Ayurveda & Naturopathy

Self Healing Guide

Ayurveda Overview


Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is traditionally divided into few major branches, these branches encompass various aspects of health and well-being, providing a holistic approach to healing.

 

Kaya Chikitsa (Internal Medicine):
This branch deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases affecting the body's internal organs and systems. It includes the use of herbal medicines, diet, lifestyle modifications, and detoxification therapies.

 

Shalya Tantra (Surgery):
Shalya Tantra focuses on surgical techniques for treating various conditions, including injuries, tumors, and other disorders requiring surgical intervention. Ancient texts like the Sushruta Samhita elaborate on surgical procedures and techniques.

 

Shalakya Tantra (Ophthalmology and ENT):
Shalakya Tantra deals with diseases related to the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. It includes treatments for conditions like cataracts, hearing loss, sinusitis, and throat infections.

 

Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics):
Kaumarabhritya is the branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the care of infants, children, and adolescents. It includes guidelines for child health, nutrition, and the management of pediatric diseases.

 

Bhuta Vidya (Psychiatry):
Bhuta Vidya deals with mental health and psychiatry. It includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders using herbal medicines, diet, lifestyle modifications, and psychotherapy.

 

Agada Tantra (Toxicology):
Agada Tantra deals with the management of toxins and poisons. It includes detoxification therapies and antidotes for various poisonous substances.

Rasayana (Rejuvenation Therapy): Rasayana focuses on rejuvenation and longevity. It includes dietary regimens, herbal formulations, and lifestyle practices aimed at promoting overall health and vitality.

 

Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac Therapy):
Vajikarana deals with sexual health and fertility. It includes therapies and herbal formulations aimed at improving sexual function, fertility, and reproductive health.

General Outlines: To learn ABC of Ayurveda for your self-healing...

To learn the basics of Ayurveda for self-healing, you can start with understanding the fundamental principles and concepts of this ancient system of medicine. Here's a general outline to get you started:

Introduction to Ayurveda:
Learn about the origins, history, and basic principles of Ayurveda.
Understand the concept of Tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and their role in maintaining health.

Prakriti (Constitution):
Discover your unique body-mind constitution (Prakriti) based on the dominance of doshas.
Learn how to balance your constitution through diet, lifestyle, and herbs.

Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition:
Understand the importance of diet in Ayurveda and its role in maintaining health.
Learn about the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, astringent) and their effects on the doshas.
Discover how to eat according to your dosha to maintain balance.

Daily and Seasonal Routines (Dinacharya and Ritucharya):
Learn about the daily and seasonal routines recommended in Ayurveda for optimal health.
Understand the importance of proper sleep, exercise, and stress management.

Herbs and Herbal Remedies:
Explore common Ayurvedic herbs and their medicinal properties.
Learn how to use herbs for common ailments and to balance the doshas.

Yoga and Meditation:
Discover how yoga and meditation can complement Ayurveda for overall well-being.
Learn simple yoga poses and breathing exercises to balance the doshas.

Self-Massage (Abhyanga) and Detoxification (Panchakarma):
Understand the benefits of self-massage with oils and how it can improve health.
Learn about Panchakarma, a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda.

Mind-Body Healing:
Explore the mind-body connection in Ayurveda and its impact on health.
Learn about Ayurvedic practices for mental well-being, such as meditation and mindfulness.

Ayurvedic Psychology:
Understand the Ayurvedic approach to mental health and emotional balance.
Learn about the role of the mind in disease and healing according to Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies:
Discover simple Ayurvedic remedies for common ailments like colds, indigestion, and headaches.
Learn how to create a home pharmacy with basic Ayurvedic herbs and preparations.

 

This is usually taught in Ayurveda Colleges (4 Year BAMS)

Basic Sanskrit
Padartha Vigyan (Philosophy and Basic Principles of Ayurveda)
Kriya Sharir (Physiology)
Rachana Sharir (Anatomy)
Maulik Siddhant Avum Ashtang Hridaya (Basic Principles of Ayurveda and Ashtanga Hridaya)
Ayurveda Itihas (History of Ayurveda)
Dravyaguna Vigyan (Pharmacology)
Rasa Shastra (Pharmaceuticals)
Charak Samhita (Ancient Ayurvedic Text)
Rog Nidan (Pathology)
Vikriti Vigyan (Clinical Pathology)
Swasthavritta (Personal and Social Hygiene)
Agad Tantra (Toxicology and Forensic Medicine)
Roga Vigyan Avam Vikriti Vigyan (General Medicine and Clinical Pathology)
Prasuti Tantra Avum Stri Roga (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Kaumara Bhritya (Pediatrics)
Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
Panchkarma
Prasuti Tantra Avum Stri Roga (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology)

Naturopathy around the World

To learn the basics of Naturopathy for self-healing, you can start with understanding the fundamental principles and concepts of this natural healing system. Here's a general outline to get you started:

Introduction to Naturopathy:
Learn about the history, principles, and philosophy of Naturopathy.
Understand the basic concept of the healing power of nature.

Principles of Naturopathy:
Explore the six principles of Naturopathy, including the healing power of nature, identifying and treating the cause, treating the whole person, and prevention.

Holistic Health:
Understand the concept of holistic health and its importance in Naturopathy.
Learn how Naturopathy focuses on treating the whole person, including physical, mental, emotional, and Spiritual aspects.

Natural Therapies:
Explore the various natural therapies used in Naturopathy, such as herbal medicine, nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and physical therapies.
Understand how these therapies work to promote health and well-being.

Nutrition and Diet:
Learn about the importance of nutrition in Naturopathy.
Understand how diet plays a crucial role in maintaining health and treating illness.

Detoxification and Cleansing:
Explore the concept of detoxification and cleansing in Naturopathy.
Learn about various methods used for detoxification, such as fasting, herbal cleanses, and hydrotherapy.

Lifestyle Factors:
Understand the impact of lifestyle factors, such as stress, sleep, and exercise, on health.
Learn how Naturopathy emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being.

Mind-Body Connection:
Explore the mind-body connection in Naturopathy.
Learn how mental and emotional factors can influence physical health and vice versa.

Prevention and Wellness:
Understand the importance of prevention and wellness in Naturopathy.
Learn how Naturopathy focuses on maintaining health and preventing illness through lifestyle changes and natural therapies.

Self-Care and Home Remedies:
Discover simple self-care practices and home remedies for common health issues.
Learn how to use natural remedies to support your health and well-being.

Some Good Books on Naturopathy

Nature Cure
by Henry Lindlahr

This classic book is considered a foundational text in naturopathic medicine and discusses the principles and practices of natural healing.

 

The Complete Book of Nature Cure
by Dr. H.K. Bakhru

This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of naturopathy, including diet, fasting, and hydrotherapy.

 

Naturopathy for Longevity
by Dr. H.K. Bakhru

Another book by Dr. Bakhru, focusing on how naturopathy can promote longevity and well-being.

 

Ayurveda and Panchakarma
The Science of Healing and Rejuvenation
by Dr. Sunil V. Joshi

While primarily focused on Ayurveda, this book also covers aspects of naturopathy and holistic healing.

The Complete Book of
Ayurvedic Home Remedies
by Dr. Vasant Lad

Another Ayurveda-focused book that includes natural remedies and practices for common ailments.

 

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
by Michael T. Murray and Joseph Pizzorno

A comprehensive guide to natural medicine and naturopathic therapies.

 

The Complete Homeopathy Handbook
by Miranda Castro

While focused on homeopathy, this book provides insights into natural healing principles.

The Naturopathic Way:
How to Detox, Find Quality Nutrition,
& Restore Your Acid-Alkaline Balance
by Christopher Vasey

A guide to natural healing and detoxification.

 

Healing with Whole Foods
Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition
by Paul Pitchford

This book combines traditional Asian healing practices with modern nutritional science.

 

Naturopathic Nutrition
A Guide to Nutrient-Rich Food &
Nutritional Supplements for Optimum Health
by Abram Hoffer

A comprehensive guide to using nutrition for health and healing.

Some Good Books on Ayurveda

Charaka Samhita

An ancient Ayurvedic text attributed to the sage Charaka, it covers various aspects of medicine and is one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda.

Sushruta Samhita

Another foundational text, attributed to the sage Sushruta, it focuses on surgery and is renowned for its detailed descriptions of surgical procedures.

Madhava Nidana

Focuses on the diagnosis of diseases, categorizing them according to Ayurvedic principles and offering insights into their causes and symptoms.

Ashtanga Hridaya

Written by Vagbhata, this text is a concise compilation of earlier texts like Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas, offering a more accessible overview of Ayurvedic principles.

Yoga Ratnakara

While primarily focused on yoga, this text also contains valuable information on Ayurvedic medicine, particularly in relation to the treatment of diseases.

Sharangadhara Samhita

Known for its emphasis on treatment methods and formulations, this text is a valuable resource for practitioners seeking effective remedies.

Bhavaprakasha

A comprehensive treatise on Ayurvedic pharmacology and pharmacognosy, providing detailed information on medicinal plants and their uses.

Rasaratna Samuchaya

Focuses on Rasa Shastra, the branch of Ayurveda dealing with alchemy, providing insights into the preparation of metallic and mineral medicines.

Bhaishajya Ratnavali

A practical guide to Ayurvedic therapeutics, providing detailed explanations of formulations and their applications in treating various ailments.

Practical Self Healing...

Using Ayurveda and Naturopathy you can self-heal many problems easily:

 

Digestive Problems
- Ayurveda suggests dietary changes, herbs like triphala, and lifestyle modifications to improve digestion.

 

Stress and Anxiety
- Techniques like yoga, meditation, and herbal remedies can help manage stress.

 

Insomnia
- Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and lifestyle changes can improve sleep quality.

 

Joint Pain
- Ayurvedic oils, herbs like turmeric, and therapies like Panchakarma can help reduce inflammation.

 

Weight Management
- Ayurveda emphasizes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and herbs like guggul for weight loss.

 

Skin Issues
- Ayurvedic treatments include herbal pastes, oils, and dietary changes for skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

 

Allergies
- Ayurveda recommends cleansing therapies, diet modifications, and herbs like turmeric and licorice for allergic conditions.

 

Respiratory Disorders
- Herbal remedies, steam inhalation, and lifestyle changes can help manage conditions like asthma and bronchitis.

 

Hormonal Imbalance
- Ayurveda suggests herbs like shatavari and ashwagandha, along with lifestyle changes, to balance hormones.

 

Heart Health
- Ayurvedic practices like yoga, meditation, and herbs like arjuna can support heart health.

 

Diabetes
- Ayurveda recommends dietary changes, regular exercise, and herbs like bitter gourd and fenugreek for managing diabetes.

 

Detoxification
- Panchakarma therapies and specific diets can help detoxify the body and improve overall health.

 

Menstrual Disorders
- Ayurvedic treatments include herbs like ashoka and diet modifications to regulate menstrual cycles.

 

Low Immunity
- Ayurveda suggests immune-boosting herbs like tulsi, amla, and guduchi, along with a balanced diet and lifestyle.

 

Chronic Fatigue
- Ayurvedic treatments focus on rejuvenation therapies, stress management, and diet to overcome chronic fatigue.

 

Aum Namah Shivay

Guru Aum Sushant