Ayurveda, the ancient science of India, is gaining popularity in the modern world. People are turning to the eastern medical systems to find cure for their health problems. Ayurveda has eight branches of treatment called “Ashtanga Ayurveda”. “Ashtanga” literally means “eight parts or limbs of the body” They have been developed to treat the particular needs of the medical world. Ayurveda gives more importance to the preventive aspect of medicine. It insists more on the positive side of regular practices (Dinacharya) to prevent diseases than treating the negative side of health, the diseases.
The word YOGA is derived from the sanskrit word YUJ ,which means to join.The word itself implicates that we are separated from our true and original nature or swaroopa i.e Sat-Chit-Anand ,and thus all the effort to become one with our true nature is YOGA. The seperateness with our original nature itself creates duality ,or dwandva, this is root cause of suffering ,sorrow, un –happiness ,any effort put forth by the three instruments we have,i.e the body mind and intellect ,to follow the path path of Karma, Bhakti and Gyana is YOGA.
Meditation is a highly specialised spiritual practice.In simple terms it is also said as “Concentrated concentration”. It requires dedicated effort in understanding and mastering the preparatory discipline, of Karma, Bhakti and Gyana Yoga and also initially preparing a healthy body and mind by using the knowledge and practicing the eight limbs of Ayurved and Yoga .Meditation being the culmination of these practices. If used properly thus, it leads one to the ultimate state of Self-realisation.