Ayurveda in Rigveda (ऋग्वेदे आयुर्वेदः)

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Ayurveda is believed to be Upaveda of Atharvaveda. As per some scholars Ayurveda is the Upaveda of Rigveda. Rigveda is the oldest of the Vedas. Like all other vedas 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.

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 Sanskrit literature (Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Yajurveda, Samveda) which is believed to be composed between 5000-10000 BCE. Ayurveda is a Upanga or Upaveda or Atharvaveda and Rigveda. Vedas are “Shruti”() in nature and they have been orally transmitted since the 2nd millennium BCE. The word Ayurveda was initially mentioned in Charanvyuah (38) and Prasthanbhed(4)(precisely kinds of literature) which are a part of Rigveda.  

Ayurveda in Rigveda

Jnana(knowledge) and karma(action?) are considered two sides of Ayurveda, and the twin Gods of Ayurveda are often correlated with it in Rigveda. They are known as ideal physicians in Ayurveda. (Sush.Sutr.3.45)

  • Ashvini Kumaras, the twin God of Ayurveda is described in Rig Veda. They learned the knowledge of madhuvidya and pravargyavidya from Atharvan Dadhichi. https://dharmawiki.org/index.php/Madhuvidya_(%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE)
  • According to Rigveda, Rudra, Agni, Maruta, and Varuna 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 are the Treatment of Varma Rishi from madatyaya or alcoholism. They successfully treated Chyavana Rishi from Senility (R.7.71.5). Even the popular Chyavanprash is said to be the boon of Ashvini kumaras to Rishi Chyavan (According to some historians)
  • References to various diseases like Rajayakshma, Hridroga and etc. are mentioned 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
  • Precious stones or gems were also used therapeutically in certain diseases. in certain references aushadhi or herbs are worn as ornaments for the management of diseases.
  • There is an Explanation of Yukti vyapashraya(related to herbal medicine/herbo-mineral) and Daiva vyapashraya chikitsa(divine therapy) aspects in Rigveda which are now one of the prime management aspects of Ayurveda which is studied through Samhitas.
  • https://dharmawiki.org/index.php/Yuktivyapashraya_Chikitsa_(%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE)
  • and
  • https://dharmawiki.org/index.php/Daivavyapashraya_Chikitsa_(%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE)
  • In Rigveda water (Jala Chikitsa) is explained as a crucial life substance and the air is considered as Bhishak or physician.Also, water is considered as a complete Aushdhi or medicine and amrut(correlated with nectar)(R.1.23.20)
  • The usage of Agni (as Agni Chikitsa) 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 or body to sun for management of disorders like jaundice, anemia and etc.
  • In Rigveda, there are references of Indra (the king of God) in the context of Ayurveda. For instance, he treated Charmaroga (skin disorder), Khalitya (hair fall), andhatva (blindness), and many more.thus, he is referred to as a physician as well.
  • The documentation of medicinal plants finds its place in Rigveda in Aushadhi Sukta (a section in Rigveda), various Aushadhi or dravya or drugs are mentioned systematically with their form, place, action and etc. also, the usage of single 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.
  • Rigveda not only mentions the diseases and treatment aspects related to Ayurveda but also, “Pashuchikitsa” which precisely means treatment modality in animals, there are certain references that state Ashvini Kumaras treating Vandyatva or infertility in a cow.
  • Rigveda clearly mentions Doshapratyanik and Vydhipratyanik chikitsa aspects which are a few primary foundations of treatment modalities with Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and krimi (worm infestation) as two major causes. (R.10/97/13)
  • Three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) which are the groundwork of Ayurveda have their origin in Rigveda referred to it as “tridoshavaada” (1.34.6) (1.7.28)
  • 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)
  • There is a similarity drawn between the Rakshas and krimi(worms) in the context of their Prakriti or Nature. For instance both thrive in darkness, mamsa and Rakta(flesh and blood). https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n17/mode/2up
  • A Vaidya 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” (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) Ayurved ka Brihat Itihas - Atrideva Vidyalankara) https://archive.org/details/ayurved-ka-brihat-itihas-atrideva-vidyalankara/page/n17/mode/2up
  • Aushadhi 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)
  • Vajikarana 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)

References

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