Wednesday, August 5, 2009

What is Ayurveda?


In discovering the different adaptogens, one comes across several different types of medical science. One of the most often referred to is Ayurveda. I wanted to take a minute to explain what Ayurveda is according to Wikipedia:

Ayurveda (Devanāgarī: आयुर्वेद, the 'science of life') is a system of traditional medicine native to India,[1] and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine.[2] In Sanskrit, the word Ayurveda[3] comprises the words āyus, meaning 'life' and veda,Vid meaning knowledge and Veda meaning 'related to knowledge' or'science'.[1] Evolving throughout its history, Ayurveda remains an influential system of medicine in South Asia.[4] The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared during the Vedic period in India.[2] The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita were influential works on traditional medicine during this era.[2] Ayurvedic practitioners also claim to have identified a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for curing various ailments and diseases.[5]

As per Indian heritage and science "Ayurveda" is a Upa Veda or anexture of four main vedas(Knowledge Systems). the famous treaties of Ayurveda, "Charaka Samhita" by sage "Charakan", details the prevention and treatment of deseas and "Sushruta Samhita" of Sage "Sushruta" deals Ayurvedic Surgical proceedures. In Ayurvedic system, Prevention of all types of deseas have prominent place than treatment, including restructring of life style to align with the course of nature and four seasons, which will guarantee complete wellness.

Ayurveda is considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) within the western world, where several of its methods—such as herbs, massage, and Yoga as exercise or alternative medicine—are applied on their own as a form of CAM treatment.[6] However, such alternative therapy approaches are not unique to Ayurveda because they are also available under the system of Unani Medicine, Greek Medicine or the Islamic Medicine.


1 comment:

  1. As I study natural health, I find that many of the truths I implement are taught by several traditions, as you say here. Ayurveda is one of my favorite philosophies, to balance the doshas and find peace. Adaptogens bring ones body back into balance, by providing the elements necessary to recover from stress or unusual events.

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