Ayurveda is a system of Indian medicine now practiced all over the world as a complementary system. Around 1500 BC ayurveda was delineated into two distinct ayurveda schools: Atreya—The School of Physicians, and Dhanvantari—The School of Surgeons.

Ayurveda literally means “ The science of Life “. And it follows that prevention of disease , promotion of health and longetivity are given the requisite importance in addition to the curative aspect.

Ayurveda has its mention in one of the oldest (about 6,000 years old ) texts of the Hindu Religion, the Rig Veda. According to this ” The three—body, mind and soul—are like a tripod, the world stand by their combination; in them everything abides. The verses of Rig Veda, from which we get the earliest source of ayurveda, refer to the five basic elements of the entire creation.

The most fascinating aspect of Ayurveda is, that,  it uses almost all methods of healing like lifestyle regimen, yoga, aromatherapy , meditation, gems, amulets, herbs, diet, jyotish or astrology , color and surgery in treating patients.It also lays stress on faith healing which is closely related to psychosomatics…

According to records ,evidences show that Ayurveda had nurtured almost all the medical systems of the world. The Egyptians learnt about Ayurveda long before the invasion of Alexander in the 4th century BC through their sea-trade with India. Greeks and Romans too came to know about it after their famous invasion. The Unani form of medical school came out of this interaction.

Ayurveda  spread to the East through Buddhism and monks who came to Nalanda and Pataliputra , India , the birth place of Gautama Buddha, after which it greatly influenced the Tibetan and Chinese system of medicine and herbology.

Ayurveda,being one of the most ancient body of knowledge on health is not confined to medicine only, it covers the whole subject of life in its various ramifications. It discusses the purpose of life, the importance of mental as well as physical health. Ayurvedic curing involves every single activity of man and its effects on his body and mind

To quote its philosophy ” He alone can remain healthy, who regulates his diet, exercise and recreation, controls his sensual pleasures, who is generous ….”

With the rising rate of pollution and processed foods, the health graph is taking a nose dive. It is therefore natural for people to opt for something that is simple and can be used everyday with no side effects and helps you remain healthy and fit.

Ayurveda as a school of medicine comprehends body, mind and spirit in a single view and has specific methods for working on each thereby dividing people into three categories —Vaata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water)

Ayurvedic therapies as we mentioned earlier are multifaceted — use of colors, gems, aromas and at a higher mental and spiritual level Vedic Mantras. They are all used to reduce stress and restore balance and health.

Some of the methods used in Ayurvedic form of treatment include

Listening to Calming music,

Gentle massage of the body with sesame or almond oil,

Moderate use of spices and Occasional fasting ,

Massaging the head or hair gently with cocnut or sunflower oil,

Using Sweet fragrances of jasmine, rose and sandalwood,

Gentle exercise, swimming, brisk walk and hot tubs,

Meditation in peaceful and calming atmosphere…

Basically Ayurveda is all about Living in tune with the laws of the nature. The goal of Ayurvedic medicine is to prevent diseases before they occur. Studies have suggested that Ayurveda may be particularly effective in reducing the risk of heart disease.

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