Overview
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine and healing that has been practiced in India for over 5,000 years. Incorporated in the ancient Indian text, the Atharva Veda, the last of the Vedas, Ayurveda focuses on holistic wellness – the balance of the mind, body and spirit in rhythm and harmony with nature. Ayurveda or the ‘Science of Life’ is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘Ayu’ meaning life and ‘Veda’ meaning knowledge.
Philosophy
The system is based on two fundamental theories, the Pancha Mahabhuttas and Tridosha theory. Ayurvedic philosophy believes that everything in the universe is made of the five elements. When the Pancha Mahabhuttas or five elements (space, air, fire, water, and earth) is balanced, the body is healthy and when they are imbalanced, there is disease. These elements manifest into life forces and make each of us unique, physically and mentally. The elements combine into three Doshas (life forces) – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The combination of the three Doshas influences our mental, emotional and physical tendencies.
Ayurveda’s primary focus is on avoidance of illness by proactively leading a healthy way of life. It seeks to balance and restore health through wholesome food, exercise, meditation, relaxation and cleansing.
