What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine of India. In Sanskrit ayu means life and veda means knowledge, thus Ayurveda literally means the science of life. Ayurveda is an old an experienced system having roots in the Atharvaveda (the fourth holy scripture of Hinduism), and with impressively detailed books dated 1000bc, which are still used. Most people identify Ayurveda with several spa pleasures such as oiling the head (shirodhara), and full body oil massage. Though Ayurveda recommends these treatments, it is by far a much more complicated and broader system than it seems. It has deep philosophy, subtle physiology, eight branches of specialties, various methods of treatment, an amazing variety of medicines… it is also a way of living which puts emphasis on life style, diet and moral behavior. It is a whole grand world that the more you delve in it the bigger it seems…

Definition: Ayurveda is defined as the science of life, which deals with all that is wholesome and that is unwholesome, with happiness and unhappiness and with the span of life.

Aims:

Ayurveda has two basic aims

    1. To preserve the health of the healthy (prevention of disease, positive health and enhancing quality of life)

    2. To cure diseases.