Context:

• India has set five Guinness World Records under the 'Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan' in the field of Ayurveda and holistic healthcare.
• This campaign was conducted with the collaboration of the Ministry of AYUSH and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
•  In the first phase of this campaign, more than 1.29 crore individuals underwent Prakriti testing, exceeding the target of 1 crore.
• Massive Participation: A total of 1,81,667 volunteers participated in this campaign, including 1,33,758 Ayurveda students, 16,155 teachers, and 31,754 doctors. This, in itself, established a world record.
• Inspirational Participation of the President: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, became the first woman to undergo Prakriti testing under this campaign.

Five Guinness World Records:

1. Most pledges in a week: 6,004,912 pledges.

2. Most pledges in a month: 13,892,976 pledges, surpassing China's previous record.

3. Most pledges overall: 13,892,976 pledges, breaking the previous record held by Zifi FDC Limited.

4. Largest online photo album: 62,525 photos, surpassing the previous record of Accenture Solutions Private Limited.

5. Largest online video album: 12,798 videos, exceeding the previous record held by Ghe Bharari, Rahul Kulkarni, and Neelam Adalabadkar.

Ayurveda:

• An ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda means 'Science of Life' (Ayur = Life, Veda = Knowledge or Science). It is a holistic health system focusing on the balance of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• Tridosha Theory: According to Ayurveda, the human body consists of three fundamental elements (Doshas) – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
• Panchamahabhuta Theory: Ayurveda believes that the universe and the human body are composed of five elements (Panchamahabhutas) – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space).

Ayurvedic Treatment Methods:

• Aahar (Diet): Proper nutrition helps maintain overall health.
• Vihar (Lifestyle): Following daily and seasonal regimens.
• Aushadhi (Medicines): Natural treatments based on medicinal herbs.
• Panchakarma (Detoxification): Five purification methods of Ayurveda –

1. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis)

2. Virechana (Purgation Therapy)

3. Basti (Medicated Enema)

4. Nasya (Nasal Therapy)

5. Raktamokshana (Bloodletting Therapy)

Classical Texts of Ayurveda:

• Charaka Samhita: Written by Acharya Charaka, this text focuses on medicinal sciences.
• Sushruta Samhita: Authored by Acharya Sushruta, who is considered the father of surgery.
•  Ashtanga Hridayam: Composed by Acharya Vagbhata, it describes the entire Ayurvedic medical system.