Page 29 - Traditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report

a. Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the time-tested comprehensive traditional system of medicine of India.
The term ‘Ayurveda’ meaning ‘the knowledge of life’ comprises of two Sanskrit words

viz., ‘Ayu’ meaning ‘Life’ and ‘Veda’ meaning ‘Knowledge’ or ‘Science’.

Ayurveda was established as a fully grown medical system from the period of
Samhita (compendium) i.e., around 1000 BC. The compendia like Caraka Samhita and
Susruta Samhita were written in a systematic manner with eight specialties during this

period. In these treatises, the basic tenets and therapeutic techniques of Ayurveda

got very much organised and enunciated. These treatises stressed the importance of
maintenance of health and also expanded their vision to pharmaco-therapeutics.
The therapeutic properties of plants, animal products and minerals were extensively

described in these compendia, which has made Ayurveda a comprehensive system of

health care. Further, vivid descriptions are found about the location, building, personnel
and amenities of hospital-Aturalaya, a maternity home, Sutikargriha, a nursery sisugriha
and a pharmacy.

The essential details of Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita were compiled and

further updated in the treatises Astanga Sahgraha and Astanga Hrdaya authored by
Vrddha Vagbhata and Vagbhata during 6 - 7 Century AD. Thus, the main three treatises
called Brhattrayi i.e., Caraka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Astanga Sangraha formed

basis for subsequent scholars to write texts and among them three concise classics i.e.,

Madhava Nidana, Sarngadhara Samhita and Bhava Prakasa having distinct features are
called as Laghutrayi. Some other eminent practitioners and visionaries like Kasyapa,
T raditional Medicine Systems of BIMSTEC Member States – 2023 Report
Bhela, and Harita also wrote their respective compendia.

Presently Ayurveda has well-regulated undergraduate, post graduate and doctorate

education in India. Commendable network of practitioners and manufactures exists.
Infrastructure development in private and public sectors has improved the outreach to
the community in a commendable way.

1.1.1 Astanga Ayurveda (Eight Branches of Ayurveda): - Ayurveda was
divided into eight major clinical specialties.

i. Kayacikitsa (internal medicine) - This branch deals with general ailments

of adults not treated by other branches of Ayurveda.
ii. Salya Tantra (surgery) - This branch deals with various surgical operations
using different surgical instruments and devices. Medical treatment of

surgical diseases is also mentioned.

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