March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Ashtanga Ayurveda or eight limbed Ayurveda is divided into eight main classes, namely

1. Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)
2. Balachikitsa (Ayurveda Pediatrics)
3. Damshtra Chikitsa (visha chikitsa – Ayurveda toxicology)
4. Shalakya Tantra (Ayurveda ENT)
5. Salya Tantra (Ayurveda Surgery)
6. Jara Chikitsa (Ayurveda Geriatrics)
7. Graha Chikitsa (Bhuta Vidya – Ayurveda Psychology)
8. Vrishya Chikitsa (Vajeekarana Chikitsa – Ayurveda Aphrodisiacs)

All the divisions of treatments fall within these eight branches of Ayurveda. Inclusion of vrishya chikitsa or aphrodisiacs as a main branch of Ayurveda suggests the importance ancient Indians give to the importance of preparing the man and woman to give birth to healthy children.

Bhuta Vidya includes some seemingly occult, but entirely scientific methods of treating mental illnesses. It also gives the directions to protect women and children from evil forces. Women (especially pregnant women) and children must be given the safest of rooms in the house. The scientific side is that they are not susceptible to sudden fears due to external noises.

Ayurveda salya tantra refers to the surgical methods of treatment in Ayurveda. There is also a separate wing damshtra chikitsa that deals with insect sting, animal bites and snake bite.