What is Ayurveda?

The word ‘Ayurveda’ means the ‘science of life’. The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared during the Vedic period in India. The Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita were some of the important texts on Ayurveda in this era. Ayurveda believes that the universe and the human body are made of five elements. 

They are earth, water, fire, air and space Ayurveda also insists on a balance of three substances: wind, phlegm, and bile, each representing divine forces. These three Doshas – vata (wind/spirit/air), pitta (bile) and kapha (phlegm) -are very important in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, a healthy metabolic system, good digestion, and proper excretion contribute to vitality It also stresses the importance of exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage. The unique combination of the three doshas in each individual has a specific influence on our physical, mental, and emotional tendencies. Determining which dosha(s) are dominant can help you to make the right diet and lifestyle choices that will maintain balance and promote health and well-being on all levels.

Ayurveda upholds a system of dietary recommendations. Oils and herbal drugs are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Some animal products may also be used, like milk, ghee, honey, bones, etc. Minerals like sulfur, arsenic, lead, copper sulfate and gold are also used in ayurvedic formulations. Oils are used for head and body massages and are also applied to infected areas.

Interesting Facts

• The world's first ever plastic surgery was described and documented in Ayurveda, almost 3000 years ago!
• Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago. Today Ayurveda is fast regaining its rightful place in our civilization.
• Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words "ayus" (life) and "veda" (science). Its essential concept is that individuals can maintain body and mind in harmonious equilibrium through attention to all aspects of their life, including diet, lifestyle, physical health and mental wellbeing.
• In its secular form, Yoga is a form of exercise that reduces stress while improving co-ordination, flexibility and relaxation. Some practitioners make claims for it as a means of healing a range of illnesses, while others emphasize its spiritual origins in Eastern religion. The other options are all forms of Ayurvedic massage.
• Taste and smell are very important senses within our body structure as well. For example, if we are overindulging in sweets, our mind may become impaired when it comes to being able to distinguish the taste of something sweet. Maintaining the health of our minds plays a key role in the overall health of our physical bodies.
• This amazing system of healing came about in India thousands of years ago. In the Vedas, an ancient book of wisdom, there is evidence of Ayurveda being put to use. There are over 60 treatments listed that can help a person overcome a variety of ailments.