Ayurvedic Medicine: The science of the five millennia.

Ayurveda in medicine has no exact date of origin, however, it is said that it may have begun to be used around the third millennium BC. It's concept links body, mind and spirit with nature and divinity; however it's methods are based on observation and experience. Therefore, posionnes or remedies, meditation, high concentration physical activities such as yoga and massage, are part of this traditional medicine. At first, due to its symbolism, Ayurveda was denoted as magical, however its treatments were made with ingredients from plants and natural elements. 

This knowledge of the human body and its mental processes is linked to the myth that medicine was a gift provided by the divinities of Hinduism to humanty, in order to bring health, happiness and harmony. It was transmitted mainly orally, between wise masters and their disciples; so, the first Ayurvedic masters of which there are records are Brahman and Bharadvaja. Later, this knowledge was collected in the documents or books "Rig Veda" and "Atharva Veda" that later both became part of "Ayurveda".

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine originates from Hindo-European region and is mainly based on maintaining a healthy life in every sense. The word Ayurveda, which means "the science of life", is a very suitable name, because it seeks to know the unique energetic composition of each individual, keeping it balanced with his being and with nature. Those vital energies or "doshas" are the fundamental components in which a life is formed, that is, everything having life is interconnected with the natural elements: air, ether, water, earth and fire. There are three doshas, they are Vata, Pitta and Kapha and these are composed as follows:

 

Vata: Composed of air and "ether", its function is related to mobility, energy and nervous system. Therefore, this dosha will have the characteristics of wind and space, that is, dry, cold, light, energetic or dynamic (movement). 

Pitta: Composed mostly by fire and a small part of water, its function is related to body heat, metabolism and digestion. So it is characterized by being bright and providing heat (temperature).

Kapha: Composed mainly of water and a small part of the earth element, its function is related to freshness, strong, immunity and body tissues. Consequently, it is characterized by density, strength, stability, slowness, lubrication or wetting, humidity.

Well, since the combination of these doshas is unique in each person, their balance is also different. To identify the state of vital energies in the body, a series of physical observations and questions are made; for example, pulse is measured, tongue, skin, eyes, hands, abdomen is checked, etc. However, these procedures are not performed arbitrarily, experts in this traditional medicine know each part of the body and its function, so they know at what point it is necessary to press or touch. With regard to questions, they are usually punctual, for example: Do you sleep well at night? What is the first thing you do when you wake up? What do you eat during the day? How long do you work? etc. After the check-up, it is possible to specify what is the energy composition of the patient and if there is "imbalance"; in other words, that imbalance of the doshas is the equivalent of "diseases".

When there are imbalances or diseases begins the appropriate treatment through therapies, massages, a personalized diet, meditation, ointments, baths with herbs and concoctions, depending on the needs of the person. Likewise, in ancient Ayurveda, the medicine of precious stones was used, which consisted of a long process using water, air, fire and earth to eliminate the toxicity of precious stones and metals to turn them into a highly effective medicine. Although the Ayurvedic masters did not ask for anything in exchange for their services, it should be emphasized that, as its name indicates, the medicine of the precious stones was exclusively for the nobility, not all could enjoy such treatment. 

Throughout the approximately five thousand years of existence of these medicinal practices, there were many highs and lows. During the world wars, it is said that the Ayurvedic masters were persecuted due to their vast knowledge of the human body and nature; It is also said that they could even pass out a person or animal by pressing on a certain part of the body and then wake it up by pressing another. Likewise, Ayurveda is not focused on relieving a disease, but to cure it, for example: cancer, paralysis, depression, cysts, tumors, among others. 

Fortunately, after those periods, Ayurveda in medicine has continued to be practiced. Nowadays, its fame is increasing because it is necessary to have a healthy mind and a healthy body. Many doctors travel to study this ancient knowledge and practices, then combine them with modern medicine to achieve greater effectiveness, creating an updated version of these treatments. In many parts of the world there are health centers focused on medicine where people treat their imbalances, and they are increasingly popular due to the amazing healing testimonies that are achieved. 

In conclusion, the importance of millennial knowledge is not only because of its cultural richness, its history and so on, but because of the great contribution it makes to the well-being of human beings. It is important not to forget the legacy of Ayurvedic medicine, since it is proven that physical health is linked to emotional health. Living positively, healthily and harmoniously with nature increases our happiness and humanity.