UBA24ME1T-Indian knowledge system

(Indian Health, Wellness and Psychology

(including Ayurveda)
UNIT I
Understanding human body: Introduction to
Ayurveda, the Knowledge of Life, Health and
treatment aspects in Ayurveda, Influence of
Pancha maha bhuta on Internal environment
of Human being, Understanding composition
of Human body through the concept of Dosha
Dhatu Mala, Understanding Prakruthi, the
Mind Body Constitution.
Introduction to Ayurveda
1 Ayurveda's Origins 2 Holistic Approach
Ayurveda, meaning "the Ayurveda emphasizes a
science of life," originated holistic approach,
in ancient India thousands considering the
of years ago. interconnectedness of
mind, body, and spirit.

3 Balance and 4 Natural Remedies

Harmony
Ayurveda utilizes natural
It aims to restore balance remedies like herbs, diet,
and harmony within the lifestyle changes, and
body through various therapies.
practices.
Con…

Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems, originating in

India over 5,000 years ago. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a
balance between the body, mind, and spirit to achieve optimal health. The
term "Ayurveda" is derived from Sanskrit: Ayu (life) and Veda (knowledge),
meaning "the science or knowledge of life." Ayurveda promotes preventive
healthcare through a deep understanding of the body’s natural
constitution and its dynamic relationship with the environment. It aims to
address the root causes of illness rather than just treating symptoms,
focusing on maintaining balance through lifestyle practices, diet, natural
remedies, and therapies.
Knowledge of Life (Ayurveda)
Ayurveda views life as a harmonious combination of the body, mind,
senses, and soul. It describes life as a continuous flow of energy and
consciousness, sustained by the interaction between the body and the
external environment. It offers a comprehensive system for understanding
health, disease, and treatment, focusing on the individual’s unique
constitution (Prakruthi) and life circumstances. Prakruthi is the natural
state of balance and health an individual is born with, which can be
influenced by genetics, diet, environment, emotions, and lifestyle.
Ayurveda seeks to restore and maintain this balance.
Health and Treatment Aspects in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, health is defined as “Swastha,” which means being
established in oneself. Health is not just the absence of disease but a state
of balance between the body (doshas), tissues (dhatus), waste products
(malas), digestion (agni), mind, senses, and soul.
Ayurvedic Treatments include:
Internal therapies, external therapies, Mental and Spiritual Practices,
Dietary Adjustments.
Health and Treatment Aspects in Ayurveda
Preventive Healthcare Personalized Treatment Natural Therapies
Knowledge of Life (Ayurveda)
Ayurveda places emphasis on Treatments are individualized based Ayurvedic treatments include herbal
preventing illness through healthy on each person's unique constitution remedies, massage therapy, yoga,
lifestyle choices and practices. (Prakriti) and imbalances. and meditation.
Con…

Internal Therapies: Use of herbal formulations, dietary changes, and

natural supplements to detoxify the body, improve digestion, and restore
balance.

External Therapies: Massages, oil treatments, steam baths, and

Panchakarma (detoxification) to cleanse the body of toxins.
Con…

Mental and Spiritual Practices: Yoga, meditation, and pranayama

(breathing exercises) are employed to balance the mind, promote mental
clarity, and foster emotional wellbeing.

Dietary Adjustments: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of food in

maintaining health. Each individual has a specific dietary recommendation
based on their dosha, aiming to maintain balance through appropriate
food choices.
Influence of Pancha Maha Bhuta on Internal
Environment of the Human Being

Prithvi (Earth) Jala (Water) Tejas (Fire) Vayu (Air)

Represents the solid, stable, Relates to the fluids, Incorporates the Represents movement,
and grounding aspect of the lubrication, and transformative processes, circulation, and the nervous
body. cohesiveness of the body. metabolism, and digestion. system.

Akasha (Ether)
Represents the space within
the body, allowing for
expansion and growth.
Influence of Pancha Maha Bhuta on the Internal
Environment of the Human Being
The Pancha Maha Bhuta (five great elements) form the building blocks of
the universe and the human body. These five elements are:

• Prithvi (Earth): Provides structure, stability, and support to the body.

Bones, muscles, and tissues are made of the earth element.

• Jala (Water): Represents fluidity and cohesion in the body. Bodily fluids
like blood, saliva, and digestive juices are influenced by water.
Con…

• Tejas (Fire): Associated with transformation and energy. It governs

metabolism, digestion, and the body's heat regulation.

• Vayu (Air): Responsible for movement and communication in the body.

Breathing, circulation, and nerve impulses depend on the air element.

• Akasha (Ether): Represents space and the subtle essence in the body. It
exists in the empty spaces within the body, such as the cavities and
channels.
The balance of these five elements within the human body is essential for
maintaining health, and imbalances can lead to illness.
Composition of Human
Body: Dosha, Dhatu, Mala
Dosha Description Function

Vata Air and Space Movement,

circulation,
communication

Pitta Fire and Water Digestion,

metabolism,
transformation

Kapha Earth and Water Structure,

lubrication,
immunity
Doshas:

The three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) are biological energies derived
from the five elements. They govern all physical and mental processes, and
maintaining their balance is key to health.

1. Vata: Comprised of air and ether, it is responsible for movement,

breathing, and circulation. It controls bodily functions like muscle and
tissue movement, heartbeats, and cellular communication.
Con…

2. Pitta: Comprised of fire and water, it governs digestion, metabolism, and

energy production. Pitta controls digestion, absorption of nutrients, and
body temperature.

3. Kapha: Comprised of earth and water, it provides structure, stability, and

strength. Kapha is responsible for growth, tissue building, and maintaining
body fluid balance.
Dhatus:

The human body is composed of seven dhatus (tissues) that nourish and
support various bodily functions. They are:

1. Rasa (Plasma): Provides nourishment and supports the immune system.

2. Rakta (Blood): Vital for circulation and oxygenation of the body.

3. Mamsa (Muscle): Responsible for movement and strength.

Con…

4. Meda (Fat): Stores energy and provides insulation.

5. Asthi (Bone): Provides support and structure to the body.

6. Majja (Bone marrow): Produces blood cells and supports the nervous
system.

7. Shukra (Reproductive tissue): Responsible for reproduction and vitality.

Mala:

Mala refers to the waste products that the body generates. These wastes
include:

Sweat: Helps regulate body temperature.

Urine: Excretes toxins and waste products.

Feces: Eliminates solid waste from the digestive process.

Efficient elimination of malas is necessary to maintain health, as their

accumulation can lead to disease.
Understanding Prakruti:
Mind-Body Constitution
Vata Prakruti Pitta Prakruti
Characterized by lightness, Known for their intensity,
dryness, and a tendency intelligence, and leadership
towards anxiety. qualities.

Kapha Prakruti
Stable, grounded, and nurturing, with a tendency towards calmness.
Con…

Prakruthi is the unique combination of doshas that an individual is born

with, determining their physical and mental characteristics. Ayurveda
emphasizes that each person’s Prakruthi is unique and plays a significant
role in determining their health, behavior, and tendencies.

• Vata Prakruthi: These individuals are usually slim, energetic, and

creative, but can be prone to anxiety, dryness, and instability.
Con…

• Pitta Prakruthi: These individuals tend to be of medium build, intelligent,

and ambitious, but may have tendencies toward anger, irritability, and
skin inflammation.

• Kapha Prakruthi: These individuals are generally solid and steady, with
calm personalities, but can experience sluggishness, weight gain, and
congestion.
Con…

Imbalance of Doshas:
When a person’s doshas fall out of balance due to factors such as diet,
lifestyle, seasonal changes, or stress, it can lead to illness. The goal of
Ayurveda is to restore the doshas to their original balance.
MindBody Connection:
Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and body, where
mental imbalances (such as stress) can lead to physical problems, and vice
versa. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and specific lifestyle changes are
used to manage this connection.
Ayurvedic Approach to Health
and Wellness
Dietary Guidelines
Ayurveda emphasizes consuming foods that are in harmony
with one's Prakruti.

Lifestyle Practices
Yoga, meditation, and other practices promote physical,
mental, and emotional well-being.

Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda utilizes a wide range of herbs to address specific
imbalances.
Applying Ayurvedic Principles for Student
Well-being
1 Stress Management
Ayurvedic techniques like yoga and meditation can help students manage stress and
anxiety.

2 Improved Sleep
Ayurvedic practices can promote restful sleep and improve overall sleep quality.

3 Enhanced Focus
Ayurveda offers techniques to enhance focus and concentration for better academic
performance.

4 Balanced Diet
Ayurvedic dietary guidelines can help students make healthy food choices for optimal
energy and well-being.