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ToggleThe depth of knowledge inherent in this time-honored medicinal practice remains yet to be fully revealed.
The integration of diverse traditional medicinal knowledge can provide novel pathways towards the discovery of herbal drugs. Despite the potential benefits, challenges persist in the form of insufficient comprehension of discrepancies and commonalities among theoretical doctrines of these systems, as well as other impediments. This comprehensive review endeavors to shed light on the historical foundation and fundamental principles of Ayurveda.
The origins:
The origins of Ayurveda can be traced back to the 2nd Century BC and are deeply rooted in the ancient schools of Hindu Philosophical teachings known as Vaisheshika and Nyaya. This traditional healthcare system is closely associated with the manifestation framework of Samkhya and flourished during the same period as the aforementioned schools. The rich history of Ayurveda is a testament to its enduring relevance and significance in contemporary healthcare practices.
The Vaisheshika School espoused the importance of inferences and perceptions in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of a patient's pathological condition for effective treatment. In contrast, the Nyaya School emphasized the need for extensive knowledge of the patient's condition and disease state prior to treatment. The Vaisheshika School offered a classification system for object attributes, comprising six distinct types: substance, particularity, activity, generality, inherence, and quality, known as Dravya, Vishesha, Karma, Samanya, Samavaya, and Guna, respectively, in the Sanskrit language.
Subsequently, the Vaisheshika and Nyaya schools collaborated to establish the nyāya–vaiśeṣika school, thereby furthering their collective pursuit of ancient knowledge. This school, in due course, garnered acclaim for its contribution towards the propagation of Ayurveda, a revered field of study with divine origins attributed to Brahma, a Hindu deity regarded as the creator of the cosmos. It is noteworthy that the origins of Ayurveda have been and continue to be held in high esteem.
It is widely acknowledged that the originator of the universe imparted a comprehensive understanding of healing to the sages, with the ultimate goal of promoting human well-being. The sages, in turn, disseminated traditional medicinal knowledge to their disciples, with the use of various written and oral communication methods. Notably, the information regarding the therapeutic properties of herbs was conveyed through poetic compositions, known as "Shlokas." The Hindu system of medicine is rooted in the four revered Vedas, including Yajur Veda, Rig Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda.
The Rig Veda, considered as the most renowned among the four primary Vedas, expounds on 67 botanical species and encompasses 1028 Shlokas. The Atharva Veda and Yajur Veda, on the other hand, apprise of 293 and 81 plants that possess medicinal properties. The ideology of Ayurveda is grounded in the cognizance procured from these Vedas. The composition of Rig Veda and Atharva Veda is accredited to "Atreya," who is believed to have received this knowledge from Lord Indra, who was bestowed with it by Lord Brahma.
Agnivesha, a revered sage of ancient India, meticulously compiled the profound knowledge of the Vedas. This monumental work was then edited by Charaka, along with other erudite scholars, and is now known as the "Charaka Samhita." This encyclopedic treatise comprehensively expounds upon all facets of Ayurvedic medicine, while the "Sushruta Samhita" expounds upon the Science of Surgery. These seminal texts continue to be a primary resource for traditional medicine practitioners worldwide. The enduring influence of these texts is evident in their translation into various languages, including Tibetan.
The forthcoming article on Ayurveda promises to provide comprehensive insights on this ancient Indian system of medicine. With an elaborate exposition from Broadview, readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of Ayurveda and its nuances.
Stay tuned for an enlightening read...