Ayurveda: Ayurveda,the oldest system of medicine in the world, traces its roots to the Vedic period in ancient India (around 1700 BC ). The Vedas contain practical and scientific information on various subjects like health, philosophy, engineering, astrology etc. It is said that the knowledge of the use of various methods of integrated health – prevention, cure, healing, longevity and surgery came to the Vaidyas (Sage-Physicians-Surgeons) through Divine revelation. These revelations were transcribed from the oral tradition into book form, which are deeply intertwined with various aspects of well-being.
Around 1500 BC Ayurveda was bifurcated into the schools – Atreya : the school of physicians and Dhanvantari – the school of surgeons, and dileneated into eight specific branches. This classification provided a more sound scientific credibility to Ayurveda. Gradually, it gained popularity as a effective methd of medicine in India and the world too.
People from numerous countries came to Indian Ayurvedic schools to learn this medical science. In the 16th Century Europe , Paracelsus , who is known as the father of modern Western medicine, practiced and propagated a system of medicine which borrowed heavily from Ayurveda.The main authentic texts of Ayurveda are : Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Vagbhata’s Samhitas.
Fast Fact : Ayurveda is considered to be the only complete medical system existing in the world today, because of the originality and holisticness of the Vedas.