Introduction

• The origins of Āyurveda trace back to the Vedic period, where early references in the Atharva Veda laid the groundwork for a sophisticated medical system.
• Over centuries, knowledge was transmitted and refined through lineages (paramparā) and schools (sampradāyas). These schools specialized in different facets of healthcare, leading to the development of distinct texts, commentaries, and branches (aṣṭāṅga) of Āyurveda.

Two Major Classical Schools

Ātreya School (Medical Tradition)

1. Founder/Patron:
   • Rooted in the teachings of Ātreya Punarvasu, a legendary sage and physician.
   • His disciples included Agniveśa, Bhela, Jatūkarṇa, and Harita, who composed the earliest known treatises (later expanded or redacted into Caraka Saṃhitā, Bhela Saṃhitā, etc.).
2. Focus:
   • Kāya Chikitsā (internal medicine) was the primary emphasis—diagnosis, pathology, and medical therapeutics for systemic diseases.
   • Stress on clinical examination, tri-doṣa theory, dietetics, pharmacology, and preventive measures.
3. Key Texts:
   • Agniveśa Tantra (now lost in its original form), redacted by Caraka into the famous Caraka Saṃhitā.
   • Bhela Saṃhitā, Harita Saṃhitā (in fragments).
4. Historical Impact:
   • Shaped the foundational concepts of Ayurvedic pathology, diagnosis, and medicinal formulations.
   • The Caraka Saṃhitā remains a cornerstone for Ayurvedic internal medicine worldwide.

Dhanvantari School (Surgical Tradition)

1. Founder/Patron:
   • Linked to Lord Dhanvantari, revered as the deity of medicine and surgery.
   • Suśruta is the most prominent representative, credited with systematically codifying surgical techniques.
2. Focus:
   • Śalya Tantra (surgery) was the core discipline—covering diverse procedures from incision, excision, suturing, to advanced reconstructive surgeries (skin grafts, rhinoplasty).
   • Detailed anatomical studies via cadaver dissection, marma (vital points) analysis, and specialized surgical instruments.
3. Key Text:
   • Suśruta Saṃhitā, which meticulously describes operative procedures, instruments, bandaging, fractures, and marma therapy.
4. Historical Impact:
   • Influenced global surgery by introducing methods like rhinoplasty and precise surgical classification.
   • Emphasis on practical training, dissection, and post-operative care established a strong tradition of Ayurvedic surgical excellence.

Emergence of Aṣṭāṅga (Eight Branches) Ayurveda

While the Ātreya and Dhanvantari schools laid the foundation, Ayurveda soon branched into eight specialized fields (aṣṭāṅga):

1. Kāya Chikitsā (Internal Medicine)
2. Śalya Tantra (Surgery)
3. Śālākya Tantra (ENT & Ophthalmology)
4. Kaumāra Bhṛtya (Pediatrics/Obstetrics)
5. Bhūta Vidyā (Psychiatry/Demonology in ancient context)
6. Agada Tantra (Toxicology)
7. Rasāyana (Rejuvenation & Anti-aging)
8. Vājīkaraṇa (Aphrodisiacs & Reproductive Health)

Key Points:

• Although the Ātreya and Dhanvantari lineages primarily addressed internal medicine and surgery, the expanded eightfold classification shows how specialized schools of thought grew around each domain.
• This diversification allowed in-depth exploration of pediatrics, toxicology, mental health, and more.

Further Schools and Commentators

Vāgbhaṭa School

• Vāgbhaṭa I & II produced seminal works:
  • Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha
  • Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya
• Integrated Caraka and Suśruta teachings into a concise format, popular among practitioners.
• Strengthened the concept of Aṣṭāṅga and unified earlier schools’ approaches.

Other Specialized Traditions

1. Kāśyapa Saṃhitā School (Kaumāra Bhṛtya)
   • Centered on pediatrics, gynecology, obstetrics.
   • Authored or attributed to sage Kāśyapa—though much of this text is partially lost.
2. Mādhava Nidāna School
   • Pioneered diagnostics (nidāna), focusing on systematic classification of diseases and their etiopathogenesis.
   • Influenced subsequent diagnostic paradigms.
3. Yoga-Ayurveda Congruence
   • Yoga and Ayurveda share Vedic roots and complement each other. Various yoga schools (e.g., Patañjali’s) integrate with Ayurvedic principles for holistic therapy.

Medieval and Later Developments

• Post-7th century CE, Ayurvedic knowledge was consolidated via commentaries and compendia (e.g., Śārṅgadhara, Bhāvaprakāśa).
• Various regional schools emerged (e.g., Kerala’s tradition specializing in Pañcakarma, Kerala-specific therapies like Dhāra, Pizhichil, Navarakizhi).
• Influence of Tibetan, Persian, and Greek medicine led to syncretic practices and translations (e.g., Unani influence in some Indian regions).

Modern Perspective: Unity and Diversity

1. Contemporary Institutions
   • Institutes across India follow a unified curriculum blending Caraka-Suśruta-Vāgbhaṭa teachings, but some regional lineage-based nuances persist (e.g., certain paramparā focusing on bone-setting, marma therapy, or pharmacopeia).
2. Revival and Global Spread
   • In modern times, there is a resurgence of interest in Ayurvedic integrative medicine, with schools offering specialized training in panchakarma, rasāyana, marma, etc.
   • Ayurvedic concepts are adapted in clinics worldwide, fostering new schools of applied Ayurveda.

Conclusion

• The core of Āyurveda stems from two principal schools: Ātreya (internal medicine) and Dhanvantari (surgery). Over centuries, these lineages inspired eight specialized branches (aṣṭāṅga) and further sub-lineages.
• Renowned textual traditions (Caraka, Suśruta, Vāgbhaṭa, Kāśyapa, Mādhava, etc.) reflect diverse focuses—ranging from pediatrics and surgery to toxicology and mental health.
• As these classical schools evolved and integrated influences from regional, cultural, and philosophical fronts, Āyurveda became a pluralistic science—embracing multiple methods yet unified by its fundamental principles of holistic well-being (śarīra-manasa-ātma).

Key Takeaway

Āyurveda’s major schools—Ātreya for internal medicine and Dhanvantari for surgery—laid a foundational dichotomy that blossomed into the full spectrum of the eight branches of Ayurvedic practice. Through the works of Vāgbhaṭa, Kāśyapa, and others, these traditions have seamlessly merged into a comprehensive system still revered and practiced globally for its integrative, person-centered approach.