Ayurvedam had developed along two scientific streams- “Sasthrakriya” (surgery) and “Chikilsa” (Treatment).The surgeons are called “Dhanwanthareeyans” and the physicians , ”Bharadwajeeyans” The luminaries of that period were Sushruthan for Salya ckikilsa (surgery) and Charakan for Kaya Chikilsa (Medicines). However , in brief, the origin of Ashtavaidyas can be taken as from Vagbhata who tried to integrate these two branches. Ashtangahredayam and Samgraham are the two texts complete in all respects written by Vagbhata and practiced by all Ashtanga Ayurvedavaidyas in Kerala.

Ashtavaidyas are the practitioners of Ayurveda , having expertise in all the eight branches of medicines. The eight branches are Kaya Chikitsa (Gen. Medicine), Bala Chikitsa (Paediatrics) , Graha Chikitsa (Psychiatry), Oordhwanga Chikitsa (ENT, Neurology, Dentistry, Ophthalmology), Salya Chiktsa (Surgery), Dhamshtra Chikitsa (Toxicology), Jara Chikitsa (Geriatrics) and Vrisha Chikitsa (Gynaecology and Rejuvanative therapy). Ashtangahridaya/ Ashtangasamgraha written by the sage Vagbada are the two most popular medical texts containing a complete knowledge of these eight branches. The term Ashtavaidyan is derived from the term Ashtangavaidyan; ashta means eight, anga means branch and vaidya means physician.