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The Vedas (the 4 most sacred books of Hindus, seen as
the knowledge that has been "proved" to the seven Rishis) were the first orders
to be transcribed in writing in the world. According to sources, the first - the
Rig-veda - have been transcribed between 1800 and 1500 BC, others say it dates
from 3000 BC, others say since "time immemorial" ...
Then there are four Vedas :
- Rig-Veda or Veda of verses,
- Sama-Veda or Veda of melodies,
reproduced hymns of Rigveda,
- Yajur-Veda oor Vedic formulas repeated in
a voice whispered,
- Atharva-Veda or Veda of magic and
conspiratorial formulas
The Vedas contain hymns, prayers, spells, rituals,
incantations, etc.. but also data of a more scientific, they are the foundation
that enabled ancient India to be so successful in mathematics, astronomy,
medicine ...
Among these four Vedas, Atharva is considered the mother of
Ayurveda. Similarly, Ayurveda it is considered the upaveda o the Atharva (secondary veda). The Atharva Veda refers to various medicinal plants, to places where
they are found, their therapeutic value but also how it actually cures.
Moreover, we find in this veda, sections on art, literature, martial arts, the
rules of life, music ...
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These messages thus indicate that Ayurveda is the earliest
form of medical science of humanity, here more than 5000 years (? For the
accuracy of dates, let's fancy it for true...).
Our Western
medicine have much in common with Ayurveda.
Hippocrates himself, considered
the pioneer of Western medicine has studied the theory of Ayurveda and developed
it through his own system.
Many terms used in our modern medicine are
derived from Ayurvedic nomenclature, such as the heart which comes from the
Sanskrit Hrit, the brain of Siro Brahma, the cerebellum has Veloma Siro.
It is well recognized as specialties such as anatomy, pharmacy and surgery come
from Iran, Mesopotamia and Assyria, but in fact these countries have themselves
learned it in India.
At the time of Alexander the Great invaded India, the cities of Thakshasila,
Kasi Ujjayani and Vidarbha were very famous for their schools. In effect, these
cities had already developed very hospitals with medical schools, which receive
many foreign students, including from Greece. Alexander took with him many doctors
who studied in India antidotes against snake bites and a host of other remedies.
On the other hand, a number of Indian doctors were enlisted in his army.
It is between the sixth century BC and fourth century AD that the knows its Ayurveda's
golden age, periods of many scholars and authors of
medical books. Not only humans but also animals such as elephants and horses,
and also the plants were treated by different branches of Ayurveda.
The
Palakapya Samhitha and Shalihothra Samhitha, for example, explain respectively
how to best care for elephants and horses.
Charaka, Susrutha and Vagbhata are among the most
famous authors who wrote about Ayurveda. They are also called the Triad of
Ancients.
Charaka is considered the creator of general medicine and Susrutha
as the father of surgery and as an initiator of cosmetic surgery. Vagbhata wrote
Ashtanga Samgraha, where he explains the importance of these two areas and lists
various theories to enrich the text with the eight specialties of Ayurveda.
These three writers lived at different times.
1. Susrutha
It is assumed that Susrutha lived in Benares in India between 700 and
350 BC. In his book, Susrutha-Samithi, it treats all aspects of treatment,
including precise information on medicinal plants and preparations within the
composition of medicines. Susrutha is also known for its high surgical skills
and anatomy. He gave a detailed dissection of the human body and how to
preserve bodies. In this treaty, Susrutha explains in detail the special
surgical tools. Currently, modern surgery is still following the procedures
described by Susrutha
2. Charaka
The proponent of modern medicine has lived in the 1st century AD
and studied general medicine at the Institute Athereya. He is the author of the
classic Ayurveda Charaka Samhitha, rewrite Agnivesa Tantra, but also includes
comments specific to Charaka. This is very well known for his contributions to
medicine but also for his profound philosophy
3. Vagbhata
Vagbhata should have lived in the 4th century AD. He is a
disciple of the Buddha Chakyamuni and wrote two books, Ashtanga Samgraha and Ashtanga Hridaya. Vagbhata has traveled
throughout India and in Kerala it shortly before his death, he wrote the
Ashtanga Hridaya. There are eight families, known as the Ashatavaidyas,
inheritors of this knowledge and tried to develop Ayurveda in Kerala.
Of course
there were many other authors who have written books on Ayurveda, or articles or
comments on the Acharyas just been cited. They rely for most of them on their
own experiences. Here are a few :
Madhavakara,
better known by his nickname
Madhavanidana, he lived in the 7th century AD and wrote the Rugvinichaya focused
on medical diagnostics. The author describes the causes, symptoms and prognosis
of diseases. This book is considered a benchmark for Nidana (diagnosis).
Sarngadhara
The scientist of the 13th century AD
is the author of Sarngadhara Samhitha, an authentic text on pharmacology. It
deals with methods of preparation, dosage of drugs but also Nadi Pariksha, that
is to say, the diagnosis of disease by measuring the pulse of patients. In this
book, it is also about the use of opium as well as the description of the
respiratory system.
Bhavamishra
He wrote a dictionary called
Bhavaprakash, which lists the virtues and effects of medicinal plants. Thus we
find in this book remedies against syphilis, which occurred in India with the
Portuguese merchants. At the time of the Buddha, the surgery is much criticized
because it ran counter to the principle of non-violence (ahimsa). Thus, at this
period, Ayurveda is growing thanks to drug discovery based mineral assets.
The many invasions of India before its independence eventually affected the
dominance of Ayurveda in surgery.
Indeed, at that time, modern medicine made its
appearance in India and there built many hospitals and universities to teach and
practice at the expense of Ayurveda.
But this science or knowledge of life
survives despite everything, thanks to his inner strength and some results
alopathique that medicine can not solve. According to ancient writings, Ayurveda
is destined to endure through the ages and centuries.
Now that the universal
communication became easier, thanks to internet and telecoms, there is no doubt
that Ayurveda will take place in our ways of preventing disease as well as
alternative healing, all for the benefit of magnified harmony between man and
his environment.
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