By Team Ayurved Sutra
Posted on
May I have a quick intro to AYURVEDA ?
Ayurveda is the complete science of life of Indian origin. Evolved from the combination of two Sanskrit words “Ayuh”—life and “veda”—knowledge, Ayurveda, the Science of Life, is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Tracing it roots in India, Ayurveda originated 5000 years ago. One of the oldest forms of healthcare systems, it is based on the premise that the universe is made up of five elements: air, fire, water, earth and ether. These elements are represented in humans by three “doshas“, or energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When any of the doshas accumulate in the body beyond the desirable limit, the body loses its balance. Every individual has a distinct balance, and our health and well-being depend on getting a right balance of the three doshas (“tridoshas“). Ayurveda suggests specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to help individuals reduce the excess dosha.
The fundamental concept of Ayurveda, alternative medicine, is to maintain health. Ayurveda does not look at the disease. It looks at the individual’s vulnerability. A system of Hindu traditional medicine, it is a discipline of the upaveda or “auxiliary knowledge” in Vedic tradition. Ayurvedic practices include the use of herbal medicines, mineral or metal supplementation (rasa shastra), surgical techniques, opium, and application of oil by massages.
Practices derived from Ayurvedic traditions are a type of alternative medicine. The origins of Ayurveda are also found in the Atharvaveda, which contains 114 hymns and incantations described as magical cures for disease. There are also various legendary accounts of the origin of Ayurveda, e.g., that it was received by Dhanvantari (or Divodasa) from Brahma.
- Compiled by Ayurved Sutra Team / Post : Shruti P
