Ayurveda. The Science of Self Healing

Introduction
This book was inspired by the strong belief that Ayurveda should be accepted by the West as a simple, practical method. Prior to this, Ayurveda was considered an esoteric science in the West. However, it is a simple, practical science of life, containing universal principles applicable to every person's daily life. Ayurveda tells about every element, about every facet of human life, offering a method tested and refined over the centuries by those who sought great harmony, peace and longevity.
The knowledge contained in this book should be of considerable value to the reader. The science of Ayurveda is not based on constantly changing scientific research, but on the eternal wisdom of the rishis, who, through religious introspection and meditation, perceived this science, which expresses Cosmic Consciousness. Ayurveda is a timeless science, and it is hoped that everything stated here will be useful to the reader in all cases of his life.
Ayurveda speaks of eight main branches of medicine: pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics, ophthalmology, gerontology, otolaryngology (ear, throat, nose), conventional medicines and surgery. Each of these medical disciplines is considered according to the theory of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth); the theory of tridosha, or the three constituents of the body; the seven dhatus, or tissues of the body; three malas (urine, stool, sweat) and the triads of life - body, mind and spiritual consciousness. These concepts are fully covered in the introductory part.
This book basically outlines the conventional view of Ayurveda, including both research techniques, diagnosis, treatment, and the promotion of longevity, the use of herbs, and other aspects necessary for daily maintenance of health.
At the same time, those who are interested in the basics of Ayurveda, as a treasury of ancient knowledge, should still study the writings of such Ayurvedic sages as the surgeon Sushruta, who created the classic work on surgery more than 2000 years ago (Sushruta Samhita), and also refer to the works of modern Ayurvedic doctors. Sushruta's writings contain impressive insights into many aspects of modern medicine. Among many other things, he described in detail the post-mortem anatomy and plastic surgery, which came into practice only centuries later and is the basis of modern plastic surgery. Sushruta improved the technique of fastening damaged bones with nails, identified the vital points of the body - marma, which are associated with vital organs. External injury to these points leads to serious and even fatal consequences. Among many other discoveries, Sushruta invented a special method of bloodletting to cure blood diseases.
It should be clear from this brief introduction that we can learn a lot from the ancient Ayurvedic teachers.
The wisdom of Ayurveda is written in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. Therefore, the author sometimes uses Sanskrit terms to explain common Ayurvedic concepts that have no equivalent in English. Each such word, when it first appears in the text, contains a clear and simple explanation.
This is the author's first book and he wishes to express his gratitude to his mentors in Ayurveda, especially Vaidya B.N. where the author received practical skills in healing and where he later worked as a director. He also thanks his students and friends whose love, sympathy and support inspired him to write this book. He also thanks the reader who, by his devotion to knowledge, by his gradual ascension, will open himself to the science of Ayurveda as it is presented in these pages.
Dr. Vasant Lad. Santa Te, New Mexico. January 1984

Chapter 1. History and Philosophy
Ayurveda includes not only science, but also religion and philosophy. We use the word "religion" to denote the faith and discipline that promotes a state of being in which the doors of perception are open to all planes of life. The entire life journey is considered sacred by Ayurveda. The word "philosophy" means the love of truth; and according to Ayurveda, truth is being, pure existence, the source of all life. Ayurveda is the science of truth as it is expressed in life.
All Ayurvedic literature is based on the Sankhya philosophy of creation. (The word Sankhya consists of two Sanskrit words: sat - truth and khya - knowledge). We ask the reader to open the mind and heart of Sankhya philosophy, for it is inextricably linked with Ayurveda.
ancient rishis (self-realized individuals) discovered the truth through religious practice and discipline. Through intense meditation, they manifested the truth in their lives. Ayurveda is the science of everyday life, and this system of knowledge has developed through the philosophical and religious insights of the rishis.
Comprehending the connection between man and the Universe, they learned how cosmic energy manifests itself in all living and inanimate creatures. They also realized that the source of all things is the Cosmic Consciousness, which is manifested in the form of male and female energy - Shiva and Shakti.
Rishi Kapila, who realized the philosophy of Sankhya, discovered 24 principles or elements that make up material nature; and Purusha, the Supreme Spirit, is the 25th principle.
Purusha is masculine and Prakriti is feminine. Purusha enters the bosom of Prakriti, material nature, thanks to His divine will and consciousness, the whole diversity of the Universe is formed. The Highest Spirit is One, but wishing to become many, He multiplies Himself. In this way. The Universe is a child born from the womb of Prakriti, the Divine Mother. This chapter, while difficult for readers with no prior knowledge of the subject, may be read from the beginning, from the end, or from any place at your convenience.
Prakriti creates all forms in the Universe while Purusha watches over this creation. This original physical energy contains three characteristic signs, modes - gunas that permeate all of nature.
The three gunas are sattva (balance, purity), rajas (movement) and tamas (inertia). This triad is the basis of everything that exists, and in Prakriti the gunas are in balance. When this balance is disturbed, there is an interaction of the gunas, which generates the evolution of the Universe.
The first manifestation from Prakriti is the Cosmic Mind called Mahat, from which the ego (ahankara) is formed. The ego then manifests itself in the five senses (tanmatra) and in the five organs of action. Thus, with the help of sattva, an organic universe is created. Then the same ego manifests itself in the five basic elements (bhuta), and with the help of tamas, the inorganic universe is created.
Sattva-guna, being purer than the rest, enlightens and frees from misfortunes and diseases. One who is under the influence of this guna acquires happiness and knowledge. Rajas-guna (the mode of passion) is born from unlimited desires and lusts; due to the influence of rajas, a person is attached to actions and results of actions. The consequence of the influence of tama-guna is madness, laziness and sleep.
The manifestation of the mode of goodness can be felt when the whole being is illumined with knowledge, purity and health. The mode of passion is felt by increasing attachment, by uncontrollable cravings and irresistible aspirations. When the influence of tamas increases, it brings with it darkness, inactivity, madness and illusion.
Rajas is a kinetic creative energy, tamas is a destructive or potential energy, and sattva is a state of harmony. Sattva-guna is controlled by Vishnu, rajas-guna by Brahma, and tamas-guna by Shiva.
MAP 1
PHILOSOPHY OF CREATION SANKHYA
Purusha is the spiritual principle beyond cause and effect, beyond time and space. Purusha is pure being. Prakriti is the creative force in action, the source of the form, manifestations and qualities of nature. Mahat - Cosmic Mind or buddhi, ahankara - false ego, consciousness "I am". Sattva is a stable pure aspect, awakening, essence and light. Rajas is dynamic movement. Tamas - statics, potential energy, inertia, darkness, ignorance and matter.
Sense organs of perception, knowledge:
ears,
leather,
eyes,
language,
nose. Five motor organs - organs of action:
mouth,
arms,
legs,
genitals,
anus. Mind is the organ of action and perception Sound is the mode of ether Touch is the mode of air Vision is the mode of fire Taste is the mode of water Smell is the mode of earth
Organic Inorganic
Science subject
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine widely practiced in India. The word "Ayurveda" is Sanskrit meaning "science of life". "Ayu" means "life" or "everyday life" and "veda" means "knowledge". Ayurveda was first recorded in the Vedas, the oldest surviving scriptures. This system of healing has been practiced in the daily life of India for over 5000 years.
Ayurveda and human potential
Ayurveda teaches that man is a microcosm, the universe. Man is a child of the cosmic forces of the external environment, the macrocosm. His individual existence is inseparable from the general cosmic manifestation. In a holistic sense, Ayurveda's views of health and "disease" take into account the inherent human connection between individual and cosmic spirit, individual and cosmic consciousness, energy and matter.
According to the teachings of Ayurveda, four biological and spiritual aspirations are inherent in man: religious, financial prosperity, reproduction and freedom. Good health is necessary to fulfill these requests. Ayurveda helps the healthy to maintain health, and the sick to restore it. This is the medical-metaphysical science of healing life, the mother of the art of healing. Practicing Ayurveda means promoting well-being, health and creative growth.
The practical knowledge of self-healing can be learned by anyone through the study of the truths of Ayurveda. It is possible to significantly increase the lifespan and get rid of suffering by properly balancing all the energies in the body. The ability of the individual to self-healing is the basic concept of Ayurvedic science.
Ayurveda, Yoga, Tantra
Ayurveda, Yoga and Tantra are the oldest life sciences practiced in India for many centuries. These sciences are mentioned in the Vedas and Upanishads (Indian scriptures). Yoga is the science of connecting with the