Who are the Ashtavaidyas

The Ashtavaidya lineage of Kerala (in South India) was founded by Vaghbhata (Indian Sage/Seer from 8th Century, wrote Ashtangahridayam, one of the contemporary classical texts. Credited with founding the Keralan ayurvedic tradition), the author of the classical text Ashtangahridayam (Classical 7th Century text on Ayurveda, by Vaghbhata) over 1,400 years ago, when he migrated to Kerala from North India.  It is believed that the knowledge of the 8 limbs of Ayurveda was imparted by Vaghbhata to one physician family in each of the 18 districts of Kerala State.

The Ashtavaidyas meticulously followed the principles of Ayurveda as a medical science and a philosophy of life. Their empirical knowledge contributed to the development of Ayurveda formulas and treatments in Kerala.

After the introduction of Ayurveda to Kerala, the Ashtavaidyas became the respected physicians.  They preserved the knowledge and kept the wisdom of the formulas and treatments alive for over 1000 years during India’s occupation. This is how the practice of Pancha Karma survived.

Since India’s independence in 1947 there has been a resurgence of Ayurveda in modern India, and it is rapidly catching on in the West as a natural health care system choice.  Kerala is credited with not only preserving the knowledge but also evolving it based on the tradition to offer new formulas and treatments according to modern needs.

How geographical local affects treatment:

According to the Ashtavaidya tradition, the place where you take treatment will effect the results.

For example treating Vata conditions in a cold region or treating Pitta conditions in a hot region will have no effect.

Conversely if a Pitta condition is treated in a cold region or Vata condition in a hot region, the complaint may dissapear without the need for any other treatment.

In Ayurveda the regions are described as three types:

1. Jangala: low water, less hills and less forests
2. Anoopa: more water, hills and forests, even dense forests
3. Ordinary: in between

Jangal provokes Vata;

Annopa prvokes Kapha.

Ordinary regions are idewal for all treatments

Regions of polluted air, swampy or dense forest are not advised for treatments.

Moderately wooded regions in rural areas with pure water, good vegetaion, clean houses and good people should be selected.  Urban areas should be avoided as far as possible in view of the difficulties of cleanliness and observing diet and other possibilities of interference.  A change of loacation for treatment can be beneficial.

If the place has a negative effect on the treatment it shoulfd be changed to a region of opposite charecteristics.