urgical procedures by the medieval period.

[20]

Contents
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1Eight components
2Principles and terminology
3Practice
o 3.1Diagnosis
o 3.2Treatment and prevention
o 3.3Substances used
o 3.4Panchakarma
4Current status
o 4.1India
o 4.2Other countries in the Indian subcontinent
o 4.3Outside the Indian subcontinent
5Classification and efficacy
o 5.1Research
5.1.1Use of toxic metals
6History
o 6.1Main texts
o 6.2Illnesses portrayed
o 6.3Further development and spread
7See also
8References
9Further reading
10External links

Eight components
The earliest classical Sanskrit works on Ayurveda describe medical science as being divided
into eight components (Skt. aga).[21][22]This characterization of the physicians' art as the
teaching found in "the medicine that has eight components" (Skt. cikitsym
agy ) is first found in the Sanskrit epic, the Mahbhrata.[23] The
components are:[24][need quotation to verify],[25]

Kyacikits: general medicine, medicine of the body

Kaumra-bhtya: the treatment of children, paediatrics
alyatantra: surgical techniques and the extraction of foreign objects
lkyatantra: treatment of ailments affecting ears, eyes, nose, mouth, etc. ("ENT")
Bhtavidy: pacification of possessing spirits, and the people whose minds are affected
by such possession
Agadatantra: toxicology
Rasyanatantra: rejuvenation and tonics for increasing lifespan, intellect and strength
Vjkaraatantra: aphrodisiacs and treatments for increasing the volume and viability of
semen and sexual pleasure.