| |
 |
 |
| |
The
Ayurvedic medical system is known as the most complete healing
system throughout the world. The magnitude of what this means
and the body of knowledge it encompasses are yet unknown ant
not so fully understood in today’s society. In short
it can be described as esoteric in its nature.
Ayurveda
has been the root to almost all-medical disciplines, philosophy
and treatment throughout eastern civilisation. Since its birth,
some 5000 years ago, in India, Ayurveda has been passed down
from successive generation to generation and simply become
a way of life for millions. The eastern man has grown up with
Ayurveda, tasted it as a child, reaped its benefits as an
adult and passed on its wisdom to his own children. Ayurveda
has almost become the eastern man’s best friend, having
integrated it into his life; both have lived and continue
to do so in harmonic symbiosis. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Meaning
of AYURVEDA
The word ‘AYURVEDA’ originates from the ancient
language of Sanskrit, ‘AYUR’ meaning ‘LIFE’
and ‘VEDA’ meaning ‘SCIENCE’, therefore,
‘SCIENCE OF LIFE’. In Sanskrit, this word has a
wider meaning, which includes the life of plants, animals as
well as other living beings.
The origins of Ayurveda are shrouded in Indian mythology. ‘MAHABRAHMA’
(the Hindu god of creation) is said to have communicated this
system of healing to a number of enlightened and distinguished
personalities. Among them are two individuals known as ‘CHARAKA’,
who founded internal medicine and ‘SUSHRUTHA’, who
comes from the ‘DHANWANTARA’ school of surgeons. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
AYURVEDA
IN SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka has its own Ayurvedic system based on a series of
prescriptions handed down from generation to generation over
a period of 3000 years. The kings, who were also prominent
physicians as recorded by historical texts, sustained its
survival and longevity. King Buddhadasa (398 AD) was the most
prominent physician, who wrote Sarartha Sangrahaya, which
is being viewed by physicians to date.
Ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces reveal the full establishment
of the medical services, which existed within the country.
These ancient hospital sites which were active centuries ago,
now attract the tourists, who view and marvel at these beautiful
ruins, which have come to symbolize a sense of healing and
care which was so prevalent at that time. The Ayurvedic physicians
enjoyed noble position in the social hierarchy in the country
due to its Royal patronage and from this stem a famous Sri
Lankan saying; ‘IF YOU CANNOT BE A KING, BECOME A HEALER’.
This inter-relationship between Ayurveda and royalty has brought
Buddhism and Ayurveda into a top position in Sri Lankan politics.
Ayurvedic students receive 6-year full time training at university.
Training includes western medicine alongside Ayurvedic subjects.
Today, the Ayurvedic medical council maintains and controls
the registration of physicians and code of practice, ethics
and conduct. The Ministry of Health controls the department
of Ayurveda, headed by the commissioner of Ayurveda, the Ayurvedic
Drug Corporation and the Ayurvedic research institute.
Finally, Ayurveda has its own unique quality, which embodies
and enraptures the whole being, treating the diseased holistically,
and examining components which construct a particular diseased
person, and the factors which influence its development or
regression. Thus it treats the person, rather than the disease.
|
|
| |
^
Top |
|
|
|
|
|
