Golden Age of Indian Medicine (800 BC - 600 AD)
- Indian
medicine played a similar role in Asia as Greek medicine did in the West.
- Ayurveda,
the ancient system of Indian medicine, developed between 400-600 BC.
- The word Ayurveda
means "Knowledge of Life" or "The knowledge by
which life may be prolonged."
- Ayurveda
is derived from the Atharvaveda, one of the four Vedas.
- The
medical knowledge in the Atharvaveda gradually evolved into a structured
science known as Ayurveda.
Tri-Dosha Theory of Disease
- Ayurveda
explains diseases based on the Tri-Dosha theory, which describes an
imbalance in the three fundamental humors:
- Vata
(Wind) – Represents movement and nervous system
functions.
- Pitta
(Gall Fluid) – Represents metabolism, digestion, and body
heat.
- Kapha
(Mucus) – Represents structure, lubrication, and
immunity.
- This
theory is strikingly similar to the Four Humors Theory in Greek
medicine.
Celebrated Authorities in
Ayurvedic Medicine
- Atreya – One of
the earliest Indian physicians and teachers of medicine, who taught at the
ancient university of Takshashila.
- Charaka – Known
as the Father of Indian Medicine.
- He
compiled the Charaka Samhita, which describes about 500
medicinal drugs.
- He was
the court physician to the Buddhist king Kanishka.
- Sushruta – Known
as the Father of Indian Surgery & Plastic Surgery.
- He
compiled his surgical knowledge in the Sushruta Samhita.
- Vagbhata – A great
medical writer who compiled and refined all the previous works, giving a
structured form to Ayurveda.
- Dhanvantri – Known
as the Hindu God of Medicine.
- Laws of
Manu – An ancient text that provided a code of personal hygiene
and medical ethics.
Influence of Indian Medicine
- Ayurveda
laid the foundation for various branches of medicine, including surgery,
pharmacology, and hygiene.
- Many
surgical techniques, including plastic surgery, cataract removal, and
cesarean sections, were pioneered in ancient India.
- The
principles of Ayurveda continue to influence modern medicine, alternative
therapies, and holistic healing systems worldwide.
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COMMUNITY MEDICINE