Ayurveda Written By

Question

I’ve been curious about Ayurveda for a while now, but recently I’ve started to wonder about its origins. Can someone tell me more about Ayurveda's history? Specifically, who was Ayurveda written by? I’d love to understand how it all started and who contributed to its development.

The reason I’m asking is because I’m trying to figure out if Ayurveda is something I can trust. I know it’s been around for thousands of years, but I feel like knowing more about the people who wrote Ayurveda might help me decide if it’s a solid foundation or just based on ancient beliefs that don’t apply today. If you know who Ayurveda was written by, does it include just one author or multiple people over time?

I’m dealing with some health issues that modern medicine hasn’t been able to fully resolve—mainly stomach problems, stress, and insomnia. A friend told me to try Ayurveda, but they didn’t have a lot of details beyond “It’s ancient and it works.” If I’m going to dive into this, I’d really like to know more about the texts or teachings it’s based on. Was Ayurveda written by physicians or scholars? Are the methods still relevant today, or are they more symbolic?

Another thing I’ve read is that Ayurveda is connected to some spiritual ideas and practices. Was Ayurveda written by religious figures, or is it purely a health science? I’m not against spiritual stuff, but I want to understand how much of it is science versus philosophy. If Ayurveda was written by different people across centuries, how do practitioners today decide what parts to follow and what to adapt?

Also, are there specific texts I can read to learn more about it myself? If Ayurveda was written by more than one person, are their approaches different? For example, if I want to know about digestion or mental health, is there a specific part of the Ayurvedic writings I should focus on?

I’d love to hear more about this from someone who understands Ayurveda well. Knowing who wrote it and why might make me feel more confident in giving it a try.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Ayurveda, often considered the "science of life," originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It was written by ancient sages and scholars, with the foundational texts known as the Vedas—the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda—containing early mentions of Ayurvedic principles. The key texts that systematized Ayurveda are the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam, written by respected physicians and scholars like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. These texts were passed down through generations and evolved over time, making Ayurveda both a medical science and a philosophical discipline that connects the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda is based on a deep understanding of human nature and its connection to the universe, but it is very much grounded in practical, scientific methods for health, not just spiritual beliefs. The approaches can vary slightly between texts, but they all emphasize balancing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) to maintain health. Today’s practitioners follow the same core principles while adapting them to modern lifestyles and scientific understanding. If you're particularly interested in digestion or mental health, the Charaka Samhita would be a great place to focus, as it extensively covers both. Ayurveda continues to be highly relevant today, especially when modern medicine falls short, as it focuses on individualized care and holistic healing.

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