Medicine in Ancient India

Medicine in Ancient India were said to be first developed by Ashwini Kumars held a divine status as practitioners of medicine. In this article, you will learn definition, history, scientific medicine and technology in ancient India, different types of authors and medicine types. This article will provide key insights for GS Paper- I Art and culture section of UPSC IAS Exam.

Table of Content

• History of Indian System of Medicine
• Basics of Ayurveda Medicine in Ancient India
• Charak Samhita
• Sushruta Samhita
• Siddha medicines
• Other important medical contribution of India
• Medicines that later became part of Indian system of medicine
• Conclusion         
• Frequently Asked Questions       
• Reference           

History of Indian System of Medicine:

• During the Vedic period, Ashwini Kumars held a divine status as practitioners of medicine.
• The Atharva Veda was the earliest book that had mentioned diseases, their cures, and medicinal remedies.
• The Atharva Veda had provided remedies for various ailments such as diarrhoea, sores, cough, leprosy, fever, and seizures.
• Around 4th century BC, Charak Samhita, Astanga Hrdaya, and Sushruta Sahmita had formed the main 8 branches of medicine. 
• Around 6th century BC, Atreya and his student Agnivesa had explored the principles of Ayurveda.
• Around 600 BC, there was a shift towards practical and rational approaches to treat emerging diseases.
• Around 600 BC, Takshila and Varanasi had emerged as prominent centers for medical education and learning.
• During 600 BC, two significant texts were written: Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.

Basics of Ayurveda Medicine in Ancient India:

• Ayurveda was first mentioned in Mahabharat which got formalized over time.
  • Ayurveda was more prominent in Northern region of India.
• Ayurveda was prepared using ancient medicinal plants in India.
• Dhanvantari was revered as the God of Ayurvedic Medicine during the Vedic period.
• The Ayurveda is based on the combination of elements of nature- Vayu (air), Jala (water), Aakash (space), Prithvi (Earth), and Teja (fire).
  • These five elements are known as the Pancha Mahaboota.
• The Ayurveda follows 2 treatments based on- purification therapy (Shodhana) and alleviating or palliative therapy (Shamana Chikitsa).
• The Shodhana aims the removal of dangerous doshas that can cause life-threatening illnesses.
• The Shamana therapy is performed after Shodhana therapy and mainly uses Ayurvedic medicines.
• Indian Buddhist monks had introduced the Ayurvedic system to Tibet and China.

Charak Samhita:

• Charak Samhita was authored by Charak.
  • Charak was also known as the Father of Ayurveda.
• Charak Samhita primarily focuses on the utilization of plants and herbs for medicinal purposes.
• Charak Samhita is divided into 8 books, each providing a detailed account of various aspects of Ayurveda.
• The Charak Samhita explains the science behind digestion, metabolism, and the immune system.
• The Charak Samhita emphasizes the significance of 3 fundamental Doshas or Tridoshas in the functioning of the human body: 1. Bile, 2. Phlegm, and 3. Wind.
  • These Doshas are generated by blood, flesh, and marrow,
  • The imbalance of these three Doshas leads to illness.
• The restoration of this equilibrium can be achieved through the use of medicinal remedies.
• Charaka’s book emphasises more on preventive measures rather than mere curative solutions.
• The concept of genetics was also mentioned within the Charak Samhita.

Sushruta Samhita:

• Sushruta Samhita is written by Sushruta.
  • Sushruta was also known as the Father of Surgery.
• Sushruta Samhita focuses more on practical aspects of surgery and obstetrics.
• Sushruta conducted detailed studies of anatomy with the help of deceased human bodies.
• Sushruta expertised mainly on rhinoplasty (plastic surgery) and ophthalmology (cataract removal).
• During that time, surgical procedures were referred to as Sastrakarma.
• Sushruta Samhita provides comprehensive guidelines for performing surgeries.
• One of Sushruta’s notable contributions was the restoration of mutilated noses through plastic surgery, known as rhinoplasty.
• Sushruta had skilfully removed cataracts from eyes using simple surgical instruments.
• Sushruta had written about different surgical tools such as tongs, scalpels, catheters, probes, needles, specula, syringes, forceps, saws, and scissors in his Sushruta Samhita.
  • The surgical tools were designed in such a way that they were meant to be used for specific surgeries.

Siddha medicines:

• Siddha medicines has emerged in Southern India during 5^th century BC.
• Siddha was developed by the “Siddhargal” or Siddhars who were the scientists of ancient days. 
• Agastyar or Agasthya was the founding father of Siddha medicine.
• Kayakarpam (combination of medicine and life style) and Muppu (the universal Salt) are amongst the speciality of Siddha system of medicine.
• Siddha system of medicine can revitalize or rejuvenate dysfunctional organs that are the main cause of disease and help in maintaining the ratio of Dosha in the human body.

Other important medical contribution of India:

• In the 13th-century, Sarangdhara Samhita emphasized the use of opium in medicines and its application for urine examination in laboratories.
• The Rasachikitsa system focused on treating diseases using mineral–based medicines. 

Medicines that later became part of Indian system of medicine:

Unani:

• The Unani is a traditional form of medicine that were practiced in the countries of the Middle East and South Asia.
• The Unani Medicine is also known as Unani-tibb or Yunani Medicine.
• The Unani Medicine is rooted in the Graeco-Arabic medical tradition.
• The Unani is based on the teachings of Hippocrates, a Greek physician, and Galen, a Roman physician.
• Over time, knowledge of Unani was enhanced by Arabian and Persian physicians like Rhazes (al-Razi), Avicenna (Ibn Sena), Al-Zahrawi, and Ibn Nafis.
• The Unani medicine came to India during the 12th or 13th century when the Delhi Sultanate (1206–1527) was established.
• The Unani System of medicine was introduced to India through the book Firdous-al-Hikmah by Ali-ibn-Rabban.
• The Unani thrived under the Mughal Empire that followed the Delhi Sultanate.
• Hakim Ajmal Khan (1868 – 1927) was an important figure in the field of Unani Medicine.
• The Unani System of Medicine is recognized by the Central Council of Indian Medicine, as per the Indian Medicine Central Council Act of 1970.

Sowa Rigpa:

• Sowa Rigpa is an ancient system of traditional medicine that follows a comprehensive approach to diagnose ailments.
• Sowa Rigpa employs various methods like analyzing the pulse and examining urine samples.
• Sowa Rigpa based treatment involves modifying behaviour and diet and medicines derived from natural sources like herbs and minerals, and administering physical therapies.
• Sowa Rigpa was originated in Tibet.

Conclusion

The Indian system of medicine such as Ayurveda, presents a comprehensive and time-honored approach to healthcare. Its emphasis on individualized care, natural remedies, and holistic well-being makes it a valuable asset in promoting health, balance, and vitality for individuals around the world.

Ref: Source-1

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)