Ayurveda

The Ancient Science of Life

Meaning of Ayurveda

रीरेन्द्रियसत्त्वात्मसंयोगो |

(Charaka Samhita)

Ayu means the combination of body, sense organs, mind and self (soul).

Ayurveda is formed from two Sanskrit words — Ayur and Veda.

Ayuhu vedayati iti ayurvedaha” — The science that tells us about life is known as Ayurveda.

हिताहितंसुखंदु : खमायुस्तस्यहिताहितम् |

(Charaka Samhita)

Ayurveda explains what is good or bad, happy or unhappy life and describes guidelines essential for long life.

Ayurveda describes promoters and non-promoters of health, the nature of life, and the measures necessary for longevity.

Antiquity of Ayurveda

Ayurveda has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years. Its principles originate from sacred Sanskrit texts written between 1500 BC and 400 AD, making it one of the oldest healing systems in the world.

Aims & Objectives of Ayurveda

प्रयोजनंचास्यस्वस्थस्यस्वास्थ्यरक्षणमातुरस्यहर्वकारप्रशमनंच ||

(Charaka Samhita)

Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam – Preservation of health

Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam – Complete eradication of disease

Ayurveda aims to maintain the health of the healthy and restore health in the diseased.

Definition of Health (Swastha)

समदोषुः समाहिश्च समधातुमलहियुः |

(Sushruta Samhita)

Origin of Ayurveda

Brahma → Daksha Prajapathi → Ashwini Kumaras → Indra
Dhanvantari – Sushruta Samhita (School of Surgery)
Kashyapa – Pediatrics & Gynecology
Atreya Tradition – Charaka Samhita (School of Medicine)