The aim of Ayurveda
The Charaka Samhita states the purpose of Ayurveda in two parts: to protect the health of the healthy, and to relieve the disease of the sick. Prevention — through daily routine, seasonal living, food and conduct — comes first.
Health, in Sushruta's famous definition, is not only the absence of disease but balance of the doshas, the digestive fire, the tissues and their functions, together with a clear and happy mind, senses and self.
Definition of health (Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 15)
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः ।
प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ॥
samadoṣaḥ samāgniś ca samadhātumalakriyaḥ |
prasannātmendriyamanāḥ svastha ity abhidhīyate ||
One whose doshas are balanced, whose digestive fire is balanced, whose tissues and eliminations function well, and whose self, senses and mind are content — is called healthy.
Purpose of Ayurveda (Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 30)
स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्यरक्षणम् आतुरस्य विकारप्रशमनं च ।
svasthasya svāsthyarakṣaṇam āturasya vikārapraśamanaṃ ca |
To protect the health of the healthy, and to relieve the disease of the sick.
The classical texts
- Charaka Samhita — the foundational text of internal medicine
- Sushruta Samhita — surgery, including early descriptions of plastic surgery and cataract surgery
- Ashtanga Hridaya of Vagbhata — a concise synthesis of the two
- Together they are called the Brihat Trayi, "the great three"
Dhanvantari
Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods who rose from the ocean of milk with the pot of amrita, is the patron of Ayurveda; his jayanti is celebrated on Dhanteras.
For general information only — not medical advice. Do not use it to diagnose or treat any condition, and do not stop prescribed medicine. Consult a qualified doctor or a registered Ayurvedic physician (BAMS) for health problems.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ayurveda mean?
"The knowledge of life" — from ayus (life) and veda (knowledge).
What are the main Ayurvedic texts?
The Charaka Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridaya — the "great three".