ORIGIN OF AYURVEDA Texts written in India between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago The oldest healing science

in existence, from which all other systems emerged

AYURVEDA Ayurveda = Ayu + Veda Ayu is life Veda is knowledge or science Ayurveda THE SCIENCE OF LIFE AYURVEDA A Way Of Life Ayurveda is a science dealing not only with treatment of some diseases but is a complete way of life PRINCIPLES OF AYURVEDA 1. DOSHAS 2. DHATUS - Tissues 3. MALAS - Waste products 1 DOSHAS A. VATA (AIR & SPACE ) B. PITTA (FIRE & WATER) C. KAPHA (WATER & EARTH)

VATA -TYPES & THEIR FUNCTIONS Prana Vata : Governs the senses, creative thinking, reasoning, enthusiasm, Udana Vata : Governs quality of voice, memory, movements of thought Samana Vata : Governs movement of food through digestive tract Apana Vata : Elimination of wastes, sexual function, menstrual cycle Vyana Vata : Governs blood flow, heart rhythm, perspiration, sense of touch USEFUL TIPS TO BALANCE VATA DOSHA Abhyanga (ayurvedic massage) Stay warm in cold and windy weather Consume warm and cooked foods (less raw foods) Go to bed early and have lot of rest and sleep. Favor oily and heavy food with sweet, sour, and salty tastes. DON'Ts For Vata Dosha Avoid light, dry, cold, pungent, bitter and astringent foods Avoid raw foods, juices, fasting Avoid stimulants ,smoking ,alcohol Refrain from excessive aerobic activity

PITTA - The Fire Pitta has hot, sharp, light, liquid, sour, oily and spreading qualities. Strong smell, like a fleshy odor Liking for sour or bitter taste. Pitta -Types & Their Functions Alochaka Pitta : Controls functioning of the eyes Bhrajaka Pitta : Responsible for healthy glow of the skin Sadhaka Pitta : Controls desire, drive, decisiveness, spirituality Pachaka Pitta : Responsible for digestion, assimilation, metabolism for healthy nutrients and tissues Ranjaka Pitta : Responsible for healthy, toxin-free blood Useful Tips To Balance Pitta Dosha Keep cool Favor cool, heavy, dry, sweet, bitter and astringent foods Keep activities in moderation Keep regular mealtimes, especially at noon DON'Ts For Pitta Dosha Avoid sesame and mustard oils, fish, buttermilk, mutton, acidic fruits, alcohol, meat and fatty, oily foods. Restrict pungent, sour, salty, warm, oily and light foods Avoid over work Avoid fasting KAPHA -The Water Heavy, slow, cool, oily, liquid, dense, thick, static and cloudy qualities. Kapha - Types & Their Functions Tarpaka Kapha : Responsible for moisture for nose, mouth, eyes and brain Bhodaka Kapha : Governs Sense of taste, which is essential for good digestion Kledaka Kapha : Controls moisture of the stomach and intestinal mucosal lining Avalambaka Kapha : Protects the heart, strong muscles, healthy lungs Sleshaka Kapha : Lubricates the joints,Keeps skin soft and supple. Useful Tips To Balance Kapha Dosha Do regular exercise, Begin with Sooryanamaskara to warm up your body, which should be followed by a Vigorous activity Prefer warm temperatures, Stay warm and dry in cold, damp weather Use Fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes Favor pungent, bitter, astringent, light, dry and warm foods DON'Ts For Kapha Dosha Reduce heavy, oily, cold, sweet, sour and salty foods Avoid heavy meals. Sleep promotes Kapha hence avoid excessive sleep, All frozen desserts are to be avoided.

AYURVEDA THE TRADITIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE OF INDIA Ayurveda is one of the great gifts of the sages of ancient India to mankind. It is one of the oldest scientific medical systems in the world, with a long record of clinical experience. However, it is not only a system of medicine in the conventional sense of curing disease. It is also a way of life that teaches us how to maintain and protect health. It shows us both how to cure disease and how to promote longevi ty. Ayurveda treats man as a whole which is a combination of body, mind and soul. Therefore it is a truly holistic and integral medical system. The word Ayu means all aspects of life from birth to death. The word Veda means knowledge or earning. Hence Ayurveda indicates the science by which life in its totality is understood. It is a way of life that describes the diet, medicine and behavior that are beneficial or harmful for life. The roots of yurveda can be traced to the beginning of cosmic creation. Indian philosophers state that Ayurveda originated from Brahma, the creator of the universe. Brahma is not a mere individual but the unmanifest from the Divine Lord, from whom the whole manifest world comes into being. The desire to maintain fitness, health and longevity is one of the basic instincts of all creatures. Ayurveda in this respect sets the pattern for other system of medicine. It is a tradition with an antiquity comparable to that of life itself. DOSHA (Three biological humors) Biological application of Panchamahabhutas reflects in the form of Tridosha. Here Tri means three and Dosha represents to humor (bio-entity). Thus the word Tridosha denotes to three humors i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are said Dosha because these have tendency to get vitiated and also to vitiate others. This bilateral tendency of Dosha is cause of health and diseases. State of balance of Dosha represents health while imbalance to the disease. Every Dosha has definite place/location and functions in our body. All have their five types respectively. DHATUS: Our body is supported and sustained by seven Dhatus (basic tissues). Beside this, Dhatus have property to vitiate. Dosha and Dhatus have relation with each other in health and disease. In pathogenesis of disease these both play key role. Following are the seven Dhatus: i. Rasa (Plasma) ii. Rakta (Blood) iii. Mamsa (Muscle) iv. Meda (Adipose) v. Asthi (Bone) vi. Majja (Marrow) vii. Shukra (Reproductive tissues) Malas The word 'Mala' means excretal products. Ayurveda has a unique concept of Malas. Sustenance of Mala in appropriate limits, sustain the life. To understand it in a better way, take the example of common excreta - urine. Excess urination may cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

AYURVEDIC PRAKRITI (CONSTITUTION): Please try to remember any occasion when you enjoyed the food with your friend. Next day you found that you are not feeling well, as your stomach is not in order but your friend is happy even next day with the taste of food enjoyed with you last night. You get puzzled, what happens to you? Why the same food reacted in a different way to you and your friend? In your daily life there may be so many occasions like this. It is really strange to observe such things. Yu may wonder that why under similar conditions, people react in a different way. Ayurveda has answer of all these curiosities. The concept of Prakriti is unique and has explanation for this. Every person is born with a definite genetic constitution, depending upon Doshas, there are three major types of Prakriti, and these reflect predominance of that particular Dosha. Our body behaves according to the status of Dosha Prakriti. For example, a person is born with Vata Prakriti and his or her diet is rich in Vata promoting substances then he or she is likely to develop a problems like Constipation etc. while the same diet is consumed by a person of Pitta constitution that will keep him or her in order. There are seven possible Prakriti (constitution) types a) Vata Prakriti b) Pitta Prakriti c) Kapha Prakriti d) Vata Pitta Prakriti e) Vata Kapha Prakriti f) Pitta Kapha Prakriti g) Tridosha Prakriti These are only broad categories. But by variation in proportion it may be of innumerable types. We find that most people around us have a dual personality. You are required to develop a good concept of Prakriti analysis, without knowledge of ones Prakriti, it is practically impossible to apply Ayurvedic fundamentals in prevention, promotion and cure of disease. Have a look of some important features of different Prakritis 1. Vata Prakriti These persons are either short or long but are most often with a thin body frame. Mostly towards lower side of weight range, sometimes under weight. Skin is dark, dry with cracks. Nails are hard and brittle, Appetite is variable, mostly suffer from constipation. Sleep is light but varies from night to night. They remember easily and forget easily. Find great difficulty in developing a routine, but are very active. 2. Pitta prakriti They are of medium body frame. Skin is usually delicate, light in color and more prone to sunburn. Sweating is excessive. Nails are soft, strong and well formed. Endowed with good appetite and rarely constipated. Have capacity to perform vigorous exercise. Go to sleep easily but is light. These persons are more practical in life. Memory is good. More organized in work. 3. Kapha Prakriti Body frame is mostly medium to broad. Weight gain is varying easy. Skin of these people is smooth, thick and slightly oily. Sweating is moderate. Nails are strong, large and symmetrical. Appetite is moderate and bowel habit is regular. They enjoy sleep, which is usually heavy. Appear calm and quiet. They are of stable nature. From them it takes time to memorize but once happen, it is forever. Most of the time they are relaxed

Prime treatment in Ayurveda Abhyanga (Head, Face and Body Massage): A specialized whole body massage performed by therapist using specific herbal oil selected according to the body type. The treatment brings about improved physical consistency, induces deep relaxation and is very beneficial for vigor and vitality. Duration: 60 minutes Synchronized Ayurveda massage: 2 therapists to maintain the symmetry of the body perform this massage. Using synchronized rhythmic movements, herbal oil are anointed on the body starting from the head to toes. This massage assists the flow of energy through the body and promotes relaxation. Duration: 60 minutes Marma Therapy Massage: A healing massage using the specialized pressure point techniques on the energy gateways, the palms and soles, of the body. Massage with warm herbal oil on the body with concentration on the marma points, promotes a feeling of complete physical and mental well-being. Duration: 60 minutes Medicated Steam Bath: Herbal leaves and certain medicinal powders are boiled and that steam is passed on to the body, inducing sweat, which opens the blocked pores of the skin, thus eliminating impurities from the body through sweat glands. It improves the tone of the body and skin. Reduces body stiffness, aches, pains, and swelling. Reduces fat from under the skin and make skin soft. A totally relaxing and refreshing experience. Duration: 10-15 minutes PRIME TREATMENT PROGRAMMES IN AYURVEDA Stress management Programme: Short and power packed program for one day for those of you who are stressed out due to heavy work schedules, meeting deadlines, long hours in work load. The therapeutic procedure in this package is specially formulated for those who get the burnt out feeling and for super stressed-out businessman. The package consists of a free consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, synchronized body massage with traditional Detoxification / Body Purification Programme: Detoxificatican & Rejuvenative Program which includes Panchakarma procedures, is meant to purify the whole body by el iminating the accumulated toxins from it. This package includes treatments like Abhyanga (Ayurveda body massage), Swedana (herbal steam bath). Executives and IT Professionals Programme: Two days exclusive health package developed for the fast paced Executive and IT Professional, who is continuously exposed to computer screen, prone to Computer vision syndrome, confined to sitting on a chair for long hours with prolonged use of fingers for operating keyboard leading to carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain injuries), working late hours without proper sleep, physical and mental stress of meeting deadlines and have untimely food. Frequent Travelers Programme: Package for the frequent travelers, to relieve the tiredness, weariness, fatigue, and the stress and strain caused while and after traveling. This package includes free consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, traditional body massage with medicated oil and Herbal steam bath. Eves Beauty Care Programme: A special package offered for ladies. A comprehensive beauty care program based on treatment modalities developed by the traditional Ayurvedic practitioner of Kerala. This program includes herbal oil massage, herbal steam bath, face packs using freshly ground herbs, skin care, hair care, eye care and related healthy treatment to the body. Our Ayurvedic doctor will recommend the suitable procedures according to individuals body constitution. Also guidelines on diet as per Ayurvedic traditions are given. This package will also help to improve the complexion, give shine and vitality to skin, improves

Spine and Neck Care Programme: The main sites for arthritic manifestation in the vertebral column are the lumbar and cervical regions. This treatment programme includes special massages, kativasti, snehavasti, kashayavasti, kizhi, njavarakizhi etc. This is also very effective for cervical spondylosis, osteo porosis, low backaches, sciatica etc. Weight Reduction Programme: Weight Reduction Program as per Ayurvedic system to reduce the excess body fat. This package includes free consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Massage with powder of various herbs, herbal steam bath, Ayurvedic basti (enema), Herbal medicines and guidelines on diet

ABOUT AYURVEDA "About Ayurveda" has been structured into the following sub categories: History & Origin: The background, history and origin of Ayurveda is not clearly known. But here is what we could find out for you. Principles: Ayurveda mainly works on two principles: Tridosha and Rejuvenation of Ojas. This page also deals with Vata, Pitta and Kapha topics. Dhatus: The Human physical body is composed of seven constituent elements [Sapta=seven, dhatus=elements]. They are of great importance in Ayurveda. Ashtangas: Ayurveda has eight parts called as "Ashtangas" ("Ashta" means eight; "anga" means part). These eight parts of Ayurveda deal with different subjects. Explanations: A. He is called as Dhanvantri, god of Ayurveda. He emerged during Ksheera sagara madan. B. This is the picture of Ksheera Sagara Madan, which menas churning of milk ocean. Ksheera means milk; sagara means ocean; madan means churning. This is described in Indian mythology. According to that, demons and gods started churning of ocean of milk to get soma [elixir]. During that procedure, so many precious things evolved. Dhanvantri, god of Ayurveda also emerged during that churning procedure. C. They are called as Aswini devatas, who are famous for their tremendous knowledge of Ayurveda.They are called as divine healers. Myth says that these Aswini kumars taught knowledge of Ayurveda to Indra, the king of gods from Brahma [god of creation]. D. These are called as Vedas, the doctrines of higher knowledge. E. They shall symbolize some of the saints who practiced Ayurveda in ancient times: Susruuta, Vaitarana, Bambrha, Poshka bhavara, Gopura rakshita and Karaveera Kasyapa. F. Sun: He is the god with positive charge. And related to Soul factor. G. Moon: He is the god of minus charge. He is related to Mind. H. This is called as Kama dhenu, a sacred cow.This also emerged during Ksheera sagar madana. It has no direct relation with Ayurveda. But we mentioned here because it also emerged along with Dhanvantri during Ksheera Sagara Madan.

Whereas Ksheera sagara madan is treated as a myth, the disciple of Dhanvantri, called as Charaka, is well known to the world. We can still get his knowledge from a book called Charakasamhita written by Charaka. Along with this book, the books Sushruta Samhita [deals with Salya chikitsa = surgery] and Astanga Hridayam are also very famous books in Ayurveda. 2. Ayurveda and the Vedas: Ayurveda and Veda have a relation in depth.Vedas are ancient doctrines of great knowledge on earth. The major Vedas are four in number and they are Rigveda, Yajurveda, Sama veda and Atharvana veda. Each main veda has one upa veda [sub veda]. Ayurveda is treated as Upaveda of Rigveda and Antharveda (internal part) of Atharvana veda. Ayurveda is not a merely medical system or a medical kit; it is like sacred science of life. It helps the human being to lead a happy life with pure mind by providing the whole information about it. So it is treated as Panchamaveda (5th major veda). In Ayurveda there are some paramparas [Knowledge from Gods] called Daiva parampara, Siddha parampara and Rishi parampara: 1.According to Daiva parampara, the flow of the knowledge is like this: it was revealed by Lord Brahma. The knowledge of Ayurveda transformed from Brahma to Ashwini kumar [divine healers] through Prajapati [Son of Brahma]. Ashwini Kumar taught Ayurveda to Indra. From Indra, Ayurveda was revealed to a Saint called Bhardwaj. 2. According to Rishi parampara: Dhanvantri - Susruuta, Vaitarana, Bambrha, Poshka bhavara, Gopura rakshita and Karaveera - Kasyapa - Atri, Bhrugu and Vasishta. 3. According to Saivi (worshippers of Lord Siva) sampradaya (sampradaya = cult): Lord Siva Parvati - Nandi - Agastya - Chulastya - Tairayar. So the origin of Ayurveda is not clearly known. But according to information from ancient texts, we can say that, Ayurveda is an ancient and higher knowledge which supports human being to lead a happy life in natural way. PRINCIPLES Ayurveda mainly works on two principles: Tridosha: Imbalances in Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Rejuvenation of Ojas: A subtle form of Sukra. 1. Tridosha: Tri means three. Dosha means imbalance. The imbalances in Vata, Pitta and Kapha are called as Tridoshas. Elements World Body: This whole world is created by five elements. These five elements are called as Panchabhootas in Sanskrit. They are: Earth Water Fire Air Space These five elements are affecting the world as well as the body through different forms.

Elements combination Air and space Fire Water and Earth

Forms affecting the world Air Sun Moon

Forms affecting the body Vatam [Vata] Pittam [Pitta] Kapham, Sleshma [Kapha]

For example the element fire is related to the sun in the world. This fire is also related with Pitta of the body. Importance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha: The Vata, Pitta and Kapha play very important roles in human anatomy and physiology. They are as follows: Vata Pitta Kapha Body movements, running, walking, excretion of urine and feces. Digestion of food, functionality of eye, body colour, hunger and thirst. Movements of joints, strength, braveness, weight of the body.

Balancing these Vata, Pitta and Kapha in order to maintain a healthy life, is the one of the basic principles of Ayurveda. Tridosha - food: In order to balance these Vata, Pitta and Kapha, a person has to take proper food according to their body nature. In nature every matter contains a taste created by the six basic tastes [Shadruchis]. They are sweet, sour, salty, spicy, astringent and bitter. These six tastes are also formed by the combination of the five elements:
Elements Earth+Water Earth+Fire Water+Fire Fire+Air Earth+Air Space+Air Taste Sweet Sour Salty Spicy Astringent Bitter Effect It gives cooling effect, increases Kapha diseases and decreases Vata and Pitta diseases. It gives heat effect, increases Kapha diseases and decreases Vata and Pitta diseases. It gives heat effect, increases Vata diseases and decreases Kapha and Pitta diseases. [Chili taste] It gives heat effect, decreases Kapha diseases and increases Vata and Pitta diseases. It gives cooling effect, increases Vata diseases, decreases Kapha and Pitta diseases. It gives cooling effect, increases Vata diseases and decreases Kapha and Pitta diseases.

The Vata, Pitta, Kapha and all six types of tastes are present in human. Just like in human beings, they are also present in trees, plants and food materials. So basically Ayurveda deals with the knowledge about which food contains which taste, which taste cures which dosha. And it then prescribes a remedy to cure a disease by balancing the related dosha. It can only be done by knowing the nature of disease and remedy.

Seasons Tridosha Disease: The seasons have some effect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha of our body. This effect may cure some doshas and may cause new doshas. To cure doshas of a particular season, nature provides proper herbs to human in that season. By knowing this fact, ancient yogis developed some festivals in such seasons and prescribed some rituals to take those herbs in various forms to balance tridosha in that season. Along with seasonal herbs, nature provides some herbs with good medical properties, throughout the year. Some of them are Azadirachta indica [neem], Ocimum sanctum [holy basil], Aegle marmelos [bilva], Ficus relegiosa and Curcuma longa. These herbs and spices developed important roles in daily rituals and in food, too. By treating trees and plants as gods and goddess, the yogis enhanced the purity and importance of those herbs. Some of these herbs are: Name of the plant Ficus bengalensis, Butea frondosa Ficus religiosa Aegle marmelos Bramhi Azadirachta indica Curcuma longa God and goddess Brahma [creative principle] Vishnu [developing principle] Siva [including principle] Saraswati [goddess of knowledge] Lakshmi [goddess of property] Parvati [goddess of energy]

2. Rejuvenation of Ojas: Accoring to Ayurveda human physical body is composed of seven constituents. These seven constituents are called as Sapta dhatus in Sanskrit. Sapta means seven and dhatu means constituents. They are: Rasa [chyle] Rakta [blood] Mamsa [muscle] Majja [marrow] Asti [bone] Meda [brain and nervous system] Sukra [sperm and ovum] Some other medical systems also deal with these Sapta dhatus. But Ayurveda additionally deals with Ojas, which is a subtle form of Sukra. This Ojas protects all physical constituents from deterotation. One can develop this Ojas by practicing Vajeekaran prakaran [one of the Ashtanga chikitsa]. The combinations of medicines which develop this Ojas are called as rasayanas. In Ayurveda, along with the usage of these rasayanas, the person has to follow some moral values and has to practice good attitude. Conclusion: Thus Ayurveda works on nature of Body, nature of herbs and the effect of those herbs on the body to balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It also reveals that in order to protect seven constituents of the physical body, the person has to develop Ojas, which is a subtle form of Sukra. This can be done by practicing good moral values and character. So Ayurveda says that for a good condition of health, a proper body and a pure mind are essential. This is also the same principle of Yoga.

DHATUS The Human physical body is composed of Saptadhatus. Saptadhatus is a Sanskrit word, which means seven constituent elements [Sapta=seven, dhatus=elements]. They are of great importance in Ayurveda. Ayurveda gives specific treatment methods for diseases related to different dhatus. The seven dhatus are as follows: Rasa: Chyle. Rakta: Blood. Mamsa: Muscle. Majja: Marrow. Asthi: Bone. Meda: Brain and spinal cord. Sukra: Sperm and ovum. Ojas: "Mahadhatu" = Superior dhatu. 1. Rasa: This is the first dhatu. After digestion food becomes a liquid which is called chyle (rasa in Sanskrit). Chyle nourishes all the cells of our body. Later it is transformed into blood. This process may take seven days according to Ayurveda. 2. Rakta: Rakta means blood (= liquid tissue of the body). It circulates through blood vessels and protects and nourishes all the cells and tissues of the body. Blood helps in gaseous exchange (oxygen and carbohydrate) and consists of many types of cells (e.g. red blood cells, white blood cells, leucocytes). Each cell has its own functionality. Generally disease starts from blood. If the disease is chronic in blood, then it results as Mehaprakopa (= disease due to the impurities in blood). 3. Mamsa: Mamsa is treated as third dhatu of the body. There are several types of muscle tissue in the body: Hridya kandara: Cardiac muscle. Vartul kandara: Smooth muscle. Asti kandara: Skeletal muscle. These muscles are attached to the bodys skeleton and help in the movement of joints (needed for daily activities like walking and running). 4. Majja: Majja is related to bone marrow. Bone marrow lies within the bone and produces blood. When this dhatu is affected by disease, it cant produce healthy blood. 5. Asthi: Ashti is related to bone. It gives shape and support to the body. According to Charaka it is difficult to cure any disease which is related to this dhatu. 6. Medha: This dhatu is fatty in nature. According to Ayurveda it constitutes brain and spinal cord, and also nervous tissue and adipose tissue. Thoughts and body functions are based on stimuli which come from brain and spinal cord. 7. Sukra: This is the reproductive dhatu. In male it is known as Sukra and in female it is known as Sronita. 8. Ojass: This is called as Mahadhatu, which means superior dhatu. It is divided into two types: Somaatmaka ojas: located close to the pineal body. Aghnyatmaka ojas: located in the heart. This is fatty in nature. The characters of Ojas are described as: Veerya: Seeta veerya (gives cooling effect after digestion). Colour: White. Kaphatmaka (increases Kapha). Ojas protects all dhatus in the body.

PLANTS & RECIPES: In Ayurveda, nature plays a major role in therapy. Various healing plants, herbs, fruits and spices are used preventionally or to cure certain conditions and specific diseases. Here is a selection herbs which you can find in our herb database: Abhyangam with Swedam ( Body Massage / Steam) Ayurvedic Massage using medicated herbal oils for the body, face and head.Relieves stress, alleviates fatigue, body ache, joint pain, stiffness, and muscular spasm. Promotes good sleep and delays aging. Improves skin texture, complexion,and blood circulation. Steam Bath induces sweating, unclogs skin pores and removes body toxins. Synchronized Massage Ayurvedic Massage performed by 2 therapists working in a synchronized manner. Relieves stress, alleviates fatigue, body ache, joint pain, stiffness, and muscular spasm. Shirodhara Abhyangam followed by continuous pouring of medicated oil (Taila), milk (Ksheera)or buttermilk (Thakra) on the forehead for a specific period. It relieves mental tension, stress and strain, provides peace of mind. Beneficial in case of insomnia,diabetes, cervical Spondylosis, paralysis, neurological disorder, and head ache. Shiro Abhyangam / Lepam: It is a process in which the head is gently massaged with medicated oil for a specific period followed by application of specific herbal powder on scalp. It is a preventativea well as curative therapy. It is beneficial in headache, hair loss, dandruff, disorders of scalp and hair. Mukha Lepam ( Facial) Procedure includes face massage with medicated oil, steaming, scrubbing, cleaning,and application of herbal face pack. Unclogs pores, removes impurities. Helps reduce acne, blemishes, pimples and dark circles around the eye. Moksh (Centre Speciality) A complete rejuvenation procedure inclusive of Abhyangam / Swedam, Mukha Lepam and Nethra Shuddi (eye cleansing).

SALIENT FEATURES OF AYURVEDA Ayurveda heals by activating the natural inherent curative force of the body ? It believes in complete cure and not only control of signs and symptoms ? It gives more stress on why is the problem rather than what is the problem ? Being natural, it is free from side effects, rather side benefits are there ? It believes not only in restoration of the static balance but also the Dynamic balance CHINESE MEDICINE AND AYURVEDA It is arround 2000 years old Similarities because of exchange of ideas via Buddhism and trade. Includes several branches like: Accupuncture

We would like to just state that there are a few contraindications of abhyanga as given by Susruta Ci.XXlV.2224 or Vagbhata Su.ll.9: 1) no unmedicated oil should be used if indigestion (ama dosha) exists 2) abhyanga should be avoided when fever is present 3) abhyanga should not follow emesis, purgatives, or niruha enema 4) certain kapha aggravations contraindicate abhyanga As alluded to above there are many types of massage including with oil, paste, powder, gloves and they may be done locally or generally. For the sake of completeness, Sarngadhara lists three kinds of topical applications (which may bear on abhyanga): anti-dosic, anti-poisonous, cosmetic (Su.XI.1). Often massage is considered a part of an important rejuvenation/purification therapy of Ayurveda, called pancakarma (meaning 5 actions). It is said to effect by moving the dosas (impurities) out of their locations to the channels of elimination and thence out of the body. As such, it is both curative and preventive. In the context of a daily routine it takes on the greater role -- prevention BIBLIOGRAPHY 1) Caraka Samhita, editor-translator Priyavrat Sharma, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1981 2) Susruta Samhita, K.L. Bhishagratna, translator-editor, Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi, India, 1991 3) Vagbhata--Astanga Hrdayam, translator K.R. Srikantha Murthy, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, India, 1991 4) Sarngadhar-Samhita, translator K.R. Srikanta Murthy, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1984 5) Chopra, Deepak, Magical Mind Magical Body Audio Series, Nightingale Conant Corp.,Chicago, Ill., 1990 6) Kasture, H.S., Concept of Ayurveda for Perfect Health and Longevity, Sri Baidyanath Ayurveda Bhavan Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur, India, l990 7) The Human Body in Health and Disease, Thibodeau, G., Patton, K., Mosby Year Book, Inc., St. Louis, Mo.,1992 8) Chopra, Deepak, Perfect Health, Harmony Books, New York, New York, 1990 9) Helders, PJ, Cats BP, Van der Net J., The Effects of a tactile stimulation/range-finding programme on the development of very low birth weight infants during initial hospitalisation, Child Care Health Development, l989; 14 (5) : 341-54, quoted in: Carr, Timothy Medicine at the Mind-Body Interface: The approach of Maharishi Ayurved, Australian Association of Ayur-vedic Medicine, Manly, Australia 10) Dr. Bernie Siegel, Presentation to MAAA, Cambridge, Mass., June13,1992 11) Herriot, Eva M. , Ayurvedic Sense Therapy, Yoga Journal, January-February 1992 12) Dash, Bhagwan, Massage Therapy in Ayurveda, Concept Publishing Company, New Dehli, India, 1992 13) Sharma, Hari, Freedom from Disease,Veda Publishing, Toronto Ontario, l993 14) Maharishi Ayurveda Review of Scientific Research 1990 15) Minkler, Penny Studies by Drs. Smith and Salerno Show Sesame Oil Inhibits Cancer Growth reprinted

Benefits of Abhyanga (applying oil to the body) Benefits of applying oil to the body (Abhyanga): Produces softness, strength and color to the body Decreases the effects of aging Bestows good vision Nourishes the body Increases longevity Benefits sleep patterns Benefits skin Strengthens the bodys tolerance Imparts a firmness to the limbs Imparts tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body Stimulates the internal organs of the body, including circulation Pacifies Vata and Pitta and Harmonizes Pitta Benefits of applying oil to the scalp (Murdha taila): Makes hair grow luxuriantly, thick, soft and glossy Soothes and invigorates the sense organs Removes facial wrinkles Benefits of applying oil to the ears (Karna purna): Benefits disorders in the ear which are due to increased Vata Benefits stiff neck Benefits stiffness in the jaw Benefits of applying oil to the feet (Padaghata): Coarseness, stiffness, roughness, fatigue and numbness of the feet are alleviated Strength and firmness of the feet is attained Vision is enhanced Vata is pacified Sciatica is benefited Local veins and ligaments are benefited

Types of Oil That Are Best for Vata: Sesame is considered to be the king of oils; it is the preferred choice of oil for vata because it is inherently warming. If possible, use an untoasted, organic sesame oil. Almond oil and mustard oil are also good choices because they too are warming. You may also consider using Vata Massage Oil, especially if vata is high in your Vikriti. The herbs that have been chosen for this formula enhance the vata-pacifying qualities of sesame oil. Vata massage oil can be used alone or added to sesame, almond or mustard oils. For increasing strength and stamina Ashwagandha Oil or Ashwagandha/Bala Oils may be the best for you. Mahanarayan Oil is made from over 30 Ayurvedic herbs and is traditionally used for joint pain or weakness. If you warm it, massage it into the affected joints or muscles and proceed with your regular abhyanga, it can be fabulously beneficial. Following this with a warm bath of 1/3 c baking soda and 1/3 cup ginger powder can further enhance the effects.

Types of Oil That Are Best for Pitta: Applying Bhringaraj Oil or Brahmi Oil to the scalp and soles of feet at bedtime may reduce pitta and encourage sound sleep. If you dont have medicated oils, use sunflower or coconut oil for your abhyanga. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, you may wish to add some Neem Oil to whatever your basic abhyanga oil is, because it is said to reduce pitta in the skin. Pitta Massage Oil may also may be a great choice. Its simple to do abhyanga, just gently heat the oil for your body and make sure that the oil you apply to your head is cooler, especially in the summer.

Types of Oil That Are Best for Kapha: Abhyanga with warm oil is best for kapha. While sesame, corn and mustard oils are all helpful because they are warming, herbal oils are an even better choice for Kapha, as they add more Kapha pacifying properties to the oil. Kapha Massage Oil is a good choice for general use. (If you are using sesame oil, opt for untoasted sesame oil; toasted is more expensive and has a very strong natural scent).