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.

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.

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.

Significance of Ayurvediya Marma

Significance of Ayurvediya Marma
Author: Raakhee Mehra
Publisher: Readworthy
Total Pages: 304
Release:
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 9350181479

The Marmas (Vital points) are very sensitive, tender and vulnerable points in human body. Injury to them leads to deformity or even to death. Therefore, the knowledge of the Marmas is very essential for physicians and surgeons. This book is an attempt in this direction. Based on 54 verses of Suśruta Saṃhitā Sārira, Chapter 6, it explains the Ayurvedic concept of Marmas, along with their various types, location in the body, nature, their size, anatomy, physiology, pathology and possible treatments. It also tries to correlate the Ayurvedic Marmas with the vital points in other alternative systems of medicine—Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy and Acupuncture.