What is Ayurveda – Buddhist Ayurvedic Medicine
Tag: Buddhist Ayurvedic Medicine
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What is Ayurveda – Buddhist Ayurvedic Medicine, Glossaries
“ahara rasa: Nutritive juice that is the end product of digested food, formed about 12 hours after eating; the nutritional precursor of all bodily tissues; the unstable, unprocessed form of rasa dhatu. See also asthayi dhatu.” (ToA3)
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What is Ayurveda – Buddhist Ayurvedic Medicine, Glossaries
“adana: The period of time between winter solstice and summer solstice, during which solar energy predominates in the environment, and there is a tendency for people to become dehydrated and depleted. Compare with visarga; vikshepa.” (ToA3)
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What is Ayurveda – Buddhist Ayurvedic Medicine, Glossaries
“achara: Conduct or behavior; routine; lifestyle” (ToA3)
Sources:
Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World’s Oldest Healing System, by Kurta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra
Fair Use Source: B003WQB2TW (WoAH)
Ashwaganda for stamina and vitality… arjuna for heart health… dandelion for breast wellness… gokshura to reach a sexual peak… Traditional Ayurveda, using the principles of the three doshas, constitutional body typing and highly individualized therapies, is the oldest continously practiced healing system on Earth. Over those many centuries, generations of Ayurvedic scholars and physicians have reviewed, inspected, dissected and refined the system to perfect a highly effective form of health, balance and healing. Now, two of the world’s leading Ayurvedic herbalists, both leaders of the holistic health renaissance, and who, together, bring a total of over 75 years of practice to this work, have crafted a manual for making Ayurveda understandable and eminently, practically useful. THE WAY OF AYURVEDIC HERBS is more than an herb manual. It is a life path to well-being.
Book Details
- ASIN: B003WQB2TW
- Publisher: Lotus Press; 1st edition (July 21, 2010)
- Publication date: July 21, 2010
- Print length: 423 pages
Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing – A Practical Guide, by Vasant Lad
Fair Use Source: B001TH78SK (ASSH)
For the first time a book is available which clearly explains the principles and practical applications of Ayurveda, the oldest healing system in the world. This beautifully illustrated text thoroughly explains the following:
history & philosophy * basic principles, * diagnostic techniques * treatment * diet * medicinal usage of kitchen herbs & spices * first aid * first aid * food antidotes * and much more
More than 50 concise charts, diagrams and tables are included, as well as a glossary and index in order to further clarify the text.
Book Details
- ASIN: B001TH78SK
- Publisher: Lotus Press; 2nd edition (November 30, 1984)
- Publication date: November 30, 1984
- Print length: 176 pages
Also Recommended:
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1 – Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, by Vasant Lad
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2 – A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, by Vasant Lad
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment, by Vasant Lad
See The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies: Based on the Timeless Wisdom of India‘s 5,000-Year-Old Medical System, by Vasant Lad
Fair Use Source: B00735H9FY (BAHR)
Based on the ancient healing tradition from India that dates back thousands of years, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies offers natural alternatives to conventional medicines and treatments with practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions.
Dr. Vasant Lad, a leading authority in this field, has created an invaluable guide to treating common ailments and chronic problems with strategies tailored to your personal needs based on your dosha. Dr. Lad first explains the principles behind the science of Ayurveda, exploring the physical and psychological characteristics of each of the three doshas, or mind-body types–vata, pitta, and kapha. Once you have determined which type or combination of types you are, Dr. Lad helps you to begin your journey to the ultimate “state of balance” and well-being.
Dr. Lad explains why certain imbalances often result in illness and shows you how to restore your body to natural order. You’ll learn which traditional Ayurvedic remedies–herbal teas and formulas, essential oils, meditation, yoga–offer relief from a variety of conditions, such as cold and flu symptoms, headaches, toothaches, sore throats, high cholesterol, vision problems, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Lad also shows you how to use diet and specific Ayurvedic techniques to prevent future illness and to promote body consciousness and healthy living.
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies enables us all to experience the benefits of Ayurveda’s healing properties that have been refined over thousands of years. All of the herbs, foods, and oils Dr. Lad recommends can be found in local health food stores or through mail-order catalogs. Complete with an extensive glossary and resource list, this is the definitive guide to natural, safe, and effective remedies, everyday keys to a lifetime of vitality and well-being.
Also Recommended:
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1 – Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, by Vasant Lad
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2 – A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, by Vasant Lad
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment, by Vasant Lad
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2 – A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725112 (ToA2)
Vasant Lad presents this ages-old science in a framework that is clearly accessible to the modern student while remaining true to its ancient roots, clarifying the mysteries of Ayurveda from the classical Sanskrit texts. This text builds upon the information in Volume One, imparting the essential elements of clinical assessment. Vasant Lad describes the many categories and stages of disorders and disease from the ancient texts of Ayurveda. He then shows you how to detect and evaluate the conditions of the client. Offering a thorough training in client assessment, the reader will come away with a new level of expertise in service to and knowledge of one s patient. Knowing precisely where the client is in the disease process enables the clinician to determine the most effective level of care necessary for them. Filled with illustrations, tables, charts, clinical forms and practical examples, this book will lead the student through the methods of assessment using the historical applications of Ayurveda as well as more modern terms and techniques. * Discover in-depth techniques of assessment that include the five clinical barometers, three categories of clinical examination, eight methods of clinical examination, constitutional assessment and assessment of agni and metabolic waste. * Outlined as well are detailed and specialized information on disorders of the doshas, tissues, prana, tejas, ojas and the bodily channels. * Gain new understanding of the disease process, its stage of progression and the subtleties of the inner workings of the body. * Included are assessment forms for a full patient evaluation. These are the very methods used by Dr. Lad in his clinics.
Book Details
- Publisher: The Ayurvedic Press; 1st edition (January 31, 2007)
- Hardcover: 416 pages
- ISBN-10: 1883725119
- ISBN-13 : 978-1883725112
See also:
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1 – Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725075 (ToA1)
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2 – A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725112 (ToA2)
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725143 (ToA3)
Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1 – Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725075 (ToA1)
In his Ayurvedic Studies Program, Vasant Lad, Ayurvedic Physician, teaches Ayurveda as a science of moment-to-moment living. Each lecture that he gives flows from his own heart in a river of healing wisdom that is inspired by and pertinent to the students who are present at the time of the lecture.
This textbook is a presentation of Dr. Lad’s years of teaching in that classroom setting. It conveys the philosophical and fundamental principles of his first year Ayurvedic Studies Program at the Ayurvedic Institute in a dynamic and inspirational way. This book will give the student a detailed foundation upon which to pursue deeper knowledge, including that of the future volumes in this series.
Book Details
- Publisher: Ayurvedic Press; 1st edition (November 11, 2001)
- Hardcover: 334 pages
- ISBN-10: 1883725070
- ISBN-13: 978-1883725075
See also:
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1 – Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725075 (ToA1)
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2 – A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725112 (ToA2)
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725143 (ToA3)
See Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume Three: General Principles of Management and Treatment, by Vasant Lad
Fair Use Source: 978-1883725143 (ToA3)
This book brings forth the practices of Ayurveda from the ancient texts and presents them in a systematic organization that is readily accessible to a Western audience. Vasant Lad provides comprehensive information on therapeutic modalities including diet and lifestyle recommendations, palliative and cleansing therapies, subtle healing methods including individual rejuvenation protocols, yoga and pranayama practices, and herbal substances as well as management techniques according to dosha, dhatu, srotamsi, and the subtle essences. Each section clearly explains the principles of the healing techniques, often with the steps outlined for the reader, in addition to the herbal substances and their practical application. It is an essential reference for the Ayurvedic practitioner.
One of Dr. Lad’s favorite sutras from Charaka says that a true physician knows the body, mind, thoughts, feelings, and consciousness of the patient. Unless you enter the heart of your patient with the light of awareness, knowledge, compassion, and insight, you will not be able to diagnose their problem and treat the person accordingly.
Dr. Lad’s students from all over the world learn Ayurveda, step by patient step, grounding their knowledge in the principles of a system that pre-dates Western medical concepts by thousands of years. Next, they learn the sophisticated methods of evaluation that Ayurveda provides. Mastering these techniques takes practice and dedication. The previous steps, well practiced, have prepared the student to enter into the next stage, where they can stand beside the client and guide them on their journey of healing.
Book Details
- Publisher: The Ayurvedic Press; 1st edition (April 16, 2012)
- Hardcover: 668 pages
- ISBN-10: 1883725143
- ISBN-13: 978-1883725143
See also:
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 1 – Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725075 (ToA1)
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 2 – A Complete Guide to Clinical Assessment, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725112 (ToA2)
- Textbook of Ayurveda, Volume 3: General Principles of Management and Treatment, by Vasant Lad, 978-1883725143 (ToA3)
What is Ayurveda – Buddhist Ayurvedic Medicine
abortifacient: Any substance capable of inducing an abortion. This includes any substance that may cause miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy.
adulterate: A term used to describe the mixing of pure essential oils with another substance. An essential oil is deemed to be adulterated when it has been watered down but sold as 100 percent essential oil.
allergy: A general term for an irritation caused by contact with an irritant or allergen. Allergens can be introduced via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.
analgesic: A substance that relieves or deadens pain. Many analgesic drugs are narcotics; analgesic essential oils are non-narcotic.
anthelmintic: A substance capable of expelling or destroying intestinal parasites. This type of substance is also referred to as a vermifuge.
antibacterial: A substance that slows the growth of bacteria. In some cases, this term refers to a substance that prevents bacteria.
antidepressant: A substance that helps counteract the symptoms of mild depression. Many essential oils possess this quality.
antifungal: A substance that slows or prevents the growth of fungi. Many antifungal essential oils are as effective as commercial antifungal agents.
antihistamine: A substance that counteracts the body’s natural reactions to allergens. Most commercial antihistamines cause undesirable side effects.
antimicrobial: A substance that reduces microbial activity. Antimicrobial essential oils are particularly useful for household cleansers.
antiseptic: A substance that helps slow or stop infection. Applying an antiseptic shortly after an injury helps speed healing.
antispasmodic: A substance that helps stop muscle spasms and cramping. Antispasmodic essential oils are useful in treating digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain caused by cramping.
aphrodisiac: A substance that increases sexual desire. In some cases, aphrodisiacs may help improve sexual function.
aromatherapy: The practice of using natural aromatic substances, including essential oils, for their physical and psychological therapeutic benefits.
astringent: A substance that causes organic tissue to contract.
bactericidal: A substance that kills or destroys bacteria. Most bactericidal essential oils are ideal for external use and for formulating nontoxic household cleansers.
botanical name: A specific Latin name that distinguishes variants of plants that share the same common name.
carrier oil: An oil used for diluting an essential oil prior to use. Examples include apricot kernel, grape seed, olive, and sweet almond oils.
common name: A plant’s “everyday” name. For example, there are several different species of plants that fall under the common name orange.
detoxifier: A substance that aids in detoxifying the body. Detoxifiers work by facilitating the removal of impurities from organs, tissue, or the bloodstream.
dilution: The act of making an essential oil less potent by adding a carrier oil.
diffuser: A device used for releasing essential oil molecules into the air. Various models are available commercially. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
diuretic: A substance that removes water from the body while stimulating urine production. When using diuretics of any kind, it is vital that you drink plenty of water.
expectorant: A substance that aids in the expulsion of mucus from the lungs. In most cases, expectorants prompt productive coughing.
febrifuge: A substance that helps reduce fevers. Using a cold compress with a febrifuge can help hasten fever reduction.
food grade: An essential oil considered safe for use in food by the FDA.
fragrance: An aroma. Products labeled as fragrances are derived by synthetic means and are not essential oils.
fungicide: A substance that destroys fungi. Fungicidal essential oils are useful for topical application as well as for formulating nontoxic household cleansers.
germicide: A substance that destroys germs. Germicidal essential oils are useful for formulating remedies as well as for diffusing; when diffused, they promote clean, healthy indoor air.
hemostatic: A substance that helps stop bleeding. Most hemostatic substances work by helping blood clot faster.
herbal: Pertaining to plants.
hypertension: High blood pressure. The term is typically used when discussing long-term high blood pressure rather than acute high blood pressure.
insoluble: A substance that is not capable of being dissolved in liquid such as water.
laxative: A substance that promotes bowel movements. Most commercial laxatives are unnecessarily harsh.
narcotic: A substance that promotes sleep. Most narcotics produce deep, heavy sleep.
neat: Undiluted. Some essential oils are suitable for using neat, while others are not. As you delve deeper into the world of essential oils, you will notice that some practitioners are much more conservative than others, advising readers not to use undiluted essential oils. The choice is yours.
pathogen: A substance that causes or produces a disease. Most pathogens are viruses or bacteria.
pendant: A necklace made from a variety of materials, such as glass or terra-cotta, that you can add your favorite essential oil to and wear throughout the day.
rectification: The process of re-distilling certain essential oils to rid them of undesirable constituents.
single oil: An essential oil from only one plant species. Examples are clary sage, clove, geranium, and sweet orange. Some literature refers to these oils as single notes.
soluble: A substance that is capable of being dissolved in liquid such as water.
styptic: A substance that helps stop external bleeding. Styptics are most useful for treating small wounds.
synthetic: A substance that is unnatural or created in a laboratory. Many commercially produced drugs are synthetic.
volatile: A substance that is unstable and evaporates easily.
Sources:
What is Ayurveda – Buddhist Ayurvedic Medicine
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
Bruhat Trayi
Caraka Samhita
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Author(s)—Caraka / Drudhabala
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Date—200 BC (to 400 BC)
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Popularity—translations and commentators
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Contributions of the Samhita:
- Law of the Uniformity of Nature—physical laws applied to the biological field 2. Rationalism—logic, experience
- Psychosomatic Approach
- Importance of Prakruti
- Expanded beyond tri-sutra (hetu, linga, aushadha) to Pañcanidanam (nidana, purva rupa, rupa, upaÂaya, samprapti)
- Scientific method of diagnosis (scriptures, observation, inference; dosha, dushya, agni, sattva, satmya, prakriti, bala, vaya; etiology, symptomology, pathogenesis; the patient, drug, then proceed) 7. Importance of Nature—one only assists Nature/ natural resistance bolstered 8. Emphasis of promotion of life and prevention of disease 9. Scientific study of drugs—pharmacology
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Organization: 120 chapters
- Sutrasthanam—fundamentals/principles (30)
- Nidanasthanam—diagnosis (8)
- Vimanasthanam—specific features (8)
- Àarirasthanam—anatomy (8)
- Indriyasthanam—fatal signs (12)
- Cikitsasthanam—treatment (30) numerous formulations throughout, PK treatments 7. Kalpasthanam—pharmaceuticals (12)
- Siddhisthanam—successful management (12) PK—techniques, substances, management Page 1 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
The Caraka Samhita is believed to have arisen around 400-200 BCE. It is felt to be one of the oldest and the most important ancient authoritative writings on Ayurveda. It is not known who this person was or, if indeed, this represents the work of a “school of thought”– of scholars or followers of a man known as Caraka, or whether it’s an original composition of a single person named Caraka. This work is sometimes considered a redaction and truncation of an older and more voluminous work-Agnivesha Samhita (estimated to have had 46,000 verses), which is no longer extant. Drudhabala, living about 400 A.D., is believed to have filled in many verses of missing text (perhaps up to 20%) in the Cikitsasthana and elsewhere, which disappeared over time.
The language of Caraka is Sanskrit and its style is poetry–with meter and melody. Poetry was known to serve as a memory aid. For example, Caraka contains over 8,400 metrical verses, which are often committed to memory, in toto, by modern medical students of Ayurveda.
It presents most of the theoretical edifice of Ayurveda and concentrates on the branch of Ayurveda called kayacikitsa. This is largely the theory of the internal fire–of digestion–or internal medicine in modern terms. Caraka never discusses the sub-types of pitta and kapha, but it does list and describe the 5 sub-types of vata.
Seen from a greater perspective this work seems to represent a certain value of Consciousness different from other works. It gives more discussion about the notion that life is fundamentally a field of Intelligence and Pure Knowledge. This field is self-aware–it is the Knower as well as the object of perception. And for Caraka this is part of what is to be treated by the physician.
The P.V. Sharma translation comes in four volumes–two of original text and two of commentary about the original work. Sharma’s English version is said to be a scholarly and relatively faithful work. It has numerous appendices and an extensive index. The B. Dash / R.K. Sharma version lacks these features but does have the commentary of Cakrapani and their own commentary incorporated in with the original text (7 vol.). All three translators have excellent academic or/and clinical credentials supporting their works.
Page 2 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
SuÂruta Samhita
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Author
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Date 400 BC / 200 BC
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Versions and Commentators Nagarjuna (2), Dalhana, Cakrapani Datta
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Contributions:
- Definition of Health
- Importance of Surgery
- Many surgical procedures
- Pitta elaborated
- Blood as 4th dosha
- Description and discussion of marmani
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Organization: 196 chapters written in 9250 verses 1. Sutrasthanam (46) lists of emetic, purgative, errhines—39; purgative preparations–44
- Nidanamsthanam (16)
- Sharirasthanam (10)
- Cikitasthanam (50) drugs 10-15, 27-30; 31-40 snehana, svedana, basti, nasya, vamana, virecana 5. Kalpasthanam (8)
- Uttarasthanam (66)
The Sushruta Samhita presents the field of Ayurvedic surgery called shalya. This branch of medicine arose in part from the exigencies of dealing with the effects of war. This work, also, is said to be a redaction of oral material passed down verbally from generation to generation. It is thought to have arisen about the same time period as the Caraka Samhita– slightly after or before it according to different authorities. Its style is both prose and poetry with poetry being the greater portion. The Sushruta Samhita, while dealing with the practice and theory of surgery, is an important source of Ayurvedic aphorisms. For example, the most comprehensive and frequently quoted definition of health is from Sushruta. This work is unique in that it discusses blood in terms of the fourth doshic principle. This work is the first to enumerate and discuss the pitta sub-doshas and the marmas. With its emphasis on pitta, surgery, and blood this work best represents the transformational value of life.
This work, also originally written in Sanskrit, is now available in English with Devanagari.
Bhishagratna’s translation is English and Sanskrit and recently P.V. Sharma has written a translation with both the Sanskrit/Devanagari and English that includes Dalhana’s commentary. Dalhana has been regarded as the most influential commentator on Sushruta’s work.
Page 3 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
Vagbhaµa –Ashta¥ga Hrudayam
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Author—Given, uncertain and various
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Date—550-600 AD
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Contributions:
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Brevity
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Sequential arrangement of topics
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Clear description of precepts and practices of medical science
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Organization: 120 chapters / 7120 verses
- Sutrasthanam—fundamentals/principles, properties of articles of diet and drugs, kinds of diseases and methods of treatment, humoral physiology and pathology (30); groups of drugs for purificatory therapies—15, PK 16-21
- Àarirasthanam—anatomy, physiology, embryology (6) 3. Nidanasthanam—diagnosis—causes, prodromal and cardinal S&S, pathogenesis, prognosis (16) 4. Cikitsasthanam—treatment including effective medicinal recipes, diet and care of patient (22) 5. Kalpa-siddhisthanam—pharmaceuticals, administration of purificatory therapies, management of complications, principles of pharmacy (6)
- Uttarasthanam—miscellaneous devoted to the remaining 7 branches of AV (40) Ashtanga Sangraha / Ashtanga Hridayam are the work of a person named Vagbhata. There are two works by a person or persons with this name. The Ashtanga Sangraha has approximately 9250 verses and is written in both poetry with prose. The Hridayam (about 7120 verses) is written in prose and seems to have a slightly different organization of material than the former. Both works have been dated about the same time and are thought to date after the Caraka and Sushruta Samhitas (400 CE).
The exposition is relatively straightforward and also deals primarily with kayacikitsa. In this work we see the kapha sub-doshas are also listed and described–completing our modern edifice of vata, pitta, kapha with their five sub-types. Its emphasis on treating the physiology of the body and suggestions for therapeutic use of metals and minerals means the perspective of the treatise represents the gross, material value of life more than its counterparts–Caraka and Sushruta. While Caraka has chapters dealing with the Self, these works merely mention that the body is the home for the Self without any elaboration.
Srikantha Murthy’s translation includes the Sanskrit/Devanagari for those who want to delve into the original text. S. Murthy has translated many of the ancient Ayurvedic writings into English, for which we are indebted.
Page 4 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
Laghu Trayi
Madhava Nidanam
(Aka: Roga ViniÂcaya)
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Author: Given but little known about him
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Date: 700 AD
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Contributions:
- The ideal book of Nosology—knowledge of diseases = only includes causes, pathogenesis, symptoms, prognosis
- Not entirely original–CSV
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Organization: 70 chapters
Madhava Nidanam, available here in Sanskrit/Devanagari and English translation by Srikantha Murthy deals with the classification of diseases in Ayurveda. Its taxonomy is slightly different at times from those given by Caraka, SuÂruta, and Vagbhaµa, while for the greater part its verses are seemingly direct quotes from them. This work is dated around 700 A.D. and is prized for covering a wide range of diseases in the fields of bala, Âalya, damstra, Âalakya, kayacikitsa. While this treatise gives detailed description of disease etiology (disease doctrines), prodroma and cardinal signs and symptoms, it does not give explanation or suggestions for cikitsa (treatment).
Page 5 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
Àar¥gadhara Samhita
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Author: Given but little known about him—Popular name and many had it
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Date: 1300 AD
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Contributions:
- Practitioner’s Handbook
- Synopsis without originality and not exclusively from the Major Three 3. First textual mention of the pulse as method of diagnosis 4. First book describing the mechanism of respiration to include new term-equivalent for oxygen and heart
- Opium and other new drugs found here
- New technique for introducing drugs directly into the blood through an artificial wound
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Organization: 32 chapters, 2600 verses
- Prathama Khanda (first section) (7) principles, definitions, anatomy and physiology, disease classification
- Madhyama Khanda (second or middle section) (12) the drugs for treatment in their various forms (“All are those formulated by ancient seers and found effective by reputed physicians”) 3. Uttara Khanda (third or last section) (13) the different kinds of treatment The Àar¥gadhara Samhita is a concise exposition of Ayurvedic principles. Its author, Àar¥gadhara, has offered his work as a digested version of Ayurvedic knowledge, deliberately omitting much detail because the works of The Great Three were already widely known. This treatise is thought to have originated in the 14th century A.D. The Àar¥gadhara Samhita is prized for its enumeration and description of numerous pharmacological formulations used in panchakarma and contains the first textual elaboration of diagnosis by means of the pulse. Its subject matter is again the field of kayacikitsa. This work is available in Sanskrit/Devanagari and English translation, by Srikantha Murthy. Page 6 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
BhavaprakaÂa of Bhava MiÂra
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Author: Given but little known about him
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Date: 1500 AD
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Contributions:
- Comprehensive, concise (but unoriginal)
- Large section of nighantu
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Organization: 80 chapters / 10268 verses
- Purva Khanda (7) Principles, groups of drugs and articles of diet—PK discussed in ch. 7
- Madhyama Khanda (71) etiology, symptomology, pathogenesis, prognosis, treatment (kayacikitsa), vegetable formulae, mercurical and mineral formulations; advises surgery for tumors not cured by medicines.
- Uttara Khanda (2) virilization and rasayana therapy (relatively minor listing compared to Caraka for example)
Bhava PrakaÂa just now available in English translation. It’s the most recent of the classical texts-written in the 16th century. It is a well-organized and compact re-presentation of the earlier classics. There are about 10,268 verses of varying meters. It deals with kayacikitsa generally and has a large section–entitled Nighantu, which gives the characteristics of many foods, plants, and minerals. Many of it sutras are direct quotes from earlier writers. This Sanskrit/Devanagari and English translation is, again, done by Sri Kantha Murthy.
Page 7 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
Miscellaneous Classical Texts
KaÂyapa Samhita
Author: given but uncertain and little known; title given on name of preceptor/preacher rather than in name of redactor/ Vrijdha J²vala/ scribe/Vyatsaya/redactor
Composed in several languages: vaidika, prakruta, a Buddhist and Jain cultural influence
Date: 100 AD version extant 1200 AD ?
Contribution:
- The only source book on children’s and women’s diseases exclusively 2. Many comparative tables of the quotations from Caraka, SuÂruta, Vagbhata 3. Most elaborate description of posology
- Advice of fruit juices at 6 months and cereals with dentition 5. Most accurate anatomical description of uterus location with description of juvenile organs as a result of under supply of blood reversed by dhatu nutrition 6. definition of puerperal woman and management 7. improper use of nasya therapy associated with iatrogenic pathology
Organization: 200 chapters (78 available in part and 19 in toto) 1. Sutrasthanam—fundamentals/principles (19)
- Nidanasthanam—diagnosis (absent)
- Vimanasthanam—specific features of teacher and disciple(1) 4. Sharirasthanam—anatomy, embryology (5)
- Indriyasthanam—prognosis (1)
- Cikitsasthanam—treatment (17)
- Siddhisthanam—successful management (8) basti, virecana, vamana, nasya described 8. Kalpasthanam—pharmaceutical preparations (9) 9. Khilasthanam—supplementary section (24) Page 8 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
Bhela Samhita
Author: Bhela
Date: circa 1000 to 2000 BCE
Contribution:
- Description of mind located between soft palate and top of skull 2. Affirmation of circulatory system—veins end at heart 3. Simple and brief as in description of coexistence of water and fire for digestion and of disturbance of which leads to pathology (ajirna, etc.)
Organization: 107 Chapters
- Sutrasthanam—fundamentals/principles (28 missing 4) 2. Nidanasthanam—diagnosis (8 missing 1)
- Vimanasthanam—specific features (6 missing 1) 4. Sharirasthanam—anatomy, embryology (8 missing 1) 5. Indriyasthanam—prognosis (12)
- Cikitsasthanam—treatment (28)
- Kalpasthanam—pharmaceutical preparations (9) 8. Siddhisthanam—successful management (8 missing 1) Cakradatta
Source: Quoted from page vii from introduction to Cakradatta Sources of Cakradatta include about 49 works by others, including the Brihat Trayi. It is said that sometimes he could not locate the exact source and took resort to tradition.
For comparison, it will be useful to trace the sources of Cakradatta as mentioned by Sivadasa.
Importance of Cakradatta:
Cakradatta incorporates the advances in medicine made during two centuries after Vrnda’s Siddhayoga. This period is characterised mainly by the evolution of Rasa-Sastra along with Loha-Sastra and acceptance of Tantric practices in society. For the first time, Cakradatta prescribed mercurial preparations in treatment of various disorders3. About Rasaparpati, it is said that it is described (first) by Cakrapani
.
Similarly, use of iron and other minerals are seen in advanced form. A large number of formulations contain these minerals.
Tantric practices are also prescribed in certain disorders such as in case ofdificult labour, seminal retention, epilepsy etc. There are also some new therapeutic measures and formulations prescribed for treatment of certain disorders.
It has also described many techniques to tackle medical and surgical cases. For instance, the Ksarasutra and its application in sinus and fistula-in-ano is vividly described in Cakradatta which is absent in Vrnda’s Siddhayoga. Thus Cakradatta stood as the first representative work of the medieval era which was accepted as a handbook of medicine in the Ayurvedic profession and continued to be so for centuries to follow. Even in modern age, Cakradatta is the foremost text of medicine followed by Bengali Kavirajas and the recent compilations like Bhaisajyaratnava!!
too owe much to it.
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The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
Contribution to Herbal Medicine:
India is a vast country having rich vegetation. Every region has got some peculiar herbs which have useful application in disorders prevalent there. Such a vast flora naturally could not be recorded in Nighantus and other therapeutic handbooks. Even today, there is a large number of herbs which are not recorded in any text of Nighantu.
Medical authors emerging from time to time in different regions have tried to record the therapeutic use of such herbs which were described in nighantus later on. For instance, Sodhala, Madanapala and Narahari represented Gujarat, Rajasthan and South India respectively. Similarly, Cakrapanidatta has recorded the medicinal use of herbs growing in Bengal. In Cakradatta, we find a number of new drugs among which the following are noteworthy: (list follows of 59 entities).
Bibliography
Caraka Samhita
Sharma, P.V.
1981
Chowkhambha
Varanasi, India
SuÂruta Samhita
Bhishagratna, Kunjalal 1991
Chaukhamba
Varanasi, India
SuÂruta Samhita w/ Dalhana
Sharma, P.V.
1999
Chaukhamba Visvabhara Varanasi, India
Ashtanga Hrdayam
Murthy, Srikantha.
1991
Chowkhambha Press
Varanasi, India
Ash»anga Samgraha
Murthy, Srikantha
1995
Chaukhambha Orientalia Varanasi, India
Àarngadhara Samhita
Murthy, K. R. Srikanta, 1984
Chaukhambha Orientalia Varanasi, India
Madhava Nidanam
Murthy, Srikantha
1993
Chaukhambha Orientalia Delhi, India
Bhava PrakaÂa
Murthy, SriKantha
1998
Krishnadas Academy
Varanasi, India
Bhela Samhita
Murthy, SriKantha
2000
Krishnadas Academy
Varanasi, India
Cakradatta
Sharma, PV
1998
Chaukhambha Orientalia Varanasi, India
Note: The translators of the respective text have provided most of the information above and it has been summarized in this document.
1.
Caraka Samhita–PV Sharma Translator, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1981, pp. ix-xxxii (I) 4 Volumes
2.
Sushruta Samhita-KL Bhishagratna Translator, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1991, pp. iii-lxvi (I), i-xvii (II) 3 Volumes
3.
Ashtanga Hridaya-Shri Kanta Murthy Translator, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1991, pp.
ix-xxvi 3 Volumes
4.
Sharngadhara Samhita–Shri Kanta Murthy Translator, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1984, pp. iii-xviMadhava Nidanam–Shri Kanta Murthy translator, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1993, pp. iii-xv
5.
Bhava Prakasha–Shri Kanta Murthy translator, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1998, pp.vii-xii 2 Volumes
6.
Kashyapa Samhita (Vriddhajivakiya Tantra)—PV Tewari translator and commentator, Chaukhambha Visvabharati, Varanasi, 1996, pp. vii-xxxiv
7.
Bhela Samhita, SK Murthy translator, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, India, pp. xiii-xx 8.
Cakradatta–PV Sharma Translator, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, India, 1998 p. vii Page 10 of 11
The Classical Ayurvedic Texts
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MSD, 2009