Overview

Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing, has been practised in India for over 1000 years and survives today as a living medical tradition whose principles are at the heart of many of the complementary therapies now used in the West. This ""science of longevity"" has parallels with Buddhist thought and advocates a life of moderation through which the three humours of the body will be brought into balance. The practical advice offered in this text ranges from the benefits of garlic therapy to prayers for protection against malevolent disease deities, and from the effects and treatments of poisons to the interpretation of dreams.

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9780140448245

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Reviews

This is a fascinating collection of writings, reflecting the Ayurvedic medical tradition dating from the fifth century BC to the 14th century AD. The book's aim - to provide the reader with a varied introduction to the central ideas of this ancient art of healing - is amply achieved. Extracts included describe such valuable advice as the importance of not suppressing natural urges, the proper handling of knives, and the interpretation of dreams. Ayurvedic principles, such as the need for moderation and the balance of humours in the body, are applied in many modern-day systems of therapy. Much of the advice given by these ancient practitioners falls on sympathetic ears two thousand years later - most will agree with the benefits of exercise, and that 'one should bathe regularly' and 'have clean feet and orifices', although the tips concerning poisoned snuff may strike a chord with fewer readers. The selection of excerpts ranging from the general to the particular also produces an easily browsable text, and the editorial commentary enables them to be read at an enlightening distance from the originals. Fresh translations from each ancient source are preceded by useful introductions describing their history and provenance, and supplying the context in which they should be read. A substantial further reference section, line drawings and helpful general indexes combine with accessible presentation to make this book an excellent introduction to Ayurveda and a useful reference work. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Dominik Wujastyk is Associate Curator for South Asian Collections at the Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine. He is also Honorary Lecturer at University College, London. He has taught Sanskrit grammar and literature, and the history of classical Indian medicine and science.

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