Brief History of Ayurveda
“Ayurveda”, the Sanskrit word for ‘Knowledge / Science of Life’, is the oldest medical system in existence that incorporates philosophy and spirituality, besides science. An individual’s life is a sacred journey to persevere its true purpose. Ayurveda assists in understanding strong connection between an individual and the Universe. It presents the science of daily living based on the true knowledge of human body, mind and spirit.
Thousands of years ago, seers or “rishis” practiced meditation, yoga and discipline to realize the knowledge and understanding of creation. This enlightenment revealed the existence of cosmic energy / consciousness in all entities – living and non-living; Ayurveda is based on this ‘truth’. Ayurveda takes a holistic approach on health and sickness and arms individuals with knowledge to maintain or regain health and happiness. Self-healing is an important aspect of Ayurveda, allowing individuals to treat diseases naturally and slow the process of physical degeneration. It offers lifestyle guidance that assists in balanced good health.
Branches of Ayurveda
Eight branches of Ayurveda symbolized by the eight petals of lotus flower are:
- Káyachikitsá – Internal Medicine
- Shalyá Tantra – Surgery
- Shálákya Tantra – Ear, Nose, Throat, Eyes, Teeth
- Agáda Tantra – Toxicology
- Bhúta Vidyá – Psychiatry / Mental Illness
- Bála Tantra – Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics
- Rasáyana Tantra – Rejuvenation / Longevity
- Vájikarana Tantra – Aphrodisiacs
Tantra is an ancient discipline that focuses on control of energy to achieve union with ‘truth’ or ‘divinity’.
Yoga, another ancient discipline, is the science of union with ‘truth’ or ‘divinity’
Tantra, Yoga and Ayurveda form the three disciplines of life helping individuals achieve much required balance in body, mind and consciousness.
Important Ayurvedic Literature
Ayurveda was passed down orally through generations of teachers and students. Three important texts have been recognized for their depth of knowledge and understanding of Ayurveda:
- Charaka Samhita (Author – Charaka)
- Susruta Samhita (Author – Susruta)
- Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (Author – Vagbhat)
An individual’s primary constitution at birth remains fairly constant throughout the life. However, body’s daily interaction with the external environment impacts ‘tridosha’. Hence Ayurveda preaches balance of tridosha with daily living and dietary habits for every season.
What is your Constitution?
Select the choices that best align with your state of mind, body and consciousness to determine the general guideline of your constitution.