Kayachikitsa is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda(Ashtanga Ayurveda) that deals with general medicine. It is the first branch of Ashtanga Ayurveda which mainly deals with diagnosis and treatment of various general health problems. Kaya also refers to digestive fire or Agni. Ayurveda believes that imbalance caused in our digestive system is the root cause of multiple diseases. Hence, the chikitsa also involves correcting the digestive fire or Agni to restore good health.

Kayachikitsa (or internal medicine), wherein Kaya means ‘body’ and chikitsa means ‘treatment’. The treatment also involves correcting the imbalance caused due to tridosas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The remedy encompasses a range of internal and external medications, detoxifications, etc., along with specialized therapy to treat the disorder. The approach of Kayachikits involves the complete management of body and mind. The treatment helps to establish a harmony between mind, body and soul. Kayachikitsa is used to tackle issues related to both chronic illnesses as well as common illness.