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searching for the Ayurveda Original Book Which Texts Should I Read First
General Medicine
Question #1691
191 days ago
83

searching for the Ayurveda Original Book Which Texts Should I Read First - #1691

John

I've recently become really interested in Ayurveda after it helped me with some digestion issues. Now, I want to dive deeper and read the Ayurveda original books to understand the ancient wisdom straight from the source. But I'm kinda confused about where to start! 😅 I heard about the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, but I'm not sure wich one to pick up first, or if their's an order I should follow. Also, are these books available in english translations that are easy to understand for someone who's new to this? Any suggestions would be super helpful! Thx in advance!

Ayurveda original book
Charaka samhita
Sushruta samhita
Ayurveda texts
Beginner ayurveda reading
Ancient ayurvedic books
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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
180 days ago
4.82
It's wonderful that you're eager to explore Ayurveda through its foundational texts! Both the *Charaka Samhita* and *Sushruta Samhita* are essential works in Ayurveda, but they focus on different aspects. The *Charaka Samhita* primarily deals with internal medicine, including topics like digestion, diseases, and treatments, making it a great starting point if you're interested in understanding the body’s balance and therapeutic methods. The *Sushruta Samhita*, on the other hand, focuses more on surgical practices and anatomical details, which may be a bit more advanced for someone just starting out. You can begin with the *Charaka Samhita* to build a foundational understanding of Ayurvedic principles and treatments. Many English translations of these texts are available, though they can be dense and technical. Look for versions that include commentaries or simplified explanations, as they make the concepts more accessible to beginners. Some modern editions also include practical insights to help connect ancient wisdom with contemporary health practices, making them easier to understand. You can explore these texts step-by-step as you grow more comfortable with the language and concepts of Ayurveda.
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Great to hear you're interested in diving deeper into Ayurveda! Honestly, it’s a rich and fascinating tradition with a lot to offer. Starting with the classics is definitely a good move if you want to get to the roots of Ayurvedic wisdom. So between Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, I'd say start with the Charaka Samhita. It's mostly focused on medicine, internal health, and understanding the philosophy of Ayurveda. It talks about diagnosing diseases, various treatments, and dives deep into the body-mind-spirit connections. It’s like laying down a strong foundation. Sushruta Samhita, on the other hand, is more surgical and anatomical in nature. If you're interested in Ayurveda as it pertains to surgical practices and procedures, this will be your go-to text later. So, after you get comfortable with Charaka, moving to Sushruta makes sense. Regarding translations, yes! there are several good english versions available. Try to find one that's been translated by a reputable scholar or institution—some popular ones are by Dr. P.V. Sharma or R.K. Sharma and Bhagwan Dash. It’s important to choose a version that’s been annotated or has commentary, to help you understand the context. Oh, and don’t forget the Ashtanga Hridaya—it’s like a concise fusion of Charaka and Sushruta, super useful for synthesising what you learn. Once you get through the other two, this one will help to tie everything together. Remember: mastering Ayurveda is a journey, not a sprint. Take it at your pace and don't stress if you don't get everything right away. If ever it feels overwhelming, that's totally okay too—just keep exploring and enjoy the process!

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