Jai shri Krishna reader! Prepare yourself for a spiritual journey towards a charming realm where ancient wisdom meets universal healing. In this modern medicine-dominant world, there is still an ancient medical system that’s heading towards its end just like Sanskrit language, it is “Ayurveda”. This method of traditional Indian medicine has been used for a very long time. Let us explore the History of Ayurveda.
As, it has been transforming lives for over 303000 years. Rooted in the philosophy of balance and harmony, Ayurveda offers a universal approach to well-being by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Let’s step into the past and see the History of Ayurveda, the Vedic Medical Science.
Ayurveda emphasizes the balance between the body, mind, and spirit. It is derived from Sanskrit words “Ayur” means life, “Veda” means knowledge.
It offers a comprehensive understanding of the human body, mind, and spirit.
In this blog, we will explore the fundamental principles of Ayurveda, its unique approach to health and wellness, and its relevance in the modern world.
Concept of Ayurveda
Concept of Ayurveda
Ayurveda is based on herbs, you can call it herbal. Herbs within natural form. It needs a lot of knowledge and implication. According to the History of Ayurveda texts there are around 300k formulations.
The concepts of Ayurveda are mentioned in our ancient texts. These texts date back from the first millennium BCE onwards. It recognizes that each person is unique and has a specific constitution or “dosha” composition, which determines their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics.
3 Doshas in The History of Ayurveda
3 Doshas in Ayurveda
The three doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are the root cause of diseases. Get their qualities from five elements of nature. These elements are; air, space, fire, earth, and water. These are connected with these elements.
Let us understand with the help of an example Vata Dosha is a result of elements of air and space. Pitta Dosha is a result of Fire. Kapha Dosha results from Earth or Water elements.
We all are different, we look different, we speak different, our likes and dislikes are different. This difference or identity is called ‘Prakriti’ in Ayurvedic terms.
According to Ayurveda a person’s Prakriti could be governed by one or combination of these three doshas because the body is made of these natural elements.
Further, let us get a brief understanding about these Doshas and their effects.
Doshas and their effects
People with Vata dosha are usually thin, having light bones and a muscular structure. And are creative and active. They have so many ideas but they are prone to illness. They have a weak immune system.
Persons with high Pitta are natural components and are likely to have an explosive character and good digestive system. Also, they have a medium body size. One negative thing about them is that they are aggressive despite their strong sense of justice. And they work harder to achieve their goals.
Kapha dominant Prakrati are well built, good looking and have healthy skin. They are physically strong and have robust immune systems. But they like slow and steady activities. Despite their love for leisure they have good endurance.They are known for their loyalty and sharp memory.
Ayurveda vs Allopathy
Ayurvedas vs Allopathy
Ayurveda and allopathy are two distinct approaches to healing. Ayurveda, originated in India, takes a universal view of health, considering the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected entities. It emphasizes the balance of doshas as we read above.
Allopathy is western or modern medication that is totally based on chemical manipulation of the system. But these can not be helpful in long term health issues.
Allopathy cannot cure chronic lifestyle diseases. In present time, every third man or woman is suffering from arthritis, diabetes, and congenital heart disorders. A long term of use of allopathy medication can even worsen the situation.
Whereas, Ayurveda is based on natural chemicals, which we call herbs. These herbs are used in their natural forms such as oil, paste, or powder. It’s better than synthetic medicines.
Ayurveda needs a certain amount of wisdom and implication because it contains more than 3 Lakhs formulations. Our ancient books talks about these formulations. It is very hard to understand and implement them, as it requires high precision.
Moreover, Ayurveda needs lifelong involvement and knowledge. Also, it targets the root cause rather than curing the symptoms. Apart from the cost of the treatment, Ayurveda is much more effective as compared to allopathy.
Ayurveda and Side effects
Ayurveda and Side effects
There are so many opinions in the market about Ayurveda and its negative impacts on the body. There are a lot of myths and arguments related to the History of Ayurveda and its wisdom. Although, it prioritizes natural remedies and generally seeks to minimize side effects by focusing on overall healing and maintaining overall balance.
Moreover, Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique, with their own distinct Prakriti and specific health requirements. This personalized approach allows Ayurvedic practitioners to tailor treatments to suit the individual’s needs, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. By understanding an individual’s dosha composition, Ayurveda provides targeted treatments that can bring about profound healing without the undesirable side effects often associated with other medical systems.
Another aspect that contributes to Ayurveda’s favorable view on side effects is its extensive use of natural remedies derived from herbs, plants, and minerals. These natural ingredients are used to make ayurvedic medications. They are renowned for their mild yet effective effects.
The carefully selected combinations of herbs and minerals work synergistically, creating a harmonious balance within the body and promoting overall well-being. This natural approach not only minimizes the risk of side effects but also ensures that the body receives the necessary nutrients and healing properties in a form that it recognizes and assimilates effectively.
Conclusion
As we end this exploration in the past, we saw that the history of Ayurveda holds a greater significance in the Vedic culture. Also, Ayurveda’s holistic and personalized approach, along with its reliance on natural remedies, sets it apart in terms of its view on side effects.
By addressing the root cause of imbalances and focusing on prevention, Ayurveda minimizes the likelihood of adverse reactions while promoting overall health and vitality. Its emphasis on personalized care and natural remedies highlights the importance and effectiveness of Ayurveda as a comprehensive system of medicine that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.
FAQs
- Who discovered Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is believed to be a result of ancient sages and scholars who observed and documented the relationships between humans and nature, with no single founder.
- What are the core principles of Ayurveda?
Ayurveda revolves around the principles of balance, the interconnectedness of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and the belief that each person has a unique constitution known as “dosha.”
- Who is the founder of Ayurveda?
Within various ancient Vedic epics, it has been proved that this ancient wisdom was received by Dhanvantari (or Divodasa) from Brahma. According to tradition, the sage Agnivesha’s lost work had an impact on the literature of Ayurveda.
- Is Ayurveda still relevant today?
Absolutely. Ayurveda’s principles of balance and individualized care are still highly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, offering insights into maintaining well-being and preventing illnesses.
