Unlike modern medicine, Ayurveda is an ancient way of life which lays more emphasis on prevention rather than cure for overall wellness
Indigenous medical science of ‘Bharat’, meaningfully known as ‘Ayurveda’, is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. The term ‘Ayurveda’ is a combination of two words viz, ‘Ayu’ (longevity) and ‘Veda’ (knowledge). It is the branch of learning which deals with a comprehensive knowledge about longevity (Ayuso vedah ayurvedah). Unlike the Western medicine systems, it does not circumscribe itself to the diagnosis of certain diseases and treatment thereof. It aims at the all-round wellness of a human being, including his moral and spiritual soundness as well. Ayurveda does not aim at merely a strong physique but also a sound mind and ideal personality benevolent for the society.
In Ayurveda, prevention occupies more important place than cure. Maharsi Charaka, while determining the aim of Ayurveda said: Prayojanm chasya swasthasya swasthya rakshanam aturasya vikaraprasamanam cheti (Sanskrit text, Charaka Samhita) which means “the aim of Ayurveda is to maintain the wellness of the diseaseless and relieve the pain of the diseased”. The mention of ‘maintenance of wellness’ first and ‘treatment of disease’ in the second place indicates the priority of Ayurveda.
According to tradition in our country, Ayurveda is eternal and beginningless. The knowledge of Ayurveda was possessed by Brahma, the creator, which he had narrated in one lakh verses in one thousand chapters much before its creation. But considering the short longevity and limited intelligence of the human being, the creator shortened it and divided it into eight parts. Because of its division into eight parts, Ayurveda is known as ‘Astanga Ayurveda’ which was spread on the earth by lord Dhanvantari himself who took birth as the son of king Dhanva. The eight parts which comprise the Astanga Ayurveda are — Salyatantra, Salakyatantra, Kayachitkitsa, Bhutavidya, Kaumarabhritya, Agadatantra, Rasayanatantra and Vajikarana.
Salya tantra is the first part of the Astanga Ayurveda. Susruta Samhita defines Salya as “that which causes pain to the body and mind” (Manahsariravadhakarani salyani — Susruta Samhita). In other words, Salya is some undesirable element inside the body, either penetrated from outside or grown inside the organism and causing harm to it. Salya includes tiny pebbles, dust particles, iron pieces, bones, hair, nail, pus, dead fetus in the mother’s womb etc. Removal of the same from the body by prescribed methods is known as Salya chikitsa or surgery. The removal is made possible by three methods viz, by surgical instruments, by the use of ksarasutra or by agni karma. Removal by surgery is done by opening the affected area with the help of surgical instruments called yantra in the Ayurvedic parlance. Various kinds of yantras or instruments are required for salya chikitsa, the total number of which in Susruta Samhita is counted to be one hundred and one (Yantrasatamekottaram — Susruta Samhita).
Ksarasutra, which is prepared by applying a quotation of medicinal paste prepared by caustic materials on a thread, is the second method of salya chikitsa and is used mainly to remove an infectious growth on the body. The affected portion is tied by the thread and is left for the period of a few days. The ksarasutra very slowly cuts the undesired growth and eventually falls with the fall of the growth. Agni Karma, the third method is healing an affected area by the use of hot needle etc.
Dhanvantari is considered to be the great founder of surgery and Susruta is known to be the father of surgery. The Susruta Samhita is the master text of salya chikitsa. Even in the remote past, Bharat had touched the pinnacle of excellence in salya chikitsa in the form of plastic surgery, by which severed limbs of the human body were restored successfully. It was a treatment widely prevalent in the nook and corner of the country and was practiced by our Vaidyas as a normal treatment.
The second part of Ayurveda is salakya tantra, which deals with the diseases of the part of the body above the clavicle. Diseases of the ear, eyes, eyebrows, face, mouth, nose, head and throat etc, come under the salakya tantra. Treatments are done mainly with the help of nasya, varti, anjana, massage, gargling etc.
Kayachikitsa is the third part of Astanga Ayurveda which deals with diseases which rest on the whole body. Jwara (fever), raktapitta, sosha, unmada, apasmara, kustha (skin diseases), prameha (diabetes) and atisara (diarreah) etc, come under Kayachikitsa. Maharsi Charaka is regarded as the master of Kayachikitsa (charakastu chikitsite)
Bhutavidya is the fourth branch of Ayurveda which deals with the problems caused by gods, demons, demigods, spirits, manes, graha (planets) etc. Activities like santikarma, havan etc, are prescribed to propitiate the gods and remove evil spirits etc. Chanting of mantras occupies an important place in Bhutavidya. Mantras, great sages assert, have mysterious powers to cure diseases. Bhutavidya may also be considered to be a psychological treatment of the patient.
Kaumara Bhritya, the fifth branch of Ayurveda, also known as Balachikitsa, is related to kumara or child. Kumara means child and Bhriti means to nurture. The branch of Ayurveda which deals with nurturing a child is known as Kaumara Bhritya. Kaumara Bhritya includes care of pregnant women and child birth.
The agada tantra, which is the sixth branch of Ayurveda, deals with the treatment related to bite of snake, insect, rat, spider etc. It describes the signs of various poisons injected into the body by such creatures, harm caused by the same and the treatment thereof. Charaka calls this branch as Visagaravairodhikaprasamana (treatment against poison) and Vagbhatta calls it Danstrachikitsa (treatment of fang).
Rasayana tantra, the seventh branch of Ayurveda, deals with Rasayana or rejuvenator. Charaka Samhita describes rasayana as the giver of longevity, memory, intelligence, diseaselessness, young age, luster, good complexion, charming personality, physical strength, strength of Indriyas, sweet voice, effective speech and humility. By taking rasayana, Charaka Samhita asserts, the old sage chyavana became young (Subridhho’bhut punaryava).
Vajikarana, the eighth part of Ayurveda, deals with the problems of semen in men. Vajikarana tantra provides treatment if the quantity of semen is less or semen is inefficient for fertility or there is no semen at all. It also deals with enhancement of joy during intercourse. People even take such medicines without problem but to improve their sex competence for longer period. In earlier days wealthy people like king etc, used to take such medicines for pleasure also.
Besides, the diagnosis and treatment aspects, the eight parts of Ayurveda very frequently recommend moral and spiritual principles for an ideal, immaculate, meaningful and benevolent life in the world. Thus, Ayurveda is a science gifted by the sages of Bharat to the human race to lead not only a long life but a perfect and generous life in the world so that the earth becomes a much better place for all creatures to live.
(The writer is director, Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies, Bhubaneswar)