In Hindu mythology many stories, incidents
reveal that the sainya chikitsa (treatment of the army) or chikitsa
(treatment) was in a developed state in the Vedic era. As described
in Rig- Veda many examples unveil that the doctors of Gods, Aswini
kumars performed many breathtaking surgeries and they were experts
in body implants.
The examples of implantation of the steel legs in place of broken
legs of Vishakha, the daughter of King Ravel, implantation of a
horse's mouth in place of Dadhichi's head and again replace it with
original makes it evident that Sainya Chikitsa was very progressed.
Atharva Veda, Kaushiksutra, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Harshabharit
etc. novels have the description about the well- equipped doctor
in the army quarters. .
In Arthashastra (Economy) by Kautilya, there is a discussion about
the doctors who possessed Yantra (equipments), Shastra (Tools),
Agada (poison), Aushadha (Medicine), Sneha (love), Vastra (clothes),
Parichaarak / Parichaarika (Nurses), to cure and heal. .
Pashu Chikitsa (Animal's Treatment)
thousands of years ago, rules and regulations mattered to people
and governed their way of life. Life in the Vedic era was a natural
life of the people who gave priority to Yadnya that only married
people were allowed to perform.
Animal hunting was allowed for purpose of Yadnya and the eating
meat after the Yadnya was thought as holy deed. The animals that
were having diseases were not eligible for Yadnya. Only after treatment
when they are fully cured could be taken for Yadnya.
It was observed that animals treat themselves when diseased and
ayurveda was classified in three branches:
- Manava ayurveda
- Pashu ayurveda
- Vruksh ayurveda
In the Vedic era significant animals were used in Yadnya and army
like the elephant, horse, cow etc. Cow was most important within
these. Cow was given as a gift, dowry and debt. Many branches such
as Gajayurved, Ashwayurved, Gawayurved were developed afterwards
based on these animals. |