Ashtavaidya

Ashtavaidya

The term Ashtavaidya refers to a group of traditional Ayurvedic physicians in Kerala, India, who are renowned for their expertise in all eight branches of Ayurveda. The word "Ashtavaidya" is derived from "Ashta" meaning eight and "Vaidya" meaning physician. These practitioners are part of a unique lineage that has preserved and practiced the ancient medical system of Ayurveda for centuries.

Historical Background

The Ashtavaidyas are believed to have originated from the Namboothiri Brahmin community in Kerala. Their tradition is said to date back to the time of Sage Agastya and Sage Charaka, who are considered pioneers in the field of Ayurveda. The Ashtavaidya families were patronized by the royal families of Kerala, particularly the Zamorin of Calicut and the Maharajas of Travancore and Cochin.

The Eight Branches of Ayurveda

The Ashtavaidya are proficient in the following eight branches of Ayurveda, known as "Ashtanga Ayurveda":

1. Kaya Chikitsa (Internal Medicine)
2. Bala Chikitsa (Pediatrics)
3. Graha Chikitsa (Psychiatry)
4. Urdhvaanga Chikitsa (Otorhinolaryngology)
5. Shalya Chikitsa (Surgery)
6. Damstra Chikitsa (Toxicology)
7. Jara Chikitsa (Geriatrics)
8. Vrisha Chikitsa (Aphrodisiac Therapy)

Notable Ashtavaidya Families

Several families in Kerala are recognized as traditional Ashtavaidyas. Some of the most notable ones include:

• Thaikkattu Mooss
• Pulamanthol Mooss
• Vaidyamadham
• Alathiyoor Nambi

These families have passed down their knowledge through generations, often through oral tradition and manuscripts.

Education and Training

The training of an Ashtavaidya is rigorous and comprehensive. It typically involves:

• Gurukula System: Traditional education under the guidance of a guru.
• Study of Classical Texts: In-depth study of classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya.
• Practical Experience: Hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients.

Contributions to Ayurveda

The Ashtavaidyas have made significant contributions to the field of Ayurveda, including:

• Preservation of Texts: They have preserved many ancient texts and manuscripts that are crucial to the understanding of Ayurveda.
• Development of Treatments: They have developed unique treatment protocols and formulations that are still in use today.
• Promotion of Ayurveda: They have played a key role in promoting Ayurveda both within India and internationally.

Challenges and Modern Relevance

In the modern era, the Ashtavaidya tradition faces several challenges, including:

• Globalization: The influence of Western medicine and globalization has impacted traditional practices.
• Preservation of Knowledge: Ensuring the transmission of knowledge to future generations is a concern.

Despite these challenges, the Ashtavaidyas continue to be relevant, offering holistic and personalized healthcare solutions that are increasingly sought after in the context of integrative medicine.

See Also

• Ayurveda
• Kerala
• Traditional medicine

References

• Menon, A. Sreedhara. A Survey of Kerala History. DC Books, 2007.
• Warrier, P. K. Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species. Orient Blackswan, 1995.

External Links

• Kerala Ayurveda
• Ayurvedic Institute