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Ayurveda in IndiaAyurveda, the Vediv way of a wholesome life, is an ancient way of living in total harmony with the nature, a health care system dealing with both the preventive and curative aspects of life having a close similarity to the WHO’s concept of total health advocated in the modern era.  
India now officially recognizes Ayurveda as a medicinal science. It has became a part of the national health network of the country, esp with successful remedies for lifestyle related diseases, being found specially effective in treating degenerative and psychosomatic disorders.T The genesis of Ayurveda Treatment - the Indian contextThe genesis of Ayurveda in India can be traced back to Pre-Vedic period. The literal meaning of term Ayurveda is ‘Science of Life’. It is the earliest medical science having a positive concept of health to be achieved through a blending of physical, mental, social moral and spiritual welfare. According to the ancient books of knowledge, Rig veda and Atharva-veda ( 5000 years B.C.), health is considered as a prerequisite for achieving the supreme ends of life consisting of righteousness, wealth, artistic values and spiritual freedom. Preventive and curative aspects of diseases are considered as important components of the concept of positive health. These ancient Vedic treatise, have detailed references on health and diseases, their causes and remedies. The much cknowledged Ayurveda texts like Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which were documented some 3000 years ago, had elaborate description of the way to healthy living, through the various phases of life. These documents not only described in detail the basic principles for maintenance of health, they had also developed a wide range of therapeutic measures to combat illness. These principles of positive health and therapeutic measures relating to physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of human beings, are now well acknowledged the world over. A study of several classical Aryuveda treatises indicate presence of two distinct schools of physicians and surgeons and eight specialties in which Ayurveda was divided. These eight disciplines are generally called Ashtanga Ayurveda (Ashtanga means 'eight' in Sanskrit)and are as given below :-
During its nascent period, it was perhaps the only scientific system of healthcare which served the people immensely in health, sickness, life and death. The benefits offered by it earned it the unquestioned support and patronage of the people and their rulers. Thus the system survived and thrived. Practically all the systematic ground work of its basic concepts and principles have genesis during this period of Indian history. Sadly, this period was followed by a long period of anarchic medieval history marked by unsettled political conditions and several invasions from outside the country when, with the clash of invading cultures, Ayurveda faced utter neglect. As a result, its growth was stunted, its teaching and training undermined and its practice or utilization was eroded greatly by the alternative officially supported systems. Ayurveda still managed to survived primarily because of its native roots and mainly because the official systems of medicine could not reach everywhere, particularly in widely scattered and difficult rural areas of this vast country. However, the birth of Nationalist movenment, the Indian cultural values and way of life (including health care and sickness cure systems) surfaced once again. The patriotic zeal of the people, reawakening to their roots by their leaders and also the benevolence of the rulers of princely States initiated the revival of Ayurvedic system of medicine even before the country got its freedom. The revival can said to have begun in 1916, when the Members of Imperial Legislative Councils pressed the Government to accept this ancient and indigenous system of Ayurveda for developing it on scientific basis and for increasing its usefulness. Then, in 1920, the Indian National Congress demanded the British Government, still the ruler of India, patronage for Ayurveda and soon Provincial Governments began to grant assistance. The State and Central Governments appointed several committees to suggest ways and means of rehabilitating this time tested system in the service of the people and promote its further growth following modern scientific parameters and methods. As a result, several States started schools and colleges for training of competent Ayurvedic practitioners with working knowledge of modern medicine. The movement for revival gained additional momentum once the country attained freedom in 1947. The first Health Ministers’ Conference resolved that Ayurveda should be developed and put to use for providing medicare to the people. In due course of time, this system got official recognition and became a part of the National Health network of the country. The official health policies, national plans and programs now accord to it the same status as the dominant Allopathic system. The system has not only re-oriented itself to modern scientific parameters, it is also well poised for much greater, effective utilization so as to enable the country to reach its goals of Health for all and regulate population growth. TopNaturopathy in India The term "naturopathy" must have been co Naturopathy has been being used to treat diseases since ancient times. Its effectiveness is remarkable as "nature is healer of all diseases" and this principal when followed gives tremendous relief from diseases. This concept is highly respected and practiced in India and there are many Naturopathy Centers in India where you get International quality facilities and treatment. It involves herbs, foods, fasting, water and tissue manipulation. It is the most gentle treatment procedure that go parallel with the body's own healing powers. You only assist the nature in healing you or rejuvenating you the natural way ! Naturopathy medicine and treatments in IndiaNature cure and wholistic healing is a way of life of which we find a number of references even in the Vedas and other ancient texts. Various concepts of naturopathy like the morbid matter theory and concept of vital force are all available in old texts which indicate that these methods were widely practiced even in ancient India. The whole practice of Nature cure is broadly based on the following three principles :
The basic principal of Naturopathy states that all the diseases arise due to accumulation of morbid matter in the body and, if scope is given for its removal, the removal itself provides cure or relief. It also strongly believes that the human body itself possesses inherent self constructing and self healing powers. The fundamental difference in naturopathy with other systems is that its theory and practice are based on wholistic view point. It does not believe in the specific cause of disease and its treatment only for that disease or part of the body, but takes into account the totality of factors responsible for diseases, which may include one’s un-natural habits in living, thinking, working, sleeping, relaxation, sexual indulgence etc, which have become a norm today It also seriously takes into account the environmental factors of the modern era ravaging our bodies which, on the whole, disturb the normal functioning of the body and lead it to a morbid, weak and toxic state. It believes in giving a chance to our body itself to recuperate, by primarily stressing on correcting all the factors involved. A Naturopathya physician thus helps in Nature’s effort to overcome disease by applying correct natural modalities and controlling the natural forces to work within safe limits. The five main modalities of treatment are through air, water, heat, mud and space. Principles of Naturopathy Treatment :
In short, Naturopathy includes all the available non-invasive treatments and diagnostic modalities which do not interfere with the body’s natural functional capacity and healing process and are in consonance with Nature’s constructive principles Naturopathy is a system of self healing science stimulating the body’s inherent power to regain health with the help of five great elements of nature – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether. Naturopathy is a call to "Return to Nature" and to resort to simple way of living in harmony with the self, society and environment. It provides not only a simple, practical approach to the management of diseases, but a firm theoretical basis which is applicable to all the wholistic medical care and by giving attention to the foundations of health; a more economical frame work for the medicine of future generation. Howevr, the recent developments also advocate the practice of drugless therapies like Massage, Electrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Acupressure, Magneto therapy etc. Diet plays a major role, above all. TopThe genesis of Naturopathy in the modern worldGermany can be credited with the start of Naturopathy movement with "Water cure" (Hydrotherapy). Water cure was synonymous with Naturopathy in that era. And the credit of making Hydrotherapy world famous goes to Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851) who was a farmer. He has lso been credited as "Father of Naturopathy". The word "Naturopathy" was been coined by Dr. John Scheel in the year 1895 and was propagated and popularised in the western world by Dr. Benedict Lust. A number of Doctors of modern medicine became Naturopathy enthusiasts and gradually added a number of modalities within the fold of Naturopathy and scientifically developed them. Naturopathy movement gained momentum in India as Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation" became much interested in this system and included it in his programmes. He had also established a Naturopathy hospital in Uruli Kanchan, Dist. Poona, Maharashtra which is still functioning. Naturopathy adopts the following diagnostic methods:
The methods applied for cure in Naturopathy are the following:
Aromatherapy Aromatherapy, the therapy of fragrances, has been around for over 6000 year. In India and other ancient civilization of the East and Africa, plant essences were used for their fragrance to purify the air. In India, agarbatis and dhoop (incense sticks) are still in use as they were in ancient times. However, the modern era of aromatherapy dawned in 1930 when the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term 'Aromatherapy' for the therapeutic use of essential oils . He was fascinated by the benefits of lavender oil in healing his burnt hand without leaving any scars. He started investigating the effect of other essential oils for healing and for their psychotherapeutic benefits. Our sense of smell work at a subconscious level. Olfactory nerves conduct smell sensations to those parts of the brain which also regulates and controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning. Studies with brain wave frequency have show that smelling lavender increase alpha waves which are associated with relaxation subconciously, at the rear part of the brain. Similarly, fragrance of jasmine increases beta waves, which are associated with a more alert state in the front of the brain. Essential oils are contained in various parts of plants like leaves, flowers, roots seeds, bark and rein. Each essential oil contains as much as 100 chemical components, which exert a strong effect on the health state of a person. Depending on which component is predominating in an oil, the oil act differently. For example, some oils are relaxing, some soothing and some pain relieving. They leave no harmful residues Aromatherapy is particularly effective for stress, anxiety, and psychosomatic didorders including muscular and rheumatic pains, digestive disorders and gynecologicalproblems, such as PMS, Menopausal complaint and postnatal depression. The modern way of life is taking its toll on our health and well being. Fitness and flexibility has thus become a major concern in today's life. And one of the best ways to keep oneself fit is to perform Yoga. Yoga is a set of Asanas (special exercises) which not only keeps one fit but also develops a calm and stress free mind and a healthy body. The Yoga as a health science has been gaining immense popularity all around the world as it is delivering long-term benefits to those who practice it in an organised manner. However, it requires to be practiced in a very systematic manner for maximum benefit to the body and the mind. Yoga is a science as well an art of healthy living physically. It is a great help in alleviating a number of diseases and disorders. It ascribes different postures & breathing techniques for almost all diseases, health disorders, pains and allergies etc. Surprisingly, most of these exercises are extremely simple and have an astounding result associated with their practice. India is known as the birth place of Yoga. The tradition and practice of Yoga was born here several thousand years ago. Its founders were great saints and sages, who gave rational interpretation of their experiences about Yoga, or spiritual manifestation of physical exercises, and brought a practically sound and scientifically prepared method within every one’s reach. Yoga as a philosophy is an Art and Science of living in tune with 'Brahmand'-The Universe. Yoga also has its origins in the Vedas, the oldest record of the Indian culture. It was penned down by the great Indian sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra as a special Darshana. Although, this work was followed by many other important texts on Yoga, but Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is certainly the most significant one. It is the only book which has touched almost all the aspects of human life and is considered the bible of Yoga.
However, unlike older times, Yoga today is no longer restricted to a privileged minority of ascetics and hermits. The requirements of the modern way of living has neccessitated it to take its place in our every day lives and has undergone a world wide awakening and acceptance in the last few decades. The Science of Yoga and its techniques have now been re-oriented to suit modern sociological needs and lifestyle. Experts of various branches of medicine, including modern medical science are realizing the role of these techniques in the prevention of disease and promotion of health. Swami Vivekananda was a deep believer in Yoga calling it as "It’s a means of compressing one’s evolution into a single life or a few months or even a few hours of one’s bodily existence". Sri Aurobindo defined it as a methodological effort towards self perfection by the development of potentialities latent in the individual. Yoga is not a religion; It’s a philosophy of life based on certain psychological facts. It stresses on the development of a perfect balance between the body and the mind culminating in ultimate union with the divine i.e. perfect harmony between the individual and the cosmos. One of the classic definition of Yoga, amongst its many different interpretations, is "to be one with divine." It does not matter what name we use for the divine-God, Allah, Ishvara, or whatever- anything that brings us closer to understanding that there is a power higher and greater than ourselves. Yoga is one among the six systems of Indian orthodox philosophy. Maharishi Patanjali, rightly called as the "Father of Yoga" compiled and refined various aspects of Yoga systematically in his "Yoga Sutras" (aphorisms). He advocated the eight fold path of Yoga, popularly known as "Ashtanga Yoga" for all-round development of human personality. They are – Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana & Samadhi. These eight limbs are so perfectly designed that there is absolutely no scope for any addition or alteration since these are formulated on the basis of multifarious psychological understanding of human personality. The practice of Yamas – Niyamas i.e. harmlessness towards all living beings, truthfulness, honesty, celibacy, non-hoarding of worldly objects, cleanliness, contentment, austerity, control of lust, anger and infatuation, study of holy books and practice of Japa and selfless action – all these pave way for increasing the power of concentration, mental purity and steadiness. Maharishi Svatmarama wrote a treatise on this branch of Yoga after experiencing the divine samadhi (absorption of the soul). He called it Hatha Yoga Vidya or Hatha Yoga Pradeepika. It gives guidelines from the practical point of view for a beginner to begin Yoga, which gradually leads the students from the focus on body towards God-realisation. Hatha Yoga Pradeepika is divided into four chapters or Prakaranas. The first chapter expounds Asanas, the second is on pranayama, the third is on Mudras and Bandhas and the fourth is on Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and samadhi. In between these, the author introduces satkriyaas or the six cleansing processes. As the text begins with asanas, Satmarama’s Yoga is called Sadanga Yoga or the six aspects of Yoga beginning with asanas and ending in Samadhi. Yoga comprises of a set of Asanas, Mudras and Pranayamas, different type of exercisingpostures and breathing exercises, practiced with faith, perseverance and insight to rejuvenate various parts of our body, viz. the brain, heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bowels, nerves, muscles, tissues & glands of the body, by ensuring oxygenated and balanced blood supply, kindles up the appetite, bestows control over seminal fluid, senses & mind and imparts increased vitality, vigor & longevity to the practitioner. Yoga can be practiced in a number of different ways catering to the needs of different persons in society. They are broadly classified into four streams. Swami Vivekananda puts them as Work, Worship, Philosophy and Psychic control. Karma Yoga, or the way of doing work the right way, involves doing action in a skilful way. In other words, it can be said as a way of celebrating work, doing it effortlessly with the help of Yoga. The success or failure should not be allowed to cause distress or ripples in the mind. ‘Bhakti Yoga’ or on the path of worship is a systematic method of engaging the mind in the practice of divine love. This attitude of love softens our emotions and tranquillizes our mind. Jnana Yoga, or the philosophical way of life, is a systematic way of tutoring the mind about the realities of life by contemplation. This will strip off the garb of Avidya (ignorance) from our mind and the mind goes to its natural state of rest. Raja Yoga, involving psychic control, is a systematic process of training and culturing the mind. It is based on the 8-limbed Yoga of Patanjali. Yoga means a wholistic approach towards the cause and treatment of disease. According to Yoga, most of the diseases, Mental, Psychosomatic and Physical, originate in mind through wrong way of thinking, living and eating which is caused by attachment. The basic approach of Yoga is to correct the life style by cultivating a rational positive and spiritual attitude towards all life situation. Yoga does not treat one's physical body alone, it takes into consideration all the five Kosa’s (Sheaths) i.e. Manomaya Kosa, Annamaya Kosa, (grass Sheath) Pranamaya Kosa (Extral Body) (Psychic Body), Vijyanmaya Kosa (intellect Sheath) and Anandamaya Kosa (Bliss sheath). Like Ayurveda and Naturopathy, Yoga also takes up the cleansing of the body as the first measure to fight disease. While Ayurveda performs its pancha karma through the help of purgative, Yoga performs them without the help of any drug i.e. by developing full efficiency and control of eliminative systems of the body, which no other system of health care can do, a drugless therapy, so the question of side effects does not rise at all. The major difference between Yoga and other therapies is that while all other systems of medicine at their best aim at curing the disease, Yoga aims at preventing the disease and promoting health by reconditioning the psycho-physiological mechanism of the individual. Yoga emphasizes the development of brotherhood, harmony, fraternity and equality not only towards all human beings irrespective of colour, caste, nationality, age and sex but towards all living beings also. This attitude renders the thinking so positive that man is liberated from all mental malice and also all the mental, psychosomatic and physiological diseases arising thereof. The approach of Yoga is not confirmed to various disorders, it aims at bringing under perfect control of the mind, senses and pranic energy and direct them towards healthier channels with a view to acquire mental purity, intellectual stability and spiritual bliss. It also motivates the practitioners to withstand the environmental influences both external & internal as well as physical & mental processes. This practice cultivates strong immunity in them and make themcapable of offering a effective resistance to various environmental pressures and thus, maintains behavioral equanimity and intellectual stability. 'Transcendental Meditation is another way of Vedic life, which opens the awareness to the infinite reservoir of energy, creativity, and intelligence that lies deep within everyone. Transcendental Meditation is that one simple procedure which can raise the life of every individual and every society to its full dignity, in which problems are absent and perfect health and happiness exist in total harmony.'-- Maharishi The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique is a simple, natural, effortless procedure whereby the mind easily and naturally arrives at the source of thought, the settled state of the mind -- Transcendental Consciousness -- pure consciousness, self-referral consciousness, which is the source of all creative processes. It is practiced for 15–20 minutes in the morning and evening, while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. Using this technique, the individual's awareness settles down and experiences a unique state of restful alertness. As the body becomes deeply relaxed, the mind transcends all mental activity to experience the simplest form of awareness, Transcendental Consciousness, where consciousness is open to itself. This is the self-referral state of consciousness. Transcendental Consciousness develops the individual's latent creative potential while dissolving accumulated stress and fatigue through the period of tranquility attained during the practice. This experience strengthens the individual's creativity, dynamism, orderliness, and organising power, which result in increasing effectiveness and success in daily life. The Transcendental Meditation technique is non-relegious and highly scientific, requiring neither specific beliefs nor adoption of a particular lifestyle. The practice does not involve any effort, is easy to learn and does not require any special ability. People of all ages, educational backgrounds, cultures, and religions in countries throughout the world practice the technique and enjoy its wide range of benefits. Meditation has been practiced in India since time immemorial. It is a safe and simple way to balance a person's physical, emotional, and mental states. It is simple but very effective. It is not just for sages and yoga masters sitting cross-legged on mountaintops in the Himalayas. It's a flexible approach to coping with stress, anxiety, many medical conditions and the day-to-day "static" that robs us of inner peace. The use of meditation for healing is not new. Meditative techniques are the product of diverse cultures and peoples around the world. It has been rooted in the traditions of the world's great religions. In fact, practically all religious groups practice meditation in one form or another. The value of Meditation to alleviate suffering and promote healing has been known and practiced for thousands of years. Of all the religions that use the power of meditation, perhaps Buddhism, practiced widely in eastern and central Asia, is the best known. To Buddhists, the practice of meditation is essential for the cultivation of wisdom and compassion and for understanding reality. Buddhists believe that our ordinary consciousness is both limited and limiting. Meditation makes it possible to live life to the full spectrum of our conscious and unconscious possibilities. Surprisingly, in spite of its rich history and traditions, it is only during the past three decades that scientific study has focused on the clinical effects of meditation on health. The interest was awakened during the 1960s, when reports reached the West of yogis and meditation masters in India who could perform extraordinary feats of bodily control and altered states of consciousness. These reports captured the interest of Western researchers studying self-regulation and the possibility of voluntary control over the autonomic nervous system. Simultaneously, to substantiate the scientific proof of its credibility, new advancements in scientific instrumentation made it possible to duplicate and substantiate some of these reports at medical research institutes. Health care professionals, who were often dissatisfied with the side effects of drug treatments for stress-related disorders, embraced meditation as a valuable tool for stress reduction, and today both patients and physicians enjoy the health benefits of regular meditation practice The longer an individual practices meditation, the greater the likelihood that his or her goals and efforts will shift toward personal and spiritual growth. Many individuals who initially learn meditation for its self-regulatory aspects find that as their practice deepens they are drawn more and more into the realm of the "spiritual". Meditation can help most people feel less anxious and more in control. The awareness that meditation brings can also be a source of personal insight and self-understanding. By simple definition, meditation is engagement in contemplation, especially of a spiritual or devotional nature. To elaborate further, meditation is an attempt to concentrate mind on a single form or an idea or an aspect of divinity at the exclusion of all other forms, thoughts, and ideas. The mind is focused inwards, and this effort of concentration acts as a stimulus to gain access to knowledge of 'object of meditation'. The aspirant makes an attempt to minimize perceptions through senses - inputs through special senses like touch, sight, hearing, etc. - by detaching mind from sense organs in the brain. This helps in controlling restlessness of mind, in favor of inner contemplation. The mind, as if, is made still. Meditation may be, therefore, taken as a 'passive' activity! But is it really so? However, tremendous changes observed in the human brain and nervous system during mediation run contrary to this belief of 'passivity' attached to meditation. Unprecedented progress and research in neurobiology, investigative neurology, and study of neurotransmitters in the last two decades has given a great fillip to the study of neuro-physiology of Meditation and Yoga. Altered State of Consciousness can be brought about by hypnosis, drugs (e. g. LSD), sleep, etc., but here we are trying to study a state specific science of altered consciousness brought about by meditation alone. Some of the proven health conditions that are benefited by meditation are as follows; Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on nature's simple principle of 'what can cause can cure'-SIMILIA SIMILIBUS CURANTUR. All great discoveries and inventions in almost all sciences have been made by simply observing and emulating nature. Homeopathy is one such science. The basic premise on which Homeopathy works is that it believes in 'individualization', that each person reacts differently to the same stimulus. For example, it is a common experience that while cutting onions the eyes start burning, the nose starts to run and sometimes a person will sneeze. Red chilly powder can have a similar effect - burning, watering eyes, irritated and runny nose, sneezing. However, although the symptoms are the same, the effects of the two differ significantly: while onion causes a bland nasal discharge with a burning eye discharge, with red chilly there is burning in the eyes and nose but both the discharges are bland. In both the instances the phenomenon is like the common cold but the nature of the discharges varies. So, two people with the same common cold need two different drugs based on their specific manifestation. Both onion-Alum cepa and red chilly are homeopathic drugs. There are a number of other substances that give rise to symptoms like the common cold, each with subtle variations, and all of them are useful in the treatment of various “types” of cold. A very profound analysis is made by the Homeopates by detailed questioning of the patients when he first visits the. People undergoing homeopathic treatment for the first time can be baffled and sometimes irritated with the innumerable questions posed by this. However, all these questions are the basis of 'individualization', which help the physician to identify the individual way in which the patient is manifesting a particular ailment, and then prescribe accordingly. All of this information is useful to the homeopathic physician in order to determine which among the possible courses of treatment is best suited to that particular individual. The practice of medicine in the 17th century was very barbaric. There were no reasons why people were bled for every disorder, . Branding, leeching and cupping were the usual practice. And the medicines and their dosage was more a fancy of the physician rather than the rule. Such was the scene when Hahnemann, the founder of the Homeopathic school of medicine was born, in Meissen, a small town in Germany on the 10th of April 1755. His father had a great influence on him and exhorted him to verify everything instead of just believing. Hahnemann graduated in medicine and set up his practice. But he was soon disillusioned with the way medicine was practiced. Dejected, he stopped practicing and to earn a livelihood, started to translate several books. In the course of translation, he chanced upon Cullen’s Materia Medica. He read in this book that cinchona bark (quinine) cures ague (malaria) since it was bitter. He decided to investigate this and he decided to try it out on himself. He prepared a fresh decoction of the Peruvian bark and took it regularly for a few days. He was surprised to find out that after a few days he developed chills, fever and sweating, the typical symptoms of malaria! And when he stopped drinking the decoction, the symptoms also disappeared. He repeated the experiment on himself and his family members repeatedly with the same results. He came to the conclusion that what causes, cures. Being a voracious reader he found several such incidents recorded in the medical journals of the past, but the explanations were far from satisfactory. He decided t pursue his findings further,and continued experimenting on his friends and family members with several other substances and recorded his observations. He discovered that the effects were similar to the diseases that were occurring naturally, confirming his earlier conclusion. Much before Hahnemann, Hippocrates the father of medicine mentioned the possibility of Similia Similimbus Curentur – Likes cures likes as one of the therapeutic methods. But it was only now confirmed. Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu medical system also says something to that effect. Though the idea existed much before Hahnemann, the scientific treatment of the theory, as far as the dosages were concerned, had not been formulated. More was always considered better. Hahnemann decided to test this theory and experimented with decreasing quantities i.e. grain doses, ½ grain doses and in the case of herbs - drop doses (of the freshly expressed juices). He noticed that even on lowering the dosage of the medicine, the medicines were still able to produce disease - like symptoms when given to healthy human beings. Thus, Hahnemann should be given credit on 2 major counts - one, to test single medicines and note their effects and second, to record the effects of the medicines when given in a particular quantities i.e. determining the dosages. He thus postulated the homeopathic principles of single, simple and similar medicines. He was the first to coin the word Allopathy (different suffering) to differentiate it from Homeopathy (similar suffering). In those times antipathy was in vogue too. That is, medicines were given which produced an opposite state to the one that the patient was suffering with. Patient with constipation was given a drug, which caused diarrhea, for sleeplessness a somnolent was prescribed without going into the cause of the problem. This practice is in vogue even to this day. Substances in sub minimal doses are given to healthy human beings and their effects are recorded. When the drug “matches” the symptomatology of the patient, it is given to effect a positive change. Hahnemann was also the first to postulate the concept of chronic diseases. He Vegetables - Aconite nap, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Ruta, Solanum tuberosum, Abrotanum, Digitalis, Tabacum. Flowers - Cactus grandiflorus, Cannabis indica, Cina. Fruits - Agnus castus, Coffea tosta. Nuts - Fagus, Aesculus hippocastanum Oil- Oleum cajuputi, Oleum ricini, Oleum santali Resins- Abies nigra Gums- Asafoetida Juices- Myristica sebifera, Aloe socrotina, Opium Gold,Silver, Calcium, Iron, Lead, Other Metals. Acetic acid, Nitric acid, Benzoic acid, Hydrochloric acid, Sulphuric acid, Picric acid. Snake poisons - Lachesis, Naja, Vipera, Theridion, Tarentula, Sepia, Apis mel, Bufo rana, Blatta orientalis, Badiaga. This can be said to be extension of the Ayurvedic therapies. Most Spa therapies include massages with herbal extracts, herbal powders and oils, medicated steam baths, prescribed vegetarian food and internal medication if required. Here, we intoduce you to some of the popular therapies modules followed under this section. The list is descriptive, but certainly not exhaustive. This is a traditional Indian age-old recipe, popularily used for its preventive and curative properties against cold and cough. In this therapy, spices and fragrant herbs are mixed in mineral mud with pure water to form a paste, which is then applied evenly over the body. The body is then wrapped with cotton sheet like a envelop. The heat from the mixture permeates the body and helps in alleviating muscle aches, headaches, fever and increasing blood circulation. The paste is subsequently rubbed vigorously off the body and Ayurvedic oil is applied to replenish the skin’s moisture. Its therapeutic effects help revive tired face, neck and body muscles, while mineral clay firms & lighten the skin. This is another traditional ritual which is popularily used during the auspicious occasion of marriage in many Indian households for bride & groom even today. It is administered daily for a week prior to one’s wedding day, which leaves the skin soft, supple and shining. It includes an oil massage followed by a wrap containing cleansing and nourishing elements including herbs and spices. The therapeutic effect of this process helps revive tired face neck & body muscles. It is a full body treatment. It commences with traditional Ayurvedic massage and is followed by herbal body scrubs & rubs, which removes the dull & dead surface skin from the body, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple & fresh. Its key ingredients like sea shells, almonds, oatmeal, extracts of grape fruits & peaches make the body rub a very effective exfoliate which deeply charges the skin while providing it with moisture & essential vitamins. The guest is then bathed and exotic herbal bath powder is rubbed on the body which takes out oil from the surface & lets the oil infuse into the skin. On the massage bed, a special oil of pink lotus & papaya moisturiser, or an equivalent combination is applied, leaving the skin soft supple & radiant. This is followed by 20 minutes massage This traditional milk and honey bath has been patronised since ages back in Royal households. Milk nutrients and softening proteins makes the skin radically soft and pure, while honey nourishes and moisturizes the skin. The mixture is gently poured over the body into ayour luxuriating bath tub where you are left to soak in the cloudy white tub for a baby soft skin. The effect is oriental & truly majestic and royal. This is a floral aroma therapy bath which offers an exhilarating experience. In this bath, the bath tub is filled with exotic, beauriful flowers. The senses are further heightened with the use of one or a combination of more than one aromatic oils. Some of the oil is absorbed into the skin while the rest evaporates into the atmosphere for inhaling, which simultaneously soothes the muscles and mind. The gentle herbal cotton bun is for cleansing & scrubbing combined by gentle under water pressure massage. This combined with flowers & aromatic body softening oils help to totally rejuvenate the skin. This is a “mood enhancer” a general skin tonic which cleanses pores, restores balances, tightens the skin, minimizing body wrinkles & improves skin elasticity. It combines a warm soak in the bath tub with gentle massage scrub with an herbal powder bag that removes dead cells and relieves the skin of excess toxins. This is followed by a short underwater hand pressure massage. A perfect treatment in itself. This is another Indian traditional way of welcoming a guest by cleaning and massaging their feet. This ritual activate circulation & produce a soothing effect. Generally, distilled pine needle extract is used in this massage/bath to help relieve tired, swollen, aching feet & legs. The most traditional of all massages, this is a healing massage using special pressure points on the head for total stress relief. Head massage with warm herbal oil, promotes a feeling of complete physical & mental well being. Body immunization & longevity treatment A traditional vigorous massage with various medicated or herbal oils which is also the preparatory massage in the Ayurvedic panchkarma or detoxification therapies. Its effects are highly invigorating for the whole body. It is very effective for achieving a high degree of general vitality, lymphatic drainage, pain management and stress relieving. |
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, even predating Ayurveda, and can be considered as old as the disease itself. It involves use of different therapies that are mainly natural and nontoxic, with no side effects, which includes nutrition, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, and counseling. It has now been accepted that the natural(read 'nature') treatments and therapies do bring a remarkable progressive change in your personality and health in a highly positive way. 
recognized that there is a tendency for every human being to develop diseases that are inherited. This was much before the word Genetics was coined. He called these tendencies miasms. To illustrate – we are constantly being bombarded with allergens, microbes, carcinogens etc. However, not all of us succumb to them. He said that some are affected because of the inherited tendencies. Hahnemann believed that the environment is secondary to the tendencies in the host which are primary causes in the development of the disorder (s). One more factor that Hahnemann attributed to the development of diseases was the attitude of the person. People become sensitive to certain diseases because of their mind sets and lifestyles. In effect, Hahnemann can also be said to be the father of psychosomatic medicine.
