Ayurveda or the world's oldest medicine. Discover it

Conscious TV

September 28, 2020

Ayurveda is an ancient practice of traditional medicine originating in India, etymologically formed from two Sanskrit terms: ayuh (lifespan) and veda (truth, knowledge). Some sources point to an origin of 5000 or 10000 years, and it is widely believed among scholars that Ayurvedic practices influenced traditional Chinese medicine, which many consider to be older than it.

The earliest written evidence of Ayurvedic medicine can be traced back to the literature of three major texts or fundamental vedas: the Sushruta-samjita, attributed to Sushruta (between the 4th century B.C. and the 3rd century A.D.). It is an early pharmacopoeia and describes more than 700 medicinal plants, 64 preparations from mineral sources and 57 preparations of animal origin. The Charaka-samjita, attributed to Charaka (2nd c. AD), during the reign of King Kaniska. And finally, the Astanga-jridaia-samjita, attributed to Vagbhata, who was possibly a Buddhist monk residing in Sindh. The text is a compendium of medical treatments described by both Charaka and Susruta, so it would be later than both.

The fundamental principle of Ayurveda is based on the integration of mind, body and spirit into a harmonious whole, so that care of all three is necessary for complete healing. To achieve harmony, Ayurvedic medicine proposes a diet based on natural principles, exercise techniques or routines for the body and a series of guidelines to promote mental harmony.

One of the guiding principles of Ayurvedic healing is based on the belief in the existence of three doshas or humours, which form the backbone of each person, with one or two of them being predominant, depending on their lifestyle and their physical, mental and spiritual characteristics. The elements are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Although in a more extraordinary way, one can find people with tridoshas, that is to say, with all three principles or doshas equally represented.

• Dosha vata: It epresents the cold, light, subtle and rough elements. People with a predominance of this dosha have a thin complexion (they find it easy to lose weight), reduced bone structure, sensitive, dry and rough skin, light-coloured, dry hair, very pronounced veins. They are anxious and may be prone to nervous system disorders.

• Dosha Pitta: A predominance of this dosha is associated with people who have medium bone structure (they have as much facility to gain weight as to lose it), sensitive skin, sometimes oily, fine and light hair and translucent veins. They tend to have an accelerated metabolism, often accompanied by gastrointestinal problems, psychologically they are more irritable and prone to passion, in imbalance it is easier for them to show anger.
• Dosha kapha: People with a predominance of this dosha have a large complexion (great tendency to gain weight and possess greater physical strength), oily skin, thick and greasy hair structure, and are usually dark in colour. Their character is predominantly quiet and calm, seeking tranquillity rather than conflict.

A detailed study of each person is essential in order to be able to apply Ayurvedic healing practices; knowing which doshas are most represented in your life can give the expert and yourself superior knowledge of how to balance yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.

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