The word ‘Ayurveda’ has been coined from two words. The first being "Ayu" which can be translated as "Life" or age of person and "Veda" as "Science or Knowledge", therefore Ayurveda can be understood as the Science of Life. Ayurveda is a comprehensive branch of knowledge which has eight components to ensure that person not only gets rid of sickness but stays healthy in the future as well. These eight components are:-

Kayachikitsa:- The primary component of Ayurveda, which refers to medicines which are required for the physical well-being of a person.

Kaumara-bhrtya:- This part of Ayurveda, the focus is laid on children and pediatrics.

Saiyatantra:- This refers to surgical techniques and the extraction of foreign objects from the body.

Shalakyatantra:- Here ailments related to the primarily to the sense organs (thought not limited to it) are healed.

Bhutavidya:- Here the pacification of possessing spirits takes place and the people who are affected by such diseases whether at the level of body, mind, soul or spirit are taken care of and cured Kāyachikitsā: general medicine, medicine of the body.

Agadatantra:- The detoxification of the whole being takes place through this branch of Ayurveda.

Rasayantantra:- Rejuvenation of a person takes place through this component which leads to an significant increase in lifespan, intellect, strength and vitality.

Vajjkaranatantra:- Here, the aspect of sexual performance, pleasure and the topic of infertility is addressed through the use of aphrodisiacs and other treatments.

The Fundamental concepts of Ayurveda

The Concepts of ‘vata’, ‘pita’ and ‘kapha’ are the basics of Ayurveda and a correct and in-depth knowledge of these concepts leads one to understand the workings of Ayurveda. These concepts are also called ‘Doshas’ and an imbalance in these doshas causes an ailment in a person which can then be healed through the right application of dosha correcting techniques.

According to Ayurveda each person is composed of these three doshas. The proportion of the doshas, however, may vary from person to person. Due to stress, dietary patterns, a sedentary lifestyle or any other reason there can be a disturbance in the proportion of these doshas in the body which can cause afflictions in the body and brain. The word ‘doshas’ are often synonymously used with the ‘prakriti’. These doshas are based on the Hindu concept of five elements – wind, space, fire, earth and water.

Vata

Vata covers the dimensions of wind and space. The vitality of nature which is the force running the blood in our veins, or breathe in our body is emphasized by the Vata Prakriti. This prakriti empowers both the physical and mental aspects of a person including breathing, pulse movement, muscles development etc.

Pitta

This prakirti oversees the component of fire in the body. This component is related to the power in the body or the proverbial ‘fire in a person. It also affects to a very large extent the body temperature and aspects related to it. The digestion of food in the body is handled by Pitta prakriti whilst also handling the defecation of waste substances part. The quality of the skin and many of the physical features are taken care of by Pitta Prakriti. When it comes to internal organs, Pitta prakriti handles the liver, eyes et al. It also has a great impact on the mind and the cravings of a person.

Kapha

Kapha Dosha contains a mix of earth and water elements of the body. This dosha is the most predominant part of the three doshas. Since it is the most predominant Prakriti, it additionally plays a balancing role in Vata and Pitta Prakriti. It plays a very important role in the structure of the body and likewise decides the nature of the physical movements. The development of the tissues in the body and its richness is also affected by this Prakriti.