Eight sections of Ayurveda

Traditional Ayurveda speaks of eight sections, known as Astanga Ayurveda:

1- Shalya Chikitsa describes surgery/surgical treatment and midwifery.

2- Shalakya (otology, rhinology, dentistry and ophthalmology) deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the eye, ear, nose, throat, nape of the neck, cervical problems, head, teeth, mouth, etc.

3- Kāyāchikitsā (internal medicine) deals with the diagnosis, treatment and management of body ailments.

4- Bhuta vidya (psychopathology/psychology/microbiology) deals with the diagnosis, treatment and management of psychological, psychogenic, somatopsychic and psychosomatic disorders.

5- Kaumāryabhritya deals with pediatrics, gynaecology & obstetrics.

6- Agad Tantra (toxicology, medical jurisprudence) describes the treatment of poisons (toxins).

7- Rasayana Tantra (science of rejuvenation) deals with maintaining longevity, intellectual behavior, rejunevating the body and general health.

8- Bajeekaran Tantra (science of aphrodisiacs/maintenance of vigor) promotes sexual power, strengthens the body, vigor, etc.

The basic motive of Ayurveda is to keep the healthy person healthy and to cure the ill.