Ayurveda is the ancient Indian Holistic medical science which deals with body, mind and soul in health & disease. It aims at:
This is achieved by lifestyle, food and medicines. Ayurveda defines health as a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well being and not merely a state free from diseases.
Ayurveda is based on the theory of Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha. All living and non-living matters in the universe are made up of Panchamahabhutas viz. Aakash (Space), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jala (Water) and Prithvi (Earth). Even the human being is made up of these basic elements, which in turn transform into three Doshas (Biological Humors) viz. vata, pitta and kapha. Tridoshas govern the physiological functions of the body in their balanced condition and lead to diseases in an imbalanced state. Vata dosha is a catabolic force which is responsible for all voluntary and involuntary movements in the body, respiration, digestion, excretion, all sensory and motor functions. Pitta Dosha is responsible for digestion and metabolism, thermogenesis, glandular secretions, energy production and utilization.
Kapha is an anabolic force responsible for static energy, growth, development and rejuvenation. In all living organisms, all three Doshas are present in different proportions, Kapha Dosha predominates in childhood, Pitta Dosha in middle age and vata Dosha in old age. Satva, Raja, Tama are three qualities of mind. Satva is considered as good quality whereas Raja and Tamaa are harmful qualities. Efforts are to be made to enhance Satvic mind by good lifestyle and healthy food.
Ayurveda identifies 7 types of prakriti (Psycho-Physical Constitution) and the knowledge of which is essential for promotion of health, prevention and treatment of diseases. Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Therapy (Rasayana) is one of the great specialties of Ayurveda by which healthy ageing, disease-free long life may be achieved.
Major Source of ayurvedic preparations is Medicinal Herbs. Ayurvedic Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics are well developed branches, dealing with all aspects of herbal and herbo-mineral medicines, method of identification, purification, processing, preparation, usage, dosage for promotion of health and treatment of diseases. In ancient times, physicians used to prepare medicines themselves. Whereas in the present day set up, due to various reasons, physicians are not engaged in the preparation of the medicines. There are many ayurvedic medicine manufacturing units all over India with experts in the pharmaceutical branch. United pharmaceuticals is one such well known ayurvedic medicines manufacturing unit with G.M.P certificate.