Ayurveda - The Indian Science of Life

Ayurveda is the most ancient and traditional system of medicine in India. The Ayurvedic system of medication is based on many centuries of experience in medical practice, handed down through generations. Ayurvedic medicine originated in the early civilizations of India some 3,000-5,000 years ago making Ayurvedic medicine the oldest surviving healing system in the world.

The word Ayurveda is formed by the combination of two words - "Ayu" meaning life, and "Veda" meaning knowledge. Ayurveda is regarded as "The Science of Life" and the practice involves the care of physical, mental and spiritual health of human beings. Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is not only limited to body or physical symptoms but also gives a comprehensive knowledge about spiritual, mental and social health. Thus Ayurveda is a qualitative, holistic science of health and longevity, a philosophy and system of healing the whole person, body and mind.

What has to exist, exists, no matter what way the world changes. Any science, that is applicable survives through different generations and flows from one generation to another. Nature has its unique way to make or break a system, and we remain just an onlooker, erased by the passage of time! So Ayurveda is a science which has faced the turmoil of all times and is still emerging as a leading alternative health care system. Ayurveda is the world's oldest science of health care. The written tradition dates back around 5,000 years, but the oral tradition of this science is timeless.

The basic principles of Ayurveda

There are three basic fundamental biological humours described by Ayurveda- The Vata, Pitta and Kapha also called the “tri-energies”. These are the ones who are totally controlling the universe and are responsible for planetary movements (Vata), their formation and destruction ( Pitta) and generation and maintenance of new life (Kapha). Same tri-energies are found inside every living being and are responsible for health and disease. Their balance is health or harmony whereas the imbalance is disease or chaos.

These govern all the processes in all levels of our life. Vata governs all movement, Pitta all heat and transformation and Kapha all growth, structure and lubrication.

Our diet, our behavior, the seasons, emotions and our life style all have impact on balance of trienergies. The main principal of healing in Ayurveda is to maintain the balance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha by alteration in our lifestyle, our thoughts, our diet and understanding nature and through herbal medicines.

"Samadosha samagnisch samadhatu malakriya Prasanna atma mana swastha iti abhidhiyate." (Sanskrit Verse)

It states that- Having a balanced state of Doshas, Agni (Digestive Fire), Dhatus (tissues) and normal functioning of Mala (waste products), cheerful state of Atman (soul), sensory organs, and mind are the symptoms of healthy life.