Abstract

Abstract

There are various treatment modalities described in Ayurveda. Ayurveda has relatively convergent approach for diagnosing and categorising the diseases. Tridosha (vaayu, pitta and kapha) are (considered) mostly responsible for developing almost all the diseases. These diseases are managed holistically by implementing measures like nidana parivarjana (removing the cause or causative agent/ behaviour), co-prescription of pathya and apathya (to consume or not to consume or to do or not to a particular thing/ activity) along with aushadhi (drugs and formulations). Together, this helps in better and faster recovery from the illness. Santarpana-apatarpana, shamana-shodhana and other forms or methods of treatment are adopted on case to base basis and depending on the nature of illness. Majority of these modalities can be classified under trividha chikitsa comprising daivavyapashraya, yuktivyapashraya and satvavajaya chikitsa.  Even though these laukika chikitsa modalities are effective, they cannot ensure that a person being treated will remain healthy and happy, forever, in true sense.  Among innumerable causes for disease, Acharya Charaka has emphasized on ‘the desire’ as the root cause for all miseries (desires blended with greed). Sacrifice of all the desires is the (only) remedy. This is because consistent/ constant indulgence in unhealthy practices causes dukha leads to dukha (diseases) and consistent/ constant indulgence in healthy practices causing sukha leads to health. The chikitsa advised for this is known as Naishthiki Chikitsa.