General Principles
1. Ayurveda’s Purpose: The primary goal of Ayurveda is to maintain health and cure diseases, emphasizing “Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam.”
2. Tridosha Siddhanta: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha govern all physiological and pathological activities in the body.
3. Prakriti: Individual constitution (Prakriti) is determined at birth and influences susceptibility to diseases and treatment response.
4. Pancha Mahabhuta: The five elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether—constitute the body and universe.
Diet and Nutrition
5. Ahara Vidhi Vidhan: Proper eating habits include eating at the right time, in moderate quantity, and focusing on wholesome food.
6. Ashta Ahar Vidhi Visheshayatan: Eight principles, such as the nature of food (Dravya) and method of preparation (Samskara), determine its effect on health.
7. Viruddha Ahara: Incompatible foods (e.g., milk and salt) lead to toxins (Ama) in the body.
8. Satmya and Asatmya: Foods can be beneficial (Satmya) or unsuitable (Asatmya) depending on the individual’s constitution and habituation.
9. Shadrasa: The six tastes—Sweet, Sour, Salty, Pungent, Bitter, and Astringent—must be balanced in the diet for optimal health.
10. Hita Ahara: Warm, fresh, and easily digestible food is recommended.
Lifestyle and Preventive Measures
11. Dinacharya: A daily routine including Abhyanga (oil massage), proper hygiene, and meditation promotes health.
12. Ritucharya: Seasonal regimens are essential to adapt to environmental changes and prevent diseases.
13. Vyayama: Regular exercise enhances strength, digestion, and immunity.
14. Brahmacharya: Moderation in lifestyle, including sexual activity, is vital for maintaining Ojas and mental clarity.
15. Nidana Parivarjana: Avoiding the root causes of disease is the best preventive measure.
Therapeutic Principles
16. Chikitsa Chatushpada: Four factors for effective treatment include the physician, patient, medicines, and caregiver.
17. Aushadha Matra: The dose of medicine is determined by factors such as age, Prakriti, and severity of the disease.
18. Kriya Kalpa: Diseases progress through six stages, and early intervention prevents complications.
19. Shodhana: Panchakarma (five detox therapies) purifies the body by eliminating toxins.
20. Shamana: Palliative treatments help balance doshas without purification.
21. Rasayana: Rejuvenation therapy improves longevity, immunity, and strength.
22. Vajikarana: Aphrodisiac treatments promote fertility and enhance reproductive health.
Disease Management
23. Vyadhi Kshamatva: Immunity depends on Agni, Ojas, and proper tissue nourishment.
24. Srotas: Channels in the body transport nutrients and waste. Their blockage leads to disease.
25. Dashavidha Pariksha: A ten-fold examination, including Prakriti, Agni, and Sara, guides diagnosis.
26. Ashta Nidana: Eight diagnostic methods, including observation and pulse diagnosis, aid in identifying diseases.
Philosophical and Spiritual Aspects
27. Atma-Body Connection: Ayurveda considers life as a combination of the body, mind, and soul.
28. Sadvritta: Ethical conduct (Sadvritta) promotes mental health and harmony.
29. Ayurveda’s Perspective on Death: Death is seen as the inevitable separation of the soul from the body when life forces are exhausted.
Herbs and Medicines
30. Triphala: A combination of Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki is a universal remedy for detoxification and rejuvenation.
These facts highlight Ayurveda’s holistic approach as outlined in Ayurved Sara Sangrah, making it a practical guide for both practitioners and patients. Let me know if you’d like to explore any of these in detail!
