Ayurveda is the science of health and healing practiced by the ancient Aryan. This science is based on the Athara Veda on of the oldest scriptures of the Hindus which is about 3,500 years old.This is an encyclopedia of ancient medical medicine. Ayurveda broken down in to two words means ayu- life and Veda-knowledge .Ayurveda further benefits the knowledge of life, shows how to utilize our life fully and to extend our life span. According to legend Brahma the creator of the universe also created Ayurveda which in its original form had a 100,000 verse. A god called Daksha Prajapati developed the science as learnt from Brahma and two twin brothers Bardavaja and Dhanvantari who were both gods and humans further developed Ayurveda in to medicine and Surgery. Finally a human being called Charaka Samitha, the book of medicines like wise a surgical book was developed and is now called the Sushruta Samitha.
Pancha Bautik theory( Theory of five basic elements)
This theory is the base for all subsequent theories .The five basic elements are solidity, Fluidity, Warmth, Airiness and Space (matter). The whole universe consists of these five elements and there elements are broken down in to the Wata, Pira and Kapha Theory. Wata is airiness and space. Pitta is warmth and kapha is solidity and fluidity. This now brings us to the Tridosha theory or the ancient triple method .Wata, Pita and Kapha. The Tridoshas are organic material entities in control of all organic creation and are responsible for birth, existence and death. The Genealogy of the Tridosha theory can be traced to ancient Vedic times. It is vast in its teaching. The Tridosha are once again connected to the Sapta Dahtu Theory or the theory of seven bodily elements namely Rasa which is the plasma which nourishes the Rakhta blood which sustains life and Mansa which is the flesh that embraced the skeletal structure. Meda the fat that greases the limbs ,eye , nose and nourishes large and small bones then the Asthi which is bone and cartilage maintains an erect bodily structure and Majja which is the bone marrow gives strength and nourishment to the seminal fluid and finally Sukra the reproductive elements giving strength and joy, plus a capacity to procreate.
Sri Lanka Ayurveda is said to have been practiced during the reign of King Pandukabhaya 4th century B.C definitely would have developed during king Devanampiyatissa reign in the 3rd century B.C.With the arrived of Arahat Mahinda and Sangamitta Theri who brought with them the expertise and knowledge of the Indian civilization of that time. During Devanampiyatissa's reign hospitals were built at places like Anuradhapura and Mihintale. We also had a physician king called Buddhadasa. In the 4th century A.D who did much to improve the Ayurvedic science of medicine.Then in the 12th century Parakramabahu the great is also said to have built hospitals and cared for the sick on Ayurvedic principles .Medicine was practiced in ancient times not to make financial gains but as aspect of service to gain merit. The Buddha himself has stressed on the importance to care for the sick.
The medicines in Ayurvedic treatment are got by what grows around us. Sri Lanka is a granary of herbal plants. We can collect enough herbs for any emergency such as cuts, bleeding, aches and pains. One kind of herbal plant can be used for many disease .The different parts of a plant posess different curative properties . The herbs are broken down in to a powered liquid or paste from even pills are produced by reducing a decoction of herbs to thick consistency .
Then adding some powders for making a pill mass. Bitter tasting medicines are sometimes taken with treacle or honey. Even our fruits are used as a curative and also some of our flowers and vegetable are known to have curative values.
CREDITS- searchsrilanka
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