Eight Branches of Ayurveda

Ayurveda ... the fountain of youth and beauty
Ayurveda stresses on the prevention of ailments in addition to curing them. Ayurveda was evolved in India around 600 BC and this is a complete natural healing system that depends on the diagnosis of the person's body humours to achieve the right balance and thus regain immunity and good health. Ayurveda is a perfect ancient science of life.

Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but the individual as a whole. Making it the natural way to perfect health and harmony of life.

Kerala's natural abundance with its equable climate is best suited for Ayurveda's curative ad restorative programs. Kerala is the only place on earth where it is practiced with absolute authenticity and dedication.

The word AYUR literally means ' life ' and VEDA means ' the science of knowledge '. Ayurveda briefly explains the knowledge of the do's and don'ts one has to follow, which flavours the well being of each individual to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and advantageous life both physically, mentally and socially.

Ayurveda is also known as Asthanga Veda. The word literally means "Eight branches of knowledge" as it is divided into eight specialized branches, which are :

1. Kaya Chikilsa - General Medicine
2. Kaumara Britya - Pediatrics
3. Graha Chikilsa - Psychiatry and psycho somatic diseases
4. Shalakya Tantra - Diseases of eye, ear, head, nose, throat and its surgery
5. Shalya Tantra - General Surgery
6. Agada Tantra - Toxicology
7. Rasayana Chikilsa - Rejuvenation Therapy
8. Vajeekarana Chikilsa - Aphrodisiac Therapy

The objectives of Ayurveda is to establish prime health in every living being, physically, mentally and spiritually. The basic concepts and fundamental principles aim at establishing such a condition through correct and thorough knowledge of healthy living. Ayurveda states wrong behaviour and food habits disturbs the harmony and lead to diseases.

The basic principles of treatment in Ayurveda is to eliminate the internal disease causing factors of diseases.