Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, is a profound and ancient approach to health and wellness. Its name comes from the Sanskrit words "Ayur" (life) and "Veda" (science or knowledge), meaning the ...
Ayurveda: The Science of Life
Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, is a profound and ancient approach to health and wellness. Its name comes from the Sanskrit words "Ayur" (life) and "Veda" (science or knowledge), meaning the "science of life." Ayurveda is more than just a system of treating illness; it is a philosophy that encourages a balance between mind, body, and spirit for overall well-being. This comprehensive treatise explores the origins, principles, practices, and contemporary relevance of Ayurveda.
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Origins and Historical Significance
Ayurveda's roots can be traced back to the ancient Vedic texts of India, primarily the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. These scriptures contain hymns and descriptions of various herbal medicines and natural therapies. Over centuries, sages and scholars like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata refined and documented Ayurvedic knowledge in classical texts such as:
1. Charaka Samhita - A foundational text on internal medicine.
2. Sushruta Samhita - A treatise on surgery and medical procedures.
3. Ashtanga Hridayam - A compendium of practical Ayurvedic knowledge.
Ayurveda developed alongside Indian philosophy, influencing and being influenced by Yoga, Vedanta, and other spiritual disciplines. Its holistic approach and emphasis on prevention made it a cornerstone of ancient healthcare systems.
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Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda
At its core, Ayurveda believes in the balance of the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhutas):
1. Earth (Prithvi)
2. Water (Jala)
3. Fire (Agni)
4. Air (Vayu)
5. Ether (Akasha)
These elements combine to form three bio-energetic forces or Doshas:
1. Vata (Air and Ether): Governs movement, including circulation and nerve impulses.
2. Pitta (Fire and Water): Regulates digestion, metabolism, and energy production.
3. Kapha (Earth and Water): Controls structure, growth, and lubrication in the body.
Every individual has a unique constitution, or Prakriti, determined by their specific Dosha combination. Imbalances in these Doshas are believed to cause illness, and Ayurveda aims to restore equilibrium.
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Diagnosis in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic diagnosis involves a personalized approach, often referred to as Rog Pariksha (disease examination) and Rogi Pariksha (patient examination). Practitioners consider:
1. Pulse Diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha): Understanding the Dosha imbalance through pulse readings.
2. Tongue Diagnosis: Examining the tongue for signs of toxins (Ama) and imbalances.
3. Observation of Skin, Eyes, and Nails: These reflect internal health.
4. Interrogation: Assessing lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, and emotional state.
Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on symptoms, Ayurveda delves into the root causes of disease.
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Ayurvedic Therapies and Treatments
Ayurveda employs a wide array of treatments that address physical, mental, and spiritual health. Key therapies include:
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Language: en
Added: Mar 10, 2025
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Slide Content
Temporomandibular joint
Introduction Type- Synovial Subtype- Bicondylar Function- opening and closing of mouth Location- I nfront of external acoustic meatus Bones- temporal bone and head of mandible.
Articular surfaces Upper surface- concavo-convex in shape and formed by Articular tubercle of zygomatic process. Anterior part of mandibular fossa of squamous temporal bone. Posterior non articular part behind the squamotympanic fissure formed by tympanic plate. Lower articular surface- formed by the head of the mandible. Each condyle (head) is elliptical and covered by fibrocartilage. The joint cavity is divided completely into upper and lower parts by intra-articular disc. The long axis of condyle is directed backwards and medially Long axes of condyles on both sides forms an arc of a circle which passes through the anterior margin of foramen magnum.
1.Fibrous capsule Above it attached to articular tubercle, margins of mandibular fossa in front and squamotympanic fissure behind Below to the neck of mandible. Anteriorly it blends with the tendon of lateral pterygoid muscle. The capsule is loose above the intra-articular disc and tight below it. Synovial membrane lines the inner aspect of fibrous capsule and neck of the mandible. Does not lines the articular disc and fibrocartilage.
a.Lateral T emporomandibular ligament This reinforces and strengthens the lateral part of the capsular ligament. The fibres are directed downwards and backwards Attached above to the articular tubercle and below to the posterolateral aspect of the neck of the mandible. It prevents posterior dislocation of the joint.
b.Sphenomandibular ligament It is an accessory ligament lies deep to fibrous capsule (TMJ) in infra-temporal fossa. Superiorly attached to spine of sphenoid and inferiorly to lingula of mandibular foramen. Near its lower end it is pierced by mylohyoid nerve and vesels .
c.Stylomandibular ligament It is an accessory ligament It is a thickened deep cervical fascia. Attached above to the lateral surface of styloid process and below to the angle and adjucent part of posterior border of the ramus of the mandible. It separates the parotid and submandibular salivary glands.
d.Pterygomandibular ligament Attached above to pterygoid hamulus at lower end of medial pterygoid plate. Below to inner aspect of mandible just behind 3 rd molar tooth.
The articular disc It is fibrocartilagenous disc It divides the joint cavity into 2 parts It represents the degenerated primitive insertion of the tendon of lateral pterygoid muscle . Upper menisco -temporal compartment- it allows gliding type of movement (protraction and retraction) Lower menisco -temporal compartment- it allows hinge like movements (elevation and depression) The superior surface if concavo-convex and inferior surface of disc is concave.
Attachments of articular disc It is firmly attached to the fibrous capsule at its periphery. Anteriorly blends with the insertion of lateralpterygoid muscle Posteriorly splits into 2 lamellae. Upper lamellae attached to squamotympanic fissure. Lower lamellae to the posterior surface of neck of mandible.
Parts of articular disc Anterior extension Anterior thick band Intermediate zone Posterior thick band Bilaminar region
Functions of articular discs Divides the cavity into 2 compartments Upper compartment permits gliding movements Lower compartment both gliding and rotatory movements Helps in distribution of weight across the TMJ by increasing surface area of contact Prevents friction between articular surfaces Acts as cushion and shock absorber Stabilizing the joint Regulate the movement of the joint.
Relations of TMJ Lateral- Skin and fascia, parotid gland, temporal branches of facial nerve Medial- Internal carotid artery, middle meningeal artery, auriculo -temporal nerve, chorda timpani nerve and spine of sphenoid. Anterior- Massetric art, massetric nerve and lateral pterygoid muscle. Posterior- Superficial temporal artery, auriculo -temporal nerve and external auditory meatus Superior- Middle meningeal artery, middle cranial fossa Inferior- Maxillary artery, maxillary vein.
Blood and nerve supply Artery/vein- S uperficial temporal artery and vein M axillary artery and vein Nerve supply- Auriculo -temporal nerve Masseteric nerve
Clinical anatomy Dislocation- during excessive opening the head of mandible on one side or both may slip anteriorly into infratemporal fossa. As a result there is inability to close the mouth. Reduction is done by depressing the jaw with the thumbs on the last molar teeth and at the same time elevating the chin. 2. Clicking and pain during movements of the jaw- it occurs due to derangements of the articular disc may result from any injury like overclosure or malocclusion.