Astaang Ayurveda: The 8 branches of Ayurveda

Branches of Ayurveda

According Charak Samhita & Susruta Samhita text on Ayurveda

According Charak Samhita & Susruta Samhita text on Ayurveda explain that it was Lord Bramha who composed Ayurveda divided it into 8 parts, since he believed human had limited intelligence. The branches of Ayurveda are:

1. Kayachikitsa – Internal medicine

Kayachikitsa is the main branch of Ayurveda. As per Ayurveda text the word Kayachikitsa is made up with two words "Kaya"+ "chikitsa". "Kaya" means body and “chikitsa” means treatment. This part of Ayurveda is consists of the diagnosis and treatment of general diseases, like Fever, Diarrhoea etc. Charaka samhita is the main text in this area. This branch includes Panchkarma, Parkriti (humor) determination, medicinal herb selection according to weather and their effect according to humor. This part is providing all information for treatment. It also includes all information related to clinical signs and symptoms, makes a proper diagnosis and shows how to precede treatment according to body humor.

2. Shalakya or urdhvang chikitsa- Medical science of head, neck, ophthalmology & otorhinolarygology

"Urdhwangchikitsa" is also consists of two words "Urdhwang" + "Chikitsa". "Urdhwang" means the body parts above the shoulder "Chikitsa" means treatment. This branch is consists of diagnosis and treatment for diseases of the upper parts (the part above the clavicle) and neck, ears, eyes. This part includes treatment for several diseases like sinusitis, throat infection, etc.

3. Shalya tantra- Surgery

Shalya Tantra is a significant branch of Ayurveda, dealing with surgery. The name of the sage-physician Sushruta is synonymous with surgery. From the Sushruta Samhita, it is clear that sophisticated methods of surgery were in vogue in India, thousands of years ago. Shalya Tantra means removal of an irritating factor from the human body. Shalya refers to the irritating factor, and tantra means technique by which this cause /factor is removed. In this section the method of removing foreign bodies such as, blades of grass, particles of stone, iron pieces etc. This deals with handling delivery cases, methods to bring about safe parturitions in cases of false presentation and Methods of using surgical instruments, of applying cauterise with the help of fire and alkaline substances, of applying bandages, of treating wounds and ulcers, and of treating various diseases that follow surgical potions.

4. Agad tantra-Toxicology

Agadatantra is also consists of two words "Agad" +" Tantra". "Agad" means poison and "Tantra" mean knowledge. Agada tantra or toxicology is a branch of Ashtang Ayurveda, which includes the science of poisons. Damstra chikitsa branch of ayurveda deals with various methods of cleaning the poisons out of the body as well as recommends antidotes for particular poisons. It deals with a wide range of natural toxins originating from wild lives like animals, birds, insects etc., plants including herbs (belladonna, aconite etc.), vegetables, minerals (leads, mercury, arsenal etc.) and artificial poisons prepared from poisonous drugs. This branch also deals with air and water pollution, which are basically the causes of various dangerous epidemics.

5. Bhootvidya- Psychiatry

This branch deals with incantations and modes of exorcising the evil spirits and making offering to the Gods, Demons, Gandhrvas etc. for curing diseases originating from their malignant influences. These demoniacal possessions were originally understood to be various phases of deranged faculties of the mind or mental diseases and hence medicines are also prescribed in this system along with hypnotic treatments. Bhutavidya is not much different from Psychotherapy and Hypnotism of the modern and along with mind power.

6. Kaumarbhrutiya- Pediatrics

Kaumarbharitya is also made with two Sanskrit word’s that is "Kaumar" + "bhritya". "Kaumar" means balak (child), "bhritya" means palan poshan. "Palan" means 'to cradle, to encourage, protecting' and "poshan" means 'to nourish, to cherish, to assist’. In this are described the treatment of the diseases of the children and their nursing - the method of the correct nourishment and bring up of children. In the case of infants several diseases may occur owing to the defect and default in the mothers' milk upon which it feeds. In this case, the mother also is to be treated for the benefit of the child. This treatment is also a part of this system. Kasyapa Samhita is the main text in this field.

7. Rasayana tantra- Gerontology or science of rejuvenation

Rasayana is a sanskrit word consists of two word "Rasa" + "Ayana". "Rasa" has different meanings like "taste", "essence", "flavor", and "juice". Basically Rasa which nourishes our body, boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and mind in best of health. "Ayana" means path. So its complete meaning the branch which help to understand such essence helpful for longevity, improved memory, health, youthfulness, glow, complexion, generosity, and strength of body and senses. Rasayana improves the metabolic activities and results in best possible bio- transformation leading to health. Jara Cikitsa or Rasayana Tantra is the rejuvenating therapy, which promotes rejuvenation in a healthy person and cures the disease of a diseased person.

According to Ayurveda the human body consists of seven dhatus. These seven dhatus are the basic tissues, which maintain and nourish the body. The seven dhatus are composed of five Mahabhootas (FIVE ELEMENTS). They are:

• Rasa – Plasma

• Rakta – Blood

• Mansa – Muscles

• Meda – Fat

• Asthi – Bone

• Majja - Bone marrow

• Shukra - Reproductive fluid or Semen

After all these 7 dhatu’s there is one more dhatu known as ‘ojas’. This ojas is known as vital force of life and the immune system. So rasayana chikitsa telling us about how to boost ojas in our body. Ojas gives a bright look, sharp memory, high performance and every expected pleasure. It rejuvenates the tissues of the body to give a young look. Rasayana means that physical, mental and spiritual aid to the human body. To maintain healthy life for 100 years.

8. Vajikarana tantra- Science of fertility

According to Ayurveda Shukra (semen) is the seventh dhatu of body and Shukra is honored as the supreme body tissue, end product of body metabolism. Vajikaran Chikitsa is that branch of Ashtang Ayurved, which deals with all types of physical, and psychological sexual problems like impotence, libido, poor erection and early ejaculation in males and sterility, frigidity in females. We will discuss this topic and related to it problems in the future.