INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda System of medicine is of great antiand dates back to 5000 B.C.Ayurveda is a branch of Vedas. The. Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda is replica with information of various aspects of this system of medicine. Ayurveda is not only a system of Medicine but also represents a way of healthy living. Ayurveda is a complete health science that emphatically lay stress on the fact that man’s health depends on the health of his own surroundings and the nature in general and also gives importance to prevention rather than cure of diseases. Ayurveda is formed by the combination of two words viz”Ayur” means life and “Veda” means knowledge. Thus Ayurveda means the “Knowledge of life”. It is historic in approach.

AYURVEDA IN KERALA

The traditional systems of medicines are of great relevance to the health of the People.  Kerala is the first state in the country which has two Directorates for (i) Indian Systems of Medicine and (ii) Ayurveda Medical Education. The Ayurveda colleges (Educational institutions) in the state are under the administrative control of the Directorate of Ayurveda Medical Education.

AYURVEDA MEDEICAL EDUCATION IN KERALA

In 1065 M.E an Ayurveda Patassala started at Thiruvananthapuram with a 4 year course. In 1083 M.E the post of Superintendent has been created for the control of the Ayurveda Patassala. In 1092 M.E, the post of Superintendent has been re designated as Ayurveda Director and Vaidyasalas renamed as Ayurveda Vaidyasalas. In 1096 M.E the Ayurveda Patassala has been upgraded to Ayurveda College and a Publication wing was started under a “Vaidya pandit”. The post of ‘Inspector of Vaidyasalas’ was also created for helping the Ayurveda Director on the inspection of Vaidyasalas.