AYUSH Full Form

The full form of AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This is a ministry that deals with the education, development of the Alternate System of Medicine. In 1995 with the focus to develop these systems, the department of Indian Medicines and Homeopathy (ISM&H) came into existence in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In 2003, this department has renamed the Department of AYUSH. The ministry of AYUSH promotes a healthy style of living and believes in the concept of prevention of diseases and follows the practice of natural healing. This is the ministry that comes under the Indian System of Medicines. The idea of AYUSH is to introduce various concepts to people including its acronym meaning that leads to a reduction in diseases and an increase in the wellbeing of Mental, Physical and Spiritual health of people. 

There has been a remarkable increase in the knowledge and treatments carried out by biomedicines after their successful experiments. Research has been done on various diseases along with their symptoms, causes, and remedies. Treatments are becoming advanced and more effective for diseases that are long-term and risky in nature but on the other hand, there is a significant increase in diseases that are non-communicable in nature. AYUSH medicines that are tested from time to time are effective as well as efficient in cost. Their experiments have reported successful results. They are equally effective as Bio Medicines for diseases that are long-term or risky. With passing time, AYUSH Medicines have made a prominent position in the health sector all over the world. People are getting more inclined with its concept and understanding. 

Institutions under the Ministry of AYUSH

There are various institutions operating under the Ministry of AYUSH in India at various locations. Some of the major institutes include All India Institute of Ayurveda, Morarji Desai National Institution of Yoga (MDNIY) and Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapith (RAV) at New Delhi, National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) at Jaipur, National Institute of Siddha (NIS) at Chennai, National Institute of Homeopathy (NIH) at Kolkata, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH) at Shillong, National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM) at Bengaluru, North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM) at Pasighat, National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) at Pune and lastly Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and research in Ayurveda (IPGTRA) at Jamnagar. 

Ayurveda

As the name suggests, Ayurveda means Understanding of Life and Longevity. The system of Ayurveda has its roots in the Vedic times. This system follows a completely herbal way of healing and over the course, has acquired much attention all over the globe. In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda means 'the science of life. This science has existed in India for more than 5000 years. It is believed that the medical techniques of Ayurveda have been transferred from heavenly Gods to Mankind and it is valued as of utmost significance in the field of Medical Science and Medicines to date. The two main Samhitas on which Ayurveda is based are Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. The Ayurveda is divided into eight components, they are: Kaya Chikitsa, KaumaraBhritya, Shalya Tantra, Shalakya Tantra, Agada Tantra, Bhuta Vidya, Rasayana Tantra, and Vajikarana Tantra. People who practice Ayurveda firmly imply their belief that the attainment of Moral Values, Prosperity/Money, Pleasure and Liberation which stands for Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, is possible only with positive health of Mind, Body, and Soul.

Yoga and Naturopathy

This is a form of alternative medicine that helps the body heal itself using the force of nature. Its main concept is using the five elements of nature which are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Either. Its therapies include Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Mud therapy, Fasting therapy, Hydrotherapy, Yoga, etc. Over a due course of time, Yoga has gained popularity from across the globe and ranks as one of the best techniques to attain the state of distress from grief and sorrows and has become a part of a healthy lifestyle. One of the major advantages that yoga has is that it can be performed by everyone coming from different walks of life irrespective of their age and state of wellbeing.  Yoga is an ancient technique that originated from India focussing on a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health through meditation and exercise. It was mainly promoted by saints of Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It is an effective way of keeping your body healthy without any harm from Medicines or Antibiotics. 

Unani 

Derived from the word 'Yunani' which means greek. This is a form of traditional medicine practiced during the Mughal era and is now even popular in many Muslim countries in South Asia. This Persian Arabic System of Medicine was taught by the Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen. Its concept is based on four elements which are: phlegm (balgham), blood (dam), yellow bile (Safra), and black bile (Sauda). The practitioners of Unani Medicines firmly believe that the treatment of any disease depends on the diagnosis of the respective disease. It is based on the types of symptoms that a person shows. 

Siddha

This system of Medicine is prevalent in South India. This concept of medicine believes in healing not only the body but also the mind and soul. The word 'Siddha' is derived from the Tamil word 'Siddhi' which means 'perfection'. 'Siddhars' who mainly come from Tamil Nadu have laid the foundation for Siddha medicine. These were the spiritual masters who were said to have spiritual powers or 'Ashta Siddhis'. Siddha's concept believes in rejuvenating dysfunctional organs which causes disease. The practitioners of Siddha Medicine firmly believe that for the cure of any disease, the type of lifestyle a person lives plays a major role. It is completely based on “Do’s and Don'ts” of certain things related to an individual’s standard of living. 

Homeopathy

Homeopathy believes in the concept that the body can cure itself. They just stimulate the healing process. Homeopathy has its roots in Germany and developed in the late 1700s. Samuel Hahnemann is the originator of Homeopathy. Homeopathy believes that any element which brings symptoms in a healthy individual if ingested in small doses is capable of treating the symptom of disease with similar symptoms thus triggering the body's natural defense system. Thus the body becomes capable of curing itself. A majority section of society uses Homeopathy Medicines to cure various long-term diseases such as allergy, bowel syndrome or arthritis, etc. On average, Homeopathy medicines take a longer period of time to cure any disease. Its effect may be observed in a day or two but the recovery takes a due course of time. 

Vision and Objective of AYUSH

1. To provide cost-effective medical care across the country and better access to services to the people. 

2. To improve the educational institutions which provide AYUSH education. 

3. To improve quality standards of the drug making and proper supply of the medicines. 

4. To make AYUSH a prominent medical stream. 

5. To spread the word of AYUSH and recognize it across the globe. 

Preventive Aspect of AYUSH 

Modern sedentary lifestyles and environmental stress have led to many diseases in people. The Medical system of AYUSH pledges the prevention of diseases and improves the lives of people and promotes a healthy way of living. Diseases such as Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, Kidney Diseases, etc lead to organ damage but luckily these conditions do have subclinical stages. If not rectified completely, but still it can be brought under control thus the department of AYUSH plays its role and makes a difference between health and disease. 

5 Yoga Asana that can be used in Daily Life

Yoga is meant to be done to make you feel better, mentally as well as spiritually. It is said that traditionally there are 84 total yoga asanas, but that varies accordingly. Below are 5 asanas and their benefits that you can adopt in your daily routine.

1. Naukasana 

Naukasana or the boat pose, in this you simply make yourself look like in the shape of a boat, well, of course, that is not easy at all. We need a perfect balance. 

This asana helps us increase the efficiency of the abdominal muscle, reduces body fat, and also helps to gain a good digestive system. It also strengthens the leg muscles along with the abdomen.

2. Dandasana

Dandasana is also called plank pose. 

This asana helps the core get stronger. Along with that it also burns fat and calories from the abdomen. It also helps your back get stronger and improve your posture. It stretches the upper body part along with your shoulder and chest. It is believed to be a good exercise to cure any type of difficulties of reproductive organs. 

3. Viparita Karani

An inclined pose helps us prevent our hairs from getting premature gray. Doing this asana prevents and cures diseases like swelling of goiter and feet. It also cures blood-related diseases like pimples, itching, and boils. It stands as an effective asana for soothing one’s headache and increases the body's energy to perform different tasks. This asana is specifically beneficial for females as it helps to relieve menstrual cramps and reduces the pain caused in the lower back. 

4. Kapalabhati 

Kapalabhati or said skull cleansing kriya. It can be said to be the most used yoga asana. A kriya in which one rapidly breathes a slow, active exhalation and a passive inhalation. 

It helps with the low blood circulation in the body. It also relaxes the mind. It strengthens the lungs along with increasing their capacity. It helps in losing weight. As it relieves tension and anxiety it also improves memory and concentration power.

Just like other asanas it also helps with digestion, which helps in problems like constipation and gas. Last but not the least, it also gets you in a good mood by producing endorphins.

5. Bitilasana  

Bitilasana is a cow pose paired with a cat pose. You make a cat pose while you exhale and a cow poses when you inhale.

This pose helps you manage your stress, it also makes you prepare for more hard yoga asana. It warms up your body, gives flexibility to the spine, and along with that also strengthens the abdominal organs.