Ayurveda, the science of life, is not merely a single book. It is natural healing science described in more than 40 holy Ayurvedic scriptures. It is very vast knowledge, which is mainly divided into eight major branches. These eight branches are collectively known as Ashtang Ayurveda (ashta means eight and anga means divisions).
Like any other contemporary medical sciences, Ayurveda too describes its specialty in treating different body parts. Therefore, specialized medicinal skills have been classified under the branches that deal with various body parts/systems and organs.
Ayurveda is the first ever medicinal system categorizing specialized branches such as surgery, pediatrics, and aphrodisiacs.
Let us look at Branches of Ayurveda –
1. Kayachikitsa -Internal (General) Medicine
2. Shalyachikitsa -Surgery
3. Kaumarbhritya (Bala chikitsa)- Pediatrics
4. Grahachikitsa- BhootVidya - Psychiatry
5. Urdhvangachikitsa-Treatment of eyes, ears, nose, throat and head
6. Damstrachikitsa- Agad Tantra -Toxicology
7. Jarachikitsa- Rasayana- Revitalization
8. Vrishyachikitsa- vajikarana- Aphrodisiacs (teaches about how to improve sexuality)
Ayurveda is oldest medicinal system known to mankind. It specifically advises about living healthy and long life unlike other contemporary medical sciences that might simply focus on treating signs, symptoms of health ailments and diseases. According to Ayurveda, there must be a proper balance between the internal constituent elements of the body, mind and soul for a healthy living.