Ayurveda History

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘science of life’. Ayurveda is an ancient natural system of medicine which has history of over 5000 years that forms part of the ‘Vedas’, which are the oldest known written records of human civilisation.These are called Rigveda,Saamveda,Yajuveda and Atharvaveda .Ayurveda was used in conjunction with the Vedic sciences. Most of the Vedic knowledge is written in the ancient language of Sanskrit. Three main texts still exits today are Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha.

In Charaka Samhita there is a whole section discussing the medicinal aspects of herbs, diet,and reversing of the aging process. For modern sceptics who wonder if this ancient wisdom can be believed, they only need to read Charaka’s month –by month description of the development of the fetus in the womb to see its exact parallels to what we know today from using modern technical –machinery.

In Sushruta Samhita ,there are detailed discussions of surgical equipment;
the classification of abscesses, burns, fractures, wounds, amputation, plastic surgery,
anal/rectal surgery , which are validated by modern technical equipment and research.
There is also a complete discussion of the human anatomy; the bones, joints, nerves, heart, blood vessels, circulatory system etc; again corroborated by today’s methods of mechanical investigation.

It is astounding and inspiring to discover just how complete the Ayuirvedic system was.There were eight branches of medicine that one could major in ancient times.
Internal Medicine (kayachikitsaa)
Ears Nose and Throat (Shalakya Tantra)
Toxicology (Agada Tantra)
Pediactrics (Kaumaarabhritya)
Surgery (Shalyatantra)
Psychiatry (Boota Vidyaa)
Aphrodisiasics (Vajeekarana)
Rejuvenation (Rasaayana)

The idea of finding the cause of an illness is still a mystery to modern science,but it was the main goal of Ayurveda. At that time it was known to have six stages to manifest into a recognisable disease. It is fascinating to note that modern technical equipment and diagnosis can only detect a disease during the fifth and sixth stages of illness.Ayurvedic physicians can nip an illness in the bud by using the more insightful methods of diagnosis.

The modern medicine is just beginning to realise the need to supply rather than remove; but they still do not know how and what to supply.there are over 2000 thousand plants classified in India’s Materia medica and also there is a unique method of completely removing toxins from the body, known as Panchakarma (Five actions).
This is a method of reversing the disease path from its manifestation stage.

The wisdom of Ayurveda has healed mind and body for centuries. Living in harmony with nature ensures good health and inner balance. Today’s modern life violates the principles of natural living. This causes physical and psychological imbalances in the body and these imbalances manifests in different ways like addiction and the many diseases. Living naturally according to natural principles can prevent suffering from stress and disease. The natural living for human beings is called Ayurveda.
‘The aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the health of the healthy and to cure diseases of the sick.’
(Charaka Sutra sthana 30:26)

Ayurvedic medical system incorporates such a comprehensive range of disciplines to prevent, treat and cure various diseases known to man. A Traditional Ayurvedic Physician will guide you to the most appropriate therapies that will complement your constitution.