Is spirituality a necessity in Ayurveda?

Ayurveda has several lines of treatment for the restoration and maintenance of wellness. These treatments are generally classified into two major groups namely Daivavyapashraya and Yuktivyapashraya. The categorization is done on the basis of the methodology of treatments. Between the two the Daivavyapashraya means the methods employed by the physician which are having a spiritual base while the Yuktivyapashraya means the methods of treatment employed by the physician which are having a non-spiritual base like medicines, treatment procedures like Panchakarma, etc. Sometimes even the combined treatments are also suggested for attaining the required outcome. Thus spirituality is a major necessity in Ayurveda. 

The Daivavyapashraya type of treatment where the spiritual techniques like the enchanting of various Vedic hymns, prayers to please the Gods, spiritually charged amulets, Vedic procedures of sacrifices, sacred fires, etc. This spirituality techniques are mainly enumerated on the basis of Hindu religion or culture. But the same is not restricted at all. The other cultural or religious procedures pertaining to region, state, nation or even the continent is permissible to change accordingly in these treatment methodologies.

Now the question is "Is this necessary? And if yes, how far does this have an effect on the status of health?"

Spirituality is nothing but a belief in a certain form of energy that is believed to be the cause of all this creation. It doesn't regard as which religion does the individual belong as the energy from whichever the individual is created is always the same. It is only a matter of belief regarding the existence of energy. But whether the individual says himself an Atheist or a Theist the existence of energy is true either scientifically or spiritually.

The Vedic chants of certain hymns are various alphabetical syllabi which is enchanted in a rhythmic way such that it makes the necessary vibrations of the energy around us. These vibrations result in the vibratory effects on the body along with the mind. This results in necessary hormonal changes that helps in the positive mental effect resulting in health effects of the body too. Again the expression of these chants should be in a perfect pre-determined rhythm which is hardly performed or chanted resulting in the failure of these chants. 

Amulets are usually blessed with intense energy developed by deep concentration through the deep meditation of certain syllabus. Thus if the amulets are obtained from a genuine physician who is spiritually mature will surely raise the effective results. But finding such a physician or non-physician who is spiritually mature is a rare sight today. 

Deep meditation of Japam with or without the aid of Yoga techniques is another type of Daivavyapashraya treatments. It is done again by enchanting a syllabus which may be a name of god or a Vedic hymn etc will produce the required effect if done by the patient himself. But it is the most difficult method as it needs a deep concentration on the part of the performer or the patient himself. 

In Ayurveda too there are certain references like the enchanting of Vishnu Sahasranama (Thousand names of Lord Vishnu) for the cure of diseases like fever on attaining the most complicated state. These references show the utility of spirituality in Ayurveda. 

Irrespective of anyone being an Atheist or a Theist the effects of these methodologies of treatment and procedures are always the same. The presence of energy around us and the fact that every material which has mass is in-fact formed from energy is very well established by the scientific fraternity. These different benefits are closely observed and noted by physicians of Ayurveda leading to its adoption in the science of Life. Then why to discard its benefits when these are readily obtainable?.................................CFEIA 

Spiritual Maturity - The Basic goal of Ayurveda

For most of us Ayurveda is a medical science that deals with the cure and prevention of the disease. But actually the main aim of Ayurveda is to help every individual to attain the highest goal of life namely Moksha or Salvation.
A disease of the individual is the result of the actions or abuse done by the individual either mentally or physically upon himself or others. This is to be corrected with suitable remedies such that it is cured or in other words the effect of such abuse is nullified resulting in a purity of physical and mental faculties. This purified condition is a conducive one for the development of the spiritual seed. This seed when matures completely will attain the final goal of life namely Moksha.
For the achievement of this primary goal Ayurveda encapsulates the theories and practices of other similar philosophies like the Yoga Darshana, Vedanta Darshana, etc. This makes it more complete and accurate than the other philosophies. It also has resulted in a more complicated structure due to which it has been incomprehensible especially in the west.
Most of the philosophies that exist in the world are mainly dealing with a monastic way of approach for attaining a spiritual maturity. But Ayurveda is such a philosophy which has many ways for achieving the spiritual maturity even when leading a worldly life with materialistic responsibilities.
During such an association it is quite natural that an individual may cause harm to some individuals unknowingly where the actions may result in some disease conditions. These conditions are addressed and suitable remedies are suggested in this eternal science of healing.
But today the scenario is quite different where the human being is drawn towards materialistic achievements and hence the conditions that result in disease is also much more than earlier. Still the principles of Ayurveda if closely followed the diseased conditions can be corrected and purity of mind and body is sure to be achieved. But for this one should not forget the actual goal of life that is "Spiritual Maturity" or "Moksha". Let us strive to achieve this goal to the fullest in the interest of humanity ....................... CFEIA

Management of Hyperacidity by Ayurveda - An Appraisal

Hyperacidity commonly resulting in Gastritis, Peptic or Duodenal Ulcer is a major problem that has been of great concern in every individual all over the world. This problem might have been existing from the most ancient period which might have been understood to be a sign or a symptom of different other disease conditions. Hence in the texts of Ayurvedic medicine this condition is not frequently told until the text on pathology known as Madhava Nidana, the condition is highlighted. This condition is addressed by the name 'Amlapitta' in the text. Today, this has taken a mammoth like shape and is bothering the human community to the most disturbing extent.
Let us try to analyse as to why and how this condition became so more significant. In the past possibly the population was low, there were frequent wars, diseases, natural disasters that were not controlled and hence the population was always on the check. This resulted in the availability of plentiful resources on earth where the necessity of a competition was only to get the best. The availability and deprivation of the individual to the basic needs was never a possibility. Today, except the natural means of control of population others like wars, diseases are being controlled to the maximum extent. This resulted in fall of death rate and increase in the population. The condition resulted in the expansion of the civilization, boundaries of various political establishments and finally a race for dominance of one over the other. This race for dominance or a competitive nature of the human race has in fact resulted in an enormous stress both physically and mentally. The physical stress was slowly overcome by the enormous development of science and technology resulting in evolution of machinery that gave luxury, security along with the reduction of physical stress. This then made the human race to look forward for further progress. This only resulted in increase in mental stress. The increased mental stress is today known to be the cause of various disease conditions ranging from hyperacidity to even some of the grave medical conditions. Hence among all stress is the main condition that has given rise to hyperacidity.
There are many medicines belonging to various systems in medicine which are catering the need of human population all over the world. The modern system of medicine due to its irrational use have resulted in more of harmful effects rather than benefits.
For this condition Ayurveda has a more promising solution which when used not only gives a long time relief to the individual but also corrects his appetite with an improvement in the quality of life. The certain medicines like Bhunimbadi Kwatha (decoction), Arogyavardhini Rasa (tablet), Kamadhugha Rasa (tablet) are some of them that help in suppressing the condition. They not only regulate the acid secretion of the stomach but tone up the liver and helps in proper digestion of the contents. This will help in increase of appetite and food intake. Thus totally leading to an increase in the nutrition of the body and quality of life. Is this not the main intention for all of us?.....................................................................................CFEIA

Let us define the goal of Life with Ayurveda

Every substance in the universe strives to reach stability such that it attains total perfection. Elements of nature move and undergo changes such that it attains the necessary stability where further change is not possible. Man is not averse to this situation too. He too have striven in the past to attain perfection which some of the scholarly people have attained and described it in their own way. Now the question is how one defines the idea of perfection accordingly his direction to attain the same will be set and the individual will start moving towards it. Today the definition of the idea of perfection varies to a great extent due to fall in the spiritual and moral values of mankind. Earlier, due to the idea of God being more persistent in human beings the idea of perfection was to attain the omnipresent and dissolve oneself into it. This is so because God is supposed to be the Omnipresent, All Perfect and Never Changing and attaining God is nothing but becoming one with the Almighty or else known as Moksha. 

But today with the prevailing thoughts of different religion, on proposal of existence of God theory being averse to each other along with the presence of an egoistic feeling of being superior to the other has lead to different definition of perfection among human beings. An atheist will define his goal of perfection as obtaining the best knowledge of the universe around him along with the possession of the substances that can help in obtaining this. He tries to inquest into all the possibilities such that the knowledge becomes perfect which may include even into the proposal of existence of God. Thus, leading to God on complete realization. All religions are having the same goal of attaining god. This is advocated to be possible through spiritual means and moral feelings thus leading to control of mind and body. Thus, it is to be understood that whenever a human being strives to become perfect even though he may be an atheist or theist he will attain the almighty for sure. 

But still why we are unable to attain the goal of perfection even we have developed so much in the area of science and technology is because the definition of perfection is now limited to some materialistic gains. When the goals are ever changing there is no stipulated and constant direction and thus leads to confusion resulting in a condition like the wild goose chase. This confusion will lead to mental stress and when this mental stress becomes stronger enough to hamper one's thoughts, it will lead to physical stress. This physical stress will again give rise to mental stress and thereby gives rise to a vicious cycle. 

Today's world is going through this phase that has deviated the human community into a sense of greed and possession leading to unrest, terror and destruction. How will this be relieved and brought to the main direction of attaining the perfection? 

This is possible only with accepting the knowledge of Yoga and Ayurveda which advocate the method of living a healthy and prosperous life along with the direction to attain perfection. 

Ayurveda (The science of Life) undoubtedly is one of the main traditional medicinal science which tells how to attain and maintain health in all possible ways. It has acquired, modified and advocated the principles of Yoga and other similar philosophies in its way to explain the concept of life, living healthy, and attainment of perfection (Obtaining of God). 

The principles and concepts told in these great philosophies or science if followed will relieve mental stress thus breaking the vicious cycle. It also will correct the lifestyle and improve the quality of life. This will further give a definite direction to life for the achievement of perfection (Moksha) which is the ultimate aim or life. A relaxing mind, prosperous life, healthy and spiritually superior thoughts and sacrifice is the need for the attainment of ultimate peace and tranquility. Isn't this is our dream for achievement? ......................CFEIA