Updated: February 18, 2026
This page has been completely renewed: the former content was based on the information about Ayurveda, explained by Deepak Chopra.
INDEX
- What is Ayurveda?
- Ayurveda Food Guidelines
- Article ~ The Importance of Ayurveda in Indian Culture and Medicine
- Ayurvedic massage therapy
1. On the Johns Hopkins website you can find basic information about Ayurveda. What is Ayurveda?
2. The Ayurvedic Institute – Ayurveda Food Guidelines
3. Article ~ The Importance of Ayurveda in Indian Culture and Medicine
Original title: भारतीय संस्कृति व चिकित्सा पद्धति में आयुर्वेद का महत्व – भाग २
Published: June 10, 2021
In: Indica Today
It is said that “Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikara Prashamanam.”[Sanskrit: स्वस्थस्य स्वस्थ्यरक्षनाम अतुरस्य विक्र प्रशमनम्, Admin] This means that Ayurveda not only treats existing diseases but also protects the overall health of the body. It is no surprise that Ayurveda emphasizes a disciplined lifestyle more than the treatment of disease. If someone goes to a Vaidya[a practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, Admin], they are not only given ayurvedic medicine but also some mantras, such as: “Eat comfortably, destroy all worries.”
“Eat chewily, and the Vaidya will not come to your door.”
This means that you should enjoy your food without any stress. Enjoy every bite and chew it patiently. By doing this, you will never have to call a Vaidya again, meaning you will remain healthy.”
The Telugu[a Dravidian language spoken mainly in Andhra Pradesh, India, Admin] book Vaidya Cintamani, originally written by Vallabhacharya (1479 – 1531) of Andhra Pradesh in the sixteenth century, holds a special place in Ayurveda. This text is divided into twentysix parts. After the Mangalacharana (invocation), there is a description of the Pancha Nidan (five-point diagnosis) and the Ashta Sthan Pariksha (eight-point examination), the first of which is the pulse examination. The detailed description of the pulse found here is perhaps unavailable in any other ancient text. Along with the hands, the basic pulses of the feet, the pulses of the left hand of women and the right hand of men are also prescribed. Churna (powder), Kashaya (water potion), Vati (water potion), Avaleha (water potion), Ghrit (ghee), Oil, Arjan (oil), and Dhup (incense) are mentioned for the treatment of each disease. The twentythree parts of the text describe various types of diseases and provide detailed treatment for tuberculosis.
The British Raj considered the Ayurvedic system of medicine unscientific, mysterious, and merely a religious belief. Conversely, the British granted state patronage to mainstream medicine. Consequently, attempts were made to destroy the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Consequently, many great Ayurvedic texts, physicians, and procedures were suppressed. Ayurveda survived in rural areas beyond the reach of “modern civilization.” In 1835, the teaching of Ayurveda was suspended at the Calcutta Medical College. However, during colonial rule, many Orientalists indirectly benefited Ayurveda by recovering Vedic texts. Orientalists had made a significant contribution to the revival of Ayurveda. Misconceptions were spread about it, and as part of a conspiracy, this vital knowledge was separated from the health culture of ordinary Indians.
As India’s struggle against British colonialism was taking the form of a “renaissance,” a battle was also being waged in the field of medicine. This could also be called “Ayurvedic nationalism.” This revival manifested itself in many forms. Ayurveda was transforming itself by utilizing Western medical frameworks. According to David Arnold, a scholar working on this subject, English translations of the original Sanskrit texts of Ayurveda gave the movement classical legitimacy and made it accessible to a wider audience. Following one of the most effective institutional structures, Ayurveda strengthened its roots by establishing dispensaries.
“Ayurveda: Panchamo Veda” (Ayurveda is the fifth Veda). Ayurveda is not a science of decoctions, pharmaceutical medicine, or mere tablets. It is a science, rooted in the subtlest knowledge of life. It examines every aspect of life in detail, offering solutions to every ailment. Whether it’s authenticity or the untouched aspects of life, everything is addressed in Ayurveda, which is why Charaka Samhita said, “Ayurvedo Amritanaam”[“Ayurveda is the Science of Life”, Admin.]. Hardly any other medical system’s books were written after the attainment of complete knowledge.
The Ayurveda scripture is not for earning money, not for any other purpose, nor for filling the stomach. Its purpose is to ensure the well-being of various living organisms, to ensure human health, to prevent disease, and to treat existing diseases. Therefore, Ayurveda contains all the knowledge necessary to prevent disease.
After independence, Ayurvedic medical colleges were established in our country, but they remained limited to building construction. Governments have given no importance to research in Ayurveda. Our ancient scriptures are filled with the essence of the Ayurvedic system of medicine, but no meaningful effort has been made to bring it to the public. The current government has established the Ministry of AYUSH, but the extent of work being done in this direction is a matter of concern and discussion.
We must keep in mind that the debate over traditional and modern medical systems is very old. Instead of trying to prove one inferior to the other, we should strive to work together to protect precious human lives. Ultimately, this is the purpose of medicine.
References:
- https://www.keralaayurveda.biz/blog/what-is-ayurveda-benefits-and-importance-in-hindi#
- https://hi.m.wikipedia.org/wiki
- https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1704566
- https://www.drishtiias.com/hindi/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/renaissance-in-ayurveda
- https://www.indictoday.com/bharatiya-languages/ayurveda-katha-i/
Featured Image Credits: healthyliving.natureloc.com
4. Ayurvedic massage therapy – To get an impression about Ayurvedic massage therapy: a playlist with videos
