AYURVEDIC MEDICINE

AYURVEDA is a medical system practiced in Indian and other Asian countries since many centuries by traditional medical practioners. The literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is “the science of life” (Ayu means Life and Veda means Knowledge or Science) and is said to be eternal. The science of Ayurveda is said to be “recollected” by Lord Brahman, creator of life, and taught to Daksha Prajapati who in turn taught the science to Aswinee Devas, twin brothers who are known as Deva vaidyas (medical consultants of devas). Lord Indra got the knowledge from Aswinee Devas and a group of sages from earth headed.

AtreyaPunarvasu taught the science to six shishyas (disciples) among whom Agnivesa was the first person to author a book on Ayurveda. This book, called “Agnivesa Samhita” is edited later by Dridhabala and Charaka in around 1st c. BC and is now known as “CharakaSamhitha”. This is the earliest comprehensive textbook of Ayurveda. There are many commentaries and Translations of CharakaSamhitha in various languages.