Ayurveda in Nepal has been developed since verities of the medicinal herb are found here. It has a glorious history in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic history is unknown when it was begun, so it is considered as eternal. Nepalese people have been using different types of vegetation as medicine from the unknown historical period for the diseases. Ayurvedic treatment was limited only in Nepal but more or less the treatment system prevailed in some other countries. However, Nepal has a vast relation with Ayurveda.
There are cure and treatment in Ayurveda for all types of diseases. They also work for prevention of the diseases and increase in immunity power. So, there is a great importance of Ayurveda. The fundamental of the Ayurvedic system is same from the ancient period till now. The same system works in all periods of time. All the people used to completely depend on Ayurveda for their health. Ayurveda was the source for each individual and each family.
Through the practical knowledge of the ancient people Vaidhya (ayurvedic doctor of past time), the process, theories, and philosophy has been texted as Ayurvedic literature.
Ayurveda teaches the ways of treatment in a natural way through herbal products as well as contains the names of all herbs, roots, trees, grass etc whichever has a meditational value. The origin of Ayurveda is the gift of Atharva Veda which mentions several diseases and their treatments. Later, there was systematic development in science from 6th to 7th century, it is called Samhita period. Many classical works were produced by a number of authors during the period.
Evidence of organized medical care is found during that period. The continuous development in the Ayurvedic system has reached an advanced level in Nepal. The geographical situation of Nepal i.e. it is situated at the lap of Himalayas; ayurvedic herbs and minerals are naturally found in a rich amount in Nepal. Nepal is inhabited place by the various loving caring prophet (rishi).
The regular study of Atharva Veda and continuous fervency to rescue the beings and elongate the lifespan creates Ayurveda. About 5000 years before, there was a severe attack on India by some foreigners.
Some wise men suggested that valuable things can be safe in Nepal. Thus, in addition to Nepalese valuable Ayurvedic texts, the Indian valuable manuscripts were also kept safe in Nepal. Thus, Nepal is considered to be a safe and ideal place for the progress and development in Ayurveda. Nepal possesses a great potential in Ayurveda because of climate, geographical position, great Himalayas.
Nepal is a residential place of several seers, naturally, there is an expansive opportunity of Ayurveda in Nepal. Uncountable numbers of herbs which are found in Himalaya and mountains have given a glory in the field of Ayurveda. Among them, many unique medicinal herbs are never found in another land. Nepal is declared as the Ayurveda Kingdom as different ancient granthas and more than 1600 varieties of medicinal plants. Thus Ayurveda in Nepal is favorable.
As there found a great possibility of Ayurveda in Nepal, Ayurveda Education system is also developed. The ancient beginning of Ayurveda education started with Guru-Shishya (teacher-student) tradition. Some elders or other whoever had some knowledge about some diseases and ayurvedic treatment used to share their knowledge with common people.
People continued to exchange their knowledge about ayurvedic treatment among the people with each other. Teacher or guru, grandparents, parents and other elder people also gave the concepts of Ayurveda to students and children. This tradition was the major factor to continue the Ayurveda concept. Slowly, school, college and institution etc of Ayurveda in Nepal were established.
The great historic periods of Nepal like Malla period, Lichchhavi period, Shah period etc. were the important time for the development of Ayurveda. Some Nepali learned and disciple used to visit India to get Ayurveda knowledge from the experienced teacher, and sometimes to transfer their knowledge as well. Indians also used to come to Nepal for this purpose. Due to these activities Both Nepal and India got benefited sharing each-others’ knowledge.
History of Ayurveda In Nepal
For the development of Ayurveda in Nepal, Shri Tin Chandra Shamsher introduced a fund with two lakhs in 1971 B.S. for higher study of Nepali Ayurveda students in Nepal. In 1985 B.S., Ayurveda School was established in Naraveda School. Three levels of Ayurveda education with two years duration each used to run in earlier years. The progress caused to change after 2009 B.S and some syllabi were updated as well.
Different courses like Ayurveda Madhyama, Ayurved Shastri, and Ayurvedacharya were started. By 2032 B.S. Ayurveda education was given from several books.
Along with theory class, the practical class was conducted at Bir Hospital and Ayurveda hospital. In 2029 B.S., under the Institute of I.O.M. Ayurveda School was changed into Ayurveda Campus. This was certificate level till 2048 B.S. Some colleges were added with the class called B.A.M.S. (Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery). But they were closed.
However, the program B.A.M.S. continued in 2053 B.S. Another Ayurveda Program called Sahayak Ayurveda Karyakarta was launched in 2054B.S. Mahendra Sanskrit Bishow Bidhyalaya started certificate level. As an optional education, basic Ayurveda was started in class 9 and 10.
Ayurveda Health Policy-2052 B.S. was signed by Nepal Government with the emphasis on the establishment of National Institute of Ayurveda. Many Ayurveda pharmaceuticals were established in 2016/17 B.S. Many of them were for free distribution. After 2052 B.S., more than 110-145 types of Ayurveda medicine were manufactured. Singhadurbar Baidhyakhana has more than 350 years pride for Ayurvedic medicines.
Ayurveda in Nepal has given treatment in different ways. There were seats of Bhaidhyas in Army in Rana Regime too. Many Ayurveda Dispensaries were established in many districts in 1973 B.S. There were 47 Ayurveda Dispensaries and 1 Ayurveda Hospital till 2007 BS. There were 141 Ayurveda Dispensaries and 14 zonal Ayurveda Hospitals till 2048. At present time in Nepal, there are:
Ayurveda Hospitals Dang with 30 beds—————1
Central Ayurveda Hospital, Naradevi with 100 beds—–1
Zonal Ayurveda Hospitals——————————14
District Ayurveda Health Centers————-61
Ayurveda Dispensaries ———-216
Total: 293
Till this date, Ayurveda class in Nepal has been progressed. There are 291 Ayurveda Health Institution in Nepal. Central Ayurveda Hospital, Naradevi has departments like Internal Medicine (Kayachikitsa), Surgery (shalya), Pediatrics (Baal Roga), ENT + eye (shalakya), Gynecology (Stri Roga) and Acupuncture. The development in Ayurveda in Nepal is continuing. To join one month Ayurveda yoga detox course click here and to join the one week introductory yoga and Ayurveda yoga course click here