Uttarakhand > Uttarakhand History & Movements - उत्तराखण्ड का इतिहास एवं जन आन्दोलन
HISTORY of MEDICAL and WELLNESS TOURISM IN INDIAN SUBCONTINENT , SOUTHEAST ASIA
Bhishma Kukreti:
Medical and Wellness Tourism in Rigveda Period
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India, South Asia 5
By: Bhishma Kukreti (Medical Tourism Historian)
Brief History aspects of Vedas especially Rigveda
From Indian History point of view, the ruins tell the stories of Indus Civilization and then Vedas show some glimpse of historical aspects.
There are four vends. Out of four Vedas Rigveda, Yajurveda, Soma Veda and Atharvaveda, Rigveda is the oldest book in this world. There is unanimity that Rigveda is the oldest book in this earth but there are different views on the date of Rigveda creation time and places of creation.
Some say that Rigveda was created around 1000BCE and some historians argued for creation period from 3000-2500BCE.
Rigveda reveals many historical, political, military and medical aspects of India of that time.
Vedas are in fact the pre narration of Sankhya Yoga or knowledge narration. Samkhya means indirectly Autosuggestion. Most of hymens are virtually suggesting own self for empowerment . The hymns offer confidence for attaining something in all Vedas.
Social Conditions in Rigveda
The Rigveda points out well organized society . Monogamy was general rule but among Prices , polygamy was common .Marriages were sacred and unbroken but widows could remarry. Wife was supposed to be partner.
Father used to control the family and his duties were that he saw that children had characters and he used to punish characterless sons. girls had right . The unit of society was Family , unit of families was kula and then Gram,
There are different opinions about caste sytem or no caste system in Rigveda time.
There were two three types of dresses. Barring nose ring , other ornaments are described in Rigveda.
Milk was very important food item and other items were rice , wheat, meat , wine , pulses and vegetables.
Chariot racing , horse racing dancing , decing , gambling are also described. Society was settled society and lived in cottages.
Economic Condition
Aryans of Rigveda were solely agriculturists and used plough, bulls, oxes, harvest was cut by sickles. Craftsmen as Carpenters, cobblers, tanners, cottage builders, metal smiths, potters, grinders and other smiths are described in Rigveda. . Barring nose piercing ornaments, there are description of ornaments in Rigveda.
Barter system was common in Rigveda. Contract system was also there in Rigveda period
Religion
People worshipped multiple deities and goddesses. People believed in territorial deities.
(Based on V.D Mahajan, Rigvedic India , Ancient India , pages 115-125)
Tourism and Medical practices
It is important that in medical tourism, there should be medicines, medical practitioners, and tourism cultures together. Not only medicines but medicine producers also play important role in medical tourism. Since, medical practice was not done for earning or being rich man but for public services, we can’t analyze Rig Veda from lower price in treatments point of view as is the culture in today time.
Rigveda shows the importance of Travel for human kind for overall growth –
Rohita meanwhile met a Brahmin on his travel, who advised him , It was Indra in human for , “ There is no happiness for him who does nor travel , Thus we have heard Living in the society of men , the best man becomes a sinner … therefore travel ! The fortune of him who is sitting sits; it rises when he rises ; it sleeps when he sleeps ; it moves when he moves; Therefore wander” from Zenaide Alexeievna Ragozine, 1895, 1961 Vedic India as embodied Principally in the Rig Veda, Mittal Publication, India page 411)
The Mode of Tourism
The following modes were available for touring –
By foot as was primitive condition
By Horses
By Bull cart
By Chariot
Patients would be transported by Pinus or dandi or on two wood rods
Cot was already invented in Rigveda time and it is mentioned in a prayer (Dr Rajabali Pandey :Rigveda page 134 ) . Therefore, people might have used cot for taking patient to the medical practitioner .or in case of religious healing , to the healer ..
in Rigveda, there are mentions of chariot, bull cart , horses or vehicles (Second chapter 59, Rigveda, 1996, in Hindi , Sadhna Pocket Books, India, page 138) and there is mention for protection from moving vehicles (rajbali same page) . Persons go by moving vehicles either the persons are army men, traders, patients or rich men. All would have required medical treatments in case of urgency.
There are s mentions of army movement in Rigveda (Rajbali Pandey, Rigveda page 164) . That means army required medical practitioners and medical practitioners required tour with army.
There are mentions of person or writer calling Deity for overall protection, body protection or good health. That indicates that there was culture of calling medicines knowledge person to the patient. The ritual halers would also go to the patients. This practice is still in rural India that Vaidya or religious healers visiting to patients.
Guest welcome and hospitality in Rigveda
The root of slogan ‘Atithi Devo Bhavh’ (May Guest be deity) is hidden in Rigveda. B B Paliwal writes in his book Message of the Vedas (2006, Diamond Books, India, page 175) that “ Welcoming the guest was considered the most important. It was one of five ‘yajnas’ , We get a glimpse of Hospitality to the guests in Rigveda.
Martin Haug (Aitarey Brahmins of the Rigveda vol -2, page 40) offers the glimpse of Guest welcome in Rigveda that for the ceremony of receiving a guest (atithithyam –atithi –isthi) is the head of sacrifice. Haug further translates that there are seven vital airs in the head. By this ceremony the hotar puts vital seven airs in the head (Sacrificer).
The host used to offer kush (a wide long grass herb) Seat to the guests as stated in following hymn –
Sabke Stuti part , sundar , kirti wale , shreshth agni , rup raatri divas hmari kushaon par aakar viraajmaan hon …….lt vani ka rup Bharati , Sarswti and Ila all three sit on our kusha seats.
( He prayed by all , beautiful famous, best of all Agni rest here on our Kusha seat for day an d night. …. He sarswati, Bharti and Ila let you sit on our Kusha seat.)(Rigvda -2, 21 from Rigveda , in Hindi page 113, Sadhna Pocket Books Delhi)
Calling Deities in rituals, welcoming them and then sending off with grace started there from Rigveda and still those practices survive in present time karmkanda (rituals).
Deities of Medicines in Rigveda
For understanding Medical Tourism in ny era, it is essential for understanding the culture about medicines, treatments and religious practice for curing the disease.
Ashwini the Doctor for heaven
In Vedas, after Indra, Agni and Soma deities, Ashwini is another important deity. Ashwini were twins and eternal, beautiful, young and bright, Ashwini are doctors of heaven. Ashwini offered new eyes and new body parts to deities Ashwini was expert as Physician and Surgeon too. On Laterlitterature, Medical practitioners were named for both the expertise. In Ayurveda , Ashwini learnt Ayurveda from Prajapati and Indra learnt Ayurveda or medical science from Ashwini.Bhardwaj, Dhanvantari and Kashyap learnt Ayurveda from Indra. However, Indra, Prajapati and other deities never practiced medical treatments (Atidev, Ayurved ka vrihadItihas, 1960 page 18, Varansi)
Rudra the Doctor of Common men
All Vedas describe Rudra another many times as doctor. Rudra is never described as doctors for deities. Rigveda describes Rudra as Bheshaj –
क्व स्य ते रूद्र मृलयाकुरहर्स्तो यो अस्ति भेषजो जलाप (ऋग्वेद 2/33/7)
In Rigveda, Rudra is finest doctor as-
भिपक्तम त्वा भिषजा श्रीणोमि (ऋ वे 2/33/4)
Rudra has thousands of medicines and it is requested Rudra for medicines-
स्तुतस्त्व भेषजा रास्स्यमे ( ऋ वे 2/33/12)
However, In Vedas, Ashwini and Rudra had been given less importance and never called for any Yjna. Puran offered importance to the both as doctors of deities etc. (Atidev, Ibit page 19)>. Veda named Indra, Varun ,Mrut , Agni as Bheshaj /doctor but asan adjective.
Concept of Artificial part transplantation in Rigveda
There was a custom of doctors visiting war field with the warriors. In Rigveda, there is mention of iron leg transplantation too. Compulsory, Purohit (ritual performers and medicine knowledge man ) used to go with warriors in Warfield. In case of urgency, Purohit used to request deity for protecting his master warrior.
In one hymn, Purohit prayed Ashwini for light iron leg as his master’s wife’s leg was cut-
चरित्र हि वेरिवाच्छेदि पर्णमाजा खेलस्य परितकम्यायाम
सद्यो जघामायसीं विष्पलार्यम धनेहि ते सर्तवे प्रत्यवत्तम ( ऋ वे 1/176/15)
Concept of Eye Plantation
in Rigveda, there is concept of eye transplantation. Ashwini transplanted new eyes to blind Rijashwa (Ri. Ve. 1/116/16)
Chyavan Sage- Puran described rejuvenation of Chyavan sage by Chyavanprash but not in Rigved. Thought Rigveda mentions Chyayansage in 7/7/15.
Characteristics of Divya chikitsak or Eternal Doctor
Veda describes five main characteristics of finest doctor as (Atidev page 21) –
1-Keeping all medicines intact with him or in store
2-Expert of medicinal knowledge
3-Bhishjyati or a good planner of disease curing
4-Destroyer of Rakshas, Asur (worms)
5- Destroyer of diseases by root cause
यत्रोपधौ सम्मत राजन समितामिच
विप्र स उच्यते भिषग रक्षोहामोवचातन
Atidev offers examples from sutra and states that according to Rigveda, the Doctors should not be greedy but a server (Ibid page 22)
Medicines in Rigveda
Rigveda calls medicine as Mother.
या औषधि पूर्वा जाता देवेम्यस्त्रियुग पुरा
मनै नु वभ्रूणामय शत धामनी सप्त च (ऋ वे 10/97/1)
Hydrotherapy in Rigveda
There are many hymns about water medicines as mentioned in hymn 10/137/6 that Water is nectar and medicine is in water.
Solar Therapy in Rigveda
There is concept of solar therapy in Rigveda. The rising sun is supposed to be worm killer उद्यन्नादित्य क्रीमी हन्ता
There is prayer for Sun as protector in Rigveda .
न सूर्यस्य सद्र्यिसे मा युयोया (Ri.Ve. 2/33/1)
Air Therapy
There is importance of respiratory air and outgoing false gas too and air is called storage of medicines as –
आ वात वाहि भेषज विचात वाहि यद्रप
त्व हि विश्वभेषजो देवाना दूत ईयसे Ri .iVe 1/137/3). Rigveda calls Air as Nectar. (Rive 10/186/1)
Smoking Therapy in Rigveda
There are mentions many times about Havan or Hom or Yagya in Rigveda that tells us about importance of smoking for medical purpose or protection.
Mental Illness curing
All Vedas hymns are auto suggestion hymns. It shows that on that time, ritual performing was more common for medical facilities.
Sign of Medical Tourism in Rigveda and Rigveda Period
Rigveda clearly suggests medical tour for curing or health. In Rigveda hymn 8/9/15, the sage states – O Ashwini! far or near, there are disease curing medicines related to you ,O knowledgeable come to our house and offer medicines for Vimadvatsa . Here sage request Ashwini for coming to house and we might assume that it may be opposite that Vimadvats would have been taken to the doctor. The hymn suggest that on that time too medicines were not available everywhere but at particular place (near or far) .
From hospitality angle, it might be said that the guests were perceived as god and they were welcomed with respects. The doctors were for serving the people and it was not thought that they would be greedy.
People lived in villages in Rigveda period as per study of Vedas. Villages were fa from each other. Definitely, there would be shortage of ritual performers for illness curing and medical practitioners. In both the reasons, the ill men had to visit another locality for ritual performance or taking medical aids. It seems from above studies that medical practitioners were also touring to their patients or Yajmans.
Coyright @ Bhishma Kukreti, 21/5/2018 bckukreti@gmail.com
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India will be continued in – 6
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , North India , South Asia;, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , South India; South Asia, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , East India, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , West India, South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Central India, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , North East India , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Bangladesh , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India, Pakistan , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Myanmar, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Afghanistan , South Asia ; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Baluchistan, South Asia, to be continued
Bhishma Kukreti:
Medical and Wellness Tourism in Rigveda Period
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India, South Asia 5
By: Bhishma Kukreti (Medical Tourism Historian)
Brief History aspects of Vedas especially Rigveda
From Indian History point of view, the ruins tell the stories of Indus Civilization and then Vedas show some glimpse of historical aspects.
There are four vendas. Out of four Vedas Rigveda, Yajurveda, Soma Veda and Atharvaveda, Rigveda is the oldest book in this world. There is unanimity that Rigveda is the oldest book in this earth but there are different views on the date of Rigveda creation time and places of creation.
Some say that Rigveda was created around 1000BCE and some historians argued for creation period from 3000-2500BCE.
Rigveda reveals many historical, political, military and medical aspects of India of that time.
Vedas are in fact the pre narration of Sankhya Yoga or knowledge narration. Samkhya means indirectly Autosuggestion. Most of hymens are virtually suggesting own self for empowerment . The hymns offer confidence for attaining something in all Vedas.
Social Conditions in Rigveda
The Rigveda points out well organized society . Monogamy was general rule but among Prices , polygamy was common .Marriages were sacred and unbroken but widows could remarry. Wife was supposed to be partner.
Father used to control the family and his duties were that he saw that children had characters and he used to punish characterless sons. girls had right . The unit of society was Family , unit of families was kula and then Gram,
There are different opinions about caste sytem or no caste system in Rigveda time.
There were two three types of dresses. Barring nose ring , other ornaments are described in Rigveda.
Milk was very important food item and other items were rice , wheat, meat , wine , pulses and vegetables.
Chariot racing , horse racing dancing , decing , gambling are also described. Society was settled society and lived in cottages.
Economic Condition
Aryans of Rigveda were solely agriculturists and used plough, bulls, oxes, harvest was cut by sickles. Craftsmen as Carpenters, cobblers, tanners, cottage builders, metal smiths, potters, grinders and other smiths are described in Rigveda. . Barring nose piercing ornaments, there are description of ornaments in Rigveda.
Barter system was common in Rigveda. Contract system was also there in Rigveda period
Religion
People worshipped multiple deities and goddesses. People believed in territorial deities.
(Based on V.D Mahajan, Rigvedic India , Ancient India , pages 115-125)
Tourism and Medical practices
It is important that in medical tourism, there should be medicines, medical practitioners, and tourism cultures together. Not only medicines but medicine producers also play important role in medical tourism. Since, medical practice was not done for earning or being rich man but for public services, we can’t analyze Rig Veda from lower price in treatments point of view as is the culture in today time.
Rigveda shows the importance of Travel for human kind for overall growth –
Rohita meanwhile met a Brahmin on his travel, who advised him , It was Indra in human for , “ There is no happiness for him who does nor travel , Thus we have heard Living in the society of men , the best man becomes a sinner … therefore travel ! The fortune of him who is sitting sits; it rises when he rises ; it sleeps when he sleeps ; it moves when he moves; Therefore wander” from Zenaide Alexeievna Ragozine, 1895, 1961 Vedic India as embodied Principally in the Rig Veda, Mittal Publication, India page 411)
The Mode of Tourism
The following modes were available for touring –
By foot as was primitive condition
By Horses
By Bull cart
By Chariot
Patients would be transported by Pinus or dandi or on two wood rods
Cot was already invented in Rigveda time and it is mentioned in a prayer (Dr Rajabali Pandey :Rigveda page 134 ) . Therefore, people might have used cot for taking patient to the medical practitioner .or in case of religious healing , to the healer ..
in Rigveda, there are mentions of chariot, bull cart , horses or vehicles (Second chapter 59, Rigveda, 1996, in Hindi , Sadhna Pocket Books, India, page 138) and there is mention for protection from moving vehicles (rajbali same page) . Persons go by moving vehicles either the persons are army men, traders, patients or rich men. All would have required medical treatments in case of urgency.
There are s mentions of army movement in Rigveda (Rajbali Pandey, Rigveda page 164) . That means army required medical practitioners and medical practitioners required tour with army.
There are mentions of person or writer calling Deity for overall protection, body protection or good health. That indicates that there was culture of calling medicines knowledge person to the patient. The ritual halers would also go to the patients. This practice is still in rural India that Vaidya or religious healers visiting to patients.
Guest welcome and hospitality in Rigveda
The root of slogan ‘Atithi Devo Bhavh’ (May Guest be deity) is hidden in Rigveda. B B Paliwal writes in his book Message of the Vedas (2006, Diamond Books, India, page 175) that “ Welcoming the guest was considered the most important. It was one of five ‘yajnas’ , We get a glimpse of Hospitality to the guests in Rigveda.
Martin Haug (Aitarey Brahmins of the Rigveda vol -2, page 40) offers the glimpse of Guest welcome in Rigveda that for the ceremony of receiving a guest (atithithyam –atithi –isthi) is the head of sacrifice. Haug further translates that there are seven vital airs in the head. By this ceremony the hotar puts vital seven airs in the head (Sacrificer).
The host used to offer kush (a wide long grass herb) Seat to the guests as stated in following hymn –
Sabke Stuti part , sundar , kirti wale , shreshth agni , rup raatri divas hmari kushaon par aakar viraajmaan hon …….lt vani ka rup Bharati , Sarswti and Ila all three sit on our kusha seats.
( He prayed by all , beautiful famous, best of all Agni rest here on our Kusha seat for day an d night. …. He sarswati, Bharti and Ila let you sit on our Kusha seat.)(Rigvda -2, 21 from Rigveda , in Hindi page 113, Sadhna Pocket Books Delhi)
Calling Deities in rituals, welcoming them and then sending off with grace started there from Rigveda and still those practices survive in present time karmkanda (rituals).
Deities of Medicines in Rigveda
For understanding Medical Tourism in ny era, it is essential for understanding the culture about medicines, treatments and religious practice for curing the disease.
Ashwini the Doctor for heaven
In Vedas, after Indra, Agni and Soma deities, Ashwini is another important deity. Ashwini were twins and eternal, beautiful, young and bright, Ashwini are doctors of heaven. Ashwini offered new eyes and new body parts to deities Ashwini was expert as Physician and Surgeon too. On Laterlitterature, Medical practitioners were named for both the expertise. In Ayurveda , Ashwini learnt Ayurveda from Prajapati and Indra learnt Ayurveda or medical science from Ashwini.Bhardwaj, Dhanvantari and Kashyap learnt Ayurveda from Indra. However, Indra, Prajapati and other deities never practiced medical treatments (Atidev, Ayurved ka vrihadItihas, 1960 page 18, Varansi)
Rudra the Doctor of Common men
All Vedas describe Rudra another many times as doctor. Rudra is never described as doctors for deities. Rigveda describes Rudra as Bheshaj –
क्व स्य ते रूद्र मृलयाकुरहर्स्तो यो अस्ति भेषजो जलाप (ऋग्वेद 2/33/7)
In Rigveda, Rudra is finest doctor as-
भिपक्तम त्वा भिषजा श्रीणोमि (ऋ वे 2/33/4)
Rudra has thousands of medicines and it is requested Rudra for medicines-
स्तुतस्त्व भेषजा रास्स्यमे ( ऋ वे 2/33/12)
However, In Vedas, Ashwini and Rudra had been given less importance and never called for any Yjna. Puran offered importance to the both as doctors of deities etc. (Atidev, Ibit page 19)>. Veda named Indra, Varun ,Mrut , Agni as Bheshaj /doctor but asan adjective.
Concept of Artificial part transplantation in Rigveda
There was a custom of doctors visiting war field with the warriors. In Rigveda, there is mention of iron leg transplantation too. Compulsory, Purohit (ritual performers and medicine knowledge man ) used to go with warriors in Warfield. In case of urgency, Purohit used to request deity for protecting his master warrior.
In one hymn, Purohit prayed Ashwini for light iron leg as his master’s wife’s leg was cut-
चरित्र हि वेरिवाच्छेदि पर्णमाजा खेलस्य परितकम्यायाम
सद्यो जघामायसीं विष्पलार्यम धनेहि ते सर्तवे प्रत्यवत्तम ( ऋ वे 1/176/15)
Concept of Eye Plantation
in Rigveda, there is concept of eye transplantation. Ashwini transplanted new eyes to blind Rijashwa (Ri. Ve. 1/116/16)
Chyavan Sage- Puran described rejuvenation of Chyavan sage by Chyavanprash but not in Rigved. Thought Rigveda mentions Chyayansage in 7/7/15.
Characteristics of Divya chikitsak or Eternal Doctor
Veda describes five main characteristics of finest doctor as (Atidev page 21) –
1-Keeping all medicines intact with him or in store
2-Expert of medicinal knowledge
3-Bhishjyati or a good planner of disease curing
4-Destroyer of Rakshas, Asur (worms)
5- Destroyer of diseases by root cause
यत्रोपधौ सम्मत राजन समितामिच
विप्र स उच्यते भिषग रक्षोहामोवचातन
Atidev offers examples from sutra and states that according to Rigveda, the Doctors should not be greedy but a server (Ibid page 22)
Medicines in Rigveda
Rigveda calls medicine as Mother.
या औषधि पूर्वा जाता देवेम्यस्त्रियुग पुरा
मनै नु वभ्रूणामय शत धामनी सप्त च (ऋ वे 10/97/1)
Sign of Medical Tourism
Rigveda clearly suggests medical tour for curing or health. In Rigveda hymn 8/915, the sage states – O Ashwini! far or near, there are disease curing medicines related to you ,O knowledgeable come to our house and offer medicines for Vimadvatsa . Here sage request Ashwini for coming to house and we might assume that it may be opposite that Vimadvats would have been taken to the doctor. The hymn suggest that on that time too medicines were not available everywhere but at particular place (near or far) .
Hydrotherapy in Rigveda
Coyright @ Bhishma Kukreti, 21/5/2018 bckukreti@gmail.com
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India will be continued in – 6
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , North India , South Asia;, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , South India; South Asia, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , East India, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , West India, South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Central India, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , North East India , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Bangladesh , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India, Pakistan , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Myanmar, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Afghanistan , South Asia ; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Baluchistan, South Asia, to be continued
Bhishma Kukreti:
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Atharva-Veda
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India, South Asia 6
History Medical Tourism, Wellness tourism in Vedic Era, India -2
By: Bhishma Kukreti (Medical Tourism Historian)
Atharva Veda is fourth Veda. Yajurveda is about performing rituals and Somveda is about music and Chhanda/tones.
There are mentions of medicines in many mantras /hymns of Yajurveda (Atidev,1960, Ayurveda ka vrihad Itihas page 29)
Atharva Veda deals with health, manufacturing medicines, growing medical plants, disease description and medicines for human beings. Atharva Veda deals with, body parts description of diseases too. Atharvaveda is called the originator of scientific Ayurveda.
Thera are two types of medical remedies- mental and physical remedies. Atharvaveda deals with the both.
In Atharvaveda, there are description of various plants used in medicine making, worm science, surgery and child delivery process and medical treatments.
Worm Science in Atharvaveda
Worms means those are microscopic in nature and many insects or reptiles. Atharvaveda describes – By big source /weapon, I kill the worms those impure blood and flash.
Those are killed by my medicines and those are left live I kill them ( AV 2/31/3 As cited by Atideva in Ayurveda ka vrihad Itihas page 33).
Medicinal plants in Atharva Veda
In Ayurveda ka Vriahad Itihas ( 1960, Bhrgava Press banaras page 34) , Atideva offers following medicinal plants list described in Atharvaveda –
Pippali
Chirchita
Pushniparni
Banyan
Rohani
Arjun.
Piplkhan etc
There are tens of medicines described in Atharva Veda for eradicating disease as leprosy, vat , hair diseases, intestine gas and other disease ; urine related diseases , Blood circulation related diseases , head related pains and disease; tuberculous;
Atharvaveda offers us names of various diseases and medicines too .
Sales of Medicines in Atharva-Veda
Though, in normal circumstances, Atharva-Veda does not support sales of medicines for profit but in certain cases, Atharva-Veda also advices ideal merchandizing of medicines –
चिकित्सितस्तु स्श्रुत्य यो वाअसश्रुत्य मानव ,नोपाकरोती वैद्याय नास्ति तस्येय निष्कृति कुर्वते ये तु वृत्यर्थ चिकित्सापण्यविक्रयम ते हित्वा कांचन राशिम पाशुराशिमुपासते ( Chi. A.V 1/4/55-59)
Medicines were bought under barter exchange system but leprosy medicines were bought by money (धनैरभि श्रुत्वा यन्ति , A.V .5/4/2).
People used to buy varanavati medicine in exchange of a Pavsa grass and deer skin ( AV 4/7/6)
Pharmacology in Atharva Veda
There are hymn those prove that there was knowledge of pharmacology in Atharva Veda period (Atidev, ibid, page 55-56) .
Public Health concept in Atharvaveda /Atharva-Veda
Atharva-Veda describes Swasthayvrata or life style management for good health
Welcoming Guest concept in Atharva-Veda
In any society, tour general, medical or amusement tour is possible when there is concept of taking care for the guests. There are many hymns in Atharva –Veda for welcoming thee guests with respects as –
To welcome a guest at the door step is like making offerings to God ( A.V .9/6/3)
In part of 9th book of Atharva Veda offers many instances of guest welcoming and glorification of guest welcome –
The man eats before guest eats up glory and the understanding of the house .
The man should not eat before the guest who is Brahmin versed in holy lore.
When the guest had eaten he should eat.
O King! When a person comes as a guest ones house a patient man must offer a seat and them wash his feet with water. Then he must ask the welfare of the guest and reciprocate according to situation. Thereafter, depending upon circumstances, meal should be offered (A/V 9/6/1)
In A.V 9/6/3, it is said –The sins of person who offers hospitality to a guest are absolved
Visiting Himalaya for Medicines: Medical tourism
There is clear concept of Medical Tourism too in Atharva-Veda. There is description of ptient visiting to medicine production place and buying the medicine there ---in In fourth hymn of part V of Atharvaveda –
Thou who was born on mountains, thou most mighty of all plants that grow
Thou banisher of disease /fever, come, Kushtha! Make fever pass away
Brought from Snowy Mountain, born on the high hill, where eagles breed,
Men seek to buy thee when they hear: for Fever banisher they know (A.V 5/4 ..)
Conclusion
The examples of plants used for medicines , medicine names, disease description, guest visiting , patients going for buying medicines , exchange for buying medicines , selling medicines for nominal earning in Atharva Veda prove that there was medical tourism concept in Atharva Veda period. Medical tourism in Atharva Veda period was more advance than Rigveda and tourism was for both –gaining mental peace and disease or pain curing purposes. No Doubt, the medical tourism was in craft industry format only and mostly primitive in nature.
Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti , 7/6/2018
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India will be continued in – 7
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , North India , South Asia;, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , South India; South Asia, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , East India, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , West India, South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Central India, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , North East India , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Bangladesh , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India, Pakistan , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Myanmar, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Afghanistan , South Asia ; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Baluchistan, South Asia, to be continued
Bhishma Kukreti:
Medical tourism, wellness Tourism in Upanishadas
History of Medical Tourism, Health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India
History of Medical Tourism, Health and Wellness Tourism in India, South Asia -7
By: Acharya Bhishma Kukreti (Medical Tourism Historian)
Medical Tourism is not related only to ill man taking medicines but is also related to training, discussion on physical and mental ill ness or wellness among teachers, medical science training and promoting medical science too.
Ther are more than 230 Upanishads (Klayan Upanishad Ank, Geeta Press Gorakhpur, India ). However, there are 11 major Upanishad.
Upanishad are explanations or commentary on Veda . That is why learned call Upanishad as Vedanta or end of Veda or no need of Veda reading.
Upanishad are called Brahmvidya or spiritual knowledge literature. That means Upanishad are related to psychology . Upanishad deals mainly search of soul and pace of mind. Peace of mind is also must for a wellbeing human.
Upnishad means sitting near Guru and gainingBrahma (soul) knowledge from Guru.
परीक्ष्य लोकान्कर्मचिताब्राह्मणो निर्वेद मायात्नास्त्य प्रित कृतेन
तद विग्यार्था म गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत सामित्पाणी श्रोत्रिय ब्रह्मनिष्ठं (Mundak Upanishad 2, 12)
In most of Upanishad, a knowledge seeker visits a guru or Ashram for gaining the knowledge of Brahma. That means in other sense, Upanishads are literature of psychology Education tourism and psychology education tourism is nothing but a part of medical tourism too.
As Veda believed that good health comes by good conduct, Upanishads also teach that good conduct brings healthy mind and body.
For example, in Chandogeya Upanishad (7th chapter,1-26 ), there are ways of perfect communication. Communication methods are nothing but psychological aspects. Psychology or physiology training is always part of medical tourism i.e. creating doctors for treatment. .
Treatment to Guest: Atithi Devo Bhava
Every type of tourism requires a welcoming host. Upanishad understands the value of treatment to the guest.
Taitiriya Upanishad advices for treating guest as God
... अतिथि देवो भव: ( Taitiriya Upanishad 1 , 11, 2)
‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ became insight slogans for Indian society and India never thought invaders as enemies and welcomed all invaders as God.
Medicines, Diseases and Surgery Concepts in Upanishads
Upanishad tells us that Brahma knowledge could be attained by Body only (Taitiriya Upanishad 2).
Chhandogaya Upanishad states about importance of Food and food digestion in its 5th balli.
There are mentions of Pama (a type of leprosy) disease in Chhandogeya Upanishad (4/1/8). There is heart beating mechanism description in Brihadarnya Upanishad (5 /3)
There is description of transplanting of horse head in Brihadarnya Upanishad (5/17).
One word is mentioned in Upanishad ‘Charak’ . Chrak means that roams here and that is part of person that loves touring.
There is mentions of Bhut Vidya ( fearful excitement or mental disorder by past or other etc) in Chhandogey Upanishad (7/1/2)
Atideva states that there is no Ayurveda word in any Upanishad (Atidev, Ayurveda ka Vrihad Itihas page 75).
***
Major reference for medicines in Upanishad, Atideva , Upanishadon me Ayurveda , Ayurveda ka Vrihad Itihas, page 69-75 )
Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti , /6/2018
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India will be continued in – 8
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , North India , South Asia;, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , South India; South Asia, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , East India, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , West India, South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , Central India, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , North East India , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , Bangladesh , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India, Pakistan , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , Myanmar, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , Afghanistan , South Asia ; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Upanishad, India , Baluchistan, South Asia, to be continued
Bhishma Kukreti:
History of Medical Tourism, Health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana Epic, India
History of Medical Tourism, Health and Wellness Tourism in India, South Asia -8
By: Bhishma Kukreti (Medical Tourism Historian)
Epic Valmiki Ramayana is called first Sanskrit Poetry and thought to be dated back five to first BCE.
Valmiki is the creator of Valmiki Ramayana. There are 24000Shlokas and 7 cantos (Khandas) and there are 48002total words in the epic.
Hindus think that Ramayana is history (Puran) . The epic story is about King Dashratha, his three queens and his eldest son Rama with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana going to forest for fourteen years. Ravana kidnapped Sita and there is battle between Rama and Ravana. There are many other topical stories in Valmiki Ramayana. Most of the time in Ramayana, Rama spent his time in forest. In fact, it is appropriate to state that Ramayana is Forest Touring.
Medicinal Plants in Valmiki Ramayana
In Valmiki Ramayana, there are mentions of a few medicinal plants as –Kutz, Ashok, Kadamb, Sarj, Asin, etc (Atidev, Ayurveda ka Vrihad Itihas page 78)
Medicines mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana
Atidev in Ayurveda ka Vrihad Itihas (page 77.78)offers examples of medicines mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana as
Forest touring with taking education
Rama and Lakshmana visit Forests with Vishwamitra and learned weaponries and many more subjects there through Vishwamitra . (Valmiki Ramayana (VR) , Balkand, 19 – 65 Chapter ).
Knowledge for Medicinal plants by Forest tourists
Rama,Lakshamana and Sita were forest tourists for fourteen years. That clearly shows that the roamers should have knowledge of medicinal plants or medicines as and when is required. In VR, there is mentions of Rama knowing the importance of Gajkand tubor . Rama asks Lakshmna to bring Gajkand for rituals after building hut in Chitrakoot.
अयं सर्व: सम्स्तांग श्रित: कृष्णमृगो मया
देवता देवसंकाश यजस्व कुशलो ह्यासि (VR, Ayodhyakand 65/28)
O Brother! I cooked well the black barked Gajkand that cures all disorder of body, Now , you may perform Vasty Ritual.
It is part and partial for a tourist to take care of his health.
King Dasharatha visiting Fertility improvement expert Sage Rishyashring
Rishyashring sage was expert of rituals for making infertile couples as fertile couples. Emperor Dasharatha was having three wives but was childless. His minister Sumant advised dahsharath for visiting Rishyashring age in his ashram for prforming Ashwamedha yagya for fertility. Dasharatha visited the sage and requested him for performing fertility Rituals. Sage Rishyashring accepted the invitation and visited Dasharatha palace and performed fertility Yajya. Therefater Dasharatha got four children
Visiting a medicine expert for aids and medicine expert visiting the patient are parts of Medical Tourism.
Example of Medical Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana
Valmiki mentions an example of medical tourism in Yudha Kand .When battle between ravana and Rama, Meghnada used most powerful weapon Shakti on Lakshamana and monkey soldiers, Monkeys and Lakshmana got unconscious. Rama called Doctor Vaidya Sushain for curing Lakshamana and monkey soldiers. Sushain advised for medicines Sanjivani before sun rise. However, Sanjivani medicinal plants were found only in Kailash shrine, Uttarakhand Himalaya. Rama sent hanuman for bringing Sanjivani plants or medicines from Himalya. Sushain explained the characteristics of Sanjivani plants (glows in night). Hanuman went flying to Himalaya but was confused and he de-rooted the whole mountain and brought the mountain to Lanka. Monkeys crushed sanjivani plant and Vaidya Sushain extracted medicines from plants and all including Lakshmana became conscious by smelling the medicine. (VR Yudha Kand 74/73)-
तावप्युभी मानुष राजपुत्रौ गंधमाघ्राय महीषधीनाम
वभूवतुस्तन तदा विशल्यावुतस्थुरगये च हरिप्र्वीरा (VR Yuddh kand 74/73)
Valmiki Ramayana is nothing but stories of forest tourists and their managing the forest tour from all angles including security, sustaining environment, guest welcome and care, treating the hosts and tourists taking health care too.
There are many instances of guest care and welcome in Valmiki Ramayana.
Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti, /6/2018
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India will be continued in –
History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana, India , North India , South Asia;, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , South India; South Asia, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , East India, History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , West India, South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , Central India, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , North East India , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in India , Bangladesh , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India, Pakistan , South Asia; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , Myanmar, South Asia; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , Afghanistan , South Asia ; ; History of Medical, health and Wellness Tourism in Valmiki Ramayana India , Baluchistan, South Asia, to be continued
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