Ayurveda means literally the 'science (Veda) of
longevity', but because of its divine origins I have entitled
this article 'Medicine of the Gods. It was originally a Hindu
medical system and had its beginnings more than two and half
thousand years ago in the sixth century before the present era
(or if you prefer BC.). Ayurveda soon developed outside of the
strictly Hindu community and was taken up and adapted by
Buddhists and other religious groups. It has survived until the
present day and is in fact undergoing a renaissance both in
India and throughout the western world, which sees it as a
necessary compliment to the Clinical model. According to
Ayurvedic medicine most people are born in a state of equipoise
but quickly loose it, either through bad diet, bad treatment or
moving away from the physical location most conducive to their
natural constitution and temperament. Everyone is recommended to
discover for themselves what the optimum conditions for them
might be and to try to keep themselves on an even keel. The
primary method for returning and maintaining the humours to a
state of equipoise is diet. There are general recommendations of
diet such as always eating hot food in the cold season etc. etc.
However, more serious illness must be treated by a qualified
Ayurvedic physicians, who has undergone at least seven years of
training. He or she will recommended a more finely tuned diet as
well as special therapeutic techniques to attempt to redress
serious imbalances of the humours. Medicine has a long
association with the way of the warrior. Shiva, the god blamed
for spreading so many new diseases is often associated with war.
Another warrior god called Indra, is said to be have given 'the
science of longevity' - Âyurveda to humanity in order to rid
them of these same diseases. So one god gives another takes
away. In fact Shiva and Indra are very closely related, like two
sides of the same coin. Perhaps it shouldn't surprise us that
those who are most skilled at inflicting pain are also the very
ones to remove it again. (Plato says a similar thing in the
Republic) Another more obvious, connection between Âyurveda and
the martial arts comes through its doctrine of vital points. It
is perhaps more well known that Indian sexology describes a
system of erogenous zones (candrakalas in Sanskrit) or points of
arousal. These points are enumerated in texts such as the Kama
Sutra and Ananga Ranga, erotic texts which take many of their
source ideas from the medical tradition. However perhaps less
well known is the counterpoint to the erogenous zones ; these
are the points of vulnerability or marmas. Sushruta, who was an
ancient surgeon who lived about 2000 years ago, identified about
140 marmas and some of these have been matched with
corresponding pressure points in jujitsu and other martial arts.
Ayurved in Ancient India Hundreds of years ago,
there was a district, Larkana in Sindh situated at the bank of
Sindhu River. As it was very lonely and dangerous, it was known
as Moan - jo - dado. The historical department arranged to
excavate this district very systematically. From the things
which were found out there, it was clear that the Sindhughati
was very much developed and the rules of treatment/ therapies
were followed in each work. Even the art of architecture was
influenced by therapies. At the time of creation of the city,
local cleanliness was given utmost importance. Ancient Ayurved
from Indian earth
Excavation has given a new vision to History, even if literature
is one way to get knowledge about the history of Ayurved.Following facts are searched :Bhatthighar : Nalanda (Bihar
state) - Bhatthighar which was found in Vishwavidyalaya area, it
can be said that Ras-shala related work was carried out
here.Aarogya vihaar
In the excavation of Kumrahaar in Pataliputra (Patna) district,
one 'Arogya vihaar' is discovered. It seems that at ancient
times one inner place where the patients could be kept for
treatment. From such investigations it can be said that even
before five thousand years Indians were well mannered and
cultured. Black stone of Moan jo dado Indian architecture
science was greatly influenced by health science. One black
colored stone was found there at the time of excavation. Which,
Dr. Hameed (Chemist) has examined. They investigated that the
stone is Shilajeet, which has come there from mountain areas. It
is useful in Urine diseases. In all the novels of Ayurved there
is a mention about Shilajeet Rasayana. Mrugashrunga ( The barks
of deer):Lots of barks are discovered in the escavation. These barks must
have been used as medicine at ancient time. The diseases, which
are hereditary, can be cured with the barks, as stated in
Athrvaved. It is also used when Kapha (cough) is increased in
the body. It is selling at high prices now a day. So it is very
surprising that the barks of deers have been used as medicines
since ancient times.Khilaune (Games)
Many games created with metal, clay were discovered in the
excavation of Moan Jo da do. Description of games having
different shapes like animals for developing children's humor
and intellect has been given in Kashyapsanhita and Charaksanhita.
So it is proved from the various things (Shilajeet,
Harinashrunga etc) discovered from the excavation that Indian
Bhaishaj Vidnyan was very much developed at ancient times. Agni
.The concept of Agni is very peculiar to Ayurved. This Agni
provides the energy necessary for all activities in our body.
Biological Agni transforms the energy in the food to the energy,
which can be utilised by our cells. Entire Ayurvedic
therapeutics is based on this concept of Agni.Panchbhoutic
Siddhanth
The concept of "Panchamahabhoota" is of vital
importance to understand physiology, pathology & pharmaco-kinetics
of Ayurvedic Therapeutics. Phrithwi, Aapa, Teja, Vayu and Akasha
are the five (Pancha) basic elements of all matters, and
collectively they are known as Panchamahabhoota. These are the
smallest elements, which constitute living and non-living
matters. Every thing, including medicines and living beings are
made of these basic elements. Every matter contains all of these
five elements.Ahaar Pachan.Learn the Ayurvedic concept of digestion. It is very interesting
and comprehensive. The digestion process is dealt with respect
to the ultimate goal of the science: 1) maintaining health and
2) treating disease.Dhatu Poshan.Learn the basic theory on nutrition of mind and body throughout
the process of digestion.Oja.Oja is the essence of all the dhatus, which is essential for
maintaining the immunological system of the body.Dosha Dhathu
Mala.According to ayurved the physiological activity of the body is
controlled by dosha i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. The maintenance
of body is due to dhatu. Mala is the byproduct of digestion at
the cellular level. Dosh dhatu and mala are the basics of the
living physiology. Health and disease depends on the equilibrium
and the function of this trio. Purusha.According to Ayurveda, Purusha is considered as soul (bhootatma)
and the Creator (parmamatma). Read more about this interesting
concept.
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