Practices

Oils such as sesame and sunflower oil are extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies show that both these oils contain substantial amount of linoleate in triglyceride form. Oils rich in linoleic acid may have antineoplastic properties.^[17]

Hundreds of vegetable drugs are used in Ayurvedic medicine—including cardamom and cinnamon.^[18]

Hinduism and Buddhism have been an influence on the development of many of Ayurveda's central ideas — particularly its fascination with balance, known in Buddhism as Madhyatmika (Devanāgarī: माध्यात्मिक).[14] Balance is emphasized; suppressing natural urges is seen to be unhealthy, and doing so may almost certainly lead to illness.[14] To stay within the limits of reasonable balance and measure is stressed upon.[14] Ayurveda places an emphasis on moderation in food intake, sleep, sexual intercourse, and the intake of medicine.[14]

Ayurveda incorporates an entire system of dietary recommendations.[1] Chopra (2003)—on the subject of Ayurveda dietetics—writes:
For diagnosis the patient is to be questioned and all five senses are to be employed.[16] The Charaka Samhita recommends a tenfold examination of the patient.[16] The qualities to be judged are: constitution, abnormality, essence, stability, body measurements, diet suitability, psychic strength, digestive capacity, physical fitness and age.[16] Hearing is used to observe the condition of breathing and speech.[7] The study of the vital pressure points or marma is of special importance.[8] It is the trauma science described in ayurveda. There are 107 different spots described and located on the body surface which produce different signs and symptoms. With respect to the underlying anatomical structures, the symptoms vary according to blunt or penetrating trauma. The severity of the symptoms and signs also depend on whether the injury is exactly on the marma point or slightly around it. These signs and symptoms are described by Sushruta and Wagbhatta.

Chopra (2003) identifies five influential criteria for diagnosis: 'origin of the disease, prodrominal (precursory) symptoms, typical symptoms of the fully developed disease, observing the effect of therapeutic procedures, and the pathological process'.[16]

Hygiene — also a component of religious virtue to many Indians — is a strong belief.[7] Hygienic living involves regular bathing, cleansing of teeth, skin care, and eye washing.[7] Occasional anointing of the body with oil is also prescribed.[7]
Oils such as sesame and sunflower oil are extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies show that both these oils contain substantial amount of linoleate in triglyceride form. Oils rich in linoleic acid may have antineoplastic properties.[17]
Hundreds of vegetable drugs are used in Ayurvedic medicine—including cardamom and cinnamon.[18]

Ayurveda stresses the use of vegetable drugs.[7] Fats are used both for consumption and for external use.[7] Hundreds of vegetable drugs are employed, including cardamom and cinnamon.[7] Some animal products may also be used, for example milk, bones, and gallstones.[7] Minerals, including sulfur, arsenic, lead, copper sulfate and gold are also consumed as prescribed.[7] This practice of adding minerals to herbal medicine is known as Rasa Shastra.

In some cases alcohol is used as a narcotic for the patient undergoing an operation.[7] The advent of Islam introduced opium as a narcotic.[11] Both oil and tar are used to stop bleeding.[7] Traumatic Bleeding is said to be stopped by four different methods [1] ligation of the vessel; [2] cauterisation by heat; [3] using different herbal or animal preparations locally which facilitate clotting; and, [4] different medical preparations which constrict the bleeding or oozing vessels. Different oils may be used in a number of ways including regular consumption as a part of food, anointing, smearing, head massage, and prescribed application to infected areas.[19]

The proper function of channels (srotas) that transport fluids from one point to another within the body is seen as vital, and the lack of healthy srotas may lead to disease and insanity.[20] Sushruta identifies that blockages of these channels may lead to rheumatism, epilepsy, paralysis, and convulsions as fluids and channels are diverted from their ideal locations.[20] Sweating is used as a means to open up the channels and dilute the Doshas causing the blockages and harming a patient. A number of ways to take steam bathing and other steam related cures are recommended so that toxins are released.
Several philosophers in India combined religion and traditional medicine—notable examples being that of Hinduism and Ayurveda. Shown in the image is the philosopher Nagarjuna—known chiefly for his doctrine of the Madhyatmika (middle path)—who wrote medical works The Hundred Prescriptions and The Precious Collection, among others.[13]

Hinduism and Buddhism have been an influence on the development of many of Ayurveda's central ideas — particularly its fascination with