About Ayurveda
आयुर्वेदः = आयुषः वेदः आयुर्वेदः।
समदोषाः समाग्निश्च समधातू मलक्रिया ।
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियः मनः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ।। – सुश्रुत
Swasthya is not only described as physical entity but along with healthy body (which includes balanced Dosha, Dhatu, Mala) cheerful state of Atma, Indriya and Mana.
How to maintain the Swasthya? and if Swasthya gets disturbed (diseased state) how to regain it? is the main area of Ayurveda. Ayurveda firstly focus on prevention of diseases.
How to maintain Swasthya (Preventing Diseases):
Acharya Sushrutacharya explain ‘Anagatabadha Pratishedha’ (अनागताबाध प्रतिषेध) that means prevention of diseases which yet to come. Acharya Charaka and Acharya Vagbhata described tools for that those are Dinacharya, (It includes Abhyanga, Udwartana, Nasya, Dhoompaan, Snana etc and much more) i.e. daily routine has to be follow to achieve optimal health.
Rutucharya is described in order to talk about weather wise lifestyle to achieve health. Cleansing procedures (Shodhana / Panchakarma) according to season is also one of the best tools for prevention of diseases which may be cause due to seasonal vitiation of Doshas.
Ayurveda explains very much detail about rules of taking food as it affects your health of body and mind. Hence by following these rules one can maintain Swasthya.
Fourth very important tool to avoid diseases is not to avoid or force your natural urges like micturition, defecation, hunger, thirst etc. There are 14 such urges explained by Acharyas which cause vitiation of Doshas and cause diseases.
How to regain Swasthya (Curing of Diseases):
धातुसाम्य क्रियाश्चोक्ता तन्त्रस्यास्य प्रयोजनम् ।
Treatment in Ayurveda aims to regain Dhatusamya Awastha (balanced state of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala). Various types of treatments are described in ayurveda for that. Shaman and Shodhana Chikitsa are the two major parts of Ayurveda treatment.
Shamana chikitsa consists of administration of various Aushadha Kalpana like herbal medicines, medicated ghee, tablets etc. that helps to balance Doshas without eliminating them from the body. Shodhana Chikitsa includes Panchakarma procedures i.e. Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Raktmokshna and related Upkarmas like Abhyanga, Pindaswedana, Shiridhara, Janubasti, Hrudabsati etc. for elimination of vitiated Doshas from the body.
All these types of treatments should be used by Yukti (ideas) of experienced Vaidya so that it becomes the most beneficial treatment for Dhatusamya.So, overall Ayurveda is a science of maintenance of Healthy life (not only Sukhayu but Hitayu).