‘Ayurveda’
is a Sanskrit word; ‘ayur’ means ‘life’ and ‘veda’ means ‘knowledge’. This medical branch is originated in India
around 5000 years ago. India’s rich
culture and heritage was known to the public by the excavation of oldest cities
like Harappa and Mohenjodaro, in the northern part of Indian sub continent. The remains which were found from these
excavations were dated back to 3000 BC.
History of Ayurveda
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Oldest Writings about
Ayurveda
‘Charak
Samhita’, ‘Sushruta Samhita’ and ‘Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita’ were the three oldest
texts from which we can find the details of this oldest treatment method. These texts were believed to be written
around 800 B.C to 1000 A.D. ‘Charaka’
and ‘Sushruta’ were two old spiritual leaders who were also experts in the
treatment field. ‘Vagbhata’ was another writer of 7th century, who has
contributed more information about Ayurveda.
‘Madhav’ wrote a book named ‘Nidana’ in 8th century which
elaborates the different kinds of diseases along with their causes, symptoms
and treatment procedures.
Popularity of
Ayurveda in Olden Times
In
that era, this treatment method was found to be a fail-safe method for solving
human ailments and many researchers and scholars from other countries including
Persia, China, Greece and Egypt were visited India to study about this school
of medicine in detail. India was also
famous for the ‘Nalanda’ University in those times where education was given to
thousands of students in various subjects.
Many scholars have joined in this educational institution to study about
Ayurveda and some of them have translated ‘Charaka Samhita’, ‘Sushruta Samhita’
and ‘Asthanga Samhita’ into their languages also. Arabic and Persian translations of these old
texts show the popularity of this branch of medicine in those times.
Indian
outlook and philosophies were subjected to many changes after the origin of
Ayurveda and the influence of these thoughts were also affected the basic
concept of this treatment method. One of
them is the development of Ayurveda’s theory of humoral pathology which
promulgates that the body of humans are composed of ‘Tridoshas’ (three humors)
and they are ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’.
When all these three humors are in a state of harmony or equilibrium, it
is called ‘Tridhatus’ and the body enjoys perfect health. When these three are not in equilibrium, different
illnesses will be resulted.
Development of
Ayurveda in Modern Times
In
17th century, Dutch Governor of colonial India had collected various
palm leaf manuscripts available at that time and coordinated into a botanical
thesis, ‘Hortus Malabricus’ about this treatment branch with the help of a
local Ayurvedic physician (Itty Achuthan). This book revealed the secrets of
Ayurveda to the modern world and helps the new generation to realize the
potentiality of this wonderful treatment method. After this, many books were written on this
subject by several authors in different languages and among them ‘The Indian
Materia Media’ were written in English.
Ayurvedic
treatment uses medicines that are manufactured from herbs or mixtures of herbs,
either alone or in combination with minerals, metals and many other ingredients
of natural origin. Ayurveda has its own
process for the purification and creation of these herbal medicines.
Now
numerous Ayurvedic doctors and Ayurvedic hospitals are functioning throughout
India and it has the same reputation as the allopathic treatment method. Many tourists are visiting India, with the
sole aim to get Ayurvedic treatment for their ailments. Hundreds of hospitals and herbal resorts are
functioning in India with the elaborate arrangements for giving ample
treatments facilities to these visitors. Now in India, more than five lack doctors
are practicing this medicine in nearly 3000 Ayurveda hospitals and 5000
dispensaries.
Links to some Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements:
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