The word ‘veda’ means knowledge.The evolution of the Indian art of healing and living a healthy life comes from the four Vedas namely : Rig veda , Sama veda , Yajur veda and Atharva veda .Ayurveda attained a state of reverence and is classified as one of the UpaVedas - a subsection - attached to the Atharva Veda. The Atharva Veda contains not only the magic spells and the occult sciences but also the Ayurveda that deals with the diseases, injuries, fertility, sanity and health. Ayurveda incorporates all forms of lifestyle in therapy. Thus yoga, aroma, meditation, gems, amulets, herbs, diet, astrology, color and surgery etc. are used in a comprehensive manner in treating patients. Treating important and sensitive spots on the body called Marmas is described in Ayurveda . Massages, exercises and yoga are recommended.

For over two and a half millennia Āyurveda was the mainstream healthcare programme in the Indian subcontinent. However, what was once seen as indispensable, is now often officially described as ‘alternative medicine’. Moreover, there seems to be a lack of proper understanding of the specific culture from which Āyurveda emerged. This is because existing works on the subject have mostly been mere compilations of Āyurvedic practices and focused on classical texts. This book studies the stages of development in the system of Āyurveda and its practice from proto-historic times until British colonization. Using original Pāli and Sanskrit works, archaeological artefacts, as well as oft-neglected medieval epigraphic documents, M.R. Raghava Varier highlights how centuries of privileging Western knowledge has resulted in the sidelining of indigenous learning—a process that accelerated with the advent of colonialism. Further, he makes use of Jain and Buddhist sources to question the assumption that Āyurveda is a purely Hindu or Brahmanical system, thus providing a historiographical frame for conceptually establishing the notion of Āyurveda.

Welcome to the journey of discovering the life and legacy of Charaka, often referred to as "The Father of Ayurveda." In this book, we will delve into the remarkable life and contributions of a man who left an indelible mark on the world of medicine and healthcare, not only in his time but for generations to come. Charaka's story is one of curiosity, dedication, and a deep passion for healing. He lived in ancient India, a land rich in knowledge and spirituality, at a time when the pursuit of holistic well-being was paramount. His life's work revolved around unraveling the secrets of the human body, understanding the causes of diseases, and developing effective treatments that would stand the test of time. As we embark on this journey, let us first set the stage by exploring the context in which Charaka lived. Ancient India was a melting pot of diverse cultures, ideas, and traditions. It was a land where the pursuit of knowledge was not just an intellectual endeavor but a spiritual quest. It was in this backdrop that Charaka's story unfolded, a story that would shape the course of medical history. In the chapters that follow, we will uncover the key moments in Charaka's life, from his birth to his travels, mentorship, and the writing of his seminal work, the Charaka Samhita. We will delve into his profound insights into disease classification, treatment modalities, and the concept of doshas. We will explore his ethical approach to medicine and his role as a teacher and mentor. But this journey is not just about the man; it's about his enduring influence. We will see how Charaka's teachings continue to impact modern Ayurvedic practices and why his work remains relevant in the 21st century. We will also delve into the cultural significance of Charaka's legacy and the interactions he had with other scholars of his time. So, dear reader, whether you are a seasoned scholar or someone simply curious about the history of medicine, in unraveling the life and wisdom of Charaka, a man whose dedication and insights continue to inspire and guide us in the quest for health and well-being. Let us step back in time and journey into the world of "The Father of Ayurveda."

This book looks at the institutionalisation and refashioning of Ayurveda as a robust, literate classical tradition, separated from the assorted, vernacular traditions of healing practices. It focuses on the dominant perspectives and theories of indigenous medicine and various compulsions which led to the codification and standardisation of Ayurveda in modern India. Critically engaging with authoritative scholarship, the book extrapolates from some of these theories, raising significant questions on the study of alternative knowledge practices. By using case studies of the southern Indian state of Kerala – which is known globally for its Ayurveda – it provides an in-depth analysis of local practices and histories. Drawing from interviews of practitioners, archival documents, vernacular texts and rare magazines on Ayurveda and indigenous medicine, it presents a nuanced understanding of the relationships between diverse practices. It highlights the interactions as well as the tensions within them, and the methods adopted to preserve the uniqueness of practices even while sharing elements of healing, herbs and medicine. It also discusses how regulations and standards set by the state have estranged assorted healing practices, created uncertainties and led to the formation of categories like Ayurveda and nattuvaidyam (indigenous medicine/ayurvedas). Lucid and topical, the book will be useful for researchers and people interested in social medicine, history of medicine, Ayurveda, cultural studies, history, indigenous studies, and social anthropology.

As one of the world's only female experts on the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurvedic medicine, renowned teacher Bri. Maya Tiwari has devoted her heart and soul to share the philosophy and methods that saved her from terminal cancer and redirected her life. In this book, she offers a short course on healing and living and reveals how she has gone back to the sources of Ayurvedic wisdom to reclaim time-honoured, natural, spiritual techniques for use in contemporary life. Filled with illuminating insights, easy-to-follow recipes, and meditations and exercises that can be adapted to different lifestyles and traditions, The Path of Practice is one of the only holistic programs designed for women by a woman. This book has a strong focus on women because they are the staff-holders of sacred life and nurturance. The aim is to evoke, inform, strengthen, and safeguard the memory of women as guardians of sacred healing. It is also meant to help men become awakened to the Mother's primordial healing energy that has existed within them from ancient times.

The rich Indian medical tradition is usually traced back to Sanskrit sources, the earliest of which cannot much antedate the common era. In this book Kenneth Zysk shows that Buddhist scriptures some centuries older than this contain abundant information about medical practice, and are our earliest evidence for a rational approach to medicine in India. He argues that Buddhism and the medical tradition were mutually supportive: that Buddhist monks and people associated with them contributed to the development of medicine, while their skills as physical as well as spiritual healers enhanced their reputation and popular support. Drawing on a wide range of textual, archaeological, and secondary sources, Zysk first presents an overview of the history of Indian Medicine in its religious context. He then examines primary literature from the Pali Buddhist Canon and from the Sanskrit treatises of Bhela, Caraka, and susruta. By close comparison of these two bodies of literature Zysk convincingly shows how the theories delineated in the medical classics actually became practice.

First Published in 2017. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an Informa company.