Kayachikitsa

Kayachikitsa is the Ayurvedic branch focused on internal medicine, dealing with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect the body’s systemic function. It is one of the eight major branches of Ayurveda and emphasizes restoring balance among the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—through individualized therapies, herbal medicines, diet, lifestyle changes, and detoxification.

Diagnosis in Kayachikitsa relies on assessing an individual’s prakriti (constitution) and vikriti (current imbalance), as well as the status of dhatus (tactors of tissue) and malas (waste products). Clinical evaluation includes patient history, observation, tongue and pulse examination, and other signs to determine the nature and extent of disease.

Therapeutic approaches encompass Shodhana (purificatory therapies) and Shamana (palliative treatments). Shodhana includes Panchakarma procedures—Vamana (therapeutic emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting)—used to remove toxins and correct doshic imbalance. Shamana employs herbal formulations, minerals, and spices, along with dietary and lifestyle regimens, to pacify doshas and support organ function.

Kayachikitsa addresses a broad range of conditions, including digestive disorders, metabolic diseases such as Madhumeha (diabetes), respiratory ailments like Shwasa (asthma), skin diseases such as Kushtha, and certain neurological or rheumatic disorders. The approach emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and patient-specific treatment plans aimed at improving quality of life and longevity.

Classical sources such as Charaka Samhita and the Astanga Hridaya outline Kayachikitsa principles and procedures, which continue to influence contemporary Ayurvedic practice in clinical settings and integrative health contexts.