Ayurveda: Origin and Brief History
Keywords: Ayurveda, Ayurveda health systems, 5000 years, health and wellness, Herbal teas from Ayurveda
Glo Power is an holistic system based on ancient 5000 years old philosophy of Ayurveda health systems: Indian alternative practices and systems for health and wellness applications. The processes around the Glo power products will give you the gateway into Ayurveda health & wellness.
Example: If you are pregnant and generally feel depressed after delivery of your child, the Glo- power ancient health system will get you back, to your old self quickly with simple herbs and roots put together.
Ayurveda health and medicine systems have their ancient history since 5000 years embedded in the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda texts and ancient writings reiterate Ayurveda therapies and practices integrated for general health and wellness. Sushruta wrote about Dhanvantri, Hindu god of Ayurveda health system who taught health and wellness to a group of physicians, including Sushruta.
Ayurveda health systems and medical systems history were recorded 5000 years ago in Samtrit in the 4 sacred texts called Vedas:
- The Rig Veda ( 3000-2500 BCE)
- Yajur Veda
- Sam Veda, and
- Atharva Veda (1200-1000 BCE )
The origin of Athva inventions of medicines for several diseases with their treatments. Later from 6th Century BC to 7th century AD, there was systematic development of science and it is called Samhita. This is the period when several classical works were produced by several authors and during this period there is evidence of organized medical care. (1)
Ayurveda Medical Books available by the eighth century BCE provide procedural structures on how Ayurveda medicine evolved. The current knowledge of Ayurveda is based on the three texts"The Great Triad" called BRHATTRAYI.
Major Ayurveda Classics: Brhattrayi (2)
1. Charak Samhita by Charaka 800 BCE, " Medical Theory and Practice". 8400 verses in 120 chapters. The book is still in use for medical training and has been translated into many languages.
2. Sushruta Samhita by Sushruta 700 BCE, "The Surgical Text". The book defines Ayurveda health and gives information on blood Sub -dosha Pitta and 5 marma points. He gave the pioneering technique in skin grafting and reconstructive surgery.
3. Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridaya by Vag Bhata - 400 CE written by Ayurveda physician from the Sindh region in India. The text defines 5 Sub-doshas of Kapha and emphasizes the material value of life 'The Hridaya' ( Heart) is still regarded as the primary medical textbook- translated by Srikantha Murty in English.
Some researchers believe that Ayurveda health systems originated in pre-historic times and some of Ayurveda applications exited from Indus Valley Civilization. Ancient Ayurveda also taught surgical techniques besides herbal compounds, minerals, and metals. Ayurveda health and well-being are dependent on the balancing of three of your “doshas” they are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.The three doshas need to be balanced for best health and wellness or the inequality in the three might lead to disease.
Since Pre-medieval times, Ayurveda Health System was based on diagnosis through Dosha, Pulse, and Tongue. his is done even today from East to West and globally.
Ayurveda
Until 2 decades ago ancient 5000 years, Ayurveda was criticized for its ambiguity and lack of scientific outcomes. These thought processes deprived the world and you probably of the advantages of traditional healthcare. Yes there was lack of research in India due to several factors earlier on; but in recent years ancient Ayurveda has been resurrected with stronger evidence to rely upon. The 21st century marked the beginning of a new era, receptive to eastern healthcare philosophy through positive attitudes [3].
Since last 30 years, Ayurveda health systems have been proven to be a therapy and supportive to diseases like cancer and modern science. Global dissemination of ancient Ayurveda health needed a scientific presentation, to the people exogenous to it. Having said that, some scientists of the new genre have provided more sense and and stood up to it as intermediaries. Speaking in a mutually understandable language and retrieving the link of ancient Ayurveda health to science while keeping its original flavour intact [4] & [4.1].
After arriving at the theory of biopoiesis (between living things coming from pre-existing living things), scientists ultimately proposed a 3 step transition between non-living things to living earth. The transitional stages in between are postulated as:
- Origin of biological monomers;
- Origin of biological polymers, and
- Evolution of cells from Polymers [5}
Ayurveda health systems argue about life beginning from invisible components. while passing through many intermediate stages, these components reach a physically visible stage called a Mahabhuta ( maha - big; bhuta- the first form of existence).
Further, Ayurveda health systems and science are based on body types called the Tridosha- modus operandi of an open system. Tridosha is the physiological basis around which Ayurveda health revolves. The three doshas are: Vata, Pitta and Kapha ( see blog on history of ancient Ayurveda). These three doshas are the representatives of the Theory of Mahabhuta.
Conclusively and decisively, the 21st century began with the rediscovering of the lost links between modern Science and Ayurveda health. During this period certain new models have been developed to comprehend Ayurvedic fundamental teneston grounds acceptable to the Western world [7].
In current times globally, more and more dependence of science on earth and plants supports the Ayurvedic fundamental constructs, of Triguna, Tridosha and the Theory of Mahabhuta.
Glo Power is a gateway to 'Ayurveda health systems', and we are implementing it through ancient Ayurveda teas and Shilajit; for immunity, strength, endurance, and anti-aging { through regeneration of body cells (Collagen and peptides) and brain neurons}; ailments,weight management; fertility and libido solutions.
We only supply lose Leaves as lose leaves offer the highest grade whole leaf green or black teas without dust or fannings. The teas are blended with 100% natural ingredients , herbs, roots,plants, flowers, and spices, for a smoother tea experience.
Kerala the land of Ayurveda for many centuries
For many centuries Ayurveda Vaidyas ( physicians) were almost the only opening for curing every kind of ailment in Kerala. The mastery over the legacy of 8 Families of Vaidyas ( Ashta Vaidyas) and the followers treated the whole state for hundreds of years. Kerala is the mainstream that practices Ayurveda medicinal science till date with commitment
Ayurveda practices assist in detoxification of your body from radicle sand toxins. “Panchkarma” in Ayurveda is a cleansing method for detoxifying and rejuvenating you’re very being. Ayurveda doctors check the balance of our bodies- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These three doshas* indicate the balance of 5 different elements of our bodies- earth, air, fire, water, and ether/space. Imbalance of any of these leads to diseases.
PANCHAKARMA
Panchkarma is the 5 Spices that do the detoxification of radicals from your body). The Ayurveda health system of balancing your body doshas is based on your digestive system. For digestion, home remedies were considered the only thing then and even today they are recognized through their nutrient, minerals' and enzymes' properties.
Based on the World Health Assembly resolution in traditional health systems (WAH 62.13) and 2008 and the Beijing declaration; traditional medicine resulted in the WHO recognizing and establishing traditional health systems -Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is historically also known for health maintenance and chronic disease prevention. Currently, Ayurveda practices are being used in the USA and the UK. So much so there are 2 Universities for Ayurveda studies in the US. Maharishi University of Management (www.mum.edu) and the Oregan University of Ayurveda.
This University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Mum runs a bachelor's and masters in 3-4 years’ programs and practical learning Ayurveda and Integrated studies. There is another Ayurveda university established in Oregon for teaching Ayurveda practices.
After arriving at the theory of biopoiesis (between living things coming from pre-existing living things), scientists ultimately proposed a 3 step transition between non-living things to living earth. The transitional stages in between are postulated as:
- Origin of biological monomers;
- Origin of biological polymers, and
- Evolution of cells from Polymers [ ].
Primitive earth was proposed to be characterized by Sattva, Rajas and Tamas - (Triguna), symbolizing the physical properties prevalent to the earth. Sattva the foremost of Triguna, symbolizes the energy required for creation, Rajas the second of Triguna symbolises the particle movements and Tamas finally symbolizes inert material having a capacity to convert into new forms under the constant influence of Sattva and Rajas [4]
Conclusively and decisively, the 21st century began with the rediscovering of the lost links between modern Science and Ayurveda health. During this period certain new models have been developed to comprehend Ayurvedic fundamental teneston grounds acceptable to the Western world [5].
In current times globally, more and more dependence of science on earth and plants supports the Ayurvedic fundamental constructs, of Triguna, Tridosha and the Theory of Mahabhuta.
Since last 30 years, Ayurveda health systems have been proven to be a therapy and supportive to diseases like cancer and modern science. Global dissemination of ancient Ayurveda health needed a scientific presentation, to the people exogenous to it. Having said that, some scientists of the new genre have provided more sense and and stood up to it as intermediaries. Speaking in a mutually understandable language and retrieving the link of ancient Ayurveda healthto science while keeping its original flavour intact [4] & [4.1].
The classical attributes of Triguna and their hypothetical inference:
- Sattva- Sunlight
- Rajas -Movement of atoms on their components, initially randomized so non-creative but when directed, may lead to creation.
- Tamas - Formation of organic structures
Ayurveda health systems argue about life beginning from invisible components. while passing through many intermediate stages, these components reach a physically visible stage called a Mahabhuta ( maha - big; bhuta- the first form of existence).
Global Challenges for Ayurveda
Minerals and metals used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, modern medicine and nutritional supplements are being debated upon internationally, especially in the wake of Covid -19.
The importance of minerals and metals in a non-toxic form, for our very being and metabolism are being intensively researched and Ayurveda health systems are being appreciated globally. At the same time the issue of dangerous heavy metals is also under debate; East and West.
Ayurveda practices are based on use of substances that are well known and studied with practical evidence. At the same time an unknown substance however beneficial it maybe, is likely to cause more harm than good. Toxicity of metals like mercury, lead and arsenic are under attack when they form a part of Ayurveda medicine. Having said that, Ayurveda physicians rightly argue that substances which have been ethically purified by Shodhana procedure (time consuming it may be) are effective and admissible.
Herbs, minerals, metal or product of animal origin maybe toxic and it is essential for these to be put through Shodhana, example : Shilajit.
The objective of shodhana is to make the drug/herb/minerals nontoxic and therapeutically effective, when used internally or externally. To purify sometimes there are more herbs or herbo purifiers added.
Footnotes:
1.. V.NarayanaSwamy. " Origin and Development of Ayurveda: ( A Brief History). Ancient Science of life. Vol. 1, July-September 1981. PMC 3336651
2. Ayurveda contributors and experts: Brhattrayi.
3. Cooper EL. Ayurveda is Embraced by eCAM. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2008;1:1-2.[PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
4..Hankey A.CAM modalities can stimulate advances in theoretical biology.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2005;2:5-12 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar].
4.1. Hankey.A. The scientific value of Ayurveda. J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11:221-5. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
5.Wikipedia.org[homepage on internet]Origin of life available from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_of_life#Miller 27s_experiments [last updated on 2008]. [accessed 2008 Aug 20]
6. Rastogi.S. Building bridges between Ayurveda and Modern Science. International Journal of Ayurveda Research (publication of Department of AYUSH. Govt.of India). 2010 Jan-Mar, 1 (1): 41-46. doi:10.4103/0974-7788.59943
7. Hankey. A. A test of the systems analysis underlying the scientific theory of Ayurveda's Tridosha. J Altern Complement Med. 2005;11:385-90. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
*Doshas- are the elements /substances present in our bodies that affect our respiratory and lungs’ systems.