Segments Of Ayurveda

We have already seen that how ayurveda was passed on to sages on the earth. Although it may seem that Ayurveda is only one science, but the fact is that Ayurveda has been divided into branches, just like modern science of medicine. Traditionally the science of ayurveda has been divided into eight branches which are as follows:

1) Kayachikitsa(General Medicines)

2) Kaumarbhritya(Obstetrics and Paediatrics)

3) Graha or Bhootvidya(Diseases due to unknown causes)

4) Shalakyatantra(E.N.T. and Ophthalmology)

5) Shalyatantra(Surgery)

6) Agadtantra(Toxicology)

7) Rasayantantra(Rejuvenation Therapies)

8) Vajikarantantra(Problems associated with sex and related diseases and problems like infertility in both men and women)

It is believed that there were separate texts written on each of these branches; but they are unavailable now. There were Vaids specialising in respective branches in that era, just like specialist doctors in today's time. Texts on kayachikitsa and shalyatantra are still available in present time. On reading these texts one is amazed at the amount of knowledge of human anatomy and physiology,our acharyas had at that time.

Texts prominently available are Charaksamhita which is predominantly on Kayachikitsa and Sushrutsamhita which deals mostly with surgical cure of diseases. By reading these texts one gets to know that whatever diseases which are encountered in today's times have already been mentioned in ancient texts along with their causes and their treatment. Moreover not only physical but also psychological causes of the diseases have been described by the sages. Psychosomatic diseases ; the branch which is still considered to be developing by the modern science was well known since long time by Indian physicians. The exact pathology of the disease is also described properly in texts.

From the texts it is evident that vaids used to perform various surgeries like appendix, hernia and above all plastic surgeries with great efficacy. Plastic surgery which is thought to be the invention of modern medicine is known to Indians since long.

Ancient Indians knew the technique of preservation of dead bodies and performed their dissections to learn about the anatomy. They have give the exact number of nerves and blood vessels in human body.

Thus, it is evident that the science of Ayurveda was enjoying its Golden period in ancient times and it still has answers to various questions which present day modern science is unable to solve. It is up to us that how much we believe in this gift of our ancestors and again bring the glory days of Ayurveda back and prove its efficacy to the whole world.

AYURVEDA: History At A Glance

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word; made up of two words: Ayu meaning "life" and veda meaning "collection of knowledge" or "science". Thus the word Ayurveda means "the collection of knowledge of life or the science of life".

Many experts believe Ayurveda as a fifth veda or pancham ved. It is rated after first four vedas ie. Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurvaveda and Atharvaveda. While some experts call it as an upved of Atharvaveda as Atharvaveda is also mostly concerned with health related topics, hence closely related to ayurveda. Atharvaveda is said to be compiled by Atharva Rishi; hence the name. Atharva Rishi is said to have discovered fire.

Thus, ayurveda traces its origin way back to the origin of world's first written scriptures. The knowledge of ayurveda has evolved through ages. Though it is known to have passed on the earth by Gods. Brahma who is believed to be the creator of the entire universe according to Hindu mythology is said to have created ayurveda before creating the universe.He is said to have written Brahmasamhita containing one lakh verses.Later on it was passed to Daksha Prajapati and then to Ashwinikumars(who are known to be physicians of God), then to Indra(the king of Gods). This is the divine part of sharing the knowledge of ayurveda.

Then Indra in turn passed this knowledge to various sages(Maharishis) who later on gave this knowledge to their disciples. Prominent among these were Maharishi Punarvasu Atreya and Bharadwaj.

This was the oral transfer of knowledge. These disciples in turn created various treatises or texts and the knowledge of Ayurveda was stored in written form. Out of these texts Agniveshtantra written by Agnivesha which later came to be known as Charaksamhita and Sushrutsamhita written by Sushruta are still found and followed even today. These texts hold a prominent position and have left their mark on people who seek knowledge of ayurveda even today.

According to other opinion, Lord Dhanwantari The God of Ayurveda came to earth and passed the knowledge of surgical ayurveda to his disciples, among whom Sushruta was prominent and he is said to have written Sushrutsamhita.

Thus the science of Ayurveda has divine origin and was transferred to earth which is helping people even today to maintain their health.