India’s age-old medicine practice, Ayurveda, holds immense importance today also. The history of Ayurveda in India dates back to 3000 years ago. Ayurveda is derived from two words, Ayu, meaning life, and Veda, meaning knowledge. This form of healing inculcates yoga, meditation, and therapy. Let’s unravel more about this form of ancient healing that is practiced today, also.

It is widely known for its comprehensive methods of treating illness and diseases in the human body. Ayurveda entails all forms of treatments to make a person healthy. Yoga is widely separated into three principal divisions:

Nara Ayurveda – This form deals with human life

Satva Ayurveda – It is the study of ailments and life of animals

Vriksha Ayurveda –It is the science of growth and illness of plant life

History and Evolution of Ayurveda

The evolution of a healthy living style originated from four Holy scriptures named Veda, i.e. Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Athar Veda. It is attached to the sub-section of Atharav Veda. It is the art and science of dealing with diseases, health, and injuries. Here is the timeline of the evolution of Ayurveda.

1st century AD: Charaka Samhita is a collection of Sanskrit verses. Charaka wrote it in the 1st century AD.

4th century AD: In the 4th century AD, Sushruta wrote the Sushruta Samhita.

5th century AD:Vaghbata compiled the major scripture: shtanga Sangraha and the Ashtanga Hrudayam, in the 5th century AD.

In the 4th century, Dridhabala revised the scripture Chakra Samhita. Also, in the 6th century, the scriptures of Sushruta Samhita were revised by Nagarjuna. Then the eight divisions of Ashtanga Ayurveda or list of ayurvedic treatments are namely:

Kaya Chikitsa: This branch of Ayurveda deals in general medicine and treating body ailments.

Bala Chikitsa: Dealing with treating diseases related to children in every growth stage. It is also known as Kaumara bhritya.

Graha Chikitsa: Deals with unknown reasons for ailments and disorders in the human body.

Salakya Tantra: This division of yoga deals in ENT and Ophthalmology.

Salya Thantra: It deals with surgery.

Agada Thantra:Agada Tantra deals in toxicology.

Jara Chikitsa: Preserving youth is the main aim of Jara Chikitsa. This deals in anti-aging and rejuvenation techniques to fight against the side effects of old age.

Vajeekarana Chikitsa: It treats ailments related to sexology.

Benefits of Ayurveda:

Ayurveda aims to provide a holistic way of living. Here are some of the potential benefits provided by Ayurveda:

Helps in weight loss.

Detoxifying the body.

Aids in digestion.

Boosts mental health.

Wrapping Up

An age-old practice, Ayurveda is still a part of treating myriad ailments. With its benefits, its use can never be neglected in any area of the world. From promoting weight loss to relieving other ailments, Ayurveda is the one-stop solution to various troubles.

FAQS

What is the prime emphasis of Ayurveda?

Ayurveda primarily focuses on preventing ailments and diseases in the human body.

Are Ayurvedic medicines effective against ailments?

There is little scientific backing for its effectiveness against ailments. However, ayurvedic medicines can aid in pain reduction and can help to manage other symptoms.