During the British rule, large sections of the population, especially in the rural areas, continued to rely on Ayurveda. But Allopathy ( Western system of medicine) was officially encouraged by the British. Since Independence, however, Ayurveda has received official recognition.
Information about the system with proof is contained in two important medical treatises in Sanskrit language –the Charaka, and Sushruta, who was a surgeon. These are compilations of up-to-date medical knowledge made in the 1st century A.D. and later in the 7th century A.D. Another work, widely followed in recent times is Vaghabhatta’s ‘Ashtangahridayam’ . Sushruta identified as many as 1,200 diseases, including tuberculosis and small pox. Ayurvedic treatment is largely dietetic (food Prescribed) and medicinal.
All drugs used are obtained from indigenous plants. Charaka lists 500 medicinal plants, and Sushruta mentions 760. In olden days the physicians used to collect the plants and prepare the drugs themselves. Many of these have finally appeared in Western pharmacopoeias (books describing drugs). Ancient Ayurveda included advanced surgical practices. Even plastic surgery was done, particularly for the restoration of amputated (cut off) nose by transplanting tissue from the cheek. Sushruta describes 20 sharp and 101 blunt surgical instruments. Many research institutions are now documenting ancient health practices and herbal remedies.
Information about the system with proof is contained in two important medical treatises in Sanskrit language –the Charaka, and Sushruta, who was a surgeon. These are compilations of up-to-date medical knowledge made in the 1st century A.D. and later in the 7th century A.D. Another work, widely followed in recent times is Vaghabhatta’s ‘Ashtangahridayam’ . Sushruta identified as many as 1,200 diseases, including tuberculosis and small pox. Ayurvedic treatment is largely dietetic (food Prescribed) and medicinal.
All drugs used are obtained from indigenous plants. Charaka lists 500 medicinal plants, and Sushruta mentions 760. In olden days the physicians used to collect the plants and prepare the drugs themselves. Many of these have finally appeared in Western pharmacopoeias (books describing drugs). Ancient Ayurveda included advanced surgical practices. Even plastic surgery was done, particularly for the restoration of amputated (cut off) nose by transplanting tissue from the cheek. Sushruta describes 20 sharp and 101 blunt surgical instruments. Many research institutions are now documenting ancient health practices and herbal remedies.
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