This article describes eight branches of Ayurveda.
Ashtanga Ayurveda:
1) Kaya Chikitsa
(General Medicine or Internal Medicine)
Kaya Chikitsa deals with the treatment of all the diseases of the body. Kaya means Agni (metabolic fire) of the body & Chikitsa means treatment.
2) Shalya Tantra
(Ayurvedic Surgery)
Shalya Tantra is the removal of an irritating factor from the human body. Shalya means 'cause' or 'factor' & Tantra means science or technique
3) Shalakya Tantra
(Ayurvedic Ophthalmology, ENT, Oro Dentistry, Diseases of Head & Neck)
This branch is dedicated to the treatment of diseases located above the level of the clavicles. Shalakya Tantra is derived from the word shalaka, which means a probe. This particular branch of surgery uses thin long-handled probe-like instruments, hence it is called Shalakya Tantra
4) Kaumarabhritya or Balaroga (Paediatrics)
This branch deals with paediatric issues. It covers all aspects of child growth from the neonatal phase to adolescence including treatment for problems at every stage.
5) Agada Tantra
(Ayurvedic Toxicology)
This branch of Ayurveda, describes various types of poisons, possible sources of accidental & homicidal poisoning, symptoms of poisoning, stages of toxicity, treatment & prognosis.
6) Bhuta Vidya (Ayurvedic Psychiatry)
This branch of Ayurveda deals mainly with the imbalance of the mind, resulting in diseases and treatment for the same. Diseases of unknown origin and some infectious diseases are also covered under Bhuta Vidya.
7) Rasayana Chikitsa
(Rejuvenation Therapy) rasayana is defined as the means for the attainment of excellent dhatu (body tissues). Rasayana Chikitsa means rejuvenation therapy. This branch of Ayurveda aims at achieving healthy life with longevity.
8) Vajikarana
(Fertility and Aphrodisiac) This branch of Ayurveda deals with all types of physical and psychological sexual problems like importance, libido, poor erection & premature ejaculation in males, and sterility, and frigidity in females. The primary aim of vajikarana is to produce healthy offspring & therefore healthy generation.
Author:
Dr Sudhindra Kulkarni
Chief Ayurveda Consultant | Ayur Jaala, BTM layout
Ph: 9148403168 | www.ayurjaala.com