Medindia
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

The Eight Branches of Ayurveda


Ashtanga Ayurveda
Kayachikitsa (Internal medicine) Baala chikitsa (Pediatrics) Graha chikitsa (Demonology) Urdhvanga Chikitsa (Diseases of head & neck)
Shalya chikitsa (Surgery) Visha chikitsa (Toxicology) Jara chikitsa (Rejuvenation) Vrsha chikitsa (Aphrodisiac therapy)
Advertisement

"Kaaya baala graha urdhvaanga shalya damshtra jara vrshan Ashtau angaani tasyaahuh chikitsa yeshu samsthitaah."

-Ashtanga hrdayam
Advertisement

Ayurveda has 8 branches in it. They are-

1. Kaaya Chikitsa (Internal Medicine),

2. Baala Chikitsa (Treatment of Children / Pediatrics),
Advertisement

3. Graha Chikitsa (Demonology / Psychology),

4. Urdhvaanga Chikitsa (Treatment of disease above the clavicle),

5. Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery),

6. Damstra Chikitsa (Toxicology),

7. Jara Chikitsa (Geriatrics, Rejuvenation),

8. Vrsha Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac therapy).

Kayachikitsa:

The word 'Kaya' represents 'Agni' - the digestive fire in the body. It is responsible for the metabolism in the body. The imbalance to this 'Agni' is the cause for many diseases. Kaya chikitsa deals with the treatment of general ailments, such as fever, diarrhea and cough, by treating Agni.

Baala chikitsa:

This deals in treating children. This is also called kumara Brtya. There are three aspects that must be remembered while treating children-

Children cannot explain their complaints

The dosage of medicine is different for them

The medicines given to them must be palatable to them.

Due to these conditions, treating children is done in a different manner. Hence a separate branch is devoted for them.

Graha chikitsa

This branch of Ayurveda deals with diseases like insanity, epilepsy and diseases caused by affliction of external factors such as evil sprits and ghosts. In other words it may be known as the branch that deals with the treatment of psychosomatic diseases.

Urdhvanga chikitsa

This branch of Ayurveda deals with the treatment of diseases of the organs above the clavicle. It includes the treatment of eyes, ears, nose, throat, mouth, teeth and head.

Shalya chikitsa

It deals with treatment of diseases caused by foreign bodies and diseases that need surgical therapies. It is carried out only for diseases, which cannot be cured by medicines.

Visha chikitsa

This form of treatment deals with the treatment of poisoning from animals, such as snakes, insects, spiders, scorpions and also of plants, metals and minerals.

Rasayana chikitsa

It deals in rejuvenation and restoring the youthfulness of an individual and deals with various therapies and herbs that have to be taken to restore the youth & vitality.

Vajikarana chikitsa

This branch of Ayurveda deals with treatment that helps to get good progeny. It provides various medicines and therapies to improve the virility and the sexual prowess of a person to help him to get a good progeny.

Recommended Readings

Do you wish to consult a Complementary Medicine Doctor / Alternative Medicine Doctor for your problem? Ask your question

Dr. Shireen Banu
Dr. Shireen  Banu
BAMS
5 years experience
Dr. Suganya Vijayan
Dr. Suganya  Vijayan
BAMS, MMed
21 years experience
Ayurveda 9.O, Mylapore , Alwarpet, Teynampet, T Nagar, Chennai
Dr. Chaithanya
Dr. Chaithanya
BAMS
3 years experience
Dr. Dinesh Kacha
Dr. Dinesh Kacha
BAMS
32 years experience
View All

Post a Comment

Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.

Comments

Dorishaktiblue, United States

Where is the listing of Stri Rog, women's disorders?

Advertisement
Advertisement
What's New on Medindia
Understanding Retinal Vein Occlusion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Top 8 Foods for Lush Hair, Radiant Skin, and Strong Nails
Quiz on Blindness
View all

Ayurveda and Diet

Benefits of Registration
Stay Connected
Available on the Android Market Available on the App Store
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close