Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana 7.9

The Ashtanga Hridaya is recognized as one of the three foundational treatises of Ayurveda, attributed to Vagbhata and believed to have been composed during the 7th century AD. This text synthesizes the teachings of earlier Ayurveda luminaries, particularly the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas, while also presenting Vagbhata's unique perspectives on various subjects.

Written in Sanskrit, the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita is composed of approximately 7,120 poetic verses that convey complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner. It systematically outlines the theories of the two major schools of Ayurveda: the surgical school and the physician's school. The text is particularly notable for its comprehensive examination of kayachikitsa, or bodily treatments, while also addressing multiple surgical techniques.

This treatise is an amalgamation of the Atreya and Dhanwanthari traditions within Ayurveda, reflecting advancements in medical knowledge over its predecessors. It lists the subtypes of kapha and provides detailed explanations of the three primary doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha, including their five varieties. Throughout its 120 chapters, Vagbhata cites prior authorities such as Charaka, Sushruta, Bhela, Nimi, and Kasyapa, drawing heavily from the Ashtanga Samgraha.

Distinctively, the Ashtanga Hridaya shows a pronounced emphasis on physiological aspects of health over spiritual dimensions, which characterizes many aspects of Charaka’s and Sushruta's works. Despite this focus, it remains a significant contribution to Ayurvedic literature due to its extensive discussions encompassing both traditional remedies and innovative surgical techniques.

The sections within Ashtanga Hridaya, named sutra, nidana, sharira, chikitsa, kalpa, and uttara sthana, orderly address various facets of Ayurveda. The text stands out for its holistic approach to human ailments through its classification into eight branches—known as angas—encompassing:

• Kaya chikitsa (body treatment)
• Bala chikitsa (pediatrics)
• Griha chikitsa (psychiatry)
• Urdhvanga chikitsa or shalakya tantra (treatments pertaining to the head and neck)
• Salya tantra (surgery)
• Damshtra chikitsa (toxicology)
• Jara chikitsa or rasayana chikitsa (rejuvenation therapies)
• Vrishya chikitsa or vajeekarana chikitsa (aphrodisiac therapies)

In Kerala, South India, practitioners known as Ashtanga Vaidyas are held in high esteem for their expertise across all eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine. The region has gained recognition for its Ayurvedic centers largely owing to these knowledgeable practitioners.

Vagbhata himself remains a pivotal figure in classical Ayurvedic scholarship. His contributions include not only the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita but also the Ashtanga Samgraha. However, recent scholarship debates whether these two texts can indeed be attributed to a single author, highlighting ongoing complexities regarding their authorship and interrelations. His works reflect a syncretic approach within Ayurveda, recognizing influences from Vedic traditions and explicitly honoring deities such as Shiva within their philosophical framework.