Certificate in Ayurveda basics, Introductory course

I am Dr. M.L. Maurya, A Doctor specialist in Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Holistic Health.

I had completed Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.), Ayurveda Degree from Gurukul Kangri Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Haridwar Uttarankhand, India, affiliated to CSJM Kanpur Univesity,

Post-Graduate Diploma in Panchakarma from Vinayaka Mission Deemed University, Tamilnadu, India.

P.G. advance diploma in Naturopathy & Yoga science from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India,

M.Sc. in Holistic Health and Yoga from Uttarakhand open university.

I established the Hemadri Ayurveda centre in June 2005 at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh.

Now recently in 2017 I started Shanti Makaan, House of Peace, a residential Ayurveda Treatment Centre in Rishikesh

In Rishikesh, India; I am providing all in-house Ayurvedic consultation with pulse examination,Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments, Naturopathy treatments, delivering courses and lectures on Ayurveda, and providing training in Ayurveda, formulating herbal medicines and teaching herbs of Ayurveda.

All my credentials come from all over the world especially from U.S.A and Europe, china, Japan, Brasil and other South America countries.

I have vast experience of 15 years of teaching and practice of Ayurveda in India and abroad China, Japan and Australia.

History & origin of Ayurveda

Purana: The myth about Ayurveda.

Ayurveda and Vedas: Ayurveda and Veda have a relation in depth

1. Purana - the myth about Ayurveda:

One of the creation myths is Ksheera sagara medan (ksheera means milk, sagar means ocean and madan means churning). In this story the gods and demons churned for “elixir” (nectar of immortibility) and from this churning of the ocean of milk so many things emerged:

• Kamdhenu [a holly cow],

• Kalpavruksha [sacred tree],

• Goddess Lakshmi [goddess of prosperity],

• The Moon,

• Poison (Halahala) and

• A god called “Dhanvantri” with the nectar in his hand.

Dhanvantri is the god of Ayurveda. He holds the Ayurvedic descriptions and some herbs with his hand.

Whereas Ksheera sagara madan is treated as a myth, the disciple of Dhanvantri, called as “Charaka”, is well known to the world. We can still get his knowledge from a book called “Charakasamhita” written by Charaka. Along with this book, the books Sushruta Samhita [deals with Salya chikitsa = surgery] and Astanga Hridayam are also very famous books in Ayurveda.

2. Ayurveda and the Vedas:

Ayurveda and Veda have a relation in depth.
Vedas are ancient doctrines of great knowledge on earth. The major Vedas are four in number and they are Rigveda, Yajurveda, Sama veda and Atharvana veda. Each main veda has one upa veda [sub veda]. Ayurveda is treated as Upaveda of Rigveda and Antharveda (internal part) of Atharvana veda.
Ayurveda is not a merely medical system or a medical kit; it is like sacred science of life.
It helps the human being to lead a happy life with pure mind by providing the whole information about it. So it is treated as Panchamaveda (5th major veda).
In Ayurveda there are some “paramparas” [Knowledge from Gods] called Daiva parampara, Siddha parampara and Rishi parampara:

1. According to Daiva parampara, the flow of the knowledge is like this: it was revealed by Lord Brahma. The knowledge of Ayurveda transformed from Brahma to Ashwini kumar [divine healers] through Prajapati [Son of Brahma]. Ashwini Kumar taught Ayurveda to Indra. From Indra, Ayurveda was revealed to a Saint called Bhardwaj.

2. According to Rishi parampara: Dhanvantri - Susruuta, Vaitarana, Bambrha, Poshka bhavara, Gopura rakshita and Karaveera - Kasyapa - Atri, Bhrugu and Vasishta.

3. According to Saivi (worshippers of Lord Siva) sampradaya (sampradaya = cult): Lord Siva - Parvati - Nandi - Agastya - Chulastya - Tairayar.

Ayurveda is an ancient and higher knowledge which supports human being to lead a happy life in natural way.

Classics of Ayurveda:

There are two sets of classics in Ayurveda which consists of three classical texts:

Classics

Classical Texts

Brihatrayi

Charak Samhita

Shushrut Samhita

Ashtang Hridaya

Laghutrayi

Madhav Nidan

Bhavprakash Samhita

Sharangdhar Samhita

Ayurveda, Definition of Health

समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलःक्रियाः।

प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थइतिअभिधीयते॥ (सुश्रुत संहिता सूत्रस्थान १५/१०)

Ashtanga Ayurveda

· Kāyacikitsā: general medicine, medicine of the body

· Kaumāra-bhṛtya: the treatment of children, paediatrics

· Śalyatantra: surgical techniques and the extraction of foreign objects

· Śālākyatantra: treatment of ailments affecting ears, eyes, nose, mouth, etc. ("ENT")

· Bhūtavidyā: pacification of possessing spirits, and the people whose minds are affected by such possession

· Agadatantra: toxicology

· Rasāyanatantra: rejuvenation and tonics for increasing lifespan, intellect and strength

· Vājīkaraṇatantra: aphrodisiacs and treatments for increasing the volume and viability of semen and sexual pleasure.

Basics Principles of Ayurveda

• Pancha Mahabhuthas

• Thrigunas

• Thridoshas

• Dhathus

• Malas

• Agni

• Koshtam

• Prakrithi

Concept Of 5 Elements - Panchmahabhoot - Tridosha

According to Ayurveda, every thing in this universe is made up of five basic elements in different proportions. These five elements or panch bhutas are Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Ether (Aakash). The food, the planets and every living and non-living thing are made up of these 5 elements. There is a fundamental harmony at the macrocosm level and microcosm level and our body is a very minute image of the universe. The only thing which differentiates living and non-living things is the Soul.

Characteristics Of 5 Elements

PANCHMAHABHOOT AND THEIR REPRESENTATION IN BODY AS TRIDOSHA

1. Space (Ether) - Present in hollow cavities within body and empty areas of cosmos, transmits sound, non-resistant to anything, frictionless or smooth, subtle, Soft, abundant. Any diet, food or herbs with similar properties will increase Space element within the body.

2. Air - Light, Dry, Subtle, Mobile, Transparent, Rough are the properties of Air. It is responsible for movement, dryness in the body. Any diet, exercise, medicine which has such properties will increase "Vata" or Air element in the body.

3. Fire - It is hot, sharp, intense, dry, light. It emits light and heat. Any food, diet, exercise, herbs which has similar properties will increase this element in our body. For example- Chillies, Ginger, Garlic, Peppers, will increase "Pitta" or Fire element " in the body.

4. Water – Water is moist, cohesive or sticky, cool, soft and oily (unctuous). Water is present in many foods, milk and herbs as well as in our body. Excess of water increases the above mentioned characteristics in our body and decreases the opposite. Water intake is useful in diseases caused by fire or 'pitta and air or 'vata'. For example, acidity, skin problems, constipation, dryness, excessive breakdown or accumulation of metabolites/endotoxins. In other words it acts as detoxifying agent.

5. Earth - It is solid, dense, stable, heavy, hard, dull and slow. It constitutes the solid structures in the universe and our body. Any food, exercise, herbs which have similar properties will provide nutrition, support and cause heaviness in the body. It will also improve strength and stability.

These are the characteristics of the 5 elements, out of which this whole universe is made up of. Using these attributes, everything in this world can be classified to be made up of combination of these 5 elements in different ratios and proportions. Even all the natural elements in the modern periodic table in chemistry can be classified under these 5 elements. For example, a steel rod has more earth than wood. Wood has earth and water. Our body has all 5 i.e. Space and Air (Hollow organs and body cavities), Fire (Chemicals), Earth (Bony structures) and Water (Saliva, Digestive Juices and intracellular or extra cellular fluids).

An atom also depicts the combination of 5 elements. The electric charge depicts the fire energy within an atom. The nuclear reaction is also an example of fire energy contained within an atom.

The Earth element is represented by the mass of the electron, proton and neutrons as well as subatomic particles within an atom.

The Water is responsible for the cohesion between the subatomic particles. They are bound in an atom because of the cohesive nature of the water element.

The empty Air element is represented by the force which is causing the movements of the electrons around the nucleus.

The Ether is the empty space between or the empty space in and around an atom.

The balance of these Energies, particularly Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Water) keeps the atom an atom and prevents it from becoming an atomic bomb. Similarly these energies are moving this whole universe.

The example of planets and galaxies moving around in space also fit into the example of tri-energy module.

Similarly this analogy is also useful in case of cellular function and structure. The metabolism occurring in mitochondria within the cells and also other intracellular organelles is an example of fire energy. The oxygen represents the air and the water represents the water. The structure of plasma membrane and other solid things within the cells represent the earth element. The empty space in vacuoles is presented by the space element.

The balance of these elements fluctuates in different environments and one element can transform into another. For example, the water element can change into the earth element if it is stored in a very low temperature. Similarly, Same water if heated turns into steam and evaporates and becomes space.

Similarly if we burn something, it changes its form. Suppose we burn a piece of paper, parts of it evaporate by becoming space and air and it changes from earth to Air and Space.

Representation Of Elements In Human Beings

The five elements are present in various living and non-living things in various ratios and proportions. Living things have five elements and a soul whereas non-living have only 5 elements in their composition.

These 5 elements represent themselves in the form of 3 energies in humans called 'Dosha' or Tri-Dosha. These dosha can also be called Tri-Energies.

The "Tridosh" Principle Or Tri - Energies

Another fundamental theory of Ayurveda is the "Tridosh" principle or the tri-energies theory. This can also be understood as combination of panchbhutas (Five Elements) into 3 the 3 biological or physiological and physical forces that cater to the metabolic functions and structural composition of our body. The balance of these tri-energies is known as a state of health and their imbalance is disease. Anything which restores this balance is good for health. So any diet, exercise, behavior or medicine can be recommended to restore this balance and provide health. The tri-energies are

Tridosh

Energy counterpart

Elementary Composition

Vata

Kinetic energy

Air + Ether

Pitta

Thermal energy

Fire

Kapha

Potential energy

Earth + Water

Relationship Between Vata, Pitta, Kapha And 5 Elements

This is the physical elementary composition of 3 basic energies that act in synergy to maintain the health of the body. Their balance is responsible for health maintenance at the physical level. However there are many more principles of Ayurveda in further chapters of this book which lay strong emphasis on balance and coordination between senses-body-mind-soul axis for complete physical, mental, social and spiritual well being.

Ayu (Life) is not merely life span measured in chronological years but it is union of mind-body-senses and soul. So there is a great importance of mind and soul in Ayurveda.

NAME

CHARACTER

FUNCTION

Rasa (CHYLE)

Nutrient fluid

Nutrition

Rakta (BLOOD)

Blood

Oxygenation

Mamsa (MUSCLE)

Muscular tissue

Movement

Medas (FAT)

Lubricating fat deposits

Lubrication

Asthi (BONE)

Supporting and accommodating bony structures

Support

Majja(BONE MARROW)

Tissues inside the bone

Support

Shukra (REPRODUCTIVE)

Reproductive system

Reproduction

Malas

They are waste products from the metabolic activities of the body. They are

Dosha - Dhathu relationship

Mala

Function

Pureesha (faecal matter)

gives strength to stand erect.

Moothra (urine)

gives slimy character to the body.

Sweda (sweat)

makes the skin unctuous.

Dooshikadimala (excreta from eyes, nose, ears)

protects and lubricates.

Thrigunas

There are three primary qualities, which are omnipresent at work behind all material forms in nature, i.e, Satwa (consciousness or intellect), Rajas (motion or action) and Thamas (inertia or resistance).

Satwa

Rajas

Thamas

Whatever is pure and illuminating. Inferred as pleasure.

Whatever is active, energizing & activating. Inferred as pain.

Whatever is passive and offers resistance and restraints. Inferred as delusion.

Prakrithi

Prakriti is the natural thridosha constitution of the body which results from the predominance of Doshas right from the moment of conception of a person.

Prakriti is the natural thridosha constitution of the body which results from the predominance of Doshas right from the moment of conception of a person. Based on the permutations and combinations of the three Doshas, seven types of constitutions can be formed.

• Vatha

• Pitta

• Kapha

• Vatha-Pitta

• Vatha-Kapha

• Pitta-Kapha

• Sannipatha or balanced constitution (Sama Prakriti).

Doshic constitution takes shape right from the moment of conception. The types are classified by their predominance. A purely single Dosha constitution is seldom found and a balanced constitution, though extremely good, is also rare.

Constitution Chart

PHYSICAL FEATURES

V- VATHA

P- PITTA

K- KAPHA

Body frame

V-Lean & thin.

P-Moderate.

K-Large & thick.

Body weight

V-Low.

P-Moderate.

K-Overweight.

Skin

V-Dry, rough, cool, black, brown.

P-Soft, oily, warm, fair, yellowish, red.

K-Thick, oily, cool, pale, white, glistening.

Hair

V-Dry, rough, brittle, blackish, brown.

P-Soft, oily, early grey, baldness, yellow, red.

K-Thick, oily, wavy, dark, glistening, white.

Teeth

V-Irregular, protruded, crooked, thin gums, tendency towards tooth decay.

P-Regular, moderate, soft, gums, yellowish.

K-Regular, strong, white, healthy.

Eyes

V-Small, dull, attractive, brown, black iris.

P-Medium, sharp, penetrating, green, grey, yellowish iris.

K-Big, blue iris, thick eyelashes.

Joints

V-Bony markings seen.

P-Just visible.

K-Not seen.

Musculature

V-Slender but hard.

P-Loose.

K-Firm, stout.

FUNCTIONAL FACTORS

VATHA

PITTA

KAPHA

Appetite

V-ariable, scanty.

P-Good, excessive.

K-Low, but steady.

Thirst

V-Variable.

P-Excessive.

K-Less.

Sweating

V-Variable.

P-Excessive.

K-Less.

Sleep

V-Scanty, interrupted.

P-Moderate, 4-6 hours, slightly disturbed.

K-More than 6 hours, sound.

Taste they like

V-Sweet, sour, salty.

P-Sweet, bitter astringent.

K-Pungent, bitter, astringent

Elimination

V-Irregular, dry, hard, constipated.

P-Regular, soft, oily, loose.

K-Regular, oily.

Physical Activity

V-Fast & very active.

P-Medium.

K-Lethargic and slow.

Sexual Vitality

V-Less.

P-Moderate.

K-Good.

Pulse

V-Thready and weak.

P-Jumping .

K-Broad & slow.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

VATHA

PITTA

KAPHA

Emotional temperament

V-Unpredictable, anxious, insecure.

P-Irritable, aggressive, greedy, jealous.

K-Calm, quiet.

Mind

V-Restless, active.

P-Aggressive, intelligent.

K-Calm.

Faith

V-Changeable.

P-Fanatic.

K-Steady.

Memory

V-Recent - good;
emote - poor.

P-Sharp.

K-Slow but prolonged.

Interests

V-Recreation, dance, drama, cultural activities.

P-Dress and ornaments.

K-Philosophical topics.

Agni

It is the digestive power of the human system, but also appears throughout the universe in various changes of substances such as those observed in chemical, bio-chemical and nuclear processes. However it is to be distinguished from Agni Bhutha, which is a principle. Agni works at 3 different levels.

Jataragni

The digestive fire or the power to digest food.

Dhatvagni

Special digestive agencies for various bodily tissues dependent on Jataragni.

Bhuthagni

Required for the formation of specific material in the body such as rods and cones responsible for photosensitivity in the eye, special liquids around the taste buds in the tongue and so on.

DINACHARYA

Dinacharya is the Sanskrit word for daily routine, ‘Din’ means day and ‘charya’ means to follow or close to. The daily routine recommends good hygiene, moderate exercise, healthy diet, efficient elimination of wastes and a positive mental outlook. Ayurveda states that in order to be optimally healthy we should tune our bodies to nature’s master cycle. Every day there are two cycles of change:

From 6am to 6pm and

From 6pm to 6am.

Within each cycle there are 4 hour periods that are dominated by vata, pitta or kapha energies. We also have vata, pitta and kapha energies within our bodies in various strengths and combinations so it is good if we can prevent activities that aggravate the cycle of vata, pitta, kapha.

First Cycle

6am to 10pm – Kapha

10am to 2pm – Pitta

2pm to 6pm – Vata

Second Cycle

6pm to 10pm – Kapha

10pm to 2am – Pitta

2am to 6am – Vata

Therefore Dinacharya is basically an ideal daily schedule for us to follow, which analyzes the master cycles of nature and suggests optimal times for carrying out our daily routine.

Taking the above into account the daily routine should look something like this:

Morning

Get up early, 2 hours before sunrise is recommended, if you can’t manage that try 30 minutes before. This is the time that Vata is dominant, and is the most fresh and pure time of the day and it helps to tune the body to nature.

Drink 1-2 glasses of warm water one hour before and one hour after each meal this will help to stimulate your bowels to move. Make a habit to pass urnine after each meal.

Clean your teeth and scrape your tongue, ayurveda considers a coating on your tongue as an indication to toxins in the colon.

Massage your scalp, forehead, temples, hands and feet for five minutes.

Bathe in warm water

Do some brief exercise 10 minutes is plenty, yoga and breathing exercise is good.

Meditate for about 15 minutes.

Eat breakfast consisting of a diet balanced according to your personal requirements.

Do not start your work or business activities before breakfast. After breakfast allow 5 minutes to plan your day in your diary, prioritize your work load.

Noon

Lunch should be eaten between 12 noon and 1pm as this is the peak Pitta period and Pitta is responsible for digestion. Ayurveda recommends that lunch be the largest meal of the day. Try to eat fresh food and make an effort to eat conciously, concentrate on how the food tastes and on fully chewing your food.

Take a short walk to aid digestion.

Evening

6pm - If you do physical type work you should spend 20 minutes doing relaxing yoga or meditation, if your work is not physical then 20 minutes physical exercise would be beneficial.

Evening meal, this should be lighter than lunch and should be taken at 7pm.

A short walk to aid digestion after dinner.

Sundown is the time for prayers or meditation it is a special time of balance between night and day and is the best time of the day for reflection.

Before bed open your diary and tick off the work which you have completed, anything which has been left or not completed add to another day. This will help unclutter your mind to allow you a more restful sleep.

Bedtime around 10pm is optimal.

Pind swedan at home with home ingredients for all kind of pain special in back, neck, shoulder, knee and muscular pain

Pind Swedan (Bundle Pack Massage)

Treat pain with herbal poultice

Applying herbal heat thereby perspiration by using heated pack of specific herbs

Requirements

• Ginger Powder 150 gms

• Carom seeds (ajawain) 150 gms

• Rock salt 150 gms

• Lemon 2 pc

• Garlic 50 gm

• Castor oil/sesame oil 50 ml

• 18 inches squire cotton cloth, 2 in number

• About 5 feet long cotton threads, 2 in number

• Vessel having round bottom for heating the bundle

• Medicated oil/sesame oil

Preparations

• Cut lemons and Garlic in small pcs

• Mix all ingredients, and finally add oil and mix properly

• Put half mixture in center of both cloth piece

• Free ends of cloth fold in its middle

• Tied with cotton thread, to make rounded bundle with handle

Heating Bundle

• Cut lemons and Garlic in small pcs

• Mix all ingredients, and finally add oil and mix properly

• Put half mixture in center of both cloth piece

• Free ends of cloth fold in its middle

• Tied with cotton thread, to make rounded bundle with handle

Position of Client

• Cut lemons and Garlic in small pcs

• Mix all ingredients, and finally add oil and mix properly

• Put half mixture in center of both cloth piece

• Free ends of cloth fold in its middle

• Tied with cotton thread, to make rounded bundle with handle

Apply oil and heat

• Apply heat on joint / effected part

• Confirm the heat intensity by apply heat on therapist dorsum side of hand, then apply on clients body

• It can be touched rapidly, moved or placed on the effected site according to heat of bundle pack

• Carefully done- there is chance of burn, skilled required

Benefits

• Treating vata dosha imbalance

• Alleviates pain and swelling

• Cures Arthritis

• Relieves pain in tendinitis

• Treating muscle pain and strain

• Cures low back pain

• Effective in peripheral neuritis

• Effective in neck pain

• Knee joint pain

Obeservation of Client

• Therapist should closely observe the clients, strong heat can burn and less heat can give no effect.

• Once effected part becomes enough hot and sweating can seen, it is now enough.

After procedure

• Therapist should closely observe the clients, strong heat can burn and less heat can give no effect.

• Once effected part becomes enough hot and sweating can seen, it is now enough.

Precaution

• Risk on burn

• Prevent over heating the bundle packs

• Therapist should check temperature before apply on clients body

shirodhara practical