Preventive Measures.Swasthavritta : Swasthavritta is a special section of Ayurveda that deals with a healthy living methodology. It emphasizes in the code of conduct towards a healthy living. The term swasthamitra means “the regime of abiding in one’s own nature”.
According to Ayurveda our body is considered to be a temple and Ayurveda prescribes the method and way of living to keep that temple free of any ailments and problems. There isn’t any easy path towards living healthy. A balanced diet and exercise is essential for it. Swasthavritra can be seen as the crux of Ayurveda life. It emphasize on the physical, spiritual, moral and personal ways of conduct that a person must ideally follow. Sadyritta is also a method adviced by swasthavritta.
Swasthavritta or the regime of healthy living emphasizes on the following points.Daily regime:(Dinacharya) personal hygiene is strictly advised here. Evacuation of urine, stool and proper cleansing of mouth and body by bathing is very essential daily. Eating at proper time, applying medicated oils, taking medicines at proper intervals.
Seasonal regime (Rithucharya): optimum health ought to be maintained in different seasons.Ethical regime (Sadvritta): ensures the proper conduct in society and on a regular basis. It refrains one from any unethical or criminal activities. Social or emotional traumas should be avoided for a stress free and easy living.
Rasayanas : Ayurvedic rasayana is a special type of rejuvenation method whereby the following benefits are attained:Increases the digestive capability of the stomach.Increases the metabolic rate of various process of body.Destroys diseases-causing microbes and improves immunity.Increases the physical strength and capability of a person.Increases the mental power and thinking ability.Memory power is enhanced.Prevents the process of aging early.Rasayana is based on the principles of transmutation and conservation of energy within the body. Rasayana improves the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional qualities of the person. There are several kinds of Rasayana treatments available depending upon the person’s state.
Rasayana chikitsa or the rejuvenation therapy: It helps in the toning and strengthening of skin and underlying tissues. It helps to restore the lost vitality of the body due to ageing process of any chronic ailments. Charaka describes three types of Rasayana Chikitsa. Kudipravasika Rasayana, Vatatapika Rasayana, and Nithyarasayana.General rasayanas: Nithyarasayanas like Chyavanaprasam is a herbal preparation which builds us body strength and vitality.
Immunization: Improves the immunity power of the person and also used to prevent early aging. Kayakalpa chikitsa is one of the well-proven Rasayana chikitsa.Marma Chikitsa : Marmas, which can be called as vital points in body, form a very important part of Ayurvedic system of medicine. The word marma comes from Sanskrit mru or marr. These are points where two or more type of body tissues meet. Ayurveda describes 107 marma points throughout the body. Each point is described as having its own intelligence and consciousness which coordinates the mind and body.
Alignment Correction : Modern lifestyle involving sedentary jobs, sitting continuously for long period of time, lack of exercise and maintaining wrong postures causes an alignment change in body which is the cause various illnesses like spondylitis, disc bulge, disc prolapse, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.
Abhyangam : Abhyangam is a therapeutic method in Ayurveda. It comprises systematic and organized body massages which aims in healing. Abhyanga is recommended for comprehensive health and well-being. It acts as a main recharger and rejuvenator of mind and body, by melting accumulated stress and toxins.
Dhara : It is a method by which herbal oils, medicated milk, buttermilk etc. are permitted to run on the forehead in a distinct method for about 45 minutes in a day for 7 to 21 days. This treatment is for insomnia, vata dominated diseases, mental disorders, neurasthenia, memory loss and certain skin diseases.
Kizhi : Kizhi treatment is a therapy where heated herbs and medicinal oils are tied in cloth bags and placed on the part to be cured. This is tailed by specific massages, done using the fingers, heel of the hand or palm. The pressure application differs according to the nature of the condition and the spot.
Njavarakizhi : Njavarakizhi is one of the customary treatment methods of Astavaidya custom in Kerala. It is a special type of treatment therapy that is built on the principle of causing sweat in the body with the aid of medicated herbal rice. This therapy is one of the best therapies for rejuvenation. Bolus of njavara rice, which is boiled and medicated, is wrapped in hand-size cotton bags.
Pizhichil : In this method of treatment warm medicated oil is squeezed over the patient’s body from a piece of cloth that is occasionally dipped in a bowl containing lukewarm medicated oil. Pizhichil is a distinctive form of treatment which is a combination of oil massage and heat treatment. The therapy has been used since ancient times. Pizhichil is an exceptional remedy for optimum relaxation in Ayurveda. The treatment is also useful for various ailments such as nervous weakness, sexual weakness, hypertension, Vata imbalances, and limbs emaciation.
Nasyam : The application of medicated oil or powders through the nostrils is called nasyam. Nasyam is a very significant treatment for illness in upper trunk including head and neck region. Nasal drops are run in each nostril for removal of excess bodily humors collected in sinuses, throat, nose & head areas.
Back Pain : Vata prevalence is seen in back pain. Incorrect postures, prolapsed, herniated or swelling of the intervertebral disc, sprain in muscle or ligament, pelvic joint inflammation, prolonged constipation, arthritis of spine etc can cause either a swift or a slow onset of backache. Oral medication and treatments like kadeevasti, Sneha dhara, Dhanyamla dhara, pathrapotala swedam and vasthi (Herbal enemas) aids to lessen the vitiated Vata thereby relieving the pain.
Arthritis : This disease is primarily seen in two forms. When connected with risky toxins or Aama, there may be swelling, fever, heaviness and limited movements in joints. It is called Aamavata (Rheumatoid arthritis). The main line of treatment will be internal medicines to correct digestion and to lessen fever and swelling in joints. Warm fomentation with herbal powder (Kizhi) and medicated wraps are best at this stage.
Stroke : Stroke is the word used to define an unexpected loss of function in a portion of the brain. Typically, that loss of function results in difficulty in moving an arm or leg (paralysis). There may be loss of feeling or weird sensations in the same areas. A stroke may also appear with problems involving to sudden loss of speech, blurred vision, and unconsciousness or as a seizure. The loss of brain function is owing to an abrupt drop of the blood supply to a portion of the brain. The reduced blood supply may be owing to obstruction of the blood vessel by thickening and hardening of the vessel wall or rupture of the blood vessel.