ABSTRACT
Ayurveda is India’s traditional and natural system of medicine. It emphasizes prevention of disease, rejuvenation of our body system, and extension of life span. In Ayurvedic texts, it is mentioned that all the materials and spiritual phenomena of the universe (Loka) are present in the individual (Purusha). Similarly, all that present in the individual are also contained in the universe. Thus, the individual is an epitome of the universe. Visualization of the identity of the individual with the universe paves the way for salvation. Realization of the identical nature of the universe and the man brings about real knowledge of things as a person equipped with such knowledge considers himself as responsible for every external event and thus gets rid of the bondage of happiness as well as miseries. In Ayurveda, a year is divided into six parts called seasons (Ritu), according to the movement of sun. In each season, due to its particular characteristics, human body becomes affected and vitiated by different particular pathological factors (dosha). When suitable diet and regimen is followed by man as mentioned in Ayurveda, his body system remains in normal condition. When this pattern is not followed by him, he gets affected by diseases due 58to accumulation of dosha. Similarly, when characteristics of a particular season are shown in an excessive way, disasters happen in nature. This theory of equality can be applied in various diseases also. For example, in Prameha water element accumulates excessively in body. It is resembled as moisture (kleda) in nature. It is responsible for vitiation of kapha dosha. During treatment of prameha while applying various medicines which act on different properties of kapha, kleda is also tried to reduce. Therefore, the moisture-controlling medicines like triphala and yava are given to the patient. Thus, the treatment by dissimilar properties is also based on “Theory of Equality between Universe and Individual.” The detailed application of theory will be described in this chapter.
