Pioneers of Ayurveda

Pioneers of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system prides itself of that is more than 2500 to 3000 years old. Development of this Indian system of medicine has taken hard work and perseverance of thousands of years and their effort is commendable. We pay our heartiest tribute to all of these unheard and unrecognized pioneers who set a strong foundation for ayurveda to flourish in future. For them, the contribution to the science was before the credit. In a bid to offer some pioneers of ayurveda we are giving a lowdown on some of the important figures of ayurveda.

Aswins or Aswini Kumaras:

Aswini Kumars were the physicians in heaven and supposed to have learnt the various nuances of this system of Ayurveda from Prajapathy, the lord of all creatures. Powered by this knowledge Aswini Kumars were able to return youth of the noted sage Chyavana. Rig Veda is full of descriptions of the medical acumen of Aswini Kumars in treating the disease like blindness, sterility, leprosy and others. As per some opinions they had learnt Dadichi 'Madhu Vidya' that can turn dead alive.

Chikitsa Sara Tantra and Aswini Samhita are their important works.

Dhanwantari:

Honored as physician of the Gods, Dhanwantari is one of the important pioneers of Ayurveda. But modern historians don't by this theory and for him he was one of the nine gems of the court of King Vikramaditya.

Atreya

One of noted pioneers of Ayurveda, Atreya has contributed a lot to this indigenous system of medicines. He spread his knowledge of Ayurveda to his some able disciples like Agnivesa, Bela, Jathukarna, Parasara, Harita and Jathukarna. One of his disciples Agnivesa is best known for his treatise 'Agnivesa Tantra'.

Susruta

Susruta is the author of 'Susrutha Samhita' one of the most ancient works on surgery. In this work he offers a perfect lowdown on surgical operations and instruments essentials for its performance.

Jeevaka:

Trained at then famous Taxila School, Jeevaka (6th century BC) is famous disciple of Bhikshu Athreya. He commands glory of being the physician of lord Buddha and some famous emperors of that period

Charaka

Charaka is one of the most prominent names in Ayurveda. He is often referred as the father of Indian medicines. His famous book Charak Samhita is one of the most authentic books in ayurveda.

In addition to these pioneers like Vaghbata, Amarashimha, Madhavakara and Salihothra has contributed a lot to art and science of Ayurveda.