History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c22.s3.1

v1.c22.s3.1

If we see the chronological evolution of therapeutic skills in ancient India, the major developments took place in the classical period. In the pre-vedic and vedic period the cause of disease was attributed to evil forces and supernatural beings, hence the therapeutic measures were also directed to pacify those powers. In later years of classical era the intellectual development of man made roads to develop newer diagnostic sills to ascertain the cause and nature of disease. The establishment of Tridoṣa theory was an impetus for the comprehensive development of systematic medicine in ancient India. The diseases were thought to be due to derangement of Śārīrika and Mānasika doṣas. The therapeutic methods were also rationalised and directed to bring normalcy in the initiated doṣas. Three dimensional approach towards human entity, considering soul (Ātmā), mind (Mana) and body (Śarīra) as the three basic components of living entity was another development by which ancient Indian Medicine reached its zenith by evolving holistic approach towards the patient.