Ayurveda originated in India and is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. The word Ayurveda means science of life. It is the combination of two words ─ Ayu (Life) & Veda (Knowledge). It is said to have been taught by the creator, Brahma, to Daksha Prajapati, who taught it in turn to the divine twins called the Ashwinikumars. Ashwinikumars were the heavenly healers who taught this science to Indra. The personages mentioned were deities of early Vedic times. When mankind started suffering from various diseases, the wise men like Bharadwaja learnt from Indra the knowledge of medicine.

References of illness, cures and other health-related issues are found in vedas, the oldest recorded compendium of wisdom on the earth (6000 B.C.). The main source of knowledge of Ayurveda today is two sets of texts each consisting of three books viz.

1. Brihattrayi i.e., the three major classics
• Caraka Samhita (1500-1000 B.C.)
• Susruta Samhita (1500-1000 B.C.)
• Vagbhata (600 A.D.)
2. Laghuttrayi i.e., the three minor classics
• Madhava Nidana (700 A.D.)
• Sarangdhara Samhita (1300 A.D)
• Bhava Prakasha (1600 A.D).

Besides these classics, there are many more books, both ancient and contemporary, which carry the information on this Indian medical system.

Basic Principles
The objectives of Ayurveda are preservation and promotion of the health of a healthy person and restoration of health in the diseased. Good health is the fundamental pre-requisite to acquire materialistic, social and spiritual upliftment of human being.

The Universe, according to Ayurveda is composed of five basic elements ─ Pancha Mahabhootas viz. Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), andSpace (Akash).  As the human body is similarly constituted, there is a fundamental similarity between universe and man. A healthy balance between the microcosm (human being) and the macrocosm (universe) is the basis of health.

Ayurveda is based on the theory of three humours (Tridosha) i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, seven body tissues (Saptadhatu) i.e., fluid components of the body (Rasa), Blood (Rakta), muscle tissue (Mamsa), adipose tissue(Medas), bone tissue(Asthi), bone marrow (Majja) and reproductive elements (Sukra) and three bio-wastes (Trimalas) i.e. Urine (Mootra), Faeces (Pureesha) and Sweat (Sweda). The essence of saptadhatu called Ojas is responsible for immunity and strength.

Branches of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is also known as Ashtanga Veda (science with eight branches) because it is classified into eight different branches. Ayurveda provides comprehensive preventive, promotive and curative aspects of health through eight major clinical specialties.

1. Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
2. Bala chikitsa (Paediatrics)
3. Graha chikitsa - Bhoota Vidya (Psychiatry)
4. Urdhvanga chikitsa (Treatment of eyes, ears, nose, throat and head)
5. Shalya chikitsa (Surgery)
6. Damstra chikitsa - Agada tantra (Toxicology)
7. Jara chikitsa-Rasayana (Gerentorology)
8. Vrishya chikitsa - vajikarana (Aphrodisiacs)

These major eight specialties have been further developed later into many sub-specialties of Ayurveda.

Therapies and Regimen
In Ayurveda the process of learning, research and clinical practice are experiential and scientific. Like other systems of ancient Indian learning, Ayurveda is discovered through most recognized schools of acquiring knowledge and producing evidence (Pramanas) viz. (1) Direct perception through sense organs (Pratyaksa), (2) Inference (Anumana) (3) Verbal texts from many of the trustworthy persons, who knows truth and communicate correctly (Aptopadesha) and (4) Logical/rational interpretation (Yukti), etc.

Every individual has a peculiar body-mind constitution which is responsible for the health or disease pattern of an individual. Ayurvedic concept of examination of constitution (Prakriti pareeksha) is to know body, mind constitution while selecting diet, medicine or treatment regimen. The human mind has three components i.e. Sattva, Raja and Tama, which interact with the biological components Vata, Pitta & Kapha and decides the psychosomatic constitution of an individual (Prakriti).

The diagnosis in Ayurveda is based on a two-fold approach to diagnostics viz. (1) Examination of the patient i.e., Rogi-pareeksha; and (2) Examination of the disease i.e., Roga-pareeksha. Therefore, Rogi- pareeksha is essentially concerned with ascertaining the constitution of the individual and status of his health and vitality.
 This is achieved through ten fold examination of patients (Dasavidha pareeksha) comprising of (1) Constitution (Prakriti) (2) Disease susceptibility (Vikriti), (3) Essence (Sara),(4) Compactness (Samhanana), (5) Anthropometry (Pramana), (6) Compatibility (Satmya), (7) Mind (Sattwa), (8) Digestion capacity of food (Aharasakti), (9) Physical strength (Vyayamasakti) and (10) Age (Vaya).

The general examination is made through popular eight types of examination of patient (Ashtasthana pareeksha) comprising examination of pulse (Nadi), urine (Mootra), faeces (Mala), tongue (Jihva), voice (Sabda), touch (Sparsha), eye/vision (Drik) and stature (Akriti) and also considering the state of pathways of internal transport systems (Srotas) and digestive faculty (Agni).

Ayurveda conceives life as a four dimensional entity. Ayu, the living entity is the sum total of physical body, senses, the psyche and the soul. The health is defined as balance of the three doshas, the agni, seven dhatus and the three malas, as well as the sensorial, mental and emotional and spiritual well being (prasanna). Ayurveda, the Science of Life lays great emphasis on preservation and promotion of health, thereby preventing diseases.

Elaborate descriptions are available on personal hygiene, which includes diet and regimen during day (Dinacharya), during night (Ratricharya), seasonal routine (Ritucharya) and behavioural and ethical practices (Sadvritta). Observance of certain rules regarding suppressible and non-suppressible natural urges also paves the way towards positive health.

Ideal treatment according to Ayurveda is one, which cures the disease without causing adverse effect. Three classical therapeutic streams advocated by Ayurveda are (1) Therapies with inexplicable mode of action (Daivavyapasraya chikitsa), (2) Rationale treatment (Yukti vyapasraya chikitsa) and (3) Preventive and remedial measures to Psychic disorders (Satwavajaya chikitsa).

The rational Ayurveda treatment is carried out in four parts. They are (1) Dosha pacifying therapy (Samsamana), and (2) Bio-cleansing therapy (Samsodhana or Panchakarma) (3) Avoiding causative factors (Nidana Parivarjana) and (4) Dietetics (Pathya Vyavastha).

Ayurvedic treatments rely heavily on plant materials. Sometimes, botanicals are mixed with metals, minerals or other naturally occurring substances and the formulae are prepared according to specific Ayurvedic text procedures; such preparations involve several precise treatment to detoxify and potenciate the medicines.

Specific diet (Pathya) is prescribed along with the drugs and treatment. The diet regimen is as important as remedies since the former helps to restore the balance as much as the latter.

Specialized Procedures
Ayurveda emphasizes preventative and healing therapies along with various methods of bio-cleansing and rejuvenation. Some procedures are aimed at the management of the disease. Scientific studies have validated the efficacy and acceptability of these procedures.

Panchakarma  therapy - Panchakarma means the "five therapies"/five therapeutic means of eliminating toxins from the body are Vaman (emesis), Virechan (purgation), Nasya (nasal insufflation), Basti (enema) and Raktamoskshana (blood-letting by using leech and different instruments). This series of five therapies help remove deep-rooted stress and illness causing toxins from the body while balancing the doshas (energies that govern all biological functions).

Kshara Sautra technique- A procedure using medicated thread is a unique minimally invasive para-surgical measure being successfully practiced  as a promising therapy for ano-rectal disorders   since time immortal   by Indian surgeons, widely cited in ancient medical literatures for its safety and efficacy.  This technique was practiced by Sushruta (1000-600 B.C.), the famed ancient Indian surgeon. This technique was revived, developed and standardized in the early seventies  by eminent scientists like Prof.P.J.Deshpande, Dr.P.S.Shankaran (Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi ).

Rasayana therapy - Literally, rasayana means the augmentation of rasa, the vital fluid produced by the digestion of food. It is the rasa flowing in the body that sustains life. Rasayana in ayurveda is the method of treatment through which the rasa is maintained in the body. This is a specialized branch of clinical medicine meant for preventing the effect of ageing and to improve memory, intelligence, complexion, sensory and motor functions. Numerous rasayana medicines are reported to possess diversified actions like immuno-enhancement, free radical scavenging, adaptogenic or anti-stress and nutritive effects.

Home Remedies
Home remedies are medicines made at home by using natural ingredients such as spices, pulses, fruits, vegetables, seeds and commonly available herbs. This is a traditional practice and is closely linked to Ayurveda. Generally, homemade remedies are harmless and rarely cause reactions or side effects.

They work out less expensive when compared to other forms of medicines. Since ages, home made medicines have been used by our ancestors to cure common ailments like cold and cough, digestive problems etc. The link provides simple, easily preparable recipes for common ailments.

Ayurveda and Siddha have been in vogue in India from the earliest times and serve the medical needs of most of our people. These systems were developed by ancient scholars on the basis of their own philosophy, oriental methodologies and practices prevalent in that era and have popularised and almost completed it in all aspects as a system of medicine. The advent of foreign invasions and cross-cultural interaction had a definite impact on these systems, except the British who did not encourage these systems. The beginning of twentieth century saw efforts to revive these systems. The members of the Imperial Legislative Council passed a resolution to investigate and recognize these systems and it was accepted in the year 1916. The Indian National Congress also passed a similar resolution in 1920. This led to the establishment of a number of colleges of Ayurveda.

In the post independence era, the efforts to develop research gained momentum. As per recommendations of the various Committees grant-in-aid projects were sanctioned to selected colleges. The Central Council for Ayurvedic Research as an Advisory body was established in 1962 and finally the Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (CCRIM&H) was established in 1969. This Council initiated research programmes in the Indian Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy in different parts of the country and started coordination at the National level for the first time.The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha (CCRAS), an apex body r the formulation, coordination and development of research in Ayurveda & Siddha on scientific lines was established in March 1978 after reorganisation of CCRIM&H. The Minister of Health & Family Welfare is the President of the Governing Body of the Council, while the Joint Secretary chairs the Standing Finance Committee. The Scientific/Research Programmes are supervised by the respective Scientific Advisory Committees chaired by eminent scholars of the system.

The Council has been executing its research programmes with a network of 86 research projects (about 30 major institutes/centres and 56 small units) with the headquarters office responsible for control, monitoring and supervision. The CCRAS has now been reorganised in 33 institutes/centres. The research programme under this Council were broadly categorised into Clinical Research (including Health Care Research), Drug Research (including Survey and Cultivation), Drug Standardisation, Pharmacological & Toxicological Studies, Literary Research (along with Documentation & Publications) and Family Welfare Research ( both clinical and experimental). The website provides a brief account of the important achievements made by the Council over the past 30 years as well as important programmes in progress.

Milestones

• Establishment of Central Council for Research In Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (CCRIMH) - 16.10.1969
• AYUSH-56 (Anti-Epileptic drug) patented - 1976
• Establishment of Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS) 30.03.1978
• AYUSH-64 – (Anti-Malarial Drug) patented - 1980
• 777 Oil – (Siddha Drug for Psoriasis) patented - 1987
• AYUSH-64 introduced in National Malaria Eradication Programme -1995-96
• Memorandum of Understanding with NAAMI-AYU, Russia for collaborative Clinical Research on Bronchial Asthma- 1999
• PIPPALYADI YOGA taken up for Family Welfare Research Programme by Govt. of India- 2000
• AYUSH GHUTTI and BAL RASAYAN tablets introduced in reproductive and Child Health Programme of Government of India - 2000
• Memorandum of Understanding with Deen Dayal Research Institute, Chitrakoot for the development of herbal formulations for rural masses- 2000
• Memorandum of Understanding with Dabur Research Foundation for further development of Sunthi-Guggulu and Sunthi-Guduci for Rheumatoid arthritis- 2001
• Collaborative research programme with ICMR for the integration of Ayurveda and Siddha into the modern system of medicine in RCH services - 2001
• AIIMS AYUSH-56 – Collaborative Project - 2002
• Expedition to Antarctica -December-2003