The Untold History of Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is an ancient medical system that demonstrates how interconnected we all are. This medical practice flourishes in the Vedic tradition of Indian culture, steeped in ancient knowledge and ageless wisdom. We begin the journey to natural health and well-being by harmonizing with cosmic rhythms and honoring nature’s intrinsic knowledge.

The devastating effects of cancer are brought into sharp focus as we pause to consider the harsh realities facing our country. India, a country full of vivid colors, rich traditions, and the dreams of billions of people, struggles with a silent pandemic that destroys lives, families, and hopes. Ayurveda stands out as a ray of light amidst these discouraging statistics.

Ancient Indian medicine Ayurveda is effective and long-lasting. “Ayur” means all life, whereas “Veda” means knowledge. Ayurveda treats the whole person. Balance these connected aspects for natural recovery.

Ayurveda values nature’s healing powers over Western medicine’s focus on cutting-edge research. Ayurveda effortlessly integrates natural herbs, therapeutic methods, and lifestyle changes for maximum health. Ayurvedic medicine uses the body’s resiliency to treat cancer and improve health. Ayurveda is holistic because it treats and prevents disease before it starts.

Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom includes unwavering faith in the body’s healing potential and reverence for nature. The lives of our patients and their loved ones are changed forever with every herb, therapy, and lifestyle modifications we implement. 

The Ayurveda way

With its rich legacy spanning over 7,000 years, Ayurveda is the oldest medical system known to humankind. Rooted in ancient wisdom, Ayurveda draws its origins from the Vedas, ancient Sanskrit texts that illuminate the science of life. Within these revered scriptures, one can unearth a treasure trove of holistic treatments to revitalize the body, alleviate stress, and nurture overall well-being.

The Vedas are India’s most ancient religious texts. There are four Vedas:

1. Rig Veda
2. Yajur Veda
3. Sama Veda
4. Atharva Veda

Manifestation of Ayurveda

According to Hindu mythology, Ayurveda was transmitted by Brahma to Dhanvantari, the physician to the gods. Some of its earliest concepts are described in the Atharvaveda section of the Vedas (circa 2nd millennium BCE). Until 800 BCE, Vedic medicine was in use. 

Eight Branches (Ashtanga) of Ayurveda

The eight branches of Ayurveda are:

1. Internal medicine – Kayachikitsa
2. Surgery – Shalya Tantra
3. Ears, eyes, nose, and throat – Shalakya tantra
4. Pediatrics – Kaumarabhritya Tantra
5. Toxicology – Agada Tantra
6. Genetic organ purification – Bajikarana (or Vajikarana) Tantra
7. Health and Longevity – Rasayana Tantra
8. Spiritual Healing/Psychiatry – Bhuta Vidya

Historical evidence

As long as the Indus Valley Civilisation stretches back to 3000 BC, indigenous Indian medical science has existed. India’s rich cultural heritage and advanced health and hygiene systems can be seen in the meticulously planned cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro. There is evidence of medical science in Harappa by locating remnants of deer antlers and bitumen. The four sacred Vedas were composed between 1200 and 700 BC: all four Vedas reference diseases, herbs, and herbal cures, particularly the Rig Veda.

Many hymns in the Atharva Veda eulogize herbs. There was a lot of worship of plants as deities, and incantations were used to invoke them. Mantras (invocations) were also used to combat diseases such as jaundice, consumption, and hereditary diseases. Those hymns, especially the Ayushyams, are credited with the development of later medical science.

Tridosha Theory (Tri energy)

• Vata: Air and Ether
• Pitta: Fire
• Kapha: Water and Earth

“Tri-dosha Theory”: In Ayurvedic medicine, the core concept is that health arises when the balance between three fundamental bodily senses of humor called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha is maintained. These three body constitutions are commonly called the tri doshas.

Sapta Dhatu – Seven Body Tissues

• RASA – Plasma and metabolic juices (digestive system)
• RAKTA- Blood (Blood Circulatory System)
• MAMSA– Muscles and Tendons (Muscular System)
• MEDA- Fat
• ASTHI – Bone (Skeleton)
• MAJJA- Bone Marrow
• SHUKRA- Semen Fluid (Reproductive System)

Note: In females, one extra dhatu (Body Tissue), called “AARTAV,” is menstrual fluid.

Tryo Stambh (Three Pillars) of Ayurveda

• Food (Diet)
• Sleep (Mental Wellness), Nidra
• Proper Management of Sexual Energy

In addition to the three pillars of health discussed above, a healthy lifestyle can also play a significant role (seasonal regimen (Ritu Charya) and daily regimen (Din Charya), as well as the biological clock).

Interesting Ayurveda Facts

• Yoga and Ayurveda, deeply intertwined within Vedic philosophy, serve as potent stress-relieving practices that are integral to the Vedic understanding.
• Embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda empowers you to achieve weight loss goals while safeguarding your physical and emotional well-being, ensuring a holistic transformation.
• By harmonizing hormones and nurturing a balanced menstrual cycle, Ayurveda presents a path to mitigate the risks of pregnancy-related complications, fostering reproductive health.
• Harnessing the healing power of time-tested herbs such as Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Boswellia, and Ginger, Ayurvedic medicine offers potent combinations to combat inflammation, drawing upon a rich tradition that spans thousands of years.
• Embracing Ayurveda opens the gateway to deeply cleansing the mind, body, and spirit. Through transformative practices like ‘Panchakarma,’ toxins that hinder the body’s natural functioning are gently eradicated, restoring harmony and vitality.
• As one of the oldest healing systems globally, Ayurveda places paramount importance on the individual rather than solely focusing on the disease. Its essence lies in uncovering the root cause of ailments and adopting preventive measures to safeguard the body, offering holistic benefits that encompass both internal and external well-being.

Advantages of Ayurveda

• Ayurveda, a preventive medicine concept, promotes overall health. Balance in thought, nutrition, lifestyle, and herb use can promote overall health.
• Ayurveda encourages self-discovery and self-care. Understanding one’s constitution and living a lifestyle harmonizing the body, mind, and consciousness can improve well-being.
• Studies suggest that an Ayurvedic diet and relaxation may reduce plaque. Plaque, cholesterol, and fat buildup in artery linings increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Thus, plaque prevention is crucial.
• Ayurvedic medicine cleverly blends herbs, vitamins, minerals, and proteins in proper amounts and timing to prevent and treat immune system diseases. This combined strategy boosts immunity and prevents illnesses.
• Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils improve blood circulation, lymphatic function, and toxin elimination. Optimizing these processes can boost vitality and well-being.
• Herbal Ayurvedic cancer prevention has strong proof. These natural therapies can boost health and enable people to live cancer-free lives.

Ayurveda – An unpaved of Atharvaveda

Beyond physical health, Ayurveda and Atharvaveda shared philosophical underpinnings allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how our mental, emotional, and spiritual habits contribute to our wellness. Ayurveda offers instruction in meditation, yoga, and pranayama because of the profound impact these practices can have on cultivating serenity, clarity, and a profound sense of oneness with the divine. Insights into these rituals are provided, and their value in fostering our spiritual identities is affirmed.

Because concepts like “vata pitta kapha” and “tri doshas” are not included in the Vedas, it would be a mistake to believe that Ayurveda and its principles lack Vedic pedigree. Rasayana (rejuvenation), Vishatantra (toxicology), Bhuta Vidya (knowledge of spirits), and Vajikarana (aphrodisiacs) are just some of the Ayurvedic specialties described in the Atharva Veda. These citations further confirm the real Vedic roots of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda and other Indian scientific traditions have their roots in the Vedas. The intrinsic connection between these different schools of thought must be acknowledged and respected. The essence and profound insights of Ayurveda would only be recovered if we attempted to separate it from its Vedic roots.

The rich legacy of Indian philosophy’s many schools provides many avenues to the ultimate truth. Many schools of thought are represented throughout this tradition’s fields of study and rituals. Ayurveda, a holistic approach to health intricately woven into the larger Indian intellectual tradition, is a key expression of this philosophical fabric.

An important aspect of Ayurveda is that it is part of the ancient Indian sciences that elevate one physically and spiritually and lead one to the “Moksha” goal.