12/04/23 1

Introduction
Ayurveda (also called Ayurvedic
Medicine) is considered to be the world's
oldest healthcare system.
It is named for the Sanskrit
word Ayurveda, meaning the "science of
life."
It is based on the belief that health and
wellness depend on a delicate balance
between the mind, body, and spirit.
12/04/23 2
The primary focus of Ayurvedic medicine
is to promote good health, rather than
fight disease and contribute to a long and
healthy life.

Its concepts about health and disease

promote the use of herbal compounds,
special diets, and other unique health
practices.

12/04/23 3
Ayurveda is not a "one-size-fits-all"
system.

Instead, its regimens are tailored to each

person's unique prakruti (Ayurvedic
constitution); taking into account his or
her needs for nutrition, exercise, personal
hygiene, social interaction, and other
lifestyle elements.

12/04/23 4
 History
Ayurveda is the traditional healing
modality of the Vedic culture from India.
It is said to be 2000 to 5000 years old.
‘Ayurveda’ is a Sanskrit word that literally
translates as “the wisdom of life” or “the
knowledge of longevity”.
In accordance with this definition,
Ayurvedic medicine views health as much
more than the absence of disease.
12/04/23 5
Ayurvedic medicine was originally an
oral tradition, taught and passed directly
from teacher to apprentice, who would
learn and work side by side.
Ayurveda was recorded more than
5,000 years ago in Sanskrit, in the four
sacred texts called the Vedas: the Rig
Veda, Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, and
Atharva Veda.
The fundamentals are then laid out in
several major treatises, including the
texts from ‘Charaka’, ‘Sushruta’, and
‘Vaghbhat’. 12/04/23 6
There are also numerous other smaller
works, written over time to explain the
various branches of Ayurveda, which
include disciplines such as general
medicine, pediatrics, surgery, toxicology,
fertility, and rejuvenation.

12/04/23 7
Ayurveda has thus been passed down
through the centuries as a complete healing
system, evolving to meet the needs of the
time, and yet remaining committed to its
core principles.

Various cultures have drawn upon the ideas

of Ayurvedic medicine, and it continues to
thrive in both the East and the West.

12/04/23 8
In India, an Ayurvedic physician must
undergo at least a 5 year under-graduate
degree program (Bachelor of Ayurvedic
Medicine and Surgery) to become
qualified.

In the West, Ayurveda is recognized as a

Complementary and Alternative Health
System by the National Institutes of
Health, and is blossoming in various
educational institutions.
12/04/23 9
 Ayurvedic Medicine in Nepal
The diverse geographical terrain of
Nepal provides fertile land for
various species of Ayurvedic
herbs that are used to make
Ayurvedic medicine.
It was in the Himalayan foothills of
Nepal that the spiritual master got
the wisdom of Ayurveda while
performing meditation. Ayurvedic
treatment includes Ayurvedic
medicine and Ayurvedic therapies.
12/04/23 10
Some of the popular Ayurvedic medicine
in Nepal includes Kesh Yog, hair care
tonic for hair fall control, Ayurvedic Pile
Stopper which is effective for controlling
piles, Amrit Ras Ayurvedic Treatment
that is effective medicine recommended
for diabetic patients.

12/04/23 11
Nepal Government has always been supportive
to Ayurvedic treatment.
There are many colleges that provide
education in Ayurveda.
Some of them are Dhanwantari Ayurved
Bigyan Adhyan Sansthan, located in Bafal,
Kalanki; Central Ayurveda Vidyapeetha,
located in Bijauri, Dang, Rapti; Himalayan
Ayurveda Medical Science College,
Jawalakhel, Lalitpur; Bhaktapur Homeopathic
Clinic and Medical College, Nagpokhari,
12/04/23 12
TU affliated Ayurveda campus conducts
BAMS (Bachelor Level in Ayurvedic
Medicine) and MD Ayurved (Kaya
Chikitsa) in its building at Kirtipur since
2012.

In Nepal, the National Ayurvedic

Training and Research Centre (NATRC)
researches medicinal herbs in the country.

12/04/23 13
Nepal Ayurvedic Medical Council
(NAMC), the autonomous body, has
established Ayurveda Medical Council
Act- 2045, to make the Ayurvedic system
of medicine more effective & make
provision on the registration of Ayurvedic
doctors.

12/04/23 14
 Components of Ayurveda
1. Kayachikitsha: General medicine,
medicine of the body.
2. Kaumara-bhritya: The treatment of
children, pediatrics.
3. Śalyatantra: Surgical techniques and the
extraction of foreign objects.
4. Salakyatantra: Treatment of ailments
affecting ears, eyes, nose, mouth, etc.
("ENT").

12/04/23 15
5. Bhutavidya: Pacification of possessing
spirits, and the people whose minds are
affected by such possession.
6. Agadatantra: Deals with toxicology.
7. Rasayanatantra: Rejuvenation and
tonics for increasing lifespan, intellect
and strength.
8. Vajikaranatantra: Aphrodisiacs and
treatments for increasing the volume and
viability of semen and sexual pleasure.

12/04/23 16
 Principles of Ayurveda
1. Ayurveda’s fundamental approach to
well-being is the unique state of balance in
an individual’s whole being—body, mind,
and spirit.

2. Ayurveda views the world in light of 3

constitutional principles: ‘vata’, ‘pitta’,
and ‘kapha’.

12/04/23 17
3. The first line of defense in combating
imbalances is to remove the cause of the
problem. If the trouble-maker is out of the
picture, the body starts being able to heal
itself. For example, if pollutants are
bothering your nasal passages and sinuses,
rinse them out with a traditional
Ayurvedic nasal rinse cup.

12/04/23 18
4. If there are any lingering imbalances
after removing the inciting cause, then
bring balance by using opposites. For
example, the Ayurvedic remedy to excess
heat is to use something cooling. So for
excess heat or acidity in the digestive
system, you could use cooling and soothing
herbs like Asparagus racemosus
(satavar, shatavari, or shatamull).

12/04/23 19
Terminology
Ayurveda names seven basic tissues (dhatu),
which are plasma (rasa), blood (rakta),
muscles (mamsa), fat (meda), bone
(asthi), marrow (majja), and semen (shukra).

Like the medicine of classical antiquity,

Ayurveda has historically divided bodily
substances into five classical elements
(Sanskrit [maha] panchabhuta),
viz. earth, water, fire, air and space.

12/04/23 20
There are also twenty ’gunas’
(qualities or characteristics)
which are considered to be
inherent in all substances.

These are organized in ten pairs

of antonyms: heavy/light,
cold/hot, unctuous/dry,
dull/sharp, stable/mobile,
soft/hard, non-slimy/slimy,
cloudy/clear, minute/gross, and
viscous/liquid.
12/04/23 21
 Philosophy of Ayurveda

Ayurvedic philosophy maintains that

people are born with a specific
constitution, which is called the prakruti.

The prakruti, established at conception, is

viewed as a unique combination of
physical and psychological characteristics
that affect the way each person functions.
12/04/23 22
Throughout life, an individual's underlying
prakruti remains the same.
However, one's prakruti is constantly
influenced by various internal, external and
environmental factors like day and night,
seasonal changes, diet, lifestyle choices,
and more.
Ayurveda places great emphasis on
prevention of illness, and recommends
maintaining health through following daily
and seasonal regimens which create
balance.

12/04/23 23
Ayurveda teaches that
three qualities,
called doshas, form
important characteristics
of the prakruti, or
constitution.

These doshas are

called vata, pitta,
and kapha, and they all
have a specific impact on
bodily functions.

12/04/23 24
Adherents of Ayurvedic medicine believe
that each person has an individual,
"tailored" balance of the three doshas.
Individual doshas are constantly "in flux,"
and are influenced by eating, exercising,
and relating to others.

12/04/23 25
Ayurvedic adherents believe that dosha
imbalance produces symptoms that are
related to that dosha and are different
from symptoms of another dosha
imbalance. (For example, if the
aggressive and "hot" pitta-prominent
person aggravates pitta, he/she may
develop prickly rash or an acidic
stomach.)
Many factors can cause imbalance,
including a poor diet, too much or too
little physical or mental exertion,
chemicals, or germs. 12/04/23 26
Each dosha is comprised of two of the
five basic elements, which each have
specific qualities. These elements are:
1. Space (associated with expansiveness)
2. Air (associated with gaseousness,
mobility, and lack of form)
3. Fire (associated with transformation, heat,
and fire)
4. Water (associated with liquidity and
instability)
5. Earth (associated with solidity and
stability)
12/04/23 27
Fig: Doshas and their elements
12/04/23 28
Furthermore, each
dosha is associated
with a specific bodily
"build" or shape, and is
linked to certain
personality traits.
Ayurveda also links
each dosha with
particular types of
health problems.

12/04/23 29
 Characteristics of each dosha
Pitta:
Pitta is a term originating from the
Sanskrit word pinj, meaning "to shine."

This dosha, which is comprised of the fire

and water element, rules digestive,
chemical, and metabolic function, and is
associated with heat and oiliness.

12/04/23 30
Its main seat is the small intestine, and it
is the dosha believed to add luster to the
eyes, hair, and skin.

In a more figurative sense, pitta also

governs our ability to "digest" not only
the food stuff but also the concepts and
information, which we then use to
perceive our world.
12/04/23 31
Pitta-dominant people enjoy an
efficient metabolism and hearty
appetite.
They are considered intelligent,
aggressive achievers.
Pitta people must be on guard
against bleeding disorders,
inflammations, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, rashes, and anger.
To achieve Pitta dosha balance,
Ayurveda advises avoiding extreme
heat and eating less spicy food.
12/04/23 32
 Vata
Vata is a term stemming from the Sanskrit
word vayuu, meaning "that which moves."
It is comprised of the space and air elements,
and is sometimes considered the most
influential dosha because it is the moving
force behind both pitta and kapha.
From its main seat in the colon, vata is
believed to promote a healthy balance
between thought and emotion, and fuel
creativity, activity, and clear comprehension.

12/04/23 33
A vata-dominant person is quick,
alert, and restless. She/he may walk,
talk, and think quickly.
However, vatas tend toward
nervousness, fear, and anxiety, and
are more susceptible to diseases like
arthritis, insomnia, flatulence,
constipation, and nerve disorders.
To balance vata, it is important to
maintain calmness and routine,
avoid extreme temperatures, and get
adequate rest.
Vata in the body increases with age.

12/04/23 34
 Kapha
Kapha is a term that derives from the
Sanskrit word "shlish," meaning "that which
holds things together."
From its main seat in the stomach, this dosha
relates to mucous, lubrication, and carrying
nutrients into the arterial system.
Kapha also governs immunity; Ayurveda
teaches that its energy promotes the ongoing
processes of self-repair and healing.

12/04/23 35
Comprised of the water and earth
elements, kapha is also thought to offer
endurance and physical and psychological
strength and stability, while also
promoting human emotions, like love,
compassion, empathy, understanding,
forgiveness, loyalty, and patience.

12/04/23 36
Kapha-dominant people are
considered strong but loving,
tenacious but calm, and are blessed
with wise tolerance.
Kapha people are believed to be
susceptible to weight gain, lethargy,
excessive sleep, goiter, pulmonary
congestion, allergies and asthma.
To maintain balance, Kapha people
are advised to frequently exercise,
eat light meals, and avoid napping.

12/04/23 37
 Ayurvedic Approach
Preventive Medicine:
This approach seeks to create and maintain health
and longevity within the individual. It emphasizes
defining each person's prakturi (or constitution) and
creating daily and periodic regimens to support that
prakturi and keep it in balance.
These health routines focus on everything from
diet and exercise to herbal
therapies, massage, meditation, and social behavior
and positive relationships.

12/04/23 38
Curative Medicine:
These treatments seek to heal an illness,
which may be achieved by one or more of the
following approaches:
◦ Internal measures,
including shodhana (detoxification)
and shamana (methods used to improve quality of
life via palliative care).
◦ External measures, including snehana (oil
treatments), svedana (steam therapy using herbal
steam), and use of herbal pastes.

12/04/23 39
◦ Surgical methods, including removal of
tissues, organs, and harmful growths.

◦ Mental and spiritual therapies, called daivya

chikitsha.

◦ Herbal measures, including rasa shashtra (the

use of various herbal and trace metal
formulations).

12/04/23 40
 Limitations
Since it is a natural approach to health,
Ayurveda is generally safe.
Some Ayurvedic techniques may be
harmful, however, when used without
proper supervision.
It is best to use Ayurvedic herbs and
techniques only under the care of a
qualified practitioner.

12/04/23 41
 Related Article
Effects of Shilajit compound on
‘Madhunmeha’ (diabetes mellitus)
◦ Dr. Chandra Raj Sapkota
It was concluded that the Ayurvedic
compound appeared to be a good oral
hypoglycemic drug without any untoward
action.

12/04/23 42
Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal
formulation in hemorrhoids
◦ Raakhi K Tripathi, Somesh S Bolegave, Parvan A
Shetty, Dinesh A Uchil, Nirmala N Rege, Mukesh
B Chawda, Sameer A Rege

The study confirms that the use of polyherbal

formulation "Arshkeyt™, a 7 day kit" was more
effective in the treatment of hemorrhoids than
Isabgul powder and 2% lidocaine gel. It was
also a safe treatment option. This kit also
showed carry forward effect by preventing the
recurrence of bleeding in these patients.

12/04/23 43
Ayurvedic Approach to Down Syndrome
◦ Vidya Venkatesh
It was concluded that various therapies
and herbs can increase the mental ability of
a Down syndrome patient.

12/04/23 44
12/04/23 45
 References
1. Taylor. C. R., Lillis. C., LeMone. P. Lynn. P. Fundamentals
of Nursing. 1st edition (2011). Wolters Kluwer (India) Pvt.
Ltd. PN. 705 - 706
2. Sharma. M. Nursing Concepts and Principles. Medhavi
Publications. PN. 79 - 81
3. ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’. Retrieved on December 19, 2015.
Available at:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/ayurvedic-treatment
s
4. ‘Ayurveda’. Retrieved on December 19, 2015. Available at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda
5. ‘Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction’. Retrieved on
December 19. 2015. Available at: https://
nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm#hed5
6. ‘Intro to Ayurveda’. Retrieved on December 19, 2015.
http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/lea
rning-ayurveda/intro-to-ayurveda/

12/04/23 46
7. ‘Ayurvedic Medicine’. Retrieved on December 19, 2015. Available at:
http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/ayurvedic-
medicine
8. ‘Ayurvedic Medicine in Nepal’. Published Date: Oct 16, 2014. Available at:
https://www.meroshopping.com/blog/8/ayurvedic-medicine-in-nepal
9. ‘Ayurved Colleges in Nepal’. Retrieved on December 19, 2015. Available at:
http://edusanjal.com/college/category/ayurved-colleges
10. Sapkota. Dr. C. R. Effects of Shilajit compound on Madhunmeha (Diabetes
Mellitus). Retrieved on December 19, 2015. Available at:
http://www.ayurnepal.com/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=332:effects-of-shilajit-compound-on-
madhunmeha-diabetes-mellitus&catid=47:research&Itemid=66
11. Tripathi. R. K., Bolegave. S. S., Shetty. P. A., Uchil. D. A., Rege. N. N.,
Chadwda. M. B., Rege. S. A. Efficacy and safety of a polyherbal formulation
in hemorrhoids. J Ayurveda Integr Med. D. January 30, 2015. Available at:
http://www.jaim.in/article.asp?issn=0975-
9476;year=2015;volume=6;issue=4;spage=225;epage=232;aulast=Tripathi
12. Venkatesh. V., Ayurvedic Approach to Down Syndrome. January 9, 2009.
Available at:
http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/sites/ayurvedacollege.com/files/Down_Syn
drome.pdf 12/04/23 47
12/04/23 48