A Brief History of Ayurveda

A Brief History of Ayurveda
Author: M.R. Raghava Varier
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 263
Release: 2020-06-12
Genre: History
ISBN: 0190992107

For over two and a half millennia Āyurveda was the mainstream healthcare programme in the Indian subcontinent. However, what was once seen as indispensable, is now often officially described as ‘alternative medicine’. Moreover, there seems to be a lack of proper understanding of the specific culture from which Āyurveda emerged. This is because existing works on the subject have mostly been mere compilations of Āyurvedic practices and focused on classical texts. This book studies the stages of development in the system of Āyurveda and its practice from proto-historic times until British colonization. Using original Pāli and Sanskrit works, archaeological artefacts, as well as oft-neglected medieval epigraphic documents, M.R. Raghava Varier highlights how centuries of privileging Western knowledge has resulted in the sidelining of indigenous learning—a process that accelerated with the advent of colonialism. Further, he makes use of Jain and Buddhist sources to question the assumption that Āyurveda is a purely Hindu or Brahmanical system, thus providing a historiographical frame for conceptually establishing the notion of Āyurveda.

Mapping the History of Ayurveda

Mapping the History of Ayurveda
Author: K P Girija
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2021-11-25
Genre: History
ISBN: 1000481425

This book looks at the institutionalisation and refashioning of Ayurveda as a robust, literate classical tradition, separated from the assorted, vernacular traditions of healing practices. It focuses on the dominant perspectives and theories of indigenous medicine and various compulsions which led to the codification and standardisation of Ayurveda in modern India. Critically engaging with authoritative scholarship, the book extrapolates from some of these theories, raising significant questions on the study of alternative knowledge practices. By using case studies of the southern Indian state of Kerala – which is known globally for its Ayurveda – it provides an in-depth analysis of local practices and histories. Drawing from interviews of practitioners, archival documents, vernacular texts and rare magazines on Ayurveda and indigenous medicine, it presents a nuanced understanding of the relationships between diverse practices. It highlights the interactions as well as the tensions within them, and the methods adopted to preserve the uniqueness of practices even while sharing elements of healing, herbs and medicine. It also discusses how regulations and standards set by the state have estranged assorted healing practices, created uncertainties and led to the formation of categories like Ayurveda and nattuvaidyam (indigenous medicine/ayurvedas). Lucid and topical, the book will be useful for researchers and people interested in social medicine, history of medicine, Ayurveda, cultural studies, history, indigenous studies, and social anthropology.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurvedic Medicine
Author: Sebastian Pole
Publisher: Singing Dragon
Total Pages: 399
Release: 2013
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1848191138

This resource brings the unique theories and traditions of Ayurveda alive so that they are accessible to the complementary health practitioner of today. This book offers a clear, accessible and yet detailed guide to Ayurvedic herbalism. It encompasses a brief history of the growth of Ayurveda, a discussion of its fundamental principles, treatment strategies as well as the energetic approach of traditional Ayurvedic herbal pharmacy and pharmacology.

Doctoring Traditions

Doctoring Traditions
Author: Projit Bihari Mukharji
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 387
Release: 2016-10-14
Genre: History
ISBN: 022638313X

There is considerable interest now in the contemporary lives of the so-called traditional medicines of South Asia and beyond. "Doctoring Traditions, "which examines Ayurveda in British India, particularly Bengal, roughly from the 1860s to the 1930s, is a welcome departure even within the available work in the area. For in it the author subtly interrogates the therapeutic changes that created modern Ayurveda. He does so by exploring how Ayurvedic ideas about the body changed dramatically in the modern period and by breaking with the oft-repeated but scantily examined belief that changes in Ayurvedic understandings of the body were due to the introduction of cadaveric dissections and Western anatomical knowledge. "Doctoring Traditions" argues that the actual motor of change were a number of small technologies that were absorbed into Ayurvedic practice at the time, including thermometers and microscopes. In each of its five core chapters the book details how the adoption of a small technology set in motion a dramatic refiguration of the body. This book will be required reading for historians both of medicine and South Asia.

The Roots of Ayurveda

The Roots of Ayurveda
Author: Various
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 454
Release: 2003-04-29
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 9780140448245

Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing, has been practiced in India for more than two thousand years and survives today as a living medical tradition whose principles are at the heart of many "alternative" therapies now used in the West. This "science of longevity" has parallels with Buddhist thought, and advocates a life of moderation through which the three humors of the body will be brought into balance. The writings selected for this volume are taken from Sanskrit medical texts written by the first Ayurvedic physicians, who lived between the fifth century b.c. and the fourteenth century a.d. Here readers will find wide-ranging and fascinating advice on the benefits of garlic therapy, prayers for protection against malevolent disease deities, surgical techniques, exercise regimens, the treatment of poisons, the interpretation of dreams, and more. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies

The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies
Author: Vasant Lad, M.A.Sc.
Publisher: Harmony
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2012-02-22
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 0307815919

Based on the ancient healing tradition from India that dates back thousands of years, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies offers natural alternatives to conventional medicines and treatments with practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions. Dr. Vasant Lad, a leading authority in this field, has created an invaluable guide to treating common ailments and chronic problems with strategies tailored to your personal needs based on your dosha. Dr. Lad first explains the principles behind the science of Ayurveda, exploring the physical and psychological characteristics of each of the three doshas, or mind-body types--vata, pitta, and kapha. Once you have determined which type or combination of types you are, Dr. Lad helps you to begin your journey to the ultimate "state of balance" and well-being. Dr. Lad explains why certain imbalances often result in illness and shows you how to restore your body to natural order. You'll learn which traditional Ayurvedic remedies--herbal teas and formulas, essential oils, meditation, yoga--offer relief from a variety of conditions, such as cold and flu symptoms, headaches, toothaches, sore throats, high cholesterol, vision problems, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Lad also shows you how to use diet and specific Ayurvedic techniques to prevent future illness and to promote body consciousness and healthy living. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies enables us all to experience the benefits of Ayurveda's healing properties that have been refined over thousands of years. All of the herbs, foods, and oils Dr. Lad recommends can be found in local health food stores or through mail-order catalogs. Complete with an extensive glossary and resource list, this is the definitive guide to natural, safe, and effective remedies, everyday keys to a lifetime of vitality and well-being.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda
Author: Frank John Ninivaggi
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2010
Genre: Health attitudes
ISBN: 9781442207097

Describes the theories, principles, and practices of Ayurveda, a system of medicine from India that emphasizes physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being, exploring such topics as digestion, disease, nutrition, yoga, and consciousness.

The Roots of Ayurveda

The Roots of Ayurveda
Author: D. Wujastyk
Publisher: Penguin Books India
Total Pages: 412
Release: 1998
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9780140436808

Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing, has been practiced in India for more than two thousand years and survives today as a living medical tradition whose principles are at the heart of many "alternative" therapies now used in the West. This "science of longevity" has parallels with Buddhist thought, and advocates a life of moderation through which the three humors of the body will be brought into balance. The writings selected for this volume are taken from Sanskrit medical texts written by the first Ayurvedic physicians, who lived between the fifth century b.c. and the fourteenth century a.d. Here readers will find wide-ranging and fascinating advice on the benefits of garlic therapy, prayers for protection against malevolent disease deities, surgical techniques, exercise regimens, the treatment of poisons, the interpretation of dreams, and more.

Ayurveda and Aromatheraphy

Ayurveda and Aromatheraphy
Author: Light Miller
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publ.
Total Pages: 354
Release: 1998
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9788120815933

This book is a collection of twenty-five years of healing experience using aromatherapy and Ayurveda. It includes a self-dianosis questionnaire to determine your metabolic type, descriptions of essential oils, and recipes for the use of essnetial oils for common problems. It contains detailed information on over 100 essential oils, as well as over 100 illustrations and photographs.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda
Author: Sonja Shah-Williams
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 205
Release: 2021-01-12
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 0744041112

Make Ayurveda an indispensable part of your everyday self-care routine with this step-by-step guide to holistic balance and wellness. Introducing Ayurveda, a natural approach to self-healing, alternative medicine, and wellness brought to you by experts Sonja Shah-Williams and Sahara Rose. Featuring tailored remedies including Ayurveda recipes, skincare, yoga, and mindful meditation techniques, this marvelous medicine book is a one-stop guide to all things nature and nurture. This little self-care book will take you on a breathtaking journey of holistic healing, featuring: - What Ayurveda is and the benefits of the practice - A step-by-step illustrated guide to Ayurvedic practices - What ingredients and equipment you will need to get started - How to easily incorporate this Ayurveda practices into everyday life New to Ayurveda? No worries, we’ve got you covered! Ayurveda encompasses a view of the world based on ancient beliefs that everything is connected and that balance is the key to wellbeing. With a core focus on the prevention of disease by adopting anti-inflammatory diets, mindful meditation, and massages, this encyclopedia of ancient wisdom will elevate your health and wellbeing, leaving you feeling energized, grounded and mindful. Ayurveda combines spiritual practices and self-care strategies, by featuring tons of tips and tricks on wellness practices designed to uplift the mind, body, and spirit, complemented by healing treatments designed to address, relieve, and help cure a range of common conditions. Fancy a new you this New Year? This curated collection of clean-eating dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, and spiritual practices will show you how to practice Ayurveda at home, and become a better and more balanced version of yourself. Make 2022 the year of wellness and healing yourself! At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So once you’ve completed Ayurveda, why not explore more books in DK’s Little Book of Self-Care series? Discover how to make aromatherapy an indispensable part of your everyday self-care routine in Aromatherapy, or immerse yourself in the power of breathing to focus your mind in Breathwork.