Ayurvedic Perspective of Naisthiki Chikitsa and its Clinical Significance

Abstract

Ayurveda is considered as Upanga of Atharvaveda. The Vedas focuses on Karma and Mosksha while Ayurveda guides the path by which one can achieve the Moksha, as Moksha is said to ultimate peace and happiness. Acharya charaka explains Naisthiki Chikitsa which is Mokshadayini. All the diseases arise from Updha/Trishna or greed in Tretayuga. Naisthiki chikitsa helps to deal with this Updha or greed. Four Purusharth are described in Dharma shastra as well as in Ayurveda which are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. These four can be achieved only by disease free body which can be achieved through Ayurveda the holistic science. The ultimate goal of life is Moksha prapti that’s why Ayurveda expends its area up to the Naisthiki chikitsa. Ayurveda not only helps to maintain the health of human being but also describes the Karma, causes of miseries and happiness which are the Pravritti and Nivratti respectively. In the present time when the emphasis is on materialistic comfort not inner happiness, when the supremacy is exerted by wealth not health, when the success is determined by competitiveness not ability to co-operate, when individual success is given higher rating over community success; need to pay attention towards the means to getting inner peace is extremely important.