Ayurveda - an
Astrological System of Healing
by K. K. Bhaumik
|
"It is the stars — The stars above us That govern our conditions" |
| — William Shakespeare |
Nothing could be more true than this realisation of William Shakespeare. The
astounding knowledge of the ancient Indian sages of the influence of the stars
on human life and activities, both benign and malignant, has proved beyond
doubt that joys and sorrows, infirmity and good health, good fortune and
misfortune are all guided and influenced by the planets and their positions.
Painstaking Research
Indian Ayurveda and the ancient Indian scriptures, however, have the remedies. Illness thus caused by the astral positions can, according to the scriptures, be neutralised and even cured by medicines made from the extracts of various medicinal plants, herbs and creepers. This makes the knowledge of astrology imperative for the effective practice of Ayurveda.
Ancient Origins
Written in the Indus Valley area around 1000 B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) in
Sanskrit, it is a treatise on general medicine. This strongly suggests the
probability that Ayurveda, though originally and earlier of pan Indo-European
origins, had begun to evolve into a distinct entity within the subcontinent by
the first millennium B.C.E.
Ayurveda's lasting influence in the non Indo-European sphere began after the
rise and spread of Buddhism in the 6th century B.C.E. Buddhist monks
introduced Ayurveda to China, Tibet, Korea, Mongolia and Sri Lanka, leaving a
lasting legacy in their medical systems.
The glorious achievements of Ayurveda in curing even apparently incurable
diseases in the middle ages has become overshadowed to some extent by the
influence of the so-called scientific treatment of the modern age. But the
research work on Ayurveda and ayurvedic medicines, however, did not stop,
despite the progress of modern medical science and invention of modern
medicines like antibiotics. In fact, the negative effects of modern medicines
and their toxic effects have led scientists to fall back upon Ayurveda with
more and more people across the world eagerly opting for the natural and
herbal cures.
Resurrection of Ayurveda
There is now a very strong conviction among the general public that medicines
extracted from plants and herbs used in antiquity and in the middle ages for
treatment are the best medicines, having no toxic or any other harmful effects
on human body. Indian Ayurveda thus forms the foundation of much modern
pharmaceutical research, with more and more modern medicines being prepared
from medicinal herbs and shrubs rather than synthetic chemicals.
Ayurvedic Classifications
Counterbalancing Malefic Planetary Influences
Weak and malefic planets and their detrimental influences cause various kinds
of diseases. Circulatory deficiencies, ailment of the blood stream, anaemia,
physical debility and digestive disorders are often caused by the negative
influence of the Sun. Insanity or lunacy, coughs and colds, bronchitis,
melancholia and respiratory troubles are attributed to the adverse influences
of the Moon. Apart from these, several other diseases are caused by these
influences. The chart below gives a precise idea of the maladies caused by
unfavourable and malefic astral influences.
Planets
Diseases
Mars
Constipation, flatulence, liver trouble, blind piles, skin diseases
etc.
Mercury
Nervous diseases, ulcers, acidity, blood pressure, restlessness,
irritation etc.
Venus
Bronchial problems, whooping cough, asthma, dyspepsia, sexual
diseases, delirium, obsession, procreative problems etc.
Saturn
Nervous and mental disorder, neurosis, neuralgia, sciatica,
rheumatism, excretory diseases etc.
Jupiter
Hepatitis, biliousness, colic palpitation, toothache, insomnia.
Rahu
Hyperacidity, burning sensation, trouble from vayu (gas), brain
disorder, sexual excesses and alcoholism.
Ketu
Skin diseases, nervous debility, small pox, urinary problems etc.
Plants and herbs have been found to be extremely effective in neutralising the
detrimental influences of astral positions causing human ailments. The
following plants and creepers are recommended to neutralise the harmful
effects of some planets.
Planet
Remedy
Venus
Hydrotyle
Honey
Jupiter
Chirata
Moon
Honey
Sun
Aegle Folia
Ketu
Aswagandha
Saturn
Shefalia
Grass
Honey
Mars
Ananta Mul
Rahu
Hydrocotyle - S
Mercury
Hydrocotyle - S
Herb
Planetary Configuration
Sindhula (Nichinda)
Chastetree:
Vitex Trifolia
Saturn + Mars
Kalmegh
The
Creat: Andrographis Paniculata
Saturn + Mars + Moon
Gurmar
Gymnema
Sylvestre
Rahu
Bramhi
Indian
Pennywort: Bacopa Monnieri
Mars + Weak Moon
Ananta Mul
Hemidesmus
lndicus
Weak Mars
Arjuna
Arjuna:
Terminalia Arjuna
Mars + Sun
Jenosia Ashoka
Ashoka:
Saraca Indica
Jupiter + Mars
Bilva
Bael:
Aegle Marmelos
Sun + Mercury
Nimba
Azadirachta
Indica
Mars
Chirayata
Indian
Gentian: Gentiana Chirata
Mars + Saturn
Bahera Bibhitaki
Terminalia
Belerica
Weak Venus
Amlaki
Indian
Gooseberry: Emblica Officinalis
Venus + Mercury + Moon
Terminalia
Sun + Mars + Mercury + Jupiter
Aswagandha
Winter
Cherry: Withania Somnifera
Ketu + Mercury
Makaradwaja
rejuvenative
alchemical compound
For all nine stars
The creepers and plants used to counterbalance the negative influences of
astral positions are believed to grow under the direct influences of the
planets. Accordingly they have the power to fight against the harmful effects
of the planets on human lives.
The quintessence of ancient Indian Ayurveda is medical astrology and its
emphasis on the astro-occult treatment of diseases. A good ayurvedic physician
should ideally be able to read the horoscope of a patient thoroughly for the
best effective treatment. It is therefore imperative to conduct intensive
research on the science for the benefit of humanity.