A brief knowledge of Ayurveda

 

Introduction

The journey of medical science is as old as the human race; it’s a method of fighting or preventing humans from diseases and injuries. One of the oldest medical sciences known to the world is given by ancient India, which talks about various ailments and their treatment with the help of various herbs. The first Indian text that contains the use of herbs as medicines is found in Atharvaveda, dating back to the Early Iron Age. Later on, Ayurveda came into the light as a “complete knowledge for long life” which accommodates a complete understanding of treatments for various ailments, surgeries, and tools, curing illnesses relating to aging and mental health, and various methods of therapies, all using herbs and different ingredients found in nature.

History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is said to have been in existence since around 5000 BCE in the form of sub-text (Upveda) of Atharvaveda also known as the 5th Veda (Panchama Veda). According to the experts of ancient Hindi scriptures, all four Vedas mention the description of medicines that is 67 medicines in Rig Veda, 81 medicines in Yajur Veda, 60 in Samveda, and 289 medicines in Atharvaveda.

The word Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ayurvedah” which is a combination of two words, ‘ayuh’ means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge. The Ayurveda originated after a session of meditation by Indian God Brahma who then passed the knowledge to the priest of Gods Dakshprajapati, he shared it with Ashwini Kumaras the twin doctors of Demi-Gods. After this, the king of Demi-Gods collected it and passed it on to the sage Bhardwaj and Dhanvantri (the God of Ayurveda), and finally, the knowledge was carried out in the mortal world through a disciple of sage Bhardwaj named Punarnvasu atreya.  

The Ayurveda expertise is in the study of the human body’s root to consciousness, which means it contains the cure for illness until consciousness resides in the person’s body. The two main texts that emerged are from the schools of Charak as Charaksamhita and Susrut as Susrutsamhita.

Charakasamhita is a compilation of the studies of medicine while Susrutsamhita is a collection of the studies of surgery. As per the Charaksamhita, human life can be extended by human efforts because health and illness are not predetermined while Susrutsamhita states that the motive of medicines is set to cure the sick, prevent health and protect life. There are eight branches of Ayurveda that are described in both the Samhita,

  1. Kayachikitsa (Internal medicine)
  2. Shalakya Tantra (E.N.T)
  3. Vishagara Vairodh Tantra (Toxicology)
  4. Kumar Bhritya (Pediatrics)
  5. Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
  6. Bhuta Vidya (Psychiatry)
  7. Vajikarana (Aphrodisiacs)
  8. Rasayana (Rejuvenation)

All eight branches work in coordination with the Dosha (quality) of the human body. There are three doshas, ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’, and ‘Kapha’ by which Ayurveda differentiates the type of energy flow in a body and thus suggests the perfect treatment. A person with the quality of Vata comprises the energy of the elements air and space, a person with Pitta quality consists of fire and water and someone with the quality of Kapha comprises the energy of water and earth.  These qualities describe the nature and behavior of one’s body which helps in deciding the better cure and prevention of the body.     

Benefits of Ayurveda   

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Ayurveda does not just educate about treatments and surgeries but it also caters to a standard of healthy living through a deep explanation of a person’s daily routines and healthcare routines.

Encourage environment-friendly behavior

This ancient medical science constitutes that for every disease or illness given by nature, it can be treated by the elements provided by nature itself. Therefore, it encourages people to opt for plants, herbs, and home remedies for treatments that are free of side effects.

Removes toxins

Surely it takes a little more time to heal the body but it ensures a permanent cure to the disease and helps clear the toxins inside the body.

Beautiful skin

The medical science of Ayurveda offers various skincare routines which help in creating beautiful and healthy skin.

Helps in de-stressing

The slow and steady behavior of science assists people in slowing down in their busy life and focusing on distressing the brain and body.