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The knowledge and practice of Ayurveda described in Rigveda can be found scattered at many places. Following are few subjects related to Ayurveda,

The knowledge and practice of Ayurveda described in Rigveda can be found scattered at many places. Following are few subjects related to Ayurveda,

=== Ashvinikumaras : The Royal physicians ===

=== अश्विनीकुमारौ ॥ Ashvinikumaras : The twin god of Ayurveda ===

* Jnana (ज्ञानम् । knowledge) and karma (कर्म। action?) are considered two sides of Ayurveda, and the twin Gods of Ayurveda [[Ashvini Kumaras (अश्विनीकुमारौ)|Ashvini Kumaras]] (अश्विनीकुमारौ) are often correlated with it in Rigveda. They are known as ideal physicians in Ayurveda.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 3 Sutra 45)</ref>

* Jnana (ज्ञानम् । knowledge) and karma (कर्म। action?) are considered two sides of Ayurveda, and the twin Gods of Ayurveda [[Ashvini Kumaras (अश्विनीकुमारौ)|Ashvini Kumaras]] (अश्विनीकुमारौ) are often correlated with it in Rigveda. They are known as ideal physicians in Ayurveda.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 3 Sutra 45)</ref>

* An interesting incident mentioned in Rig Veda in the context of Ayurveda and Ashvini Kumaras happens to be the iron leg replacement during the war, indicating the surgical knowledge and its application. (R.1.176.15)

* An interesting incident mentioned in Rig Veda in the context of Ayurveda and Ashvini Kumaras happens to be the iron leg replacement during the war, indicating the surgical knowledge and its application. (R.1.176.15)

=== Basic concepts and Diseases ===

=== त्रिदोषवादः तथा रोगविवरणम् ॥ 3 doshas and Diseases ===

* Three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) which are the groundwork of Ayurveda have their origin in Rigveda referred to it as “tridoshavaada” (त्रिदोषवादः) (1.34.6) (1.7.28)

* Three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) which are the groundwork of Ayurveda have their origin in Rigveda referred to it as “tridoshavaada” (त्रिदोषवादः) (1.34.6) (1.7.28)

* There is a similarity drawn between the Rakshas(राक्षसाः) and krimi(कृमयः। worms) in the context of their Prakriti or Nature. For instance both thrive in darkness, mamsa (मांसम्) and Rakta (रक्तम् ।flesh and blood).<ref name=":0">[https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n17/mode/2up Ayurveda ka Brihat Itihas] by Atrideva Vidyalankara. Indian Universities Press. 1976. (Pg  )</ref>  

* There is a similarity drawn between the Rakshas(राक्षसाः) and krimi(कृमयः। worms) in the context of their Prakriti or Nature. For instance both thrive in darkness, mamsa (मांसम्) and Rakta (रक्तम् ।flesh and blood).<ref name=":0">[https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n17/mode/2up Ayurveda ka Brihat Itihas] by Atrideva Vidyalankara. Indian Universities Press. 1976. (Pg  )</ref>  

=== Treatment aspects ===

=== चिकित्साविषयाः॥ Treatment aspects ===

* Rigveda clearly mentions Doshapratyanik (दोषप्रत्यनीकम्) and Vydhipratyanik (व्याधिप्रत्यनीकम्) chikitsa aspects which are a few primary foundations of treatment modalities with [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Doshas]] (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and krimi (कृमयः । worm infestation) as two major causes. (R.10/97/13)

* Rigveda clearly mentions Doshapratyanik (दोषप्रत्यनीकम्) and Vydhipratyanik (व्याधिप्रत्यनीकम्) chikitsa aspects which are a few primary foundations of treatment modalities with [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Doshas]] (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and krimi (कृमयः । worm infestation) as two major causes. (R.10/97/13)

* Precious stones or gems were also used therapeutically in certain diseases. There are certain references where aushadhi (औषधी । medicinal herbs) are worn as ornaments for the management of diseases. Therefore effect of a appropriately chosen

* Precious stones or gems were also used therapeutically in certain diseases. There are certain references where aushadhi (औषधी । medicinal herbs) are worn as ornaments for the management of diseases. Therefore effect of a appropriately chosen

* [[Vajikaran (वाजीकरणम्)|Vajikarana (वाजीकरणम्)]]  which is a blooming branch of Ayurveda now, has its references in Rigveda in the context of the treatment of certain diseases from its root. (R.10.97.110)

* [[Vajikaran (वाजीकरणम्)|Vajikarana (वाजीकरणम्)]]  which is a blooming branch of Ayurveda now, has its references in Rigveda in the context of the treatment of certain diseases from its root. (R.10.97.110)

=== Indra and his knowledge of Ayurveda ===

=== इन्द्रस्य वैद्यककार्यम् ॥ Indra and his knowledge of Ayurveda ===

* In Rigveda, there are references of [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] (इन्द्रः। the king of God) in the context of Ayurveda. For instance, he treated Charmaroga (चर्मरोगः । skin disorder), Khalitya (खालित्यम् । hair fall), andhatva (अन्धत्वम् । blindness), and many more diseases. Thus, he is referred to as a physician as well.

* In Rigveda, there are references of [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] (इन्द्रः। the king of God) in the context of Ayurveda. For instance, he treated Charmaroga (चर्मरोगः । skin disorder), Khalitya (खालित्यम् । hair fall), andhatva (अन्धत्वम् । blindness), and many more diseases. Thus, he is referred to as a physician as well.

=== Medicinal herbs ===

=== औषधी॥ Medicinal herbs ===

* The documentation of medicinal plants finds its place in Rigveda in Aushadhi Sukta (औषधीसूक्तम् । a section in Rigveda), various Aushadhi (औषधयः) or dravya (द्रव्यणि) or drugs are mentioned systematically with their form, place, action and etc. also, the usage of single herb drugs internally and externally was popular during the Vedic times. (R.10/47/1-23). The usage of multiple herbal preparations is not found during the Vedic period.

* The documentation of medicinal plants finds its place in Rigveda in Aushadhi Sukta (औषधीसूक्तम् । a section in Rigveda), various Aushadhi (औषधयः) or dravya (द्रव्यणि) or drugs are mentioned systematically with their form, place, action and etc. also, the usage of single herb drugs internally and externally was popular during the Vedic times. (R.10/47/1-23). The usage of multiple herbal preparations is not found during the Vedic period.

* Aushadhi (औषधी ) is referred to as “mother” or female entity (10.97.1) (10.90.4) for it nourishes. According to certain references in Rigveda, the definition of aushadhi or herb itself states, that which keeps diseases at bay is known as aushadhi. There are approximately 700 types of oldest herbs mentioned since the time of origin of mankind. (R.10.97.1)

* Aushadhi (औषधी ) is referred to as “mother” or female entity (10.97.1) (10.90.4) for it nourishes. According to certain references in Rigveda, the definition of aushadhi or herb itself states, that which keeps diseases at bay is known as aushadhi. There are approximately 700 types of oldest herbs mentioned since the time of origin of mankind. (R.10.97.1)

=== Pashuchikitsa : Veterinary science ===

=== पशुचिकित्सा ॥ Veterinary science ===

* Rigveda not only mentions the diseases and treatment aspects related to Ayurveda but also, “Pashuchikitsa” (पशुचिकित्सा) which precisely means treatment modality in animals, there are certain references that state Ashvini Kumaras treating Vandhyatva or infertility of a cow.

* Rigveda not only mentions the diseases and treatment aspects related to Ayurveda but also, “Pashuchikitsa” (पशुचिकित्सा) which precisely means treatment modality in animals, there are certain references that state Ashvini Kumaras treating Vandhyatva or infertility of a cow.

=== Vaidya: Ayurveda practitioner ===

=== वैद्यः॥ Ayurveda practitioner ===

* A [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)]]  or a physician is referred to as Divya Vaidya in Rigveda, and there are certain qualities mentioned, a Vaidya is supposed to keep medicines of all kinds with him and in well-maintained condition. Should have complete and brilliant knowledge about “shaastra” (शास्त्रम् । precisely scientific and religious treatise). Should have planning and management skills. Must be able in treating and management of various disorders and “rakshas” (krimi or worm infestation in this context).<ref name=":0" /> ( pg 21)  

* A [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)]]  or a physician is referred to as Divya Vaidya in Rigveda, and there are certain qualities mentioned, a Vaidya is supposed to keep medicines of all kinds with him and in well-maintained condition. Should have complete and brilliant knowledge about “shaastra” (शास्त्रम् । precisely scientific and religious treatise). Should have planning and management skills. Must be able in treating and management of various disorders and “rakshas” (krimi or worm infestation in this context).<ref name=":0" /> ( pg 21)  

== References ==

== References ==

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