Two
streams of Natural systems of medicine in India,
have been percolated through centuries till
today. The first stream of natural medicine
is based on an empirical experience with various
kinds of herbs as regards to their healing abilities.
Such usage has no logic on the nature of a specific
biological activity. Such approach of medicine
is termed as Ethnomedicine, as such health care
pratices are mostly limited to specific ethnic
communities. The other stream of natural medicine
is scientific. With an objective to expand the
therapeutic resources within the nature, it
tries to understand the logic that govern the
clinical or biological activity of various agents.
Its approaches are aimed at the propagation
of a scientific evaluation of empirical experience
rather than spreading a mere belief on a particular
remedy. This stram of natural medicine is termed
as Ayurveda.
Derived
from two Sanskrit root words (Ayu + Veda), the
word means, "The Science of life or the true
knowledge of life". The later meaning is more
appropriate for Ayurveda as "true knowledge"
is beyond the scope of Science. The history
of Ayurveda is linked to Mythology. However,
its origin is basically attributed to Maharishi
Bharadwaj who is said to have laid foundations
for this science. However, his efforts could
see the real light from the ages of Maharishi
Krishnatreya, who taught Ayurveda to13 disciples.
His teachings have been recorded as Charaka
Samhita by one of this disciple, Agnivesa. During
later ages, Ayurveda was enriched by a series
of treatises covering various aspect of Ayurvedic
medicine, in depth. Unlike Ethnomedicine, Ayurveda
has its own philosophy, its own epistemology,
concepts of physiology
and pharmacology.
Philosophy, Phenomenon and Noumenon
The basic doctrine on which the Ayurvedic conception
of physiology, pathology, pharmacology, medicine and
therapeutics are founded is known as the Doctrine of
Panchabhutas. This doctrine has been expounded, among
others, by the Shad-Darsanas of the sic philosophical
systems of India. Of these, Ayurveda has largely relied
on the Nyaya-Vaiseshika and Sankhya-Yoga Systems.
It has to be observed that the term philosophy used
here should not be confused with religion, as is
generally the case. Ordinarily, this term has often
been confused with the supernatural and the superstitious.
On the other hand, it has been understood and used in
the past as in the present, to signify, \"the science
which aims at the explanation of all phenomena of the
universe by ultimate causes,\" and \"as the science which
aims at an explanation of all phenomena as explained by
and resolved into causes and effects.\" The term
phenomenon used here means, \"the form through which,
it (the thing) becomes known to the senses or understanding.
It is the opposite of the term 'noumenon,' which means,
\"the unknown and unknowable substance or thing as
it is in itself.\" In other words, the former tern is
used whenever materialisation
and manifestation perceivable by our senses has taken
place (i.e.) Vyakta, and the latter term is used
whenever things exist in an unmanifested or Avyakta state:
\"Whatever is perceptible, being apprehensible by the
senses in the manifest or Vyakta, but what is inperceptible
and is beyond the senses and can be known only by inference
is the unmanifest.\"
Philosophy can be classified under the following three
broad - based headings viz.,
-
The Natural Philosophy - Physics, Chemistry, etc.
- Mental Philosophy - Meta-physics etc.,
- Moral Philosophy - Ethics, etc.
In the context of Ayurveda or the Science of Life or
Knowledge of Life, the term philosophy comprehends all
these three categories which, between them, seek to
elucidate and explain the phenomenon of life and life
process and lay down the laws and principles that govern
them. The Shad-Darsanas claim to have sought for and
ascertained the ultimate causes relating to life and
life process in terms of causes and effects and enunciate
the laws and principles that govern them.
The term Darsana which is derived from the root 'Dris,
' means \"to see\" \"seeing,\" \"looking" or \"sight.\"
It also means, the 'eye' 'mirror' and 'knowledge.'
The Aptas like Kapila, Kanada, Goutama, Brihaspati and
the rest who were the authors of the respective Darsanas
viz., Sankhya, Vaiseshika, Nyaya and Charvaka Darsanas
are, according to Nyaya Sutras, those who taught what
they saw. Aptas, say the Sutras, \"may be Rishis, Aryas
or Melechas.\"
In order that we may not mix up these philosophical
systems with religion, supernatural and superstitious,
it may be noted here, that these systems include the
materialistic or atheistic philosophy of the Charvakas -
the Charvaka Darsanas. The Charvakas, while denying
the existence of God or a Creator, held that every aspect
of the phenomena of the universe including life, was
the result of the combination of the atomic particles.
For that matter, the Sankhya system is of two kinds viz.,
the Seswara Sankhya and Niriswara Sankhya. Whatever the
difference between one system and another, all of them
are material basis of the phenomenal universe and every
thing included in it.
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Do not use this information to diagnose or treat your problem without consulting your doctor. |
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