HISTORY, RELEVANCE AND PRESENCE IN MODERN ERA

Ayurveda, an ancient scientific system of medicine originated from India, the way to lead a fruitful life.  All ancient civilizations have evolved own medicinal systems depending upon their social status- beliefs and practices to cope up with diseases.  Some of them are practiced in their regions but Ayurveda and Chinese have worldwide presence.

According to the references available in Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata and all other literary work in India, Ayurveda was originated with the origin of life to improve the quality and span of life.  It was initially taught by word of mouth along with practical training. The documentation of Ayurvedic practices and facts starts from Vedas i.e. from Rig-Veda in which a lot of description about disease symptoms their treatments with different kinds of herbs and with some mantras are described.  The most detailed and systemic description of Ayurveda is available in Atharvaveda (4000-6000 BC).

An Ancient famous Ayurvedic Physician Agnivesha, the disciple of Maharishi did the first independent documentation of Ayurveda. This work is available till today as Charaka Samhita that was revised and updated (1500 BC) by great physician Maharishi Charaka.  In 120-chapter of Charaka Samhita, Ayurvedic principles of Internal medicine, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Panchakarma, Rasayana, Vajikarana, Naishthiki- therapy, basics of preventive, predictive and curative medicines are described.  This is the most authentic work available on Ayurvedic medicine and is an important part of syllabus in under graduate, postgraduate and research purpose till date.

Great Ancient Surgeon, Sushruta documented the surgical branch Sushruta Samhita (1000BC), which is available till date that was edited and updated by Nagarjuna (200AD).  The procedures adopted and the instruments used are described in detail.  Some of the procedures are done in the same manner in modern day surgery also.  Concepts of modern plastic surgery is developed from the Principles and techniques described in Sushruta Samhita.

There were two great universities in India in olden days (1500BC to 200AD) where Astronomy, Mathematics, Yoga, Philosophy, Economics, Political science including Moral education, Geometry, Vastu-Shastra, Ayurveda medicine and surgery were taught.  One was at Banaras on the bank of River Ganga in the east where head of medicine was Sushruta- followed by Nagarjuna where surgical techniques and principles were taught.  The other was at Takshashila in the west on the bank of Jhelum River where medicine was taught under the leadership of Atreya- Agnivesha followed by Charaka.  One other great university was at Nalanda where Kashyapa was the head of medicine, pediatrics, Gynae-obstratics specialties.  A lot of references are available which indicate that the students from other region of the world also came here for study.

1. Side effects of modern medicines.
2. In spite so much researches no answer to some ailments like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes, Asthma, AIDS, Auto- immune disorders; these are basically life style generated disorders, viral disorders, Genetic diseases.
3. Disease oriented approach of modern treatment plan not diseased nature taken into account that plays an important role.
4. The life style generated & genetic disorders can be predicted by following the Ayurveda principles of diagnosis and can also prevent, treated successfully.
5. Immunocompromised state of health can be improved through Rasayana Therapy.

CURRENT STATUS OF AYURVEDA AROUND THE WORLD

• There are 500 significant periodicals published in the world covering medicinal plants.  A lot of patent are filed on herbal researches from about 48 countries claiming new findings but the source of information basically Ayurveda; WHO, UNESCO,NIH like agencies at world level have developed their faith in Ayurveda.
• Today, more than 80% of prescriptions issued by practitioners of modern medicine include one or more preparation having herbal drugs.
• International Trade Center- UNCTAD/ GATT Geneva show that import of medicinal plants increased from $ 355m (1976) to $551m in 1980.
• In USA ~ 20% of the world market with respect to drugs and pharmaceuticals, more than 25% prescriptions have one/ more plant origin compound/ constituent. This herbal market has a great potential in coming years.

CONCEPTS

Ayurveda, Ancient Indian System of Medicines deals with knowledge that can define the quality and span of social and personal health status and; defined tools to restore, maintain and upgrade it based on the principles of Vedic metaphysics.

The reductionism approach of modern medicine treating the symptoms or treating a finding revealed by high tech, high cost investigations and inability to treat complicated disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, Diabetes, Asthma, AIDS, Auto- immune disorders, & other life style generated disorders, Viral disorders, Genetic diseases& secondly the side effects of modern medicines lured the patients and compelled the scientists around the world to find alternate way from Ayurveda and other alike systems of medicines.

By following the principles of Ayurveda, proneness towards various types of diseases can be predicted; prevention of these is possible by adopting the biologically required personalized way of living, eating & positive thinking.

The five elements termed as Panchamahabhuta namely Akasha (space), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Ap (water) and Prithvi (earth) are the smallest units of every exist able entities even at energetic level. This universe is considered as a cosmic body and human being is thought to be its microcosmic unit as both is same at molecular level.

These five basic elements get manifested in three physiological units-Vata, Pitta and Kapha which further are responsible for the development of other bodily elements like cells-tissues, organs, organ systems and as a whole complete body & the senses, mind which are architected by soul [life principle].

The activities of these five elements in the diet and drugs are studied on the basis of concentration gradients of six Rasas (taste/active principles) –Madhura [sweat], Amla [sour], Lavana [salty], Katu [acrid, / pungent], Tikta [bitter] and Kashaya [astringent].  Complete activities of this universe at macrocosmic & microcosmic level can be understood by studying the Panchabhautika Principle of Indian metaphysics.

[ TOP ]