Bhela Samhita

The Bhela Samhita is one of the ancient treatises of Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine from India. It is attributed to the sage Bhela, a disciple of the renowned Ayurvedic teacher Atreya. Although not as well-known as the Charaka Samhita or the Sushruta Samhita, the Bhela Samhita is considered an important work in the Ayurvedic tradition. Here is a detailed description:

Historical Context

• Author: Sage Bhela, a direct disciple of Atreya, a significant figure in Ayurvedic history.
• Period: Likely composed around the same time as the Charaka Samhita, possibly in the early centuries CE, though the exact date is uncertain.

Content and Structure

• Form: Written in a dialogue format, common in ancient Indian texts, which includes conversations between the teacher (Bhela) and his disciples.
• Chapters: Divided into numerous chapters (adhyayas), each dealing with different aspects of medicine.
• Major Topics:
  • Principles of Ayurveda: Fundamental concepts of health, disease, and treatment.
  • Diagnosis: Methods of diagnosing diseases, with a particular emphasis on pulse diagnosis (Nadi Pariksha).
  • Treatment: Therapeutic approaches for various ailments, including internal medicine, surgery, and treatments for specific conditions.
  • Pharmacology: Detailed descriptions of medicinal plants, their properties, and uses.
  • Anatomy and Physiology: Discussions on the human body’s structure and functions.
  • Preventive Medicine: Guidance on maintaining health and preventing diseases.