Ayurvedic Medicine

The Science of Life

Ayurveda is a type of traditional medicine that first originated on the Indian subcontinent, but is now practiced throughout the world. Ayurveda literally translates to “the science of life”, and combines the Sanskrit words “ayus” and “veda”, which are “life” and “related to knowledge or science” respectively.

The earliest known reference to this traditional medicine first appeared during the Vedic period in India, commencing during the second and first millennia BCE and continuing through the 6th century BCE. During this time there were two major works published on traditional medicine: the Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita. As a general rule, practitioners of this form of medicine use a variety of different medicinal preparations in conjunction with surgical procedures to cure a wide variety of ailments and diseases.

According to the Indian heritage and science behind the medicine, Ayurveda is a compilation of the four main knowledge systems, otherwise known as vedas. The most famous are the aforementioned Samhitas, with the Sushruta written by the Sage Sushruta and detailing a variety of surgical procedures, and the Sage Charaka writing about the prevention and treatment of disease. In this particular system of traditional medicine the prevention of diseases is a primary component of treatment, and includes restructuring the lifestyle of an individual to align with the course of nature and the four seasons to optimize health. In many ways, it relies upon chronobiology, despite the fact that chronobiology was not fully understood by the Western world until the 18th century. As far as the Western world is concerned, Ayurveda is considered a form of complementary or alternative medicine, comparable to acupuncture. Methods include the use of herbs, massage, yoga, and other natural treatments, but are not unique to Ayurveda alone given the fact that they are used in a variety of other traditional medicines, such as Greek and Islamic medicine.

The Concept

Practitioners of Ayurveda believe in the metaphysics of the five great elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit, otherwise known as ether. These five elements are the binding components of the universe, with the body included as part of the universe. There are seven primary elements in the body: chyle, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, and semen. The underlying belief system is that there must be a balance between three energies known as wind, bile, and phlegm. These three regulatory principles are the building blocks of health, when in balance; the body is disease-free, so goes the theory. Surgery and surgical instruments can be employed to achieve such balance. In addition, the practice focuses upon meditation, massage, exercise, and yoga to culminate in a balance of body, mind, and spirit; all three must be in perfect balance for unison of health to be possible.

There are eight primary disciplines within Ayurvedic medicine, called Ashtangas. These are internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, treatment of diseases above the clavicle, demonic possession, toxicology, disease prevention and community improvement, as well as aphrodisiacs and techniques for improving the health of progeny.

There are many who believe that Buddhism may have played a large role in the development of many of the central concepts behind Ayurvedic medicine, mostly because of the fascination with balance, which is a key concept of Buddhism. Suppression of natural urges is considered unhealthy, and doing so can only lead to illness, therefore it is important to maintain moderation in all things (i.e., a balance between food intake, sleep, sexual intercourse, and medical treatment). In fact, Ayurveda employs an entire system of dietary recommendations which incorporate all aspects of one’s life. For diagnosis to occur the patient is questioned and all five of their senses are tested. According to the Charaka Samhita the doctor must judge the constitution, abnormality, essence, stability, body measurements, diet suitability, psychic strength, digestive capacity, as well as physical fitness and age, with hearing used to observe the condition of breathing and speech. Study of the vital pressure points of the body is also very crucial.

Hygiene is considered to be a central focus of Ayurvedic medicine, with regular bathing and the cleansing of teeth, skin, and eyes considered mandatory. In addition, vegetable-based medicines and fats are used both for consumption and external use, ranging from cardamom, cinnamon, milk, turmeric, as well as various minerals. Opium and alcohol are used for surgery, and sweating is a favored method to open the channels of the body and remove energy blockages, usually in the form of a steam bath to release toxins.

Ayurveda in the Modern Age

Today, the practice is primarily used in India, as well as in Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, Argentina, and Germany. While it has gained some recognition in the Western world, many allopathic doctors remain somewhat skeptical, although increasing numbers of studies have appeared in recent years which validate certain claims of its practitioners and adherents.

There have been a wide variety of peer-reviewed journals focusing on the topic of Ayurvedic medicine in the Western world, including, for example, the Ancient Science of Life, the Journal of Research and Education in Indian Medicine. In addition, Frank John Ninivaggi, MD at the Yale University School of Medicine published a book detailing the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine, and there are currently a wide variety of research studies in progress seeking to validate some of the more esoteric claims (grief management, weight loss enhancement, alleviation of allergic responses, and decrease in anxiety reactions, amongst others). Although it is important to recognize that each individual is unique, and may respond differently to the same practitioner treating the same symptoms, it is certainly worth investigating a technique credited with helping individuals for thousands of years.

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