An ancient traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest system of health care, with literature going back 5000 years and an oral tradition that is much older. This healing system has been practiced in daily life in India for more than 5000 years.
'Ayur' means 'Life' and 'Veda' means 'Science'. Thus Ayurveda is the 'Science of Life'.
In Ayurveda, health is a state of spiritual and physical attainment. It is a medical, metaphysical healing life science - the mother of all healing arts. The practice of Ayurveda is designed to promote human happiness, health and creative growth. It is the science of daily living and this system of knowledge evolved from sage's practical, philosophical and religious illumination which was rooted in their understanding of the creation. Ayurveda helps the healthy person to maintain health and the diseased person to regain health.
Ayurveda defines physiology in terms of three forces or humors called doshas. The three doshas are vata, pitta and kapha. Vata governs the physiology of motion in the body. Pitta governs the physiology of metabolism. Kapha governs the physiology of structure. Each person has all three of these doshas with them. The balance of these three doshas at the moment of conception defines what Ayurveda calls one's constitution or prakruthi. The goal of ayurveda is to restore the proper balance of these physiological forces. This is accomplished by utilizing one's senses properly and living healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda utilizes diet, colors, aromas, sound and touch to restore balance. In addition, Ayurveda is one of the most advanced herbal sciences in the world.
