Kayachikitsa — the science of internal medicine — is regarded as the central and most comprehensive branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda. The department trains students in the diagnosis and holistic management of general and systemic diseases affecting Agni (metabolism) and the body as a whole.
Kayachikitsa literally means the treatment ("Chikitsa") of the body ("Kaya"), understood in classical texts as the seat of Agni, the digestive and metabolic fire whose balance underlies health. It addresses a wide spectrum of general medical, metabolic, and lifestyle disorders and is often described as the trunk from which the other seven branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda extend.
The department imparts theoretical and clinical training in Nidana (diagnosis), Samprapti (pathogenesis), and Chikitsa (management) of diseases through Shodhana (purification), Shamana (pacification), and Rasayana-Vajikarana (rejuvenative and restorative) therapies, following the Charaka Samhita as its principal text.
Students gain hands-on clinical exposure through case-taking, Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis) and other examination methods, ward rounds, and supervised OPD/IPD postings, learning to formulate individualised treatment plans based on a patient's Prakriti, Dosha status, and disease progression.
Identification of the causative and contributing factors — dietary, lifestyle, seasonal, and psychological — behind the onset of disease.
Systematic clinical examination through Ashtavidha Pariksha and Nidana Panchaka to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and understand disease progression.
Individualised treatment planning combining Shodhana, Shamana, diet (Pathya-Apathya), and lifestyle correction to restore balance.
Diagnosis and management of fevers, acute and chronic febrile conditions.
Metabolic and urinary disorders, including diabetes and related conditions.
Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders arising from Vata vitiation.
Psychiatric and psychosomatic conditions addressed through Manovikruti Vijnana.
Rejuvenative therapy for immunity, longevity, and prevention of disease.
The five-fold diagnostic tools — Hetu, Purvarupa, Rupa, Upashaya, and Samprapti — for accurate disease assessment.
Management of fevers and disorders arising from excess nourishment such as Prameha and Sthaulya.
Neuro-musculoskeletal disorders and blood- and Pitta-related conditions and their treatment protocols.
Ayurvedic understanding and management of mental and psychosomatic disorders.
Principles and application of rejuvenation and restorative therapy for health promotion.
Core therapeutic principles guiding Shodhana and Shamana treatment selection for chronic disease.
