Introducing Healing through Ayurveda


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Introducing Healing through Ayurveda
by Sonica Krishan, ATH Editor of Ayurveda


Ayurveda is an ancient, holistic, therapeutic science which provides individuals absolute oneness with Nature. Ayurvedic healing aims both at maintaining natural fitness as well as eliminating disease. 


The derivation of the word “Ayurveda” is from the words “AYUS” meaning life and “VEDA” meaning science. Ayurveda is therefore the science of life, more than the science of either medicine or treatment.

In Ayurveda, the very first principle in treating disease is to eliminate the cause of the disease, and defend against any new ailment emerging. Therefore disease is eradicated at its roots!

Ayurveda insists that medicine be centered on the patient, rather on the disease. Mind, body, and soul are considered as a tripod, and the entire world is sustained by their combination.

Also, as Ayurveda uses preparations only from herbs and natural resources it is a harmless healing therapy with little to no side effects.


Why Ayurveda is holistic?

Ayurvedic healing is regarded as Sukha Chikitsa meaning that the patient receives the purest treatment that the science of Ayurveda has to offer, in a process during which no other ailment is formed. Ayurveda is a holistic treatment science which incorporates precise methodologies and therapies which target the overall wellness and longevity of an individual. This complete ancient wisdom works in proximity with other alternate therapies like yoga, meditation and naturopathy. 

Eight Departments of Ayurveda Disease Management

Ayurveda disease management is a holistic curative science that incorporates eight different divisions or departments, so as to provide complete healing for the specific area of ailment manifestation.

Kaya Chikitsa 

This is the Medicine department. Herein, the doctors deal with providing a therapeutic medicinal cure to a patient who is suffering from an ailment like fever, jaundice, diabetes, epilepsy etc.

Bala Roga Chikitsa 

This is the Pediatrics wing and this particular department takes care of small children providing them comprehensive care. Another synonym for this department is Kumarya Bhritaya as in Sanskrit language, Kumara denotes a small child.

Bhoota Vidya or Graha Chikitsa 

This section portrays the science of demonic seizures psychology and deals essentially in treating mental and psychological ailments.

Shalakya Chikitsa

This section deals mainly with patients suffering from diseases specific to the head and neck region viz. ear, nose, throat, mouth and head region. In easy terms, this is the ENT department of Ayurveda healing.


Shalya Tantra 

This is the surgery department of Ayurveda. Kshara Karma is a highly popular surgical procedure that is mainly performed for treating patients with hemorrhoids and fistulas. ‘Sushruta’ , the ancient Sage is regarded as the father of surgery in Ayurveda science.

Agada Tantra

The Toxicology division of Ayurveda mainly treats those patients who have ingested some sort of poison or toxins as in case of bite of poisonous creature like spider, snake etc.

Rasayana Tantra

The science of Rejuvenation is exceptional to Ayurveda system. Ayurveda herbal formulations and supportive treatment is provided to a healthy individual and aids in maintaining natural wellness and longevity. This also deals with anti-aging and immunity enhancing practices.

Bajikarna Chikitsa 

Aphrodisiacs are another equally relevant discipline which is considered a separate department of Ayurveda treatment.


Ayurveda Basics

There are two key features that attribute to the entire science of Ayurveda

Swasthavritam or the Natural Lifestyle Modification

This is the prophylactic approach to natural wellness in Ayurveda philosophy, which is manifested primarily with maintaining, as well as sustaining, holistic wellness. This is regarded as imperative and desirable in Ayurveda discipline. 

Aaturvritam or the Curative Aspect of Ayurveda Therapy

Ayurveda, being a therapeutic discipline, has the full potential to help a patient overcome the ailment from which he is suffering, exclusively using natural means of healing. Curing the disease in Ayurveda has always been considered secondary to the harboring of natural wellness.


Ayurveda Panchkarma – The Five Cleansing Techniques 

The techniques of 'Panchkarma' are an integral part of Ayurveda therapy wherein the patient is made to undergo five specific therapeutic actions. These actions are mainly based on the principle of thorough cleansing of the body systems which would, in the long run, help to bring the vitiated doshas into their balanced and customary state. 'Panchkarma' as specified by its name means five methods to cure the disease.

1. Vamana - To cause vomiting

2. Virechana - To cause purgation

3. Shirovirechana - Nasal Errhines

4. Asthapan Vasti - Enema to push medicines into colon

5. Anuvasan Vasti - Oil enemas

Vatta, Pitta and Kapha Physiology

These three doshas or humors of the body are a main focus of an Ayurveda physician who would probably perform pulse diagnosis or Nadi Pareeksha so as to determine the imbalance of vatta (air), pitta (fire) and kapha (phlegm) within the body. It must be understood that when the three doshas are present in their relative balanced states, this is the reason for the natural wellness of an individual. When the three humors become imbalanced, this means that either they are decreased or increased than their normal limits. In both these instances disease is certain to manifest. 



About the Author

Dr. Sonica Krishan, ATH Co-Editor of Ayurveda, is an Ayurveda and Natural Lifestyle consultant based in India. She is a freelance health writer and book author. Her writings have been featured in well renowned and leading newspapers and magazines. 


She has authored three books, of which two books – Herbal Healers and Home Remedies have been published and her third book is coming shortly with a distinguished publishing house. Dr. Sonica is the director of Herboveda Remedies and founder member of a NGO called NAYAM wherein the holistic cures of Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Yoga, Alternative healing and Meditation are integrated.

Dr. Sonica Krishan has her BAMS (Bachelors in Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery) and completed Advanced studies in Naturopathy and Yoga. She is also a Reiki Channel. Presently the doctor is providing Ayurvedic consultation, organizing presentations and workshops and writing for a number of international and national websites and publications with the sole aim to diversify the natural means of wellness and longevity. 

She may be contacted at drsonica@herboveda.co.in or visit www.herboveda.co.in








