhita <ref>Charaka Samhita ([http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.28.2/index.php?title=Vajikarana Chikitsasthanam, Vajikarana Pada,  Adhyaya 1]) </ref> and other authoritative texts in Ayurveda.
    
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
<references />
 
<references />
 
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
 
[[Category:Ayurveda]]
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