Charaka Samhita: Charaka Samhita Is One of The Oldest and The Most

Ayurveda is an integral part of our cultural inheritance that has
been practiced uninterruptedly from vedic times especially

dominant during buddhist sages in india but it was systematized
by Charaka
Brahma prajapati ashwini indra
Charaka Samhita
Charaka Samhita is one of the oldest and the most
important ancient authoritative writings on Ayurveda. It is
not known who this person was or, if indeed, this
represents the work of a "school of thought." It could have
been from a group of scholars or followers of a man
known as Charaka or an original composition from a single
person named Charaka. This work is sometimes
considered a redaction of an older and more voluminous
work, Agnivesha Samhita (46,000 verses), which is no
longer extant. The Agnivesa Samhitha compiled by
Agnivesa and redacted by Caraka is known as Caraka
Samhitha. The term Caraka is used in many works on
many occasions. Its not possible to assert that there was a
particular Acharya in that name. The term Caraka is
derived from the habit of wandering. Caraka Samhitha
shows special affinity for Atharva Veda. According to
some authors Caraka and Patanjali are same, others say
that they are different.
Even though all the right branches of Ayurveda have been
dealt by the author, this work has become more popular
as authentic text of General Medicine ( Kayachikitsa)
Caraka Samhitha has been divided into eight Sections and
120 Chapters :
 Deals with fundamental principles of Ayurveda.

 Deals with etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of
diseases.
 Deals with anatomy.
 Principles governing bodily factors that cause
disease- drugs and medicaments.
 Deals with prognostic signs of symptoms.
 Treatment of diseases.
 Formulation for emesis, Purgation etc.
 Principles governing the administration of elimination
therapies.
Seen from a greater perspective, this work seems to

represent a certain value of consciousness that is different
from other works. It gives more discussion about the
notion that life is fundamentally a field of intelligence and
pure knowledge. This field is self-aware; it is the Knower
as well as the object of perception, and for Charaka this is
part of what is to be treated by the physician.
Sushruta Samhita
The Sushruta Samhita presents the field of Ayurvedic
surgery (shalya). This branch of medicine arose in part
from the exigencies of dealing with the effects of war. This
work also is said to be a redaction of oral material passed
down verbally from generation to generation. It is thought
to have arisen about the same time period as the Charaka
Samhita, Its style is both prose and poetry with poetry
being the greater portion.
Acharya Sushruta composed the text “ Sushruta Samhita”
and later on Nagarjuna redacted it. It contains 120
chapters which are distributed in 5 divisions.
The Sushruta Samhita, while dealing with the practice and
theory of surgery, also an important source of Ayurvedic
aphorisms. This work is the first to enumerate and discuss
the pitta sub-doshas and the marmas. With its emphasis
on pitta, surgery, and blood, this work best represents the
transformational value of life.
Specialities of Sushruta Samhita:
Sushruta Samhita formulates the theory of cosmic
evolution, which is a close parallel to Sankhya Darshana.
Tridosha theory of Ayurveda was dealt by Sushruta in
detail in three different aspects such as, physiological,
pathological and therapeutic. He explains various aspects
of sleep and blood circulation process and also explains
surgical procedures in a systematic way, i.e. pre-
operative, operative and post-operative measures.
Preservation of dead body was also explained.
Training, duties of physicians, surgeons and nurses etc.
have been explained in detail.
Ashtanga Hridayam and Ashtanga Sangraha
Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridayam are the work
of a person named Vagbhata. There are two works by a
person or persons with this name. The Ashtanga
Sangraha is nearly 40% greater in size (by verse count)
and is primarily poetry with prose. The Hridayam (about
7,800 verses) is written in prose and seems to have a
slightly different organization of material than the former.
Both works have been dated about the same time and are
thought to date after the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta
Samhita.
The exposition is relatively straightforward and also deals
primarily with kayachikitsa. In this work, we see the kapha
sub-doshas are listed and described for the first time,
completing our modern edifice of vata, pitta, and kapha
with their five sub-types. Its emphasis on treating the
physiology of the body and suggestions for therapeutic
use of metals and minerals means the perspective of the
treatise represents the gross, material value of life more
than its counterparts Charaka and Sushruta. While
Charaka has entire chapters dealing with the Self, these
works merely mention that the body is the home for the
Self without any elaboration.
Specialities of Ashtanga Hridaya:
Ashtanga Hridaya is the most popular and applied book,
because of its concise and poetic presentation. In this
book many plants are mentioned specially for particular
diseases. For ex: (CYPERUS ROTENDUS) Musta for
Jwara, Haritaki (TERMINALIA CHEBULA) for Vata and
Kapha. The concept of vipaka (bio transformation ) is very
well defined. Many new drugs are introduced as
rejuvenators and Aphrodisiacs. Ashtanga Hridaya is not
an independent treatise but is a edited compilation of the
best from Charaka and Sushrutha Samhitas.the approach
to describe disease entities is also very good. Diseases
are described under different headings – Nidhana,
Purvaroopa, Roopa, Samprapti, Chikitsa, Aushadha,
Aahaara.
Maadhavanidhaana:
Maadhavanidhaana was written by Maadhavakara, who
was the son of Indukara. it is a compilation work from
earlier works such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta
Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya etc. Maadhava has given his
own special style in classifying the diseases. In his work,
the pathological aspects of number of diseases has been
covered. Maadhava has recognized Sula ( Colic pain) and
Vispotta ( vesicles) as independent diseases for the first
time.
Vesicles are small cellular containers that perform a variety of functions. They
can be used to move molecules, secrete substances, digest materials, or regulate
the pressure in the cell.
SaarangadharaSamhita:
Saarangadhara is the author of the Samhita. The whole
Samhita consists of three divisions, 32 Chapters and 2600
verses. First 7 chapters, deals with the types of medicinal
formulations, examination of the pulse, processing food
items etc. next 12 chapters, deals with Panchavida
Kaashaaya Kalpanaas, and preparation of various
Kaplpanaas ( pills, lehyas, thailas etc.)
last 13 chapters, explains abour panchakarma
procedures, netra kriya kalpas ( ophthalmic treatments
etc.
Bhavaprakasha:
This work was compiled by Bhava Mishra, son of Lataka
Mishra. Bhava Mishra belonged to 16th Century A.D. The
Samhita covers all aspects of life science. In total, the
book consists of 10,268 verses in 3 sections. First 7
chapters, deals with origin of Ayurveda, basic principles of
Ayurveda, Shareera Vignyanam etc. next 71 chapters,
deals with etiology, symptamatology, pathogenesis of
treatment of various diseases. last 2 chapters, explains
about Rassayana and Vajikarana.
Kāyacikitsā - General Medicine,
Śalyatantra - Surgery,
Kaumāra-bhṛtya - Paediatrics,
Bhūtavidyā - Psychiatry,
Śālākyatantra - ENT,
Rasāyanatantra - deals with the rejuvenation of body
Vājīkaraṇatantra - deals with aphrodisiacs.
Agadatantra - Toxicology,
Ashtanga Ayurveda is a collection of the eight branches that the sacred art of
Ayurveda is divided into. They are:
1. Kayachikitsa
Considered to be general medicine, or medicine concerning the
whole body, this branch of Ayurveda deals with the body’s
digestive system and metabolism. It is made up of two words
where “kaya” means body, and “chikitsa” means treatment.
Diseases that are treated through this arise because of problems
in metabolism. Treatment may be internal or external.
2. Shalya Chikitsa
This is for surgical procedures. Many procedures like cataract
surgery, kidney stones, etc. are performed under this, and it
makes use of equipment like scalpel, scissors, and many other
things. (yantras and shastras). This was of great importance
during times of war when injuries were made because of arrows,
swords, or any other foreign thing. Sushruta is known as the
‘Father of Plastic Surgery’ and was a practitioner of this branch of
Ayurveda.
3. Baala Chikitsa

Dealing with the treatment of diseases in children, this is also
called Kaumara Bhritya. When compared with modern medical
science, it can be understood as Paediatrics and Obstetrics. It
also deals with prenatal and postnatal care and believes that care
at the developmental age can help an individual life long.
4. Bhuta vidya / Graha Chikitsa

Also known as “bhoot vidya,” this branch mainly relates to
psychological disorders- psychosis, mania, etc. It is named so
because ancient people believed that ghosts and spirits affected
their lives. Some treatments that are recommended under Graha
Chikitsa are the use of herbs, yoga, deep breathing, repetition of
special mantras, etc.
5. Shalakya Tantra / Urdhyaanga Chikitsa

Concerns the diseases in the upper part of the body- eyes, neck,
mouth, nose, ears. As per modern medical science, it refers to
Otorhinolaryngology and Ophthalmology. It also called urdhwanga
chikitsa because here, the physicians use specialized equipment
called Shalakya.
6. Rasayana Chikitsa / Jara Chikitsa

Focusing on the care of the elderly, it makes use of many natural
oils and lotions to retain the vitality of skin, remove wrinkles,
enhance memory, and improve physical strength. Alternatively
known as Rasayana, it helps to lead a long and healthy life.
7. Vajikarana (Vrishya Chikitsa)

Vaji means Horse, and this branch of Ayurveda aims at providing
strength similar to that of a horse, It talks about sexual health and
satisfaction and the problems related to infertility. It gives power
and endurance to bring up future generations. It also helps to
increase sexual pleasure, performance, and potency.
8. Agad Tantra

It deals with tackling problems that occur because of toxins or
poisons. Diseases caused by these can be contracted from a
poisonous bite of an animal, insect, or reaction from a metal.
Ayurveda is considered as one of the oldest medical practices in

the world and was way ahead of its time. Like every other time,
India continues to amaze us with its vast treasure of knowledge!

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Ayurveda is an integral part of our cultural inheritance that has

been practiced uninterruptedly from vedic times especially

Brahma prajapati ashwini indra

 Deals with fundamental principles of Ayurveda.

Seen from a greater perspective, this work seems to

3. Baala Chikitsa

4. Bhuta vidya / Graha Chikitsa

5. Shalakya Tantra / Urdhyaanga Chikitsa

6. Rasayana Chikitsa / Jara Chikitsa

7. Vajikarana (Vrishya Chikitsa)

8. Agad Tantra

Ayurveda is considered as one of the oldest medical practices in

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