| Ayurveda,
“Science of Life,” is the science of Indian medicine. Holistic system
of medicine that uses natural herbs and plants to cure diseases. A sacred Vedic
science - Upa (Sub) Veda of Atharva Veda Maharishi Charaka was the first physician of the human race. Formulated the code of ethics
for the physicians. Covers :
- Chikitsa (general medicine)
- Salya (surgery)
- Dehavritti (physiology)
- Nidana (diagnosis)
- Dravyavidya (medicine and pharmacology)
- Agada Tantra (antidote method)
- Stritantra (gynecology)
- Pasu Vidya (veternary science)
- Kaumara Bhritya (pediatrics)
- Urdhvanga (diseases of the organs of the head)
- Rasayana (tonics and rejuvenation)
- Vajikarana (sexual rejuvenation)
Aims of Ayurveda :
Health is achieved by balancing energies (especially the doshas - bodily humors) at all
level of being, subtle and gross, through inumerable methods, selected according to
individual’s constitution, lifestyle and nature
Ayus (long life) and Arogya (diseaselessness), which
facilitate progress towards ultimate spiritual goals
Hindu Contributions to Medicine
- Shushruta
: Sushruta Samhita 600 BC :
Shushruta performed plastic surgery Mentions over 120 surgical instruments
Describes over 300 surgical procedures Classifies human surgery in 8 categories
- Charaka : Charka Samhita, 500 BC (Handbook
of the Physician): Anatomy of the human body with methods of diagnosis, and treatment.
Listing of plant, mineral and animal substances required for the preparation of medicines
- Jaluka Prayog : Agni Karma Vidhi
Describes method for purifying blood Use of heat and light rays as a treatment that
eliminates the need for surgery
- Chanakya : Arthashastra : describes post
motrems
- Bhoja Prabandha : describes brain surgery
successfully performed in 927 AD
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