The Roots of Ayurveda
- 1st ed
- New Delhi Penguin 104177
- 389
ABOUT THE ROOTS OF AYURVEDA Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing, has been practiced in India for more than two thousand years and survives today as a living medical tradition whose principles are at the heart of many “alternative” therapies now used in the West. This “science of longevity” has parallels with Buddhist thought, and advocates a life of moderation through which the three humors of the body will be brought into balance. The writings selected for this volume are taken from Sanskrit medical texts written by the first Ayurvedic physicians, who lived between the fifth century b.c. and the fourteenth century a.d. Here readers will find wide-ranging and fascinating advice on the benefits of garlic therapy, prayers for protection against malevolent disease deities, surgical techniques, exercise regimens, the treatment of poisons, the interpretation of dreams, and more.
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The Roots of AyurvedaList of Illustrations Acknowledgments Author’s Note
Introduction The Historical Context Classical Indian Medicine The Choice of Texts The Translations Plant Names Measures Medical Terminology
Caraka’s Compendium Introduction to the Selections On Not Suppressing Natural Urges On Eight Sets of Three On Hospitals On Epidemics On Heredity
Susruta’s Compendium Introduction to the Selections The Use of Knives Gaining Surgical Experience Starting Out as a Surgeon Plastic Surgery on the Ear and Nose The Diagnosis of Embedded Splinters The Extraction of Splinters Blood and Bloodletting On Breath and Wind Rejuvenation through Soma Safeguarding Food and Drink Stationary Poisons
The Uses of Garlic (from the Bower Manuscript) Introduction to the Selection The Uses of Garlic
Kasyapa’s Compendium Introduction to the Selections Lady Opulence the Demoness Child-Killer
Vagbhata’s Heart of Medicine Introduction to the Selections Desiring Long Life Daily Regimen Seasonal Regimen The Six Savours The Science of the Humours Lethal Points on the Body On Insanity
Sarngadhara’s Compendium Introduction to the Selections On Weights, Measures, and Definitions Pulse, Omens, and Dreams Introducing Medicine Through the Skin On the Human Body
References Vocabulary Index: Flora, Fauna, and Medical Terms Index