Introduction
Ayurveda,perhaps,the oldest system of healing in the world,is the dominant herbal tradition in India.still it enjoys the faith of a large number of people.Hence,it is considered one of the important systems of medicine in the world.Its spectrum of influences is being enlarge as it is encouraged in many countries like Japan,Germany,etc.
The name Ayurveda derives from the Sanskrit word.Ayur meaning life and Veda meaning knowledge or science.Therefore,Ayurveda means a way of life or science of life.
Ayurveda incorporates science,Religion and Philosophy in it.Its aims include enhancing well being,increasing longevity and ultimately bringing out self-realization.The essence of Ayurveda lies in providing " Swasthya "which is a union of physical,emotional and spiritual health.Thus it is more than a system of healing.
Origin and Development
About 5000 years ago, Ayurveda was evolved from the deep wisdom of Richies i n the far reaches of Himalayas.This knowledge has been transmitted orally from teachers to disciples that finally took the form of poetry or "Vedas" dating to 1500 B.C.
The first Ayurveda texts are RIGVEDA and ATHERVANA VEDA. Punarvasu Athreya founded the first Ayurveda school.he and his disciples recorded the medicinal knowledge,which influenced CHARAKA. Charaka's magnificent work Charaka Samhitha described more than 1500 medicinal herbs.The remarkable thing about this work is that it is still consulted by Ayurveda Practioners.
A century later,another significant work "Sushrutha Samhitha" appeared which forms the basis for the modern surgery.
