Ayurveda in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे आयुर्वेदः)

Ayurveda is believed to be the Upaveda (उपवेदः) of Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः). As per some scholars Ayurveda is the Upaveda of Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः). Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas. Like all other Vedas (वेदाः) that are based on it, Ayurveda also shows lot of knowledge shared from the Rigveda. One can find various references in Rigveda that discuss and guide about health management, life, body and related topics that are actually later became the part of Ayurveda which exclusively deals with the knowledge of body, mind, senses and life energy.

परिचयः॥ Introduction

Ayurveda which is so commonly referred to as “The ancient” medical system, precedes other medical systems (like Greece, and Mesopotamian) by not less than 4 centuries. This ancient medicine of Ayurveda is a part of four major and oldest texts that are literally the systems of knowledge known as Vedas. 4 Vedas namely Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda are believed to be composed between 5000-10000 BCE. Ayurveda is a Upanga or Upaveda (उपवेदः) or Atharvaveda and Rigveda. Vedas are “Shruti”(शृतिः) in nature and they have been orally transmitted since the 2^nd millennium BCE. The word Ayurveda itself was initially mentioned in Charanvyuah (38) and Prasthanbhed(4)(precisely kinds of literature) which are a part of Rigveda.  

ऋग्वेदे आयुर्वेदः॥ Ayurveda in Rigveda

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

• Jnana (ज्ञानम् । knowledge) and karma (कर्म। action?) are considered two sides of Ayurveda, and the twin Gods of Ayurveda Ashvini Kumaras (अश्विनीकुमारौ) are often correlated with it in Rigveda. They are known as ideal physicians in Ayurveda.

• Ashvini Kumaras , the twin God of Ayurveda are described in Rig Veda. They learned the knowledge of Madhuvidya and Pravargyavidya from Atharvan Dadhichi.
• According to Rigveda, Rudra (रुद्रः), Agni (अग्निः), Maruta (मरुत्), and Varuna (वरुणः) who are considered deities are mentioned as Bhishaks or physicians.
• Rudra is considered one of the best physicians. (R.2.33.4). It is considered that Rudra initially proposed the concept of medicine. (R.2.33.12)
• A few examples of Ayurvedic management protocols from Ashvini Kumaras which are mentioned in Rig Veda include the treatment of Varma Rishi from madatyaya (मदात्ययः । Alcoholism). They successfully treated Chyavana Rishi (च्यवनऋषि) from Senility (R.7.71.5). Even the popular Chyavanprasha (च्यवनप्राशः) is said to be the boon of Ashvini kumaras to mankind which was designed originally for Rishi Chyavana (According to some historians) and hence named after him.
• 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

• 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)

• References to various diseases like Rajayakshma (राजयक्ष्मा), Hridroga (हृद्रोगः) etc. are found while describing anatomy and physiology and their treatment as well. (r.10/164/1) https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n19/mode/2up
• 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).

Treatment aspects

• Rigveda clearly mentions Doshapratyanik (दोषप्रत्यनीकम्) and Vydhipratyanik (व्याधिप्रत्यनीकम्) chikitsa aspects which are a few primary foundations of treatment modalities with 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
• There is an Explanation of Yukti vyapashraya (युक्तिव्यपाश्रयः । related to herbal medicine/herbo-mineral) and Daiva vyapashraya chikitsa(दैवव्यपाश्रय चिकित्सा । divine therapy) aspects in Rigveda which are counted among the 3 chief types of Chikitsa (चिकित्सा । treatments) discussed in Ayurveda.
• In Rigveda water (Jala Chikitsa । जल चिकित्सा) is explained as a crucial life substance and the air is considered as Bhishak (भिषक्) or physician. Also, water is considered as a complete Aushdhi (औषधी) or medicine and amrut (अमृतम् । correlated with nectar)(R.1.23.20)
• The usage of Agni (as Agni Chikitsa । अग्निचिकित्सा ) or fire in various treatment modalities is explained in Rigveda. (R.10/164) There are references regarding Agni Chikitsa in the context of diseases regarding female reproductive organs (R.10/162/1-4)
• Certain common practices like the exposure of Shareera (शरीरम्) or body to sun for management of disorders like jaundice, anemia and etc. are mentioned
• 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

• In Rigveda, there are references of 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

• 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)

Pashuchikitsa : 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.

Vaidya: 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). ( pg 21)