ABSTRACT
Ayurveda dates back at least 2,000 years in its codified form. However, it has roots that are much deeper. As the medical knowledge advanced gradually, Ayurveda was grouped into eight specialties, namely kāyacikitsa (internal medicine), śalya (surgery), śālākya (diseases of supra-clavicular region), kaumārabhṛtya (pediatrics including obstetrics and gynecology), agadatantra (toxicology), bhūtavidya (treatment of spiritual afflictions), rasāyana (rejuvenation therapy) and vājīkaraṇa (virilification). Caraka Saṃhita and Suśruta Saṃhita, respectively, became authentic texts of the Ātrēya school (internal medicine) and the Dhanvantari school (surgery). During a certain period in the history of north-western India, a need was felt to compose a text integrating the teachings of Caraka Saṃhita and Suśruta Saṃhita. Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya was composed to fulfill that need. Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya is narrated in six sections. Sūtrasthānam explains the basic principles. Śārīrasthānam explains aspects of conception. Classification of 24 major diseases is presented in Nidānasthānam. Cikitsāsthānam describes their treatment. Kalpasthānam describes the herbs to be used in preparation of medicines. Uttarasthānam deals with the treatment of several diseases including mental disorders, epilepsy and venereal diseases. Aṣṭāṅgahṛdaya: A Scientific Synopsis of the Classic Ayurveda Text presents a summary of the contents of this important Ayurveda text.
