Ayurveda
: Ancient Heritage in the Age of Globalisation
9
Introduction
Ayurveda is a science that has an impact on all
realms of human existence. Hence it is popularly known
more as a “way of life” than a “science of life”. In a place
like India Ayurveda is part of day to day living. It is said in
Ashtaangahridaya
1
, a classical text written by Sage
Vaagbhata
, that one who is desirous of healthy long life
should resort to the teachings of Ayurveda. According to
the details available in the WHO archives it is believed
that 80% of the population in some Asian and African
countries rely on Traditional Medicine (TM) for primary
health care. If a sizeable percentage among them
approaches Ayurveda for specialty/tertiary care too in
India, it is due to its larger scope of application and
efficacy. This paper gives an overview of the uniqueness
of this noble science that makes its wider acceptance
possible. It will cover the foundational principles, the
concepts of disease and treatments and also deal with the
contemporary global status of Ayurveda with special
reference to India, its place of origin.
An Overview of Ayurveda
Origin and Spread
Mythological origin of Ayurveda is from Brahma
the Creator and its descent from heaven was due to a
1
Ashtangahridaya, Sutrasthaana, Chapter 1, Verse 2
