Ayurveda is the oldest holistic system of medicine in the world that uses a constitutional models. It is the art of healthy living that has been helping human beings to create harmony in daily life by using the techniques of self-knowledge and self care. Being ancient the word Ayurveda is derived from the ancient Indian language Sanskrit where ‘ayus’ means life and ‘ved’ means knowledge or science. So, the literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is knowledge or science of life. In short we can say that to know about life is “Ayurveda”.

According to Ayurveda, life is a combination of four essential parts- mind, body, senses and the soul. It just not limits the knowledge to body or physical symptoms but also provides a thorough knowledge regarding spiritual, mental and emotional aspects. This traditional system of healing is based on the theory of balancing the body, the soul and the mind. This balancing includes eating the right thing at the right time, adapting to daily lifestyle habits, daily mediation and maintaining purity of mind and soul. There is a strong connection between the mind and the body. It not only controls the process of thoughts but also helps the body in day-to-day activities such as respiration, blood circulation, digestion and elimination. Our physiology is regulated by the combined work of mind and body. The senses are used as information gatherers so that the mind can act accordingly to the body. The clearity of senses helps the mind and body to integrate their functions so that the human beings can live a healthy and happier life. Before existing in the physical body we exist in a more fine and delicate form known as the soul. We may take the shape and form of many physical bodies throughout the cycle of life and death but our soul remains unchanged.

Ayurveda is the perfect solution for all human needs, wants and desires.

There are two main goals of Ayurveda:

These goals can be achieved by adopting the right diet, daily regimen, lifestyle, actions and activities. Various problems like depression, anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia are due to sick mind and body. Therefore, a balance is needed in the functioning of both mind and body for good health.

The origin of Ayurveda go back nearly for over 5000 years. It is thought to be the result of a long period of trial and error. Before it was recorded down in the texts, it was transmitted orally from teacher to students over thousands of centuries. The classical text of Ayurveda is believed to be written between 4000 and 6000 B.C. The roots of Ayurveda developed in India but still it does not belong to any specific country, religion or civilization.

The main textbooks of Ayurveda, the Charaka Samhita, describes how in ancient times the Vedic Rishis or sages became concerned that mankind was suffering from many illnesses. The technique Rishis used to discover Ayurveda does not have any links with the modern scientific age.

The whole science of Ayurveda is based on the five great elements that Ayurveda termed as panchmahabhuta theory. These five elements are earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements constitute our universe. These elements change and interact constantly with each other and create a situation of dynamic flux that keeps the world going.

Ayurveda recognizes three main energies that combine to form all the five elements in the universe. These basic energies are vitta, pitta and kapha. These energies are seen in the processes of growth, maintenance and decay. Their actions are named anabolism, metabolism and catabolism.

Pitta is composed of fire and water. Kapha comprises water and earth. Vatta is composed of air and space.

There are four other elements that Ayurveda considers-

Ayurveda also has some beliefs about the constitution of body. Constitution refers to a person’s health, his capacity to fight against diseases and also recovery from various health problems. The constitution is known as the prakriti. The prakriti is a combination of physical and psychological characteristics and the way in which the body functions. It is believed that body’s constitution or prakriti remains unchanged throughout life but it gets influenced by the process of digestion and elimination. One should know his or her body constitution before using the healing techniques of Ayurveda.