Divine therapy: One of the important treatment modalities in Ayurveda by Acharya Charka.

Abstract

Ayurveda the science of life traces back its origin to the Vedic ages in India. Also Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of health that focuses on leading and healthy life, helping an individual’s do his righteous duties (Dharma), Acquire health (Artha), Gratification of desires (Kama), and attain emancipation (Moksha). The knowledge was documented in the brihatrayee (three major treatise), of which the charka samhita is one of the most ancient, comprehensive and authoritative works of Ayurveda. Charka samhita explains the logic and philosophy on which this system of medicine is based. Charka explains the three desires of life and important triads. Three kind of modalities-Daivavyapashraya (spiritual or divine therapy), Yuktivyapashraya (therapy based on reasoning) and Satwavajaya (Psychotherapy). Daivavyapashraya includes mantra chanting, medicine, wearing gems, auspicious offerings, oblations, gifts, offering to sacred fire, following spiritual rules atonement, fasting, chanting of auspicious hymns, obeisance to gods, visit to holy places etc. The term Daivavyapashraya it means all the unknown factors which are beyond the extent of reasoning. According to charka, karma that has done in purvajanma is considered as Daiva and the disease that are caused by such unknown factors are known as Daivakrut Diseases. The term daivavyapashraya is concerned with all the unknown circumstances, which are beyond the purview of reasoning.