Open AccessAyurveda: Science of life, genetics, and epigenetics
Author(s) -
Hari Sharma
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
ayu
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0976-9382
pISSN - 0974-8520
DOI - 10.4103/ayu.ayu_220_16
Subject(s) - realm , modalities , constitution , alternative medicine , medical science , traditional medicine , western medicine , engineering ethics , medicine , psychology , history , social science , sociology , traditional chinese medicine , medical education , political science , engineering , pathology , archaeology , law
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originated in the ancient Vedic times of India. This body of knowledge is found in well-documented texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita , and describes physiology and interrelated systems of the body, variations in human constitution, surgery, herbal use, and health-promoting recommendations. Ayurveda is translated as the "Science of Life;" Ayus = Life, and Veda = knowledge/science. The principles and treatment modalities have endured over time. For Ayurveda to be appreciated by Western medical researchers, this traditional system of medicine needs to be understood in terms of modern science. The current theories of physiology that support Ayurvedic approaches need to be explored. Herein, one approach of how the realm of epigenetics can help elucidate the mechanisms of Ayurveda has been described.