Introduction To Ayurveda

Submitted by divine_sysop on May 16, 2009 - 12:23

"Ayuhu vedayati iti Ayurveda"

The science that teaches about life (Ayu) is known as Ayurveda, the science of life.

The word "Ayu" means the combination of body, sense organs, mind and soul.

Ayurveda is Basically divided into 8 Sections.
For this reason Ayurveda is also Called ASHTANGA AYURVEDA.

Kaya Chikitsa - Internal Medicine
Kayachikitsa Tantra: Kaya means living human body (body and mind). This treatment includes all diseases situated in the body.
Shalya Tantra - Surgery
It describes about pre-operative procedures, general procedures, post-operative procedures, anesthesia and marmas (vital points). It also describes about bandages, shastra (sharp instruments), yantras (blunt instruments) and sutures (stitches).
Shalakya Tantra - Ears, Eyes, Nose and Throat
Its a division of otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and ophthalmology.
Kaumarabhritya Tantra - Pediatrics
It deals with health and diseases related to children.
Agada Tantra - Toxicology
It deals with food poisoning, snake bites, insect bites, dog bites etc.
Bajikarana (or Vajikarana) - Purification of the Genetic Organs
It deals with male and female genetic organs.
Rasayana Tantra - Health and Longevity
It promotes long life and good health. It deals with old age problems and poor immunity.
Bhuta Vidya - Spiritual Healing/Psychiatry
It deals with spiritual healing.

Ayurveda in Pre-Vedic period

The early references about Ayurveda are available from the Vedas - Ancient Indian literatures which mainly consist of rites and rituals. Vedas are considered as the oldest records of culture and practices of ancient India. They are four in numbers: Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharvana Veda.

Every Veda has an Upa-Veda of its own order:

Rig Veda	Dhanur Veda (Deals with Archery)
Yajur Veda	Gandharva Veda( Music Science)
Sama Veda	Stapatya Veda ( Architecture)
Atharvana Veda	Ayurveda (Science of Life)