About the Author

Dr. L. Mahadevan completed his Ayurvedic graduation BAMS from Chennai and did post graduation M.D., in Ayurvedic General Medicine from Government Ayurveda Collage, Trivandrum, with high academic credentials. He has travelled far and wide to spread this science. He has visited USA, Canada, South Africa, Hongkong and has conducted Ayurvedic seminars for medical professionals and non medical students. He does intensive research in Vedic Neurology and Panchakarma. He has his practice in Derisanamcope (A village in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu) and in Chennai and he teaches clinical medicine to Ayurvedic Students. His classes in clinical medicine are unique in nature. He has brought major aspects of the science in audio visual presentation and published seven books on Ayurvedic.

Foreword

Firstly, I congratulate Dr. L. Mahadevan a young and dynamic scholar of Ayurveda for bringing out most utilitarian version of Ayurveda in the form of AYURVEDA FOR BEGINNERS. Dr. L. Mahadevan belongs to a traditional family of Ayurveda with good academic background. In spite of his busy practice, it is heartening to note that he is sparing time in writing books as well.

Identifying the necessity of propagating Ayurveda among public this book is written by the author in a very apt, lucid and simple language.

Ayurveda the knowledge of life sciences deals with positive way or correct way of living. Unfortunately, it is projected as a system of medicine at present and utilized for the commercial benefits. It is important to realize that Ayurveda is 'Health Oriented' but not 'Disease Oriented' like Modern Medicine. Fortunately, the single herbs and compound formulations of Ayurveda have multiple indications. Therefore a single herb or formulation shall be used for combination of clinical conditions against combination of formulations for a single disease entity in Modern Medicine.

The alpha and beta-blockers are used for different conditions in modern medicine, but nature provided both the activities in one drug e.g. Puskaramilla (Inula racemosa) is indicated in Bronchial Asthma (Svasa) as well as Angina Pectoris (Hrcchula). Similarly, Seteveti, which is used for correction of estrogen imbalances and promotion of lactation exhibits duel action according to the concept of Reseyene (RASASYA AYANAM RASAYANAM). Both Artava and Stanya are Upadhatus of Rasa there fore; Resayana property of Satavari can rectify both the problems. On the contrary, in modern medicine, estrogen will be given for suppression of lactation. These examples will open the discussion for different approach is understanding the pharmacological properties and therapeutic utility of natural products.

This book is divided into three parts. Part-I deals with History of Ayurveda, Basic Principles, Tridosas, Prakrti, Svasthavrttam, Rtucarya, Ahara Vijnanam, Dhatu Vijnanam, Dravyaguna, Nidana, Vyadhi, Santarpana & Apatrpanajanya vyadhis, Cikitsa vidhi, Dosa cikitsa and Rasayana.

Part-II deals with Panca karma exclusively. Along with the classical Parka karmas, Manasa rogas are also mentioned. Certain procedures like Dhuma pana, Kavalam are also discussed briefly.

Part-III deals with Bhaisajya kalpana, Prastuti-Stri roga and Vatavyadhi cikitsa.

At the outset, the book deals with all the important issues related to Ayurveda, which enlightens the amateur beginners. At the same time, one has to realize that this book is to be referred by all the Ayurvedic scholars as well.

The author has made sincere efforts to explain the concepts of Ayurveda in clear terms and I wish that the author will come with more books especially on Parka Karma, the specialty in which he is an expert. I once again congratulate the author for the work.

Preface

What you have in your hand is a collection of material, presented by me in various seminars in USA, South Africa and Canada, This book is a collection of principles covering History of Ayurveda, Pancakarma and Rasayana. An attempt is made to render the principles in lucid language to enable the reader to grasp the essentials properly, This document will be primarily useful to the students of Ayurveda, young practitioners and laymen who are desirous of understanding the native system especially Pancakarrna. The speciality subjects like Toxicology, Surgery, E.N.T and Ophthalmology are not dealt in this book as it is meant for the beginners only. These subjects will be dealt in the next part ofthis book which is meant for the intermediate level.

I am extremely thankful to Sri. Dr. J.L.N. Sastry for writing the foreword. I am thankful to my students for making this possible and Mr. R.A. Saju for making this manuscript in the present form.

I pray to God that this book will enlighten the students and public in principle and practice of the Science of Life, May Lord Dhanwantari shower us with health and prosperity.

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