The development of medicine in ancient India: treatment according to Ayurveda. Nutrition according to Ayurveda: general principles. Ayurveda: the virtues of teaching

History of Ayurveda

Sources

Vedic sources

The first references to medicine and the healing properties of plants are found in the Vedas, most of all in the last of the four Atharvaveda. Atharva Veda is the first Indian text related to medicine. He identifies living agents as causes of disease, such as yatudhanya, krimi and durnama. The Atharvans seek them out and kill them with drugs to defeat the disease. This approach to disease is surprisingly advanced from the trihumoral theory developed in the Puranic period. Remnants of the original Atharvanic thoughts still remained in the Puranic period, as we can see in Sushruta's medical treatise (Garuda Purana, Karma Kanda). Here, following the Atharvan theory, the Puranic text considers microbes to be the cause of leprosy. In the same chapter, Sushruta also expands on the role of helminths in causing disease. These two sayings can be traced back to the Atharva Veda Samhita. One of the hymns describes the disease of leprosy and recommends the use of aushadhi for the treatment of rajani. From the description of aushadha as a plant with black stems and dark spots, it can be concluded that this is most likely a lichen with antibiotic properties. Thus, the Atharva Veda can be considered the first text to record the use of antibiotics. In addition, the bones of the human skeleton are described in detail in the Atharva Veda.

Buddhist sources

The first information about individual scientific papers in medicine date back to 1500. Today a large number of texts and information about their authors have not been preserved: some of them were destroyed during the reign of the Mughals. However, a significant number of medical texts can be judged from the manuscripts and books preserved in the multi-volume corpus of Buddhist writings of the Tibetan canon.

Nine treatises are considered the most important sources of Ayurvedic knowledge:

• Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (written by Srimad Vagbhata in the 4th century AD)
• sharngadhara samhita,
• Madhava-nidana-samhita,
• bhava prakasha samhita,
• Harita-samhita,
• Kasyapa Samhita,
• Bhela Samhita.

The first three of the list are the quintessence of all Ayurvedic works ever created and are called Brihat Trayu. There is also an extensive commentary literature, the most important works of which include the works of Dridhabala, Chakrapanadatta, Nagarjuna, Arunadatta, Hemadri and other authors belonging to the oldest medical dynasties. The final formation of the Ayurvedic canon dates back to BC. e.

Legend of the origin of Ayurveda

According to legend, Ayurveda was part of the revelation of the holy sages, who gained a comprehensive knowledge of the universe about seven thousand years ago. The Vedas indicate that Brahma told the secrets of medicine to Daksha, one of the demiurge gods. Daksha, in turn, passed on the knowledge to the divine Ashwin twins, who became "great healers" and later expounded it to Indra. Indra passed on his knowledge to his students, including Bharadvajaya, one of the seven Indian sages.

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda is Dhanvantari, an avatar of Vishnu mentioned in Bhagavata Purana and in the Vedas. The Hindu cult of Dhanvantari is associated with prayers for health. He is credited with having knowledge of surgery, herbal medicine, the antiseptic properties of turmeric, the ability of salt to heal wounds.

Medicine in the Buddhist period

The golden age of Ayurveda coincides with the rise of Buddhism in India (327 BC - 750 AD). During this period, the Indians accumulated significant knowledge about the structure of the human body, distinguishing 7 membranes, 500 muscles, 900 ligaments, 90 tendons, 300 bones (this includes teeth and cartilage), which are divided into flat, round and long, 107 joints, 40 main vessels and 700 of their branches (for blood, mucus and air), 24 nerves, 9 sense organs and 3 substances (vata - wind, a combination of the primary elements of air and space; pitta - bile, a combination of the primary elements of fire and water; kapha - mucus, a combination of the primary elements of the earth and water). Some areas of the body (palm, soles, groin areas etc.) were singled out as “especially important” (marman). The words of Sushruta testify to the versatility of knowledge of Indian healers of that time:

"A physician familiar with healing properties roots and herbs - a person; familiar with the properties of a knife and fire - a demon; knowing strength prayers - the prophet; familiar with the properties of mercury - God!

By the 7th century BC e. in the north modern India two medical schools were famous:

• At Taxila in the west, the capital of Gandhara; specialization - therapy
• In Kashi in the east of the country; specialization - surgery

In Taxila, Punarvasu Atreya (or Krishna Atreya) studied, in one of his treatises he likened 5 organs of perception - 5 basic elements ( pancha mahabhuta) . The different quality of objects was explained by the different combination of the smallest particles of anu ("atoms"). The vital activity of the organism was considered through the interaction of three substances: air, fire and water (the carriers of which in the body were considered prana, bile and mucus). Health was understood as the result of a balanced ratio of three substances, the correct fulfillment of the vital functions of the body, the normal state of the senses and clarity of mind, and the disease - as a violation of these correct ratios and negative impact five elements on a person (the influence of the seasons, climate, indigestible food, unhealthy water, etc.). Diagnosis of diseases was based on a detailed survey of the patient and the study of body heat, skin color and tongue, secretions, noises in the lungs, voice, etc.

Krishna Atreya had six disciples: Agnivesha, Bhela, Jatukarna, Parashara, Harita and Ksharapani. Each of them compiled his own treatise, the best of which was recognized as the treatise of Agniveshi. Agniveshi, having created a new teaching, began to wander, passing on his knowledge to people. People called him a wandering doctor - "Charaka". His activities gave rise to the Charaka or Charana medical system, a school of itinerant physicians. Probably, it was to her that the wanderer in northwestern India in the 1st century BC belonged. BC. the physician Charaka, who was considered the incarnation of Agnivesha. Charaka was also from Taxila. The school founded by Charaka studied therapy and various treatments for diseases. (in the treatise "Charaka-samhita").

In the IV century. BC e. at the "university" in Taxila, the famous physician Jivaka, who treated the Magadhian king Bimbisara, the Buddha, and the possible author Zhud Shi, as well as Sushruta, a student of Devadasa Dhanvantari, were educated. His medical skills are described in the later written medical treatise Bhoja Prabandha, a biography of King Bhoja (1010-1056).

In the III century. BC e. Mauryan emperor Ashoka made Taxila the main Buddhist center of learning.

In the 5th century BC e. Sushruta, who was educated at Taxila, established a new school of surgery at Kashi. . Sushruta divided all diseases into natural, associated with nature, and supernatural, sent by the gods (for example, leprosy, venereal, etc.). He also described sugar diabetes, unknown to the ancient Greeks at that time, which he recognized by the taste of urine.

Ayurveda in the Middle Ages

Ayurveda is practiced by approximately three hundred and fifty thousand registered physicians. Indian traditional medicine is studied in India under the general direction of the Central Council for Research on Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), which includes a national network of research institutes. The Government of India has established two research centers to work in the field of Ayurveda. More than 150 scientific associations and centers, as a rule, medical colleges explore modern methods various aspects of ancient teachings. In the city of Jamnagar, Gujarat, a university was founded, where specialists and researchers in the field of Ayurveda are trained. There are several pharmaceutical companies that produce Ayurveda and Unani medicines under government control. In India and Sri Lanka, Ayurveda doctors study for 5.5 years and pass State exam. It's complete training program(B.A.M.S., short for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, Ayurvedacharya course) and is taught in many Indian and several Sri Lankan universities. It includes four and a half years of study and a year of practice in a hospital.

Besides India, Ayurveda is used in Nepal and Sri Lanka. Robert Svoboda was the first westerner to graduate from the College of Ayurveda (c) and obtain a license to practice Ayurveda in India.

Safety concerns have been raised by Ayurveda, with two US studies finding about 20% of Ayurvedic test procedures contained toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. Other problems include the use of herbs that contain toxic compounds and the lack of quality control in Ayurvedic remedies.

Branches of Ayurveda

According to the classification introduced by Charaka, Ayurveda is divided into eight branches:

• Internal medicine - Kayachikitsa

• Surgery - Shalya Tantra

The school of medicine was founded by Sushruta, who regarded this branch of medicine as "the first and best of all medical sciences". Still having no idea about antiseptics and asepsis, Indian healers, following Vedic ideas, kept cleanliness during operations. Surgical instruments were made by experienced blacksmiths from steel, which they learned to produce in India in ancient times. During the operation, tweezers, mirrors, probes, catheters, syringes, scarifiers, bone forceps, needles, and saws were used. Instead of a modern scalpel, lancets with a double-edged blade were used. Bleeding stopped with ash and cold pressure bandage and hot water. As dressing material strips of leather, tree bark served. Linen, silk and wool bandages were soaked in melted fat. Healers performed amputations of limbs, opening of the abdominal cavity. Surgeons crushed kidney stones, repaired hernias, and repaired noses, ears, and lips. The method of rhinoplasty, described in detail in the treatise of Sushruta, went down in history under the name of the "Indian method". skin flap to form the future nose, it was cut out on a vascular pedicle from the skin of the forehead or cheek.

• Ears, eyes, nose and throat - Shalakya Tantra

The lens was considered an organ that preserves the "eternal fire". Its turbidity entailed the extinction of the inner flame. Therefore, the restoration of the patient's vitality depended on the skill of the surgeon, including during the operation to remove the cataract.

• Pediatrics - Kaumarabhritya Tantra

Already in the Classical period, obstetric care stood out as an independent field of healing. Sushruta's treatise details advice to pregnant women on cleanliness and right image life, deviations from the normal course of labor, fetal deformity, embryotomy (which was recommended in cases of impossibility of turning the fetus on a leg or head), C-section(used after the death of a woman in labor to save the baby) and turning the fetus on the leg.

Philosophy of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is not only a medical, but also a philosophical system, which is based on shad-darshana, six philosophies of astika (recognizing the authority of the Vedas), namely:

Ayurveda is focused on the achievement by each person of harmony, "continuous happiness" and considers a person as part of the Universe, which is in the closest mystical relationship with it. According to the Charaka Samhita, "life itself" is defined as "the combination of body, organs of perception, mind and soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and death, which preserves the body for a long time, and leads the processes of rebirth"

According to these views, Ayurveda develops measures to protect "ayus", which includes healthy living, along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Ayurveda is one of the few traditional systems of medicine that has a complex system of surgery called salya-chikitsa.

Three dosha system

According to the philosophy of Buddhism, matter consists of five basic "gross elements":

The "gross elements" are the only physical component of the individual, in contrast to the other four "subtle" ("mental") primary elements (nama). In various combinations, these elements make up the various tissues of the human body - dhatu. The elements are grouped into three basic fundamental life forces, the doshas, ​​which regulate all bodily functions. A person is healthy when the doshas are in a balanced state.

• Vata (ether and air) is the impulse principle needed to mobilize the function of the nervous system.
• Pitta (fire and water) is the energy principle that uses bile to direct digestion and hence metabolism into the venous system.
• Kapha (water and earth) is the fluid principle of the body, which relates to mucous substances, lubrication and nutrient source for the arterial system.

Also, dhatus and doshas must receive food, water and so on for their life activity. If the quality and quantity of food and other substances consumed by a person are below the required level, then the balance is disturbed. The balance can also be disturbed and mental factors, and seasonal changes. Within certain limits, the body itself has the ability to cope with these disorders. But if they exceed the capabilities of the body, the person becomes ill. The disease can affect any organ, but the cause may not be rooted in the affected organ, because the disease-causing principle can move along any of the channels of the body. Therefore, when examining a patient, the doctor seeks to establish the root cause of the disease, to investigate homeostasis (stability) complete system and systematize its violations.

Ayurvedic texts describe different types microorganisms and their pathogenic properties. However, Ayurveda considers microorganisms not as the root cause of the disease, but only as a secondary factor. The root cause of the disease is always a violation of the balance of elements in the body. If the body is in a state of equilibrium, then no microbes, even the most dangerous, are able to cause disease. That is why, in the treatment of infectious diseases, the doctor seeks to restore the disturbed balance: the destruction of microbes occurs by increasing the body's resistance.

Lotus is one of the sattvic elements

The psychosomatic constitution (original nature) of a person given to him from birth - Prakriti depends on the ratio of doshas. Prakriti is the fundamental concept of the Samkhya philosophical system of Hinduism, meaning primordial nature, the causeless root cause of the universe. Prakriti is independent and active, consists of three gunas:

• sattva - the basis of the mind, characterized by subtlety, lightness, light and joy;
• rajas - the basis of energy, characterized by activity, excitement and suffering;
• tamas is the basis of inertia, characterized by rudeness, apathy, amorphousness and darkness.

Prakriti does not change throughout life, and can be diagnosed through examination and questioning of the patient. Prakriti gives knowledge of the tendency to certain diseases. A person who knows his Prakriti has the key to his health, knows his weak and strong points and can always prevent illness by taking preventive measures (panchakarma, fasting, nutrition and regimen in accordance with Prakriti). The ratio of the elements of the human body in this moment called Vikriti.

There are seven main types of Prakriti and Vikriti: vata, pitta, kapha, vata-pitta, vata-kapha, pitta-kapha, vata-pitta-kapha. All this affects the choice of treatment methods and the restoration of the balance of the three doshas.

Doshas are mentioned in the Rig Veda, where Indra is identified with Vata, Agni with Pitta, and Soma with Kapha.

Disease management

In ancient Indian medicine, there are two ways to treat the disease: shaman and shodhana. The first means relief, a palliative method. Shamana methods alleviate the disease and its symptoms. Shodhana means elimination, and its methods seek to eliminate the root cause of disease (i.e. doshas). If the disease can recur after Shamana, then after Shodhana it is impossible. The principles of Ayurveda pharmacology are different from other systems of medicine. Most medicines are made from herbs.

Medications

The treatment was aimed at balancing the disturbed ratio of fluids (substances), which was achieved, firstly, by diet, secondly, by drug therapy (emetics, laxatives, diaphoretics, etc.), and thirdly, by surgical methods of treatment, in which ancient Indians reached a high level.

During treatment Ayurvedic methods three types of medicines are used: substances of plant and animal origin, as well as minerals, including precious and semiprecious stones and metals (including gold, silver, lead, mercury, tin, etc.). Since most of the metals in natural form toxic, they undergo special treatment (minerals are boiled with juices or vegetable decoctions - this process is called purification (shodhana); metals are calcined (marana) and pounded into calcified powder (bhasma). And mercury goes through 18 stages of preparation.

The herbal substances used in Ayurveda are native to the Indian subcontinent or the Himalayas. For example, the Neem Tree is considered a "divine tree". Medicines made from it have immune-boosting, anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antidiabetic, and sedative properties.

Tulsi is widely used in Ayurveda

Ayurveda gives different prescriptions for different segments of the day (dina charya), night (ratri charya), for the seasons (ritu charya).

The American Medical Association believes that patients undergoing treatment with Ayurvedic medicine risk their health - toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) are found in the preparations in an unacceptable high concentrations. Row clinical trials showed no effect in the treatment of Ayurvedic preparations, different from the placebo effect.

Use of psychotropic drugs

Influence of taste

Ayurveda believes that the tastes of foods or herbs have certain physiological effects and are used in the system of diagnosis and treatment. Those tastes that are formed after digestion (Vipaka) are stronger.

• Sweet (Madhura) - Sweet foods nourish, cool, moisturize, lubricate, and increase weight
• Sour (Amla) - Sour foods warm, lubricate, and add weight
• Salty (Lavan) - Salty warm foods, stimulate, soften, lubricate, and increase weight
• Bitter (Katu) - Bitter foods, cool, dry, purifying and reduce weight
• Spicy (Tikta) - Spicy foods that are warm, dry, stimulating, and reduce weight
• Astringent (Kasaya) - Astringent foods, cool, dry, reduce stiffness.

Body cleansing and massage

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of diseases. The properties of foods and drinks are detailed in Ayurvedic texts, and doctors always give dietary advice when prescribing a course of treatment. It is believed that one of the most important properties of food is its taste qualities, of which there are six: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent, as well as their diverse combinations. Each of the taste sensations causes a certain physiological effect: sweet promotes the formation of blood, tissues and fat in the body; sour promotes digestion, bitter improves appetite, etc.

To cleanse the body of dosha imbalances, five different procedures or purification methods are used, which are indicated in the texts of ancient Indian medicine and prescribed for a small amount diseases, as well as for periodic seasonal cleaning. These five procedures are better known as panchakarma ("pancha-karma" - "five actions"). The course of panchakarma usually includes short-term dietary nutrition, massage, herbal application. May include laxatives, baths, sweating techniques, enemas containing medicinal substances, sinus cleaning, bloodletting.

Panchakarma as a cleansing therapy is perhaps the most underrated of all the methods of Ayurveda. Due to ignorance, it is often perceived as a different massage system. So, massage with the use of oils is one of the methods used in ancient Indian medicine. In Sanskrit, massage using oils is abhyanga, which translates into Russian as “anointing”. A person can perform some types of massage on their own. Massage therapists perform this therapy to manage diseases caused by Vata dosha. As part of a medicinal treatment, oil massages involve the entire body, making it a holistic, holistic treatment. Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff muscles and reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. Defenders argue that toxins rooted in the joints and tissues are released into the body through massage. excretory systems to eliminate them naturally. Panchakarma can also be used as a rejuvenation therapy. In different regions there are differences in procedures, technique of execution, compositions of oils used. The practice of this therapy should always be performed by competent professionals.

Criticism

Critics cite the lack of rigorous scientific research, clinical trials of Ayurvedic methods. Thus, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that "most clinical trials were insignificant, lacked appropriate control groups, or had other problems in assessing the significance of the results." It should also be noted that the presence of a number of studies of dubious reliability discredits the methodology as a whole and reduces confidence in correctly conducted studies.

A number of clinical trials have shown no effect on drugs used in ayurvedic medicine other than the placebo effect, and serious danger some drugs containing unacceptably high doses of heavy metals.

In India, scientific research into Ayurveda is largely undertaken by a statutory body of the Central Government, the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine (CCRAS), through a national network of research institutes. A large number of non-governmental organizations also carry out research work various aspects ancient Indian medicine.

see also

• Rasayana

Notes

1. Gritsak E. Popular history of medicine. Directory
2. Georg Feuerstein, Subhash Kak, David Frawley. In Search of the Cradle of Civilization, - Quest Books, 2001, p. 212; ISBN 0-8356-0741-0 , 9780835607414
3. Story ancient world v.3. The Decline of Ancient Societies: in 3 volumes, Second Edition / Ed. I. M. Dyakonova, V. D. Neronova, I. S. Sventsitskaya - M.: Nauka Publishing House, 1983.
4. David Frawley. Gods, Sages and Kings: Vedic Secrets of Ancient Civilization, - Lotus Press, 2000, p. 332; ISBN 0-910261-37-7, 9780910261371
5. AYURVEDA
6. Sorokina T. S. History of medicine in two volumes
7. Fjordman. A History of Medicine - part 3//Euronews, 25.10.2008
8. Big encyclopedic Dictionary
9. Srimad-Bhagavatam. (Translation and commentary by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) Canto 9. Liberation. Chapter 3 Marriage of Sukanya and Cyavana Muni
10. Dhanavantari - the god of Ayurveda
11. Marchukova S. M. Medicine in the mirror of history
12. Gaṅgā Rām Garg. Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World, Volume 4 - Concept Publishing Company, 1992, p. 792 ISBN 81-7022-373-3, 9788170223733
13. Gaṅgā Rām Garg. Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World, Volume 1 - Concept Publishing Company, 1992, p. 224 ISBN 81-7022-373-3, 9788170223733
14. Encyclopedia Chinese medicine: healing powers nature. Great healers of the world, - Olma Media Group, 2002, p. 19; ISBN 5-7654-1882-1, 9785765418826
15. Vaidya Bhagwan Dash. ancient Indian systems of medicine
16. David Frawley. Gods, Sages and Kings: Vedic Secrets of Ancient Civilization, - Lotus Press, 2000; ISBN 0-910261-37-7, 9780910261371

Ayurveda is a system of ancient Indian medicine that originated about 6,000 years ago, translated from Sanskrit as "the science of life" and is considered an upaveda (additional) one of the four Vedas - Atharva Veda. The disease in a person begins when the balance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - is disturbed in the body, toxins and toxins accumulate. A person is considered healthy when the doshas are in a balanced state.

This is the most ancient system of medicine available now, proven by the experience of many thousands of doctors who have relieved diseases and suffering for many millennia, a huge number of patients. The goal of Ayurveda is to achieve the health of people through finding harmony and balance.

Ayurveda, unlike Western medicine, makes a person healthy, and does not fight any specific disease. Prevention plays a huge role in it. To achieve the health of all human body it is necessary to achieve physiological and mental balance, harmony of thoughts, understanding of the laws of nature and spiritual development.

European medicine the best way manages acute illnesses and injuries requiring immediate, sometimes surgical, intervention. Westerners mainly suffer from heart vascular diseases, rhinitis, obesity, arthritis, different kind tumors, a sick psyche - the consequences of repetitive stress, drug addiction, alcoholism and some other diseases. Indian medicine Ayurveda is a complex system of knowledge in which one of the main medicines are correct behavior and lifestyle. Healing is carried out with the help of plants and minerals, yoga and meditation.

According to ancient Indian philosophy, matter consists of five primary elements - panchamahabhut: earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (agni), air (vayu), ether (akasha). Based on the combinations of panchamahabhutas, doshas are formed - these are pathophysiological factors that support the human body like corner pillars that support a house.

Doshas in Ayurveda Ether and air form the Vata dosha, which is responsible for inhalation and exhalation, movement, circulation of various substances in the body and excretion of decay products.

Fire and water form the dosha of Pitta, which governs vision, digestion, heat production in the body, flexibility, cheerfulness, and intelligence.

Water and earth form the Kapha dosha, responsible for splendor, joint work, courage, endurance, stability, resistance.

Basic principles of Ayurveda

Ayurveda formed the following doctrines. For each element, there is a balanced and an unbalanced state. When Vata is balanced, a person is energetic and creative, but when he is too mobile, he tends to experience anxiety, insomnia, dry skin, constipation and difficulty concentrating.

When Pitta is balanced, the person is warm and friendly, disciplined, and a good leader and speaker. When Pitta is out of balance, the person becomes obsessive and irritable, and may suffer from indigestion or inflammatory conditions. When Kapha is balanced, a person is pleasant, reliable and stable, but when Kapha is out of balance, there may be a feeling of lethargy, a tendency to overweight, sinus congestion.

An important goal of the "science of life" is to determine the ideal state of balance of the doshas in the body, to determine when they are out of balance. Restoration of a balanced state is carried out by using a diet, medicinal herbs, aromatherapy, massage, music and meditation.

Origins of Ayurveda

According to legend, Ayurveda was part of the revelation of the holy sages, who gained a comprehensive knowledge of the universe about seven thousand years ago. The Vedas indicate that Brahma told the secrets of medicine to Daksha, one of the demiurge gods.

Daksha, in turn, passed on the knowledge to the divine Ashwin twins, who became "great healers" and later presented it to Indra. Indra passed on his knowledge to his disciples, including Bharadvajaya, one of the seven Indian sages.

The legendary progenitor of Ayurveda is Dhanvantari, an avatar of Vishnu mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana and the Vedas. The Hindu cult of Dhanvantari is associated with prayers for health. He is credited with knowledge of surgery, herbal medicine, antiseptic properties turmeric, the ability of salt to heal wounds.

The influence of Ayurveda on the medical traditions of other countries

As one of the oldest medical systems, Ayurveda has big influence on the development of Arabic and European medicine. Even in ancient times, Indian medicinal plants were transported by sea and land trade routes to Parthia, the countries of the Mediterranean and Central Asia, the basins of the Caspian and Black Seas, South Siberia, and China. The main export items were nard, musk, sandalwood, cinnamon, aloe and other plants and incense.

Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita, written in the 4th century BC. BC e. formed the basis of the treatise on Tibetan medicine Zhud Shi. Ayurveda began to penetrate into the region of Tibet from the 7th century. AD, when one of the representatives of the Bharadvaja school became the personal physician of the ruler of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo.

During the heyday of the Abbasid Caliphate, there were many doctors from India working in Baghdad, some of whom were influential in the Caliph's court. Mathematical, medical, including pharmacological and Ayurvedic texts (among them Sushruta Samhita) were translated into Arabic in Baghdad at the end of the first millennium of our era.

It is likely that Arabic translation treatise ("Ashtankar") was used by the Persian philosopher and physician Ibn Sina when writing the "Canon of Medicine". Subsequently, the texts of Ibn Sina were studied by European alchemists, whose works had a significant impact on the formation of European medicine and chemistry.

Among the many medical systems, one of the most popular in the last decade has become the Indian Vedic teaching. We have become accustomed to the word "Ayurveda". What it is? Can each person follow the principles of this system in order to live a long life?

History reference

The main element of well-being in this science is the unity and balance of the body, organs and soul. Appeared more than 1000 years ago, the doctrine significantly influenced the development of not only Eastern, but also European medicine. Healing herbs and spices from ancient times were brought from India to the countries of the Mediterranean and Central Asia, to China and South Siberia. We still use musk and sandalwood, cinnamon and aloe with pleasure.

Gradually gaining popularity in the world, by the middle of the 20th century, Indian Ayurvedic medicine began to be studied and used in the West. The center of Ayurveda in Israel, for example, is the Readman College, the National Institute of Ayurveda Medicine operates in the USA. Russia has met and has been actively studying the basic provisions and procedures of Indian medicine only since the end of the 20th century. Today, Ayurveda in Moscow is almost as popular and in demand as in the whole world.

Basic techniques oriental medicine firmly entered the practice of doctors who profess a scientific approach to the healing of patients. This and therapeutic diets, and baths with douches, and breathing. About three hundred and fifty thousand registered doctors of the planet practice Ayurveda.

Indian medicine is based not only on It is based on the philosophy of Sankhya, astrology and biocosmorhythmology, while also using knowledge from the field of naturopathy (natural methods of treating diseases).

According to this teaching, astrology describes the relationship between the micro- and macrocosm (man and the environment), gives an idea of ​​how our lives are affected. Naturopathy is known for offering to replace chemical medicines with natural food, medicinal plants and minerals. The main thing - individual approach to every person. Experts say that by objectively assessing the age, gender, physique, place of residence and biorhythms of a person, it is possible to correct the imbalance with the help of medicinal plants and spices. One of the canons of Ayurveda says: "Everything that surrounds us is a medicine, you just need to recognize it and use it correctly."

doctor in ayurveda

A person with all his chronic diseases is a system with dysfunctions of many organs. This is what Ayurveda says. Treatment should be carried out by only one doctor who will thoroughly study the problem and see ways to help the patient. A physician who uses the principles of Ayurveda must be a specialist in all fields and be able to help all patients without exception, regardless of whether it is an old man or a child.

One more thing important note. Oriental medicine suggests that the patient must go through the main part of the path to recovery himself, strictly following the doctor's instructions. Only in this case, a complete recovery is possible.

For a long time, the examination of the patient has been carried out according to the method of "five mirrors" - pulse, diagnostics by the condition of the tongue and skin, irido- and auriculodiagnostics. This allows not only to understand the clinical picture, but also to identify the patient's tendency to certain complications.

Elemental Struggle

We are all made up of the elements of the five elements: air, water, earth, fire and space. Their balance, balance (“Prakriti”) corresponds to ideal health, says Ayurveda. What it is? The desire of healers to direct a person in the direction of harmonization of soul and body. For ease of understanding, remember the European psychotypes - slow phlegmatic, quick-tempered choleric, almost balanced melancholic and inquisitive sanguine. It is almost impossible to find a person in whom all (or at least three psychotypes) are not represented. But highlighting the dominant one is a fairly simple task.

The same is true in Ayurveda. In an ideal state, we should live in harmony with all the elements. But from birth, one prevails.

Dosha

This concept describes not only but also the speed of processes occurring in a person: metabolism during digestion, thinking, psychological mobility and susceptibility to physical exertion, temperament, etc.

There are three types of doshas in Ayurveda. Vata is air, Pitta is fire and water, and Kapha is water, earth and space. As long as all doshas are in balance, we are healthy and active. But the constant variability of external conditions and, accordingly, internal stress knock people out of balance.

The goal of Ayurveda is the harmonization of dosha and guna ( psycho-emotional state) to Prakriti.

Water wears away the stone

And yet Ayurveda - what is it? Most experts say that this is a flexible system of protection and adjustment of the human condition. She proposes to use centuries-old proven algorithms anywhere and at all times. In this case, the emphasis is on the fact that it is impossible to mechanically apply known techniques- they should be adapted according to the “place-time-circumstances” scheme. Only taking into account the peculiarities of the climate and geography, culture and society in which the patient is located, it is possible to create an effective treatment system.

Many drugs (or rather, almost all) act gently and gradually, activating internal processes body self-regulation. They don't call side effects for which chemical drugs are known. The Oriental Medicine Center will offer a set of measures to “pull out” the disease outside, and not to heal it somewhere deep inside. And at the same time, Ayurvedic medicines have a rejuvenating and cleansing effect. The simplicity and accessibility of treatment methods allows you to correct your condition even at home.

Illness is a teacher

It also seems interesting that all illnesses are not considered as "evil in the last resort", but as teachers who came to point out our mistakes. Describing the disease, linking it to the way of thinking and behavior, and pointing us through "friendly" diseases to deeper and more severe ailments - that's what Ayurveda is capable of. What is it and how to understand it? Modern medical scientists have already proven, for example, that a mild form of tuberculosis, which should not be expelled from your body, according to Vedic philosophy, will take away bronchial asthma from a patient.

Remember the saying “thought is material”? This is one of cornerstones teachings under the beautiful name of Ayurveda. We already know that this system binds together the universe and people (with all their thoughts and deeds that can affect the environment). Illness is seen as something that can stop and change the situation, prevent the consequences of what a person could do while being healthy. This is exactly what Ayurveda says. Healing allows us to extinguish the energy that we accumulate for the implementation of unkind, destructive intentions. The main thing is to learn that we are not talking about meaningful and planned evil. Envy, criticism of others, self-pity - all these are also unkind and harmful seeds for the universe. And with the help of illnesses, we switch and learn to perceive reality in a different way.

Ojas

Oriental medicine calls this beautiful word vital energy, on which the status of a person depends. And note: intellectual, spiritual and even social. According to the adherents of Ayurveda, each of us does not use our potential even by 5%. And it is not so important whether we live in inappropriate conditions or are fascinated by momentary desires (to earn more, gain power, fly up the career ladder, etc.) - nature with enviable constancy pushes a person, showing him the path of self-realization, but we rarely hear these hints...

This is where ojas decreases. And with it, there are chronic diseases and old age approaches. In addition, the amount of ojas determines our resistance to all sorts of destructive factors. Among other phenomena that reduce vital energy, one can name hard physical labor, prolonged fasting, alcohol and drugs, anxious thoughts, lack of sleep, dry food, etc. All this leads to the so-called mental and physical indigestion, as a result, all kinds of toxins and toxins (physical and mental) are formed. Literally everything annoys a person: noise, light, laughter of other people ... Fear, intolerance and anxiety settle in him. And, of course, all this leads to the development of diseases.

How to accumulate ojas

Despite the fact that Ayurveda (reviews of medical scientists only reinforce the opinion of those who have experienced treatment methods) considers individual and integrated approaches to the health of each patient, there are many specific recipes. For example, to increase ojas one needs healthy sleep and quality food. This purpose is served by honey, ginger, saffron, etc.

Each person, born with a small supply of ojas, is able to accumulate it throughout his life. But the main skill for an adherent of any school offered by the center of oriental medicine is the ability to redistribute and redirect vital energy. This applies to yoga, and tantra, and qigong.

The most effective way to save called abstinence from too frequent sexual relations. For the average European, this is nonsense. After all, the birthplace of the famous "Kama Sutra" is India. Ayurveda does not require complete failure from sexual relations. Adepts are only invited to streamline their intimate life because sex makes a person addicted, like drugs. There are even the results of a study conducted by scientists from the Netherlands, according to which orgasm acts on the psyche almost like a dose of heroin.

foundation of health

Eastern healers regard ojas as the greatest gift of the Almighty. To preserve and replenish vital energy, we need to make efforts: adhere to the rules to transform, take care of our spiritual purity, control thoughts, feelings and desires. In the Bhagavad Gita - Indian scripture- it is said: “Peace can only be achieved by one who is not disturbed by the continuous flow of desires, like rivers flowing into an ever-filling, but always calm ocean. And there is no peace for him who seeks to satisfy his desires.

Experience of generations - in life

Vedic doctors say that all diseases happen to us out of ignorance. We do not know how to listen to our body (and most importantly - to hear) and its needs. The ability to recognize the Universe in oneself and learn to control it is one of the tasks of an adept.

The most important difference between Ayurveda and European medicine is an integrated approach to the physical and spiritual well-being of a person, to his worldview and lifestyle. Any of us, without exception, applying the acquired knowledge, will be able to achieve the desired result. You just need to remember that the more efforts will be made, the brighter will be the achievement of the goal. There is no doubt that the result will really be, because people will not practice a completely useless system for 5000 years.

Surely many people have heard of Ayurveda. And each person roughly imagines what it is about when he hears this word.

ancient science

Let's see, Ayurveda - what is it? Ancient doctrine of the secrets of longevity. The latter, following the principles of science, is achieved through the harmony of the soul, body and mind.

History of occurrence

How did Ayurveda come about? What is this direction? You should know that Ayurveda is considered one of the most ancient sciences. The principles of this teaching influenced the development of medicine in Arab and European countries. It has been known since ancient times that medicinal products, like aloe, musk, sandalwood and others, were brought from India to European and Arab countries. Apart from medicinal fees, various incense was also brought from this country. Ayurvedic teachings were also used in Tibet.

In the middle of the last century, this doctrine became popular in Western countries, including Russia. Ayurveda has a number of basic principles that are currently used throughout the world. These include special breathing, special diet, cleansing the body through enemas, baths and body wraps. There are registered doctors who practice Ayurveda. Their number worldwide is 350,000.

Basic principles of science. Ayurveda

What kind of doctrine, we have already found out. Now let's talk about the features. The main principle of Ayurveda is the harmonious state of a person. Healthy is the one whose body and soul are in unity. But if a person has a body by itself, and a soul by itself, then he is in an imbalance. This means that he needs treatment. This principle to some extent intersects with traditional medicine, since if a person is stressed, then the likelihood of any diseases increases.

Ayurveda says that each of us consists of five components:

1. Air.
2. Earth.
3. Water.
4. Fire.
5. Space.

When all of the above elements are in balance, there is a definite name for such a state - prakriti (this is a completely healthy organism).

Ayurvedic teaching says that all the elements are collected in one person. But one of the components may prevail over others.

Dosha

In addition, in Ayurveda there is such a thing as dosha, which includes several components:

1. cotton wool. It means air.
2. pitta- Fire and Water.
3. kapha. It includes water, earth and space.

All three components are also present in the body and balance with each other. But one of the states may prevail over the others.

The physical state is the doshas, ​​and the emotional state is the gunas. Life is such that it can expose ordinary person imbalance, that is, to disturb the harmony of dosha and guna. A person can not cope with the influence of external factors. Perhaps he noticed someone's bad mood and he himself became nervous or was subjected to some kind of stress. There can be a great many reasons. This state of a person, when he lacks harmony, is called vikriti.

We move into a state of prakriti

Ayurvedic medicine is to transfer a person from the state of vikriti to prakriti. It is necessary to achieve such a state of health of the patient that he was in harmony with himself. In fact, it is very important that a person stops worrying, relaxes. Because most diseases begin with a disorder of the nervous system. Violation of harmony, according to this science, is the main cause of diseases of the human body.

Main differences of Ayurvedic treatment

First of all, it is worth saying that Ayurvedic medicine is looking for the cause of the imbalance of pitta, vata and kapha. It is assumed that none of these components can be absent in the human body. Therefore, for recovery, you need to find the cause of the imbalance. It is believed that if you find it, then you are taking a step towards recovery.

An Ayurvedic doctor determines which dosha creates an imbalance in the body and prescribes a treatment to restore it. This is the main difference between this medicine and traditional medicine. In the latter, the doctor conducts an examination and makes a diagnosis. Further, drugs are prescribed aimed at treating a specific affected organ. Ayurveda offers a complex therapy for disturbing the harmony of the whole organism as a whole. Preparations containing chemical elements are not used.

Elimination of imbalance

Ayurvedic medicine focuses on treatment, which consists in integrated approach to a person's recovery. That is, in the normalization of his physical and psychological conditions. Often people do not think about the emotional causes of a particular disease. But in fact it is very important point about which Ayurveda speaks. Treatment must be comprehensive. It should not be taken lightly. Sometimes emotional normalization leads to the recovery of other systems of the human body. You need to have a positive attitude. In this sense, Ayurvedic medicine is far superior to traditional therapies.

The effectiveness of such therapy is evidenced by the fact that these ancient knowledge and methods have been used for more than 5000 years. The center of Ayurveda is located in India. There is no point in doubting this doctrine.

Food

What should be the diet according to Ayurveda? Because similar treatment implies cleansing the body, then the main components this process are proper diet and food intake. Exist certain rules recommended by Ayurveda. Recipes are based on basic principles nutrition.

Let's look at them:

1. The main meal should be at noon local time.
2. You should not start dinner in an excited or upset state. You need to give yourself time to calm down, and only then start eating.
3. The environment plays an important role in food intake. The room should be calm, without the operation of any devices, such as a TV. Do not read or be distracted by anything.
4. After eating is finished, do not immediately get up from the table, you need to sit for 5 minutes.
5. You should take breaks between meals for at least 3 hours. This is necessary so that the food that was eaten earlier is already digested in the body.
6. The process of eating should be carried out in a sitting position.
7. It is not recommended to have dinner after the sun sets below the horizon.
8. Eat food only when you feel hungry.
9. The important point is thorough chewing food.
10. Do not rush while eating.
11. No need to overeat. It is necessary to calculate the amount of food consumed so as not to eat up about one-fourth to a full state. This is what Ayurveda recommends. Products must not be cold.
12. You should eat dishes that are prepared immediately before lunch or dinner. If this is not possible, then there is another rule. It is recommended to eat what is cooked today. No need to eat yesterday's or the day before yesterday's dishes.
13. While eating, it is not recommended to drink large quantities. If there is a need, you can drink water that has been warmed in a special way. Namely, it was boiled for a quarter of an hour. In no case should you drink cold liquid, as this is unfavorable for the stomach.
14. It is not recommended to mix milk with other products. It can be drunk separately hot with the addition of spices or sugar.
15. You need to watch the combination of food.
16. The use of spices is recommended in Ayurveda as they aid in the digestion process.
17. Nutrition according to Ayurveda implies the exclusion from the diet of cheese, cooked industrial way, yogurt, ice cream and cold milk.
18. The menu must match individual characteristics body and time of year.
19. There is such a thing as Ayurvedic taste. It includes 6 components. All of them should be included in lunch or another meal.
20. In no case should sour and salty foods be consumed in the evening, this list also includes kefir.
21. Avoid fried, sour and salty foods.
22. Exercise is recommended. Yoga is especially good.

Ayurvedic food compatibility

Dairy products and citrus fruits are considered incompatible. Also, milk and sour foods do not combine.

It is not recommended to eat potatoes, as they contain starch. This product takes a long time to digest. Therefore, it causes the appearance of toxins, which does not correspond to the Ayurvedic principles of proper nutrition.

You can not combine melon with cereals. This is due to the fact that the process of digestion of the first is very fast. Grain, on the other hand, takes a long time to digest. Therefore, there is no need to combine these products. It is better to eat melon separately from other food.

Do not use warm honey. Because this product when heated, it turns into a sticky mass, which attaches to the walls of blood vessels and creates an unfavorable environment inside the body. At normal temperatures, honey will be useful.

Milk and foods containing a large amount of protein should not be consumed with each other. Why? Because protein warms and milk cools. Therefore, the combination of these food groups leads to the formation of toxins.

Milk and melon are also two incompatible products. Despite the fact that they are both cooling, milk tends to curdle. Also, the latter product has laxative properties. Melon also has diuretic properties. These products also have different digestion times in the stomach.

Ayurveda for women

It is known that this teaching implies the use of only natural remedies. They are also used in cosmetic purposes. Ayurveda for women is primarily interesting because it offers a wide use of oils.

They are made on a plant or animal basis. Designed for indoor and outdoor use. In addition to oils, women are offered various cosmetics also made from natural ingredients.

Skin problems such as dryness, oiliness, wilting and acne can be dealt with using the knowledge provided by teachings such as Ayurveda. Reviews about natural remedies only positive. Women are satisfied with the use of the gifts of nature.

Ayurveda: the virtues of teaching

Another advantage of using Ayurvedic products for face, body and hair care is that they are aimed at a comprehensive improvement of the body. In addition to creams and masks, Indian manufacturers offer products for the care of teeth and hair. An interesting fact is that even decorative cosmetics have a regenerating and nourishing effect. For example, a remedy such as antimony is used by Indian women to color their eyebrows. And at the same time, she takes care of the hairs.

Creams and masks according to Ayurveda recipes contain not only natural extracts and oils, but also a number of minerals and others. useful components. Moreover, these elements in cosmetic purposes were used by the Indians before the Europeans.

Amla oil promotes hair growth and strengthening. It is extracted from the local gooseberry.

Conclusion

We figured out what Ayurveda is, what kind of science it is, we also found out, described its features. The basic principles of this type of ancient medicine were also considered.

Ayurveda is one of oldest systems medicine on earth. It originated in India. Ayurveda is the oldest of all systems of medicine, which is still practiced in the world without interruption since its inception and enjoys great popularity.

In Ayurveda, man is considered as part of nature., and all treatment is based on such an attitude towards a person. Ayurveda uses medicines provided by nature itself. The widest distribution areas of Ayurvedic medicine are India, Nepal, Sri Lanka. Recently, Ayurvedic medicine is gaining more and more popularity in the West.

Ayurveda has been practiced since the pre-Vedic period, around 5000 BC. CHARAK SAMHITA and SUSHRUTA SAMHITA are the two main classical Ayurvedic texts that were written down around 1000 BC. In other written monuments, Rig Veda and Artharva Veda, this type of medicine is also mentioned. In the Indian epic, in particular, in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, medicinal plants is given particular importance.

Word "Ayurveda" means "knowledge of long life" or " Wisdom for life". Ayurvedic treatment takes into account not only physical state human, but also astrological and weather(seasons, for example).

The most important in the Ayurvedic approach to treatment is the level of energy (prana) in a person. There are 5 elements, known as "panchabutha", which make up all matter. These are Water, Fire, Earth, Air and Ether. Our sensations are also five (“Pancha Indriya”). Each of these sensations corresponds to some of the elements. Together they form the 3 doshas (Kapha, Vata, Pitta). Each of these doshas affects a specific part of the body - for example, Kapha affects the lungs and chest.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic diagnosis is based on the analysis of the aforementioned Doshas: an imbalance in the doshas is determined and thus a diagnosis is made. The lifestyle a person leads can affect the balance of the doshas to a great extent. And so often the patient is recommended a certain diet and appropriate exercise.

Mainsdirections in Ayurveda:

In Ayurvedic medicine, there are 8 main areas:

1. Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)

2. Kaumara Bhruthya (Pediatrics)

3. Bhutha Vidhya (Psychiatry)

4. Salakya (ENT, Ophthalmology and Dentistry)

5. Shalya (Surgery)

6. Haggadah Tantra (Toxicology)

7. Rasayana (Rejuvenation)

8. Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac therapy)

Ayurveda training

Professional training in Ayurvedic medicine is carried out mainly in the state of Kerala in India. There you can get a legitimate diploma of an Ayurvedic doctor.