CHIKITSA CHATUSHPAD - FOUR PILLARS OF TREATMENT IN AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is a very distinct medical science and has some unique features. Ayurveda gives ample emphasis on the preventive aspects and helps in promotion and prolongation of a healthy and happy life. Chikitsa (treatment) is the outcome of efforts and proper employment of Chatushpada (four pillars of treatment). Ayurveda believes that success of any treatment is totally depends upon Chatushpada of Chikitsa. Chatushpada are Bhishag (physician), the Upastha (Medical Attendant), Rogi (patient) and Dravya (medicine). These four factors are mutually dependant on each other. These four pillars are considered mandatory to provide relief to the patient. Absence of any one of these, the treatment would not be possible. Each of the four factors possesses four qualities essential for a treatment to be successful. When all these four factors are favorable, then the treatment will be successful. Therefore this review article attempts to explain the importance of Chikitsa Chatushpad in detail as mentioned in Ayurvedic literatures.