All About Ayurveda
Ayurveda – India’s Gift to the World!!!
Need they say, is the mother of all inventions! Whenever there is a need, living beings, at least the ones with a strong survival instinct, do figure a way out. The same could be said about various medical systems.
It is safe to assume that diseases happen to almost everyone. And when they do happen, the need and a strong desire to get back to normalcy can compel the diseased to find a solution. But what if the solution provides just symptomatic or temporary relief, and does not guarantee that the disease won’t come back to haunt again? Not a very happy situation, right?
How about we tell you about a medical system that had an incredible understanding of what could cause diseases, and hence suggested ways to prevent them from happening in the first place. This science primarily dealt with preventing the diseases from happening, rather than worrying about curing them once they happen. Yes, it did have, and continues to have a curative aspect too.
You guessed it right! We are talking about the ancient holistic healing and wellness science of Ayurveda. Though it is estimated that Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science, there is enough evidence to assume that this medical system - that originated in India and is now considered a boon to mankind, had a history that goes way beyond that.
Tracing the History of Ayurveda!
It is believed that Ayurveda – ‘Ayur’ meaning ‘Life’ and ‘Veda’ meaning ‘Science’, or simply put ‘The Science of Life’ – was a theory that evolved with a deep understanding of the universe and its creation. Through penance, meditation and pious spiritual practices, the ancient rishis or seers of India are said to have acquired this deep knowledge. These rishis understood the fundamentals of existence, organized them in a systematic manner and then compiled philosophical and spiritual texts, which are famously known as Vedas.
Ayurveda is one such Veda, which deals with safeguarding health and enhancing the longevity of life. Its origin can be traced back to Atharva Veda, where there is an elaborate mention about various diseases and their cures. The Atharva Veda contains 114 hymns which have been described as magical cures for diseases.
Legend has it that Dhanvantari or the God of Ayurveda received this wealth of knowledge from Lord Brahma himself. Vedas and Puranas describe Dhanvantari as the Physician of the Gods, who appeared from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan holding a pot of nectar, when the Devas and the Asuras or Demons were churning the ocean.
Ayurveda developed significantly during the Vedic period and later also incorporated some valuable knowledge from non-Vedic systems such as Buddhism and Jainism. From 6th century BC to 7th century AD – an era known as the Samhita period, Ayurveda saw a systematic development and was recognized as an organized healthcare system with a number of classical works being produced by several prominent Ayurvedacharyas.
Ayurveda then went on to influence medical systems worldwide. By about 400 AD, Ayurvedic literature was translated into Chinese and the Chinese medical system incorporated several practices that were intrinsic to Ayurveda.
The Holistic Nature of Ayurveda!
There is a reason why Ayurveda is considered to be a holistic science – it focuses towards attaining complete health – one that is achieved not only through a healthy body, but also through a healthy mind and soul.
Ayurveda is a completely natural science. It advocates that optimum health and well-being could be attained and maintained, if we synchronize our body, mind and soul with the rhythms of the nature – follow the natural routines, eat foods produced by the nature, have balanced thoughts and actions, and lead a simple and uncomplicated life.
All we need to do is strive towards achieving this perfect balance. Simply because, balance is health while an imbalance is what is known as a disease or ailment.
Now that we have started the journey of rediscovering this wealth of knowledge called Ayurveda, be with us as we explore this science in detail for the benefit of mankind.
