Medicine in Ancient India
"The system of blood circulation was discovered by them centuries before Harvey was heard of." - P. Johnstone
The history of medicine in India is as old and as rich as its civilization. Some of the earliest practices of ancient Indian medicine have been documented by Charaka and Shushruta, the two great teachers of Indian medical science. An alumnus of the famed centre of learning Taxila (presently in the Punjab province of Pakistan), he wrote Charaka Samahita, while Shushruta- Samhita was composed by Shushruta. These two are the basic textbooks of Indian medicine.
It can be inferred from these textbooks of ancient Indian science that ancient India placed great importance on prevention rather than cure. Personal hygiene and public health were accorded their due importance. The medical texts recognized the importance of fresh air and light.
Though vegetarianism was much encouraged in ancient India, the ancient medical texts recommended the use of both meat and alcohol in moderation.
The great Mauryan ruler Ashoka is said to have established free dispensaries where Buddhist monks studied medical lore.
The ancient Indian knowledge of physiology was no so superior. The reason was the taboo on contact with corpses. They also have an obscure understanding of the functioning of the brain. For the Indian, much like many other ancient peoples, heart appeared to have performed the function of the brain.
However, ancient India has, of course, developed a good knowledge of surgery. Apart from the caesarian section and bone-setting, the Indian surgeons had mastered the plastic surgery. In fact Indian taught Rhinoplasty to the surgeons of east India company.
Ancient Indians were well familiar with pharmacy. They were familiar with drug preparation from animals, plants and minerals.
The history of medicine in India is as old and as rich as its civilization. Some of the earliest practices of ancient Indian medicine have been documented by Charaka and Shushruta, the two great teachers of Indian medical science. An alumnus of the famed centre of learning Taxila (presently in the Punjab province of Pakistan), he wrote Charaka Samahita, while Shushruta- Samhita was composed by Shushruta. These two are the basic textbooks of Indian medicine.
It can be inferred from these textbooks of ancient Indian science that ancient India placed great importance on prevention rather than cure. Personal hygiene and public health were accorded their due importance. The medical texts recognized the importance of fresh air and light.
Though vegetarianism was much encouraged in ancient India, the ancient medical texts recommended the use of both meat and alcohol in moderation.
The great Mauryan ruler Ashoka is said to have established free dispensaries where Buddhist monks studied medical lore.
The ancient Indian knowledge of physiology was no so superior. The reason was the taboo on contact with corpses. They also have an obscure understanding of the functioning of the brain. For the Indian, much like many other ancient peoples, heart appeared to have performed the function of the brain.
However, ancient India has, of course, developed a good knowledge of surgery. Apart from the caesarian section and bone-setting, the Indian surgeons had mastered the plastic surgery. In fact Indian taught Rhinoplasty to the surgeons of east India company.
Ancient Indians were well familiar with pharmacy. They were familiar with drug preparation from animals, plants and minerals.
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