Ayurveda History

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Ayurveda History
Ayurveda means the "science of life.". It is a holistic healing science that is comprise of two words ayu means life and veda means text of knowledge. Life (ayu) is the combination (samyoga) of body, senses, mind and reincarnating soul. Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans both in this world and the world beyond." —Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, 1.42-43. Ayurveda is the origin of most forms of natural and alternative medicines. It is mentioned in one of the philosophical texts of the world, the Rig Veda (about 6,000 years old). Charaka Samhita, a much referred ayurvedic text, says that three—body, mind and soul—are like a tripod, the world stand by their combination; in them everything abides. It is the subject matter of ayurveda teachings. According to Hindu belief, Lord Brahma is the creator of this universe, all forms of matter occurring in this universe, living or non-living is believed to be his handiwork. Ayurveda is also said to be originated by Brahma, the fountainhead of all learning. Brahma propagated this knowledge to Daksha Prajapati who taught this science to the Ashwini Kumars (who was twin son of the Sun God). The Ashwinis kumars gave this science of Ayurveda to Indra. In another legend, in ancient days Demons and Gods in heaven were keen , to get ambrosia – the Amrit from Ocean of Milk that is called the Ksheera Sagar in hindi. Ambrosia was to make an individual immortal. But, it was not an easy work to obtain ambrosia from the ocean of milk alone for both of them. Then it was decided , both the groups would share the work as well as the outcome. Accordingly, both the groups churned the Ksheer Sagar, using Meru Parvata that is a large mountain as the agitator and with large and strong snake called Adiseshu as the rope. As the result of this churning powerful Poison came first, which Lord Shiva swallowed, for the benefit of universe. It later followed with outcome of Ambrosia. Dhanvantari, the lord of Ayurveda emerged out of Ksheera Sagar, with a vessel of Amrita (Ambrosia) in one hand and a set of Herbs in another.