The History Of Ayurveda

By Mukul Kr Sharma

Ayurveda's history starts from the time of the holy books, the Vedas. Ancient mythology contends that the concept and essence of Ayurveda was revealed by the creator of the word himself- Lord Brahma. Ayurveda stands for "the knowledge for long life" as the word 'Ayur' means 'life or longevity' and 'Veda' means 'knowledge or science' in Sanskrit. Ayurveda is the most ancient science of healing which enhances longevity of the one being healed. Ayurveda has an influence on many other ancient and traditional methods of healing including Tibetan, Chinese and Greek medicine. Hence it is considered by most of the civilizations as the 'mother of healing.'
The Ayurveda literature appeared on Indian medical practice for the first time during the Vedic period in India. It started centuries ago and over the following centuries, ayurvedic practitioners have developed a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for the treatment of various diseases. Even today there are many who prefer ayurvedic medicines over allopathic ones and currently the method of treatment through ayurvedic medicines is regarded as part of complementary and alternative medicines.
Ayurveda generally used to be practiced by Rishis and Munis, who lived in a large area surrounding the Himalayas. At present these areas are in countries like Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Tibet. The civilizations of these countries are deeply influenced by the unique intellectual contributions that these Rishis and Munis made during their period. A few civilizations of these countries still follow these remedies for healing in the same orthodox method used before. The practical tenets of Ayurveda can be divided into eight sections. These sections are: internal medicine, surgery, organic medicine, pediatrics, toxicology, rejuvenating remedy, aphrodisiac remedies and spiritual healing. These eight sections are termed as 'Astanga Ayurveda' in Sanskrit.
As these Ayurvedic methods have been derived from holy books, Ayurveda is a complete holistic system that integrates the mind, body and spirit in order to heal and enhances longevity. There was a time in the history of India when the tradition of Ayurveda was dimmed due to foreign invasions. The sacred texts were either destroyed or stolen and people were stopped from following the tradition of Ayurveda. However, many doctors and Vaidyas managed to preserve the knowledge and have brought them into use now. Today there is a revival of the ancient culture and traditions inherent to Ayurveda. This is a true gift to the modern world by the ancient civilization.

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