The Ayurveda in their written form are almost 3,000 years old. However, like all of the 40 areas of Veda and Vedic Literature, the knowledge of Ayurveda has been passed down orally for thousands of years. This makes Ayurveda older than any other science of health.
According to the Vedic rishis (seers), as expressed in the ancient text, the positive healthy behaviour of each individual combines to produce a disease-free society. In centuries past, during periods of foreign rule in India, the traditional knowledge of Ayurveda was increasingly pushed into the background. As a result, many important aspects of this holistic approach to health care were lost. Fortunately, however, various parts of this knowledge have been preserved faithfully by traditional families of India and passed on to succeeding generations.
The earliest scripts would have been written on perishable materials such as Taalpatra and Bhojapatra, which could not be readily preserved. The script was later written on stone and copper sheets.
Ayurvedic practices have also evolved over time, and some practices may be considered innovations upon earlier Vedic practices, such as the advances made during the Buddhist period in India.
Ayurvedic practices have also evolved over time, and some practices may be considered innovations upon earlier Vedic practices, such as the advances made during the Buddhist period in India.
SOME EVIDENCE
The scrupulous planned cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro are pointers not only to India’s rich cultural heritage but also to its advanced systems of hygiene and health care. Taking diseases, herbs and herbal cures as a references, the four sacred Vedas were composed since between 1200 and 700 BC and the major part of composed material was from Rig Veda. The Atharva Veda has many hymns eulogizing herbs. Many plants were worshipped as deities and invoked by incantations and they had also many Mantras (invocations) to combat jaundice, consumption and hereditary diseases among others. The Atharvan hymns chanted for the cure of diseases were known as Bhaishajyams and those for attaining longevity and prosperity were called Ayushyams. These hymns, especially the Ayushyams are considered to be the foundation for advances in later medicine.
Ayurveda (ayur meaning "life" or "life principle" and veda meaning "Knowledge") means "knowledge or science of long life". The term Ayurveda refers combination of the body, sense organs, mind and soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and death, means all the indriya (all the senses- human being have six senses). It describes a comprehensive system of natural health care, offering a range of approaches for different aspects of life. Taken together, these different approaches have the ability to create perfect health and long life.
